008 愛 Video

[notquitegeisha]

[The feed starts and there's Inara sitting at a desk, practicing Chinese characters. She pauses and looks to the tablet.]

I'm not sure if any have looked at the board lately, but it appears as though Desmond, Maria, Altair and Ezio have all left.

[She glances down at the paper before her and sighs.]Though it is sad to lose friends, I do hope they

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[assworthsaving]

[This is slightly awkward for him. He's been meaning to say something to Inara since he got back, but couldn't figure out what to say exactly. Given they have a bit of a history, and what she may, or may not, know about a certain ring on his finger could cause some discord...

Or he's really over-thinking the whole thing. Yeah. Probably. And there was that video... Regardless he has never been good with this sort of thing so now seems as good a time as any to finally say something.

He keeps it simple, uncertain about her reaction, and offers a gentle smile.]

Friends of yours?

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[notquitegeisha]

[It takes Inara a few minutes to turn the feed on, mainly because she's just a tad annoyed with how long it had taken him to say anything to her after he'd returned. She didn't understand, but as much as she liked to think she understood people - she didn't quite understand him.

Though, she wasn't going to let on to that. By the time she starts the feed, she's smiling slightly, twisting her calligraphy brush between her fingers.]

They were indeed.

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[assworthsaving]

I guess saying that they might come back isn't the most comforting thing...

[And he isn't sure what to say, really, but he would lend her an ear if she wanted to talk about it. He just figures everyone will want to comfort her over the same thing.

He pauses, allowing that unsaid sentiment to linger, then really looks her over as if he wants to say something but settles for an easier way.]

How are you, Inara?

[There is an apology hidden in his tone. While he may not be certain she is completely annoyed with him, he knows he should have contacted her sooner.]

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[notquitegeisha]

Not exactly. I'd like to think they won't be, no one deserves to be brought here in the first place.

[She rounds her shoulders a bit, turning the calligraphy brush in her fingers so she's able to tap the end of it on her desk. There's a lot of questions she wants to ask him, but over the tablet isn't the way to go about it.

But then he asks the question. Her lips press together and as much as she'd like to to point out that he'd had well over a week to ask that question, she's managing to hold her tongue.]

I'm well enough, thank you for asking. And you're settling back in?

[video]

[morethanafour]

I noticed...I didn't know Altair very well, but Desmond, Maria, and Ezio all seemed like really nice people. I'm glad they're safe and home again.

[She doesn't say what she's thinking - that the 'goddess' Themis' message makes her unsure if when anyone disappears it's a good thing. What if that means that she's decided their world's not worth saving?

Then again, there's no proof the woman was really that powerful anyway, and that was something Elena is firmly trying to keep in mind.]

[video]

[notquitegeisha]

I hope they are indeed safe in their respective times. [She shrugs though, it is good for them that they are no longer in the Underworld. It doesn't mean she'll miss them any less.]

[video]

[morethanafour]

[She notices the shrug and her head cocks a little in question. Her voice is calm and gentle.]

Something wrong?

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[notquitegeisha]

[She quickly shakes her head.]

Oh, no. Nothing's wrong, Elena. I'm just a little tired is all. But thank you for the concern.

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[aint_comin_back]

[Someone still feels like a barely warmed over pile of... something less than complimentary. Even so, he answers. Maybe he's bored. Can't be too bored, though, if he dragged himself over to the pawn shop that morning.]

People come and go all the damn time here.

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[notquitegeisha]

[And leave it to Mal to be so blunt and straight forward.]

Yes, Mal, I'm quite aware of that. Though thank you for reminding me.

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[aint_comin_back]

You're very welcome.

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[notquitegeisha]

[He's so lucky this is over audio so he can't see how unimpressed she actually is.]

So there's none here you'd be sad to see leave?

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[wasinnocent]

I'd say it gets easier, but I think we all know that's not the case.

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[notquitegeisha]

You're right, it really isn't. [There's a soft sigh.] Though I'm sure they're better off back where they belong.

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[wasinnocent]

Eventually you learn ways to make it easier. [A pause] At least we get that comfort when people leave, at least when it comes to most of them.

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[notquitegeisha]

[She's quiet for a few moments, thinking over what's been said.] Do you mind me asking which ways you've learned?