(Untitled)

[river_meimei]

River's perched on a barstool, her ankles wound around the rungs. In front of her is a mug of hot chocolate, piled precariously high with whipped cream and foam. There are sprinkles of something green on top

Comments

[theunsmiling]

There's another girl, lanky and dark-haired, perched on a nearby barstool.

River may have just noticed her. Angels are impossible to see unless they want you to. It's a useful skill.

"You like puzzles."

Or so the Rubik's Cube would suggest, at least.

[river_meimei]

It really is a useful skill. River's head turns sharply: not quite startled.

It's a moment before she replies -- too long for normality, and her eyes don't track quite right towards Michael.

"It's a present."

That's not a no, though.

[theunsmiling]

"There's value in those."

It's something she and River probably both know.

"Above and beyond a mental exercise."

[river_meimei]

River's face says: Duh. But it's pretty friendly.

"It's traditional for the New Year," she says, as if she's reminding Michael of something they both already know.

[theunsmiling]

"Is that when it is? It's closer to Halloween where I come in."

She's still studying River, curiousity and a quiet watchfulness mixing together in her regard.

[river_meimei]

"In the subjective timescale."

Beat.

"Yes."

[theunsmiling]

"Subjective timescales. I remember those."

It's a consequence of being what she is. Somewhat.

"I'm Michael."

She's bigger than her body. And more masculine, too.

[river_meimei]

"They're messy." That's not especially a complaint.

"I'm River," she adds. It's distracted; her gaze has gone a little unfocused, looking at the shape inside (and bigger than) the skinny young woman in front of her.

[theunsmiling]

"I know," Michael says.

"It's a good name."

She's looking right at River--distraction and abstraction happen to other people.

[river_meimei]

"I'm me."

River is a person distraction and abstraction happen to. They're still happening.

"The pronouns are problematic," she adds, to the air.

[theunsmiling]

"Language itself is remarkably imprecise."

Michael can be good at pedantic, when the occasion calls for it.

[river_meimei]

River makes an eloquently grumpy face.

She's noticed.

(River herself is especially imprecise with language, but she's ignoring this fact at the moment.)

[theunsmiling]

"You could consider that the root of its use as an art form."

If that helps.

Shakespeare was particularly gifted. For one.

[river_meimei]

"Do you?"

[theunsmiling]

"I don't engage in artistry."

There's truth to that, too.

Somewhat.

[river_meimei]

With genuine curiosity: "Why?"