[004 // Action]

[not_the_pastry]

[It's past midnight, but Éclair is awake. It's not nervousness that makes her stalk the hallways at night; rather, she's got to have something to do between scavenging missions, and she figures after that pizza mishap she'd better stay out of the kitchen for a few days

Comments

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[guyde]

[ Guy has a troubling feeling in his gut tonight. He's found it extremely difficult to get a good night's sleep since he's arrived, and has decided to take a stroll, hoping to tire himself out.

He had left his room about a half-an-hour ago and had aimlessly wondered. Now he's in one of the hallways, thinking it might be about time he got back to bed. He turns a corner and, unfortunately for him, bumps very heavily into a girl.

His reaction is not what you would expect from a young man who has just come in contact with a pretty girl. If he hadn't covered his own mouth with his hand, his scream would have woken every sleeping person in the hallway. He tumbles backwards, hitting the floor with a thump and lies there in an awkward heap, trembling.

[action]

[not_the_pastry]

[It's a heavy blow, and Éclair's forced to take a few quick steps back to stay on her feet. But as soon as she processes what's happened, she rushes to Guy's side and kneels down.]

I didn't mean to scare you! Are you alright?

[action]

[guyde]

[ Though he knows that she was only trying to help, he desperately wanted her to stay away from him, at least until he as able to calm himself down. But then she was kneeling at his side, looking as though she may try and help him up. That was the last thing he needed. ]

Y- yes! Yes, just don't- [ He pulls himself up into a sitting position and starts scrambling backwards on his hands and feet, looking terribly silly as he does. His back hits the wall on one side of the hallway and he holds a shaky hand up to her, hoping that she will get the message and hold her ground for a moment. He takes a few deep breaths and flashes Éclair a weak smile, trying to reassure her that he will be alright. ]

[action]

[not_the_pastry]

[Éclair stares at him, utterly bewildered. What's with this guy? She frowns when he backs into the wall and wonders if he's looking at her gun. She holds up her empty hands to him.]

Don't be scared. I won't hurt you, okay?

Can you get up, or should I help you?

.action

[not_the_pastry]

[Éclair can navigate well enough through the darkness; she's got sharp vision and good ears. And she's seen enough of SPHERE HQ to be reasonably surefooted as she goes.

But when she hears footsteps she pauses, then presses herself to one wall and slips along it, stepping lightly, slowly, cautiously. She's not used to anyone else being out at this hour--and who out so late could be up to any good?]

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[not_the_pastry]

[Éclair's reflexes are fast, and she jumps back, looking around. What has she bumped into?

It takes her a moment to realize she needs to look down. To her shock, it's a child. She kneels down to put herself on eye level with him.]

Isn't it a little late to be running around alone?

[parasiticism]

[This one might be poking around in the kitchen. A midnight snack sounded pretty good, though she doesn't expect anyone to be up at this hour as well.]

[not_the_pastry]

[Midway through her patrols, Éclair's rumbling stomach leads her back to the first-floor cafeteria. She slips in quietly, wondering if any of Yuri's pastries are left. When she spots the other girl, she pauses.]

Oh--I didn't think there'd be anyone in here! Not that I'm complaining--

[parasiticism]

[She nearly drops the plate she was holding, turning around at the other voice. It takes her a moment, but she recognizes Éclair, carefully setting the dish on the counter]

... Sorry.

[not_the_pastry]

No need to apologize! [Éclair blushes, flustered. She hadn't been trying to offend the other girl.]

I'm sorry if I startled you, though.

ACTION.

[desertio]

[ Charles, of course, doesn't sleep. So, as far as he's concerned, nights are nothing more than the chance for him to do a little exploring when he's less likely to have company; it's best, in situations like these, to familiarize himself with every little detail, isn't it? Thus, he spends all of his nights wandering the halls of Ceriu, and most of his days cooped up inside the room that he shares with Sophie. It's a good system -- it keeps him from socializing when he doesn't feel like it, since most of the humans around here are --

-- And he's right in the middle of that thought when he rounds a corner and nearly runs right into Éclair as she's turning. He lets out a startled hiss as they collide, his arm already starting to shift -- and then he realizes who it is. As far as he can tell, this woman isn't a threat to anything but his patience. ] You again.

Isn't it past your bedtime?

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[not_the_pastry]

[They collide, and instinctively Éclair reaches out to steady him.]

Sorry! I didn't expect anyone else to be awake.

[And yet she doesn't bristle at his remark, smiling at him.]

Of course not. Night watchmen don't have bedtimes.

ACTION.

[desertio]

[ Naturally, he swats her hand away when she reaches for him. ]

... Night watchmen? [ Tch. ] Going to spend all your time playing scientist, next?

ACTION.

[not_the_pastry]

[Éclair laughs. This kid is determined to be independent, and she respects it. He reminds her a little of Tim, though colder and haughtier and maybe more lonely.]

Well, if you're sure you're steady by yourself!

[His remark may have been meant as an insult, but it bounces right off her.]

Of course not! I know what I'm qualified for, and science isn't part of it.

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[fireplacegirl]

[ Reinette hasn't been able to sleep well since she arrived. Too many thoughts race through her brain. The virus, this world, her reunion with the- a Doctor. And so she, like Éclair, roams the halls at night. She's beginning to learn her way about the place, pacing almost mindlessly now. Back and forth, around and around SPHERE.

Usually she keeps close to the walls, avoiding everyone else who walks the halls at night. But tonight she sees a familiar face, and she calls out. ]

Éclair.

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[not_the_pastry]

Reinette!

[And Éclair's smile could light up the whole corridor. She approaches Reinette quickly.]

You should be asleep now, shouldn't you? It's awfully late.

action;

[fireplacegirl]

I could ask the same of you.

[ A glance up and down the corridor. ]

There are a surprising number of people walking about at this hour. What brings you out here?

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[not_the_pastry]

I'm on patrol! After all, we still don't really know what's outside SPHERE, and if anyone new arrives during the night, someone's got to be around to help them.

[And she beams, glad to be working. It sets her nerves at ease.]