(no subject)

[tragic_mask]

Melpomene slept deeply without dreaming, and only woke up when the light between the curtains fell across her eyes.

It was a nice way to wake up. So now, as she opens her eyes, she stirs only slightly, and then settles back into a comfortable position.

Comments

[tragic_mask]

She leans over the table, and runs her fingers along his forehead. "I think I feel some wrinkles already. A sure sign of impending old age."

[mechanicalswans]

"Marjorie, you were always my favorite great-granddaughter," he says, trying (and partly succeeding) at fighting a grin. "But for that, I may have to take you out of my will."

[tragic_mask]

"Well, damn," she says, and takes a sip of her water.

[mechanicalswans]

"There go your dreams of being heiress to a bottlecap fortune," he says. "But I think we'll manage. The real money's in recycling bottlecaps these days."

[tragic_mask]

"Oh, I guess I'll stick with you, then," she says, nodding.

[mechanicalswans]

He chuckles, and slides a bottlecap from a fancy local beer across the table toward her.

"You've got good taste. We're going places."

[tragic_mask]

"So you say," she says, and inspects the cap.

[mechanicalswans]

The cap is clean, if a bit scuffed, and has a picture of a satyr on it.

"Even if we don't steal a car, even if we only travel as stowaways, the world is ours."

[tragic_mask]

"I take your word for it."

[mechanicalswans]

"The only question is--which of us will be the one to take up the harmonica?"

[tragic_mask]

"Well, I like to think I have modest musical talent," she says. "Genetically, or something."

[mechanicalswans]

"Then you get the harmonica, and if I feel inspired, which I am not ruling out, I may take up the tambourine," he says with a grin. "You know, in case we are ever desperate for money, and to while away the hours crossing the plains by boxcar."

[tragic_mask]

She raises a brow. "I feel like we're slipping into another era."

[mechanicalswans]

"It's been a long time since I lived off the land like that," he admits. "Get tired of things, throw it all away, start over--but I was alone, the last time."

[tragic_mask]

"Do you prefer being a lone wolf?"

[mechanicalswans]

"Never."

He doesn't even have to think about it.

"I may go off alone to my workshop for a while, but especially when one is traveling, company is preferable. Maybe not spend every minute together, but have the option to."

[tragic_mask]

"So you like having to argue about where to go and what to do?" she says, with a smile.

[mechanicalswans]

"In a way, yes," he admits. "That's the beauty of having someone else there. If I make all the decisions for myself, I'll wear myself into a rut. With someone to argue with, I won't."

[tragic_mask]

"Well, I'm glad company forces you to relinquish your habits."

[mechanicalswans]

"Does it for you, as well?" he asks. "Or do you prefer to be alone, aside from when you're working?"

[tragic_mask]

"Well, sometimes I like to just sit in a crowd and watch people. But other times I like being alone, but with someone else."

She tilts her head. "So I guess it depends on your definition."

[mechanicalswans]

"When our vacation is over, and we are both home again," he says. "In your everyday life, do you prefer to have someone around--not all the time, but there if you need them?"

[tragic_mask]

She takes her time answering. "Well-- it's nice to have someone there. Yes. But sometimes... it's nice to not have to worry what other people are thinking about, or why."

[mechanicalswans]

"See, I like having to worry about that," he says. "Or not exactly worrying, but taking it into account. I get so bored with just myself. Don't mind being alone in the workshop, but when I come out of it..."

[tragic_mask]

"Well, I guess I get busy enough inspiring or helping people write, that my personal life gets put by the wayside."