two weeks' paid vacation won't heal the damage done

[outoftheattic]

By this point, Laurence Dominic knew the layout of the Compound like the back of his hand. His recovery had gone much more slowly than he would have liked, although that wasn't saying much. (If he'd had his way, he'd have been out of there the day after he went in. Instead, he'd stayed there over a month.) While he still wasn't completely better,

Comments

[crossyourpath]

'Always have a plan' is the motto of people who don't know how to improvise properly. Sure, she's a girl who likes to know where all the exits are, how to get in and out without being seen. But there's an elegance to slipping under the radar that can't be taught. It just sort of happens.

"Don't hurt yourself," is her lazy commentary as she watches the man tumble and fall. Sliding her glasses down her nose, she smiles slightly making no motion to help him walk. He's a big boy. He'll figure it out. "Sand can be a real bitch sometimes."

[outoftheattic]

The difference in preference is, Laurence would probably argue, the distinction between those who set up the radar and those who get in under it.

He dusts some of the sand from his clothing as he finds his feet again, his attitude frustrated rather than embarrassed. He has never been a very patient man -- not when it comes to these sorts of things, at least.

"Tell me something I don't know."

[crossyourpath]

Felicia pauses as if contemplating it in a big way. As if this is something that requires a lot of serious thought and questioning.

It doesn't.

"I could. But then where's the fun in my knowing it and your being in the dark?" There's a hint of teasing in her voice, but there always is. Everything is a joke, even when it clearly isn't. It's better than actually dealing with it.

[outoftheattic]

On one level, her attitude is already proving a source of annoyance (he could hardly tolerate Topher, after all), but on another, it's a change from what he'd grown used to in the Dollhouse. His lips draw themselves into a thin line, his expression wry if nothing else.

"Depends on what it is."

[crossyourpath]

"How boring would it be if I just gave it away?"

Dead boring, that's what. And not cool dead with bodies and gore, but the watching paint dry kind. Felicia's beyond that, at least for now. Besides she hasn't exactly figured out what she wants to give away.

"There's no fun if you don't earn it. Plus, it's a cheap party game and we're on a beach. No mystery in that."

[outoftheattic]

For a moment, a slightly dubious look settles on Dominic's face. He still can't decide whether he's still annoyed or ready to just go with the conversation.

A little wryly: "Would it be any more mysterious if we weren't on a beach?"

[crossyourpath]

"Isn't everything?"

Beaches are good for some sorts of interactions, but they've never really given off a film noir vibe. That's probably what the appeal is.

"Surf and sun doesn't exactly scream mystery. Unless we're on Baywatch and no one told me."

[outoftheattic]

Following a moment of contemplation: "I really hope that's not the case."

Although, honestly, it isn't the worst thing that could be happening.

"Have we met?"

[crossyourpath]

"No."

It is the truth, as bluntly as she might have put it. What's the point in dancing around it?

Another smile. "But now we sort of have."