week 5, post trial.

[robitussin]

[Another week draws to a close, but as more culprits are led away, something is different all the same. After this particular trial, perhaps it's not a surprise that there's no note or offer to meet in a specific place tonight. Can any of them say they have any energy or desire to do something like that at a time like this? The place they regrouped last Saturday evening stands there, burned nearly beyond recognition, and the townspeople look at them with the distrust that's been steadily building. Not to mention... Those are the least of the losses they've faced in the last few days.

Of course, even as so much changes day by day, the town remains, with plenty of places for people to go if they don't want to stay inside the motel. Where can you be found tonight?]

Comments

[robitussin]

...No.

[She'll get to his question in a moment, but for now:]

He... I can't say I know why, but he likes me. I've talked to him so much that he sounds happy when I come to see him. If it comes down to it, I've got the better chance to get him to let us off the hook. So if anything happens, I'm staying.

[marmoron]

...

[He's self aware enough to realize he has 0 diplomacy skills and that Cosmo would have a better shot at getting him out of trouble than he does, and Cosmo doesn't talk.]

Guess if that happens we're both staying and I'm shutting up.

[robitussin]

[There's surprise that he doesn't argue, but relief, too.]

...That was one of the reasons I wanted to come, too, for the record. To answer your question.

[marmoron]

[After a moment, that gets a nod.]

I talk to the Sergeant a fair bit, too. Don't think he likes me much.

[See now that's Keith making a self deprecating joke (?)]

You're okay with potentially losing his favor? You might be losng a chance to get more information from him because of it.

[robitussin]

I mean, if he of all people doesn't like you, that's a sign you're doing something right.

[She nods.]

That's, like, the best case scenario... So yeah.

[marmoron]

I like to repay the favor of being annoying.

[But that's neither here nor there. As long as Natalie's sure, then...]

Let's get moving. Supplies won't acquire themselves.

[robitussin]

[She nods, following after as she speaks.]

...One more thing to say that you won't like, and then I'm done, promise.

[marmoron]

[He pauses and glances over his shoulder.]

What?

[robitussin]

...If anything goes wrong tomorrow, I'm sorry.

[A small shrug.]

That's all.

[marmoron]

[That's probably a throwaway comment -- something you say just in case, while you still have the time and clarity of mind to say it all in exactly the way you want. After that trial and losing both Millium and Cian though, Keith tenses.

All those times he's led the paladins into battle, they've never started them with apologies or farewells. True, this isn't a typical battle and Natalie isn't a paladin, but he's not going to start bending that tradition now. He turns to face her.]

You're right, I don't want to hear that. I don't know what you're apologizing for and I don't care. I know that whatever happens, you're going to give it your best. That's not something you owe me an apology for.

[robitussin]

...You didn’t want to hear it, but I wanted to say it. That’s all.

[And she doesn’t sound too apologetic about that.]

Anyways. Hardware store?

[marmoron]

["Hardware store" she says, but Keith stays where he is.]

We're not doing anywhere until you take that apology back.

[robitussin]

[There's a pause, but... Well, stubborn as she is:]

Then I guess we're not going anywhere. Your call.

[marmoron]

[She's getting a Look. And also he's still not budging.]

Are we really doing this?

[robitussin]

I'm not doing anything. You're the one who's just making us stand here. I'm ready to go whenever you are.

[...So, yes.]

[marmoron]

....

[Good thing they're not both stubborn as hell. Otherwise there would just be a staring contest going on.

Lord help them.]

Seriously?

[robitussin]

I meant it, so I’m not taking it back.

[And that’s how they just stayed in this shed all night.]

[marmoron]

[There's about a good half a minute of silent staring and the only reason it doesn't go on longer than that is because Keith doesn't want to maintain eye contact. That and they don't have time for this.]

What if I said please.

[robitussin]

Saying please isn't going to make me not mean it, and I'm not going to take it back if I mean it, okay?

[She sighs, exasperated.]

Look, if you're going to stick to the whole not leaving until I take it back thing, then I'll go. What do you want me to get you?

[marmoron]

[Incredibly enough, it's the first time Keith's had to deal with someone who's as bullheaded as he is, and not for the first time while talking to Natalie, he's caught wondering if this is the effect he has on others. He doesn't really know what to do with that thought, but he does sigh and moves away from the door.]

No, let's just... go.

[robitussin]

Okay.

[But as she starts walking and her irritation starts to fade... If things do go poorly, then she doesn't want the last note to be like this. With a sigh:]

I'm tired of running out of time to tell people what I'm really thinking. That's all.

[marmoron]

[He wasn't expecting an explanation, wasn't going to ask for one and was fully prepared to just continue onto the hardware store like the past two minutes were as irrelevant as they ultimately were. Not necessarily gracefully mind you, but his expression does soften a little as they walk.]

So what else are you thinking then? Get it all out.

[A beat.]

If you want.

[robitussin]

...I just went. It's your turn.

[#logic]

[marmoron]

[Matter-of-fact:]

I'm thinking acting like we're both going to die tomorrow is bad for morale.

[robitussin]

I'm not acting like we're...

[She sighs, running a hand through her hair.]

Look, I just want to be prepared for anything, okay?

[And she's also pretty pessimistic, which is probably the more important thing here.]