(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

[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."

[mechanicalswans]

"I've done that," he says, more quietly. "I know how I get when I don't have someone to distract me, and... the world really doesn't need that. That's why I created the company I have."

[tragic_mask]

"Well, I did have several fictional characters I was quite fond of," she says, smiling a little. "But of course, there's only so deep a relationship you can develop with written people."

[mechanicalswans]

"...you'd be surprised," he says. "If you ever really wanted to--well, it could be arranged."

[tragic_mask]

She quirks a brow. "Yes? I didn't think even you were capable of that."

[mechanicalswans]

"I am. It isn't easy, but nothing worth having is. So it's always an option, when you get tired of my company."

He gives her a small smile.

[tragic_mask]

"Oh, well, I think I'll continue putting up with you, for now."

[mechanicalswans]

"And when you get tired of me, I can make you a replica you can program to avoid all my irritating habits," he says. "No off-key singing, no jars full of found coins, no going to dull Scandinavian movies."

[tragic_mask]

"Oh, dear," she says, with mock concern. "I didn't know about all that. Maybe we'd better skip straight to the replica."

The waitress returns, with two steaming plates of food, and a small glass of orange juice. "Here you are."

[mechanicalswans]

"And late-night cravings for apple pie," he says, giving the waitress a smile and a murmured thank-you as she brings the food.

"This looks wonderful."

[tragic_mask]

The waitress smiles. "Let me know if you folks need anything else." She moves away.

"Mm," says Melpomene, digging in to the food. "Sometimes eating can be fun."

[mechanicalswans]

"I enjoy it," he says, picking up his fork, "especially spicy food, but sometimes I want things that remind me of home instead."

[tragic_mask]

"What, like... ice cream? Italian ice? Iced tea?" she teases. "I guess all I know about 'home' is that it's cold."

[mechanicalswans]

"We've also got herring," he says with a chuckle, "and the fabled lutefisk."

He eats in silence for a moment.

"A lot of fish," he says, "and venison. And cheese. Good bread, fresh fruits and vegetables--the apples I remember there aren't like the ones you can get in the stores here. They were better."