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[ixgideonxi]

S-sorry.

[Some shuffling, a pause, then a deep breath.]

Sorry I kind of fell off the face of the earth, people. And-- and that I haven't been around much. To be honest, I haven't really been sleeping well at all, so I've kind of been under the weather for awhile now.

Sure I'll be fine soon.

Comments

[brittlenerves]

[Oh, thank the gods. Xanth was worried. Not that he isn't now, but this is better than Gideon disappearing from the boat.

He wants to ask if Gideon's alright, but the answer to that question is in his post. He spends a few minutes wondering exactly what to say before he just... spits something out.]

I-I, uh, do you-- w-want me to bring you s-something? A--Anything?

[ixgideonxi]

[Gideon's voice is noticeably tired, but he sounds happy to hear Xanth.]

How 'bout some company? Sounds real nice right about now. Haven't heard from you in awhile.

[brittlenerves]

S-Sure! I'll-- I'll be there i-in a minute.

[He spends a few seconds wondering if maybe he should take something anyway, but... he doesn't want to make Gideon wait. So he goes up to deck seven empty-handed, but hey, he's company.

Knock knock!]

[ixgideonxi]

[Gideon opens the door with a smile that's just as tired as his tone. He's not wearing his goggles and there are visible bags under his eyes.]

Good to see you. Come in?

[brittlenerves]

[Xanth isn't surprised to see Gideon looking so tired, but he's not pleased with it. He's been having the same trouble, but he's used to that and as far as he knows, Gideon isn't. Concern causes his smile to wane just a tad.]

Yeah, th--thanks.

[And then he does as he was invited to do.]

[ixgideonxi]

[Gideon flops back on his bed and rubs at his forehead with his palm, before craning his neck to look up.]

So what's goin' on in my buddy's life? Catch me up, Xanth.

[brittlenerves]

Uh...

[Xanth goes to sit down on Gideon's bed next to him and chews his lip thoughtfully. He doesn't want depress Gideon or get him worried about Xanth, so... he's going gloss over that for now, unless Gideon asks.]

Not-- not t-too much? I-I mean, uh, I've m-mostly been k--keeping to m-my room. Or, uh, s-scrounging on d--deck twelve.

[And then, with a lighter tone,] I've, uh, I'm k-keeping out t-trouble!

[ixgideonxi]

Yeah? Well, if you ever get tired of staying cooped up in your room or on 12, you're always welcome to stop by Sergei's. I'm there every night and sometimes during the day, too-- or at least I will be once this bout of sleeplessness passes.

Keeping out of trouble is very good. Now I don't have to pressure you into spilling the beans.

[brittlenerves]

I'd, uh, c-come into Sergei's, but I... I--I don't know. I-I don't... l-like bothering p-people.

[And then he laughs, only a little self-conscious.] Y-Yeah, don't-- don't want th-that again.

[ixgideonxi]

[Gideon blinks confusedly.]

How would showing up at Sergei's bother people? We're there to serve and entertain you... we like doing it. S'why we signed up.

[brittlenerves]

Y-Yeah I-- I guess so b-but, uh, I just, I-I... don't... kn-know?

[He gets nervous. That, and he's pretty sure that guy who attacked him that one time works there.

You know. Remy.]

[ixgideonxi]

You're a strange one, Xanth... but I won't pressure you. If you ever want to hang out or anything, though, feel free to pry my away from there. I don't mind.

[brittlenerves]

[Strange.

Xanth has been called that before, but never in anything like a positive light. And this is a positive light, right? Sounds like it. Maybe.

Xanth's hoping.]

Th-- thanks! But I should, uh, p--probably just try to ig-ignore it, or s-something.

[ixgideonxi]

Well, whatever you feel comfortable with.

[Gideon looks around, then leans in a little bit.]

So... tell me. How are things going with... her..?

[brittlenerves]

[And now, Xanth frowns again, wilting just a little. He flops back down on Gideon's bed and rests one arm on his stomach.]

...n-not... not so g-good. I, uh, a-asked her... a-about the letter.

[Deeeep breath.]

It... it was f-for... s-someone else.

[ixgideonxi]

[Ohh, not good indeed. Gideon frowns and looks at Xanth.]

Real sorry to hear that, kid. You never know... later on down the road she may come around...