(Untitled)

[abtruse_wiggin]

It's been a long time since he's seen the bar, and he's half tempted to turn and leave when he finds that his closet door has, finally, lent a doorway to Milliways. But Peter is a big boy, and he can deal with things. (And, as much as he won't admit it, he has missed it.)

But he's not going to take it graciously. So he slouches in, and hides a

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[a_lioness]

*Alanna is still sitting in an out of the way booth nursing a cup of coffee when Peter walks in. Incredulous, she stares at him for several minutes, biting her lip and sighing at the twinge of guilt she feels.

She waits for him to notice her, her mouth eventually curving into a fond smile.*

[abtruse_wiggin]

It's not until he gets up to get himself some form of nourishment that he notices her. He's torn on what to do, really. On one hand, he wants to keep avoiding the issue. But on another, he misses her. And he's not going to be an idiot.

So after getting a cold soda from the bar, he heads over, with a crooked and faint smile. "So, I hear there's a knight over here, with many strange and wonderful tales..."

[a_lioness]

*Alanna lets out a relieved breath when he turns and walks toward her. Biting her lip again, she quietly takes the soda from him and sets it aside. Calmly, she kneels on her chair and gives him a big hug.*

Hello, you. *She pulls back, smiling faintly.* Once they might have been strange and wonderful. Now they are more likely to be termed insane.

[abtruse_wiggin]

"Insane?" He gives her a hug back; it's awkward, because he's not sure how to do it anymore, but it's there. "Who'd call them that, around here?"

You do have to wonder what'd be considered strange at Milliways.

[a_lioness]

Possibly just me. *She rests her hands on his cheeks an searches his eyes. After a moment, she nods and attempts another smile. It's only slightly strained. The caring and concern at least would never change.*

Security is hiring. I took one look at the sign up sheet this morning and promptly fell over. People are trying to make me lose my mind. It's the only explanation. *She pauses.* How are you?

[abtruse_wiggin]

"That's the way it always is here. You just have to sort out those who want a job from those who will actually -do- the job." Peter manages a smile for her that lasts more than a moment. That's something, right? "I'm alright."

[a_lioness]

Exactly. *She tilts her head, smiling in return.* Good, I'm glad. How long has it been?

*The question is out before she really has a chance to think about it.*

[abtruse_wiggin]

"A few weeks." A few very harried and busy weeks, that somehow managed to feel like much longer. "How much... for you?"

[a_lioness]

Not quite as long, per our usual. *She sighs, shaking her head.* I told Val.

[abtruse_wiggin]

Peter nods. "I figured that out, when she hugged me." He looks at the table for a long moment. "The bar seems to like to mess with us, huh?" Not just about the timing, really. Everything.

[a_lioness]

*She hugs him again, squeezing her eyes shut. It was either that or let him see the tears in her eyes.*

It does, at that. I'm just happy to see you here again.

[abtruse_wiggin]

"I...." He glances away for a moment. "I'm glad to be here, too." It'll get easier as it goes along. "I missed you."

He has to be honest, right?

[a_lioness]

I always miss you. *She smiles sadly, surreptitiously swiping at her eyes behind his back.* How is Haiti?

[abtruse_wiggin]

"Long and annoying." At the moment, at least. "This is a welcome break. I hope it comes more often."

[a_lioness]

*She squeezes his shoulders gently and sits back down, gesturing to the chair beside her.*

You know you love it, Peter. It's what you were born to do. But yes, I hope you can get away more than you have been.

*Biting her lip, she wonders at the feasibility of that. He would be Hegemon soon.*

[abtruse_wiggin]

Peter takes the offered seat. It feels strange not to automatically put his arm around her shoulders, but he's hesitant to do so. His actions around her will become natural again, eventually... right now he's still adjusting.

"It's mostly just the people. Something is seriously off."