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[failureisntachoice]

[ An automated voice speaks because someone hasn't bothered to set up a proper voicemail. The only part in her voice is her name. ] You have reached Agent Texas. Leave a message at the tone.

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[failureisntachoice]

[ She eyes him. ]

You don't want to take care of mine. [ She may not be able to get drunk, but the stench of alcohol on her makes it pretty obvious how much she's had while being here. ]

[use_everything]

Ah. [And may not, on what was left of his pay this week, actually be able to. He glances at her, aside.] You seem steady.

[failureisntachoice]

I can't get drunk unless I want to simulate it. [ Lucky for him, the bartender already has her card on file and she motions for the guy to close her tab out. ]

It was more something to do.

[use_everything]

[He clears his throat slightly, and nods.

... Wasting money, essentially. From her...]

What I have in mind may not be too unalike. [He stands and straightens his sleeves, and starts for the door. This wasn't a place he was like to discuss it.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She slides her wallet into her pocket and falls into step beside him as he heads out. ]

And what would that be?

[use_everything]

[He winces at the sudden light as they step outside, but his pace remains steady. He thought he had seen something promising on the ride here...

In the mean time, it's a couple of strides along before he begins to answer. He hadn't eaten yet either, today.]

An offering. ... We have no religion, but we hold some traditions. Some burn it to grieve, others to banish the ghosts- burdens of another life, others merely to mark that they can move on.

I don't know if it would have much meaning for you, but.. I would like to show you. As an armswoman of House Vorkosigan.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She's about to speak again with another probing question when he finally answers her question. There's a small frown as she considers it and she watches him from the corner of her eyes. ]

What kind of offering? I was thinking of putting a grave marker somewhere.

[use_everything]

[His mannerism is composed, merely formal, as if explaining a cultural quirk rather than a rather personal ritual.]

It's traditional to burn a lock of hair. [... a memory, still hazy, almost gone, of Cordelia a few days ago...] Sometimes more, if lock doesn't seem enough. Items of worth, symbolic or otherwise, often are included, as well as incense.

Sometimes, words are spoken, memories, curses, sometimes, hopes.

And then most go out to eat- we fast, beforehand.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She runs through a brief inventory of what little they have here and nothing suitable for burning comes up. Maybe Tucker would have something in mind...

At the very least she could get a marker. ]

Is there a certain time that you do these things?

[use_everything]

[He shakes his head.]

Dawn is often chosen, but any you prefer. Do you have something in mind?

[failureisntachoice]

[ She shrugs and shoves her hands in her pockets. ]

Not much. One of his good friends is still here, I thought he might want to join in anything I end up doing.

[use_everything]

[There wasn't much traffic on this road, foot or otherwise. Most of the businesses on this particular collection of buildings didn't begin to attract attention until the sheer amount of rattling neon could replace the night streetlamps. The only other pedestrian their side by side monopoly of the sidewalk they had to move for was a man bundled up heavily against the cold spring breezes, moving briskly in the other direction.

As Aral's pace slows a touch, they've near privacy.]

It is a personal thing, as such, you can invite who you like. Just the two of you, if you wish.

[The suggestion is quiet, less preference and more respect.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She barely moves out of the way of the oncoming pedestrian, more focused on wherever it is they seem to be going. Or at least on going in general.

She's not sure what Tucker will want or if he'll even want to be there. Their relationship or whatever it was has only recently started to be repaired. Either way she's extending an invitation to him, but whether or not anyone else should be there she's not sure.

There's a small frown and a long moment of silence as she turns this over in her head before deciding. ]

I... wouldn't mind company. You and Cordelia. If you didn't mind.

[use_everything]

[Now that it was less immediate, it was more about the distraction of movement. The vague pathing towards where one might find a proper offering dish and incense was merely a bonus.]

It would be my honor. I'll pass it along to Cordelia as well, though I imagine you may count upon both.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She nods. That's something at least even if it doesn't change what's happened. Maybe she'll get lucky and he'll pop up in a week or so... ]

Thank you. I can ask her myself if you want.

[use_everything]

[Aral hasn't been here long enough to offer such comforting possibilities. He considers and then slowly nods.]

She would be receptive, I imagine.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She thought Cordelia would be. The question is will Tucker? That's something she'll find out shortly even if she feels strange explaining any of this to him. ]

I'll get in touch with her then.

[use_everything]

[He nods at that.]

I'll make arrangements for proper supplies in that time.

[failureisntachoice]

If you need to leave, you can. [ She glances over at him. ] But I wouldn't mind the company for lunch.

[ And maybe she'll go in after all once they finish. Going home doesn't feel right. ]

[use_everything]

[He gives a slight smile at that.]

I haven't eaten yet, either. There seemed to be a few decent places near by.

[failureisntachoice]

I don't care where we go if you have a preference.

[ As long as it's not home. ]

[use_everything]

[The ones they'd passed already tended to make their living on particularly drunk clientele. The one he was looking for, with a somewhat high looking rating on the consumer survey program on his communicator.

He doesn't answer immediately, but nods to the building, a small delicatessen by all indication.]

This should do.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She barely glances at the exterior of the building before she's making her way inside. She keeps her eyes forward and away from him. ]

If I forgot earlier, thanks for coming to find me.

[use_everything]

I was glad to see you.

[Which is as close to "I was worried" as it was going to get. He nods to her, whether she sees the slight gesture or not, and makes his way to a table by the corner.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She doesn't catch the gesture, but she catches the meaning of that simple phrase. If she up and vanishes one day, she knows people will track her down at least.

She slides into her seat and reaches for one of the napkins on the table to start folding. It's more to give her hands something to do than anything else. ]

Have you been here before?