nine and sixty.

[naughtbutlife]

I admit, here and now, that my nights have become exceedingly dull without the presence of my friend to occupy my time. I truly believed that I would enjoy the peace of mind that comes from not having an old man following me about, wondering aloud if there is water left in the kettle, or if I would fix the hole in his linens when I had time to

Comments

Private.

[thegooddrjones]

I'd be delighted to come round for tea, if you're still wanting for company.

Private.

[naughtbutlife]

Your company would be delightful, Martha. I would absolutely welcome it.

Private.

[thegooddrjones]

Brilliant. Shall I come over?

Private. - up for a spam if you are!

[naughtbutlife]

Please do. I'll make us tea.

Spam.

[thegooddrjones]

[Martha quickly showed up at Angelica's door, bringing over a tin of biscuits to go with the tea that Angelica was going to make. It felt like ages since she'd seen her friend. Knocking softly, Martha had a smile on her face as she waited. Really, Martha couldn't have imagined a lengthy period of time without Severus, even for such good cause. For not the first time, Martha marveled at her friend's strength.]

Spam.

[naughtbutlife]

[Hall tidied and the water boiling for their tea, Angelica thought about the first time she met with Martha. It was with her that Angelica had sampled a real cup of tea. They told stories that day, and she had carried fruit given to her from Sexby in her pockets for the occasion.

She hurried to the door when she heard the knock, a fond smile on her face.] Martha, what cheer, sweet heart. Come in and make yourself comfortable. Tea's nearly ready. [She stepped back to allow her friend to step inside.]

Spam.

[thegooddrjones]

[Martha hugged Angelica when she opened the door. It was a brief hug, but it was definitely a tight one. Hugs were something that Martha Jones had always considered the best of medications, especially when the nature of the injury was missing someone. Missing people could be the worst sort of ache really, and Martha hoped Angelica would be glad of the embrace.

After the hug was broken, Martha did step in, and she smiled when she looked around Angelica's cabin.] It's brilliant to see you, I've brought some biscuits with me, I hope you like lemon!

Spam.

[naughtbutlife]

[The embrace was very much appreciated, as she knew perfectly well what had merited the gesture. Though she was accustomed to being left alone, she had to admit that being without Sexby took a little getting get used to again.

Angelica was left smiling brightly as Martha stepped away, glancing at the tin of biscuits as she gently shut the door behind her.] Lovely! I adore lemon.

[Of course, she would have adored anything Martha brought along. She grinned to herself and headed towards the hearth to take the kettle off the fire.] And how are you faring, dear?

Re: Spam.

[thegooddrjones]

[Martha rather suspected that Angelica would have adored anything, but it was still nice to hear. Angelica was one of Martha's favorite people aboard the Barge, and that was one of the reasons why. Also, because Angelica just tended to be a calming presence, and it was very good to have that.

Taking a seat, Martha grinned to Angelica as she moved toward the hearth, and she watched the woman's movements with the fire and the kettle. She was always slightly in awe of how people could do that without burning themselves. The experience she'd had in 1913 had taught her that she could try her hardest, but always there would be a burn against her finger, every time she tried.]

I'm well, thank you. Better than well. How are you, other than lacking company?

Re: Spam.

[naughtbutlife]

[She chuckled to herself, handle of the kettle wrapped in her skirts as she wandered towards the table and poured the water.] Other than the desperate ploy for attention? I admit that I am rather well, Martha, despite missing my bearded bed warmer.

[The kettle was placed on a woollen cosy before Angelica took a seat, letting the cups of tea steep while she helped herself to a biscuit. She grinned as she nibbled on it, sighing and wiping crumbs from her skirt. The cabin was tidier than it had ever been, and while that was fine for company, it was just a little unsettling for her.]

And how is Severus?

Spam.

[thegooddrjones]

[Martha laughed easily at the mention of the ploy for attention.] There are far worse things than seeking out company when you need it or want it Angelica. There's nothing ploy-like about it. Seeking basic human need. [There was a smile at the mention of the bearded bed warmer, because she appreciated the humor in it.] I'm glad to hear it.

[Martha grabbed a biscuit as well as she waited for the cups of tea to steam, and she played with it for a moment before Angelica asked about Severus. There was a quick grin, a large one that happened rather involuntarily when his name was mentioned.]

He's well. Next week he's taking me for a visit to his world. We'll only be gone for a day or so here, but it'll be brilliant, I expect. I've read about his world for so long I'm incredibly excited to see it.

Re: Spam.

[naughtbutlife]

[Oh, Martha's little grin reminded her of her youth. That was the same grin her friends would often catch on her face when someone mentioned Harry, or even later when Thomas' name would be brought up in conversation. It was the sort of grin that made her very happy for Martha, for it meant her affections were genuine and that he treated her in a way she deserved, and what could be better than that?]

Oh, that is wonderful, Martha! [Angelica slid a cup of tea towards her, taking out the infuser and setting it aside, all the while wearing a massively pleased grin upon her face.] Truly, I hope you enjoy yourselves. A little time away from this place can do a person a world of good.

[Not to mention do a relationship a world of good. She smiled knowingly and had herself a sip of her tea.]

Spam.

[thegooddrjones]

[Martha took the tea quickly and eagerly, and she wrapped her hands around the cup as she did so. Without thinking, she dunked the biscuit into the tea and then took a quick bite of it. It was the best way to eat them, she found, and she made a happy little noise as she ate it.

Nodding, Martha agreed when Angelica mentioned that a bit of time away could do some good. She knew that this would do both of them a complete and utter world of good, as well as get a fair amount of Martha's fangirl tendencies out of the way.]

Is there anything you'd like from there? I know you haven't read the books, but I'm going to bring back gifts anyway, of course.

[Just like she had last time, really.]

Spam.

[naughtbutlife]

[Angelica's face lit up as she watched Martha dunk a biscuit into the tea. What a fabulous idea! She reached for another biscuit and quickly mirrored her friend's ingenious little method for eating baked goods and tea.

She knew nothing of Snape's home world, but expected that there were marvellous things of all sorts for Martha to see and do. She ate the tea-soaked biscuit and shrugged.] I know very little about the world he calls his home - in fact, I know nothing at all. I love stories though; bring back lots and lots of stories.

Spam.

[thegooddrjones]

It's funny you mention stories. Where I come from, Severus Snape is a character in a book. Well, a series of books. My favorite books actually. It's one of the reasons I'm so excited to go. [Martha hadn't forgotten her friend's fondness for stories, and she quickly leaned forward, sliding easily into the posture and tone that she used to tell her stories.

If she hadn't had such a huge talk with him about it when Erik had asked for the books, Martha probably wouldn't have mentioned it, but considering the fact that he'd told her it didn't matter? Martha didn't feel the least bit bad about it.]

You see, Severus's world is magic. It's full of witches and wizards and dragons and ghosts and goblins.

Spam.

[naughtbutlife]

[Angelica understood that Snape had been someone mentioned in a work of fiction - she remembered his annoyance well, but it was a fact she usually waved away when mentioned. So many men and women on the Barge were mentioned here and there in stories and books; it was best to ignore the matter altogether, as no one much enjoyed having their lives written about for amusement.

She nodded her head, having assumed that Snape has come from some sort of world that dabbled in magic. She expected that anyone with a sense of wonder would be thrilled to visit such a place, and smiled happily for Martha.]

Dragons and ghosts and goblins? Sounds as though his world is a fairy tale. I expect you'll greatly enjoy yourself.