(Untitled)

[makes_it_rain]

It is New Years'. Maes doesn't know that. It is a day for new beginnings. He doesn't know that, either.

What he does know is that some time has passed since he'd last been down, though he's not certain how much. And that he has a cup of coffee, and a seat at the bar with a good view of the door and as much of the room as one really can have a good

Comments

[armoralchemy]

... "Colonel Huges?"

Al has decided to make an appearance in bar tonight. Or rather Bar has found him on his way out the door for a walk in the late night air.

[makes_it_rain]

"Yes?" Maes looks over at the sound of the voice, expression quizzical. It remains so as recognition of the voice reconciles itself with memory of the form he'd last seen the boy in. Green-gold eyes widen in slow disbelief. "Alphonse? Is that you?"

[armoralchemy]

"Yeah I guess I look kinda different than when you last saw me."

Alphonses eyes glaze over for a moment as a new part of his mental block begins to unravel.

[makes_it_rain]

"You do," Maes confirms. Bafflement shatters into a broad grin, warm and somehow proud - they'd succeeded after all. "You do! You managed, then, you and Edward?"

[dragon_tamer_po]

A hand descends to rest on the table, and promptly begins to drum its fingers.

"Imagining people naked didn't help one bit, Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes. I have yet to win a game of any variety since we talked last spring."

Sally is trying to sound irritated, but she's not making a very good show of it.

"It's been a while. How are you doing?" Last time she saw him, Sally remembers Hughes as being rather distraught. Of course, considering he'd just been killed, that made sense.

[makes_it_rain]

A low chuckle escapes Maes' throat. "Pity. Possibly there's a particular knack to it." The cards still, and he follows the hand up to look the woman attached to it in the eye. He smiles slightly, the expression honest enough - there is still a shadow behind his eyes, but it is, at least, not quite so raw.

One may not be able to precisely get over one's death, but living is an option. As little sense as that makes.

"I'm - all right. And yourself?"

[dragon_tamer_po]

"Tired. Right now, anyway; people don't realise how much energy it takes to party hearty. I'm glad that you seem to be doing better, though. You settling in all right?"

Getting, being the operative word in relation to Hughes' improvement. Dying really isn't something that anyone would be able to get over, but when one has a place in Milliways, it makes more sense to continue on with things rather than obsess over one's severed mortal ties.

"As for games, I guess I just lack the knack. Unlike you, it would seem." She eyes the deck of cards. "Were it not for the fact that I know you're good at slight of hand, I would be convinced that you had tampered with them."

[makes_it_rain]

"As much as it's possible to settle, in a place like this. I think I saw a fish walk past the last time I was through." Even in memory, he looks momentarily bemused by that. And then he shakes his head. "It's taking time - it will take time - but I'm adapting."

He looks down at the cards and laughs. "I don't need to - though if you're looking for a lesson in stacking a deck, I suppose I could be convinced to give one." Green-gold eyes dart upwards, speculative. "Do you actually play the hand you're dealt, doctor?"