(Untitled)

[ace_jenkins]

Well, I'm all packed up and ready to go to LA. I got the picture and I've done some looking and made some notes, but I'd rather wait until I've seen the actual pot befroe I say anything - these nacient artifacts can look so similar sometimes. I'm fairly sure I know what it is though

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[stefan_d]

"It's wrong for her to be like that," I say, my voice soft. "I don't want her to be offerin' to share her boyfriend with me. I want her to be her, even if that means she's pissed at me for a while." I manage to look up at her.

[ace_jenkins]

Well, that's a surprise, he actually wants it for the right reason. "Fine, I can probably help. I'd have to find out exactly what spell she did."

[stefan_d]

"Astra could prob'ly help with that," I say. "I never saw her like that before... she just blipped into my place freakin' out." I hesitate, tryin' to figure out how to phrase what I wanna ask next. "Uh, there's somethin' else I wanted to ask you. If it's somethin' you can do, I'd pay you whatever's a fair price for it."

[ace_jenkins]

"Of course, I'm a business, not a charity," I tell him, but not unkindly.

[stefan_d]

I lean against the counter, tappin' my fingers against it nervously. "I wanna be able to talk to someone who's dead. She's still around, but I can't see her. Is there any way you know of to do that?" I have her locket in my jeans pocket; the weight of it is reassuring.

[ace_jenkins]

"A good medium?" I ask. "I could give you some names." From the look he gives me, I can tell that's not what he's after. "Fine," I sigh. "I might be able to sort you out with something. I have this oil in stock - it's a new thing, I've never had it before, but it might be just what you're looking for. You rub it on something personal of the deceased's and apparently, if they're around in spirit form, you'll be able to tell. I only have a small amount - I'll tell you what, I'll let you have it at just over cost if you test it for me. If it works, I'll know to get more in." I think that's a very generous offer.

[stefan_d]

Could there really be somethin' like that?

"...I'd be able to talk to her too, right? Not just see her?" I don't say, but I'd pay a ton for that if necessary. Might be the only thing that saves my sanity right now. Getting to actually see her and have a conversation with her that isn't just her doin' automatic writing.

[ace_jenkins]

"Well, so the instructions on the bottle say. There's a ritual, but it doesn't seem too complicated." I hunt round under the counter where I know I had a bottle of it earlier. "Here," I say, handing it to him. "You shouldn't find it too hard. Do you want to pay now? because you've already caused me to be late." I really wish he'd just go away now.

[stefan_d]

Well. All right. I think I've been told. I boggle at her for a few seconds, then haul out my wallet. "Uh, sorry. What do I owe you?"

I'm itchin' to get out of there anyway so I can try it.

[ace_jenkins]

"$48.50 - and that's with a substantial discount for you telling me how it works," I remind him, ringing it up, anxious to be on the road now.

[stefan_d]

"You got it," I say. I sign the credit card slip as quickly as I can and take the little bag she handed me. "Thanks so much. I really appreciate it... especially for helpin' Taffy out."

I head for the door, thinkin' she might turn me into a toad or somethin' if I hold her up anymore.

[ace_jenkins]

"I'm doing it for Taffy - not your thanks," I tell him as he heads out. Have to be clear on that.

[stefan_d]

Damn. She's odd and a little offputting, but she's doin' me and Taf both a big favor, so I choose not to mention it. I just smile and throw up my hand as I open the shop door, then walk out and close it behind me.