[004 // Action]

[not_the_pastry]

[It's past midnight, but Éclair is awake. It's not nervousness that makes her stalk the hallways at night; rather, she's got to have something to do between scavenging missions, and she figures after that pizza mishap she'd better stay out of the kitchen for a few days

Comments

ACTION.

[desertio]

[ Charles, of course, doesn't sleep. So, as far as he's concerned, nights are nothing more than the chance for him to do a little exploring when he's less likely to have company; it's best, in situations like these, to familiarize himself with every little detail, isn't it? Thus, he spends all of his nights wandering the halls of Ceriu, and most of his days cooped up inside the room that he shares with Sophie. It's a good system -- it keeps him from socializing when he doesn't feel like it, since most of the humans around here are --

-- And he's right in the middle of that thought when he rounds a corner and nearly runs right into Éclair as she's turning. He lets out a startled hiss as they collide, his arm already starting to shift -- and then he realizes who it is. As far as he can tell, this woman isn't a threat to anything but his patience. ] You again.

Isn't it past your bedtime?

Re: ACTION.

[not_the_pastry]

[They collide, and instinctively Éclair reaches out to steady him.]

Sorry! I didn't expect anyone else to be awake.

[And yet she doesn't bristle at his remark, smiling at him.]

Of course not. Night watchmen don't have bedtimes.

ACTION.

[desertio]

[ Naturally, he swats her hand away when she reaches for him. ]

... Night watchmen? [ Tch. ] Going to spend all your time playing scientist, next?

ACTION.

[not_the_pastry]

[Éclair laughs. This kid is determined to be independent, and she respects it. He reminds her a little of Tim, though colder and haughtier and maybe more lonely.]

Well, if you're sure you're steady by yourself!

[His remark may have been meant as an insult, but it bounces right off her.]

Of course not! I know what I'm qualified for, and science isn't part of it.

ACTION.

[desertio]

[ He brushes off a few invisible flecks of dust from his cape, obviously haughty. Of course he's steady by himself -- he's been steadying himself alone all this time, hasn't he? ]

I wouldn't have taken you as being much of a guard dog, either.

ACTION.

[not_the_pastry]

[And now, for the first time since she's met him, Éclair's hackles are raised. That's what they called her on Aure, too--GOTT's dog. She tries to calm herself, telling herself that Charles couldn't possibly have known, but--]

I'm a good guard, but I'm no one's dog!

[In her irritation, she doesn't notice her own use of the possessive.]

1/2 ACTION.

[desertio]

[ Oh? He hadn't been expecting to draw blood with something that simple.

So, for a second, there's an inquisitive expression -- ]

[desertio]

[ -- and then a cruel little smile. ]

You know what they say about denial speaking louder than words, don't you? How interesting!

/keywords forever

[not_the_pastry]

I'm not denying anything!

[ooc: /sob orz oh Éclair...]

LMFAO so appropriate

[desertio]

Oh? Denying denial?

I wonder what that says.

[desertio]

Let's see, puppy. Do you know any tricks?

Sit? Shake hands? Roll over? [ A malicious little giggle. ] I hope you're housebroken, at least.

[not_the_pastry]

[Oh wow is she angry. But he's just a kid, and she keeps repeating that to herself even as she retorts--]

You're not very well trained yourself! At least you can teach dogs when to be quiet!

[desertio]

You can? [ And now he's peering up at her, eyes widened in a parody of child-like curiosity. ]

How useful! I thought you might go blathering on and on forever! So, tell me, what's the magic word?

Or... [ Tracing along his jaw with a fingertip, smiling like a devil. ] Maybe we should fashion a muzzle for you, instead?