flickerflash | [Accidental Voice -> Deliberate Voice]

[Now this voice is very familiar. And it generates an odd mix of emotions in the pirate. Gladness, for one---then worry---then fear---then gladness, again. Finally:]

Who's Elvis, Silvertoes Kate?

He's a very silly man with a blue suede shoe collection. At least, he likes to sing about them. My mother thought he was a terrible influence.

I'm glad, Katie. [The mixed feelings finally resolve into happy.] I'm glad to be hearin' your voice.

So I did go missing, then? [She feels like she's been cheated. All those lovely autumn months. Her eyes drop away to something off screen.] I think I prefer 'kidnapped by aliens'. It has a much nicer ring to it.

[And then in a more uncertain voice:] Do I still have an attic room?

Missing and missed. Your room's still free if you'd like it; I haven't touched it, child.

[He will let the gladness about her being back mask the anxieties about OH BOLLOCKS SMALL CHILD IN THE HOUSE WHAT AM I TO DO.]

[At least she's gone long hours, usually!]

Would you mind? [She can't bring herself to lie about this and so hence the question.] I didn't realise I missed it until just now. I'll come home in a few days, then.

[Or a few hours. As soon as she finds Katara and asks her to fix something. Again. And then gets to the beach the long way.]

Come whenever you like, poppet---I never lock it on you.

[And during that later he will be there to greet her. Hector, Jack's kitten, will probably take an interest in her as well. Both will be in the kitchen, where Jack is cooking and singing a song about kelp to the kitten.]

[Katie tries to remind herself all the way there that she's been gone for months, because as far as she remembers, she only saw Jack last night. It's a little weird to be treated by people as if she's been gone so long, but it's also a little nice. Perhaps she can just revel in the extra attention for a while!

But when she does arrive home she feels a little guilty for this and a little shy, so the front door will creak open and she tiptoes around it like a little ninja, and follows the sound (and smell) coming from the kitchen.

And peers around the side of the door.]

Hello.

Katie. [The singing stops with that name. Hector swaggers over, just as cocky as his piratical owner, and Jack steps smartly over the cat as he hurries over to the girl.]

Let me look at you. Not changed. Not changed a hair!

[If he's a very perceptive man, he may note she seems a little smaller; she's nine again instead of ten and a half. But Katie certainly hasn't changed in any other ways. This inspection gets an uncertain smile and she turns around for him-- and then crouches down to give Hector an appropriate snuggly greeting.]

That's good. I would hate to have gotten wrinkles while I was away.

[He is a very perceptive man indeed, but right now that's not the sort of thing he's looking for. If anything, Jack WANTS to see her as being older.]

Lookit Hector---he remembers you rescuin' him from those octopi. He's very fond of you, you know.

[Katie pops Hector up onto her shoulder and stands up again.] I would hope so. Have they given you any more trouble?

Nah. They've been very quiet since we invaded their lair. Not sure we've heard the last of 'em, but so far, so good.

Good lad, Hector.

[Jack moves back to the camp stove. The Cullens, of course, never had to do any cooking, so he has to improvise a lot.] You hungry, lass?

[Actually, she finds with surprise she is, but Katie has faint suspicions as to why that would be. Her expression turns wistful.] Do you have any ice cream, by any chance?

Oh. Ice cream? I don't, darling. I'm making chili right now. Sort of...sort of the food opposite of ice cream, I suppose.

Really? [Trying to fathom this.] I thought that was broccoli.

Broccoli's not a food, love. It's a garnish.

But that would mean you have broccoli like sauce, and that would be horrible. [What kind of self-respecting person would do that. 8|] All right. What's chili like, then?

[Okay, he is not following that logic. On to chili-explanations:]

It's rather like soup, but thicker, with lots of things in it. And highly spicy. Very, very spicy. I like spice.

Oh! Is it like a curry, then? I wonder why they call it chili. It seems a bit misleading.

Nah - not at all like curry. Me mum used to make curry for me aboard the Misty Lady, back when I was very young. This is more like a stew that's angry at the world. Want a taste?

[She giggles at that description.] Can I?

Well I'm offering, aren't I?

[He puts some into a bowl for her. For some reason, being around Katie isn't bothering him the way being around other small children does.]

[Katie takes the bowl and eyes its contents for a moment. And then daintily sticks the very tip of her finger into it, pulling it back to blow on it before sucking the chili off.

Well, that was a bad idea. Her face looks like it's imploding. Seriously. Hot. Hooot.]

........it's very nice! [Croak. Also, she may be being a tad melodramatic.]

Katie...? [He leans in a bit, examining her.] I'm glad you like it. Do you not think you might be acting a bit melodramatic, lass?

Don't be silly. I'm never melodramatic. [But she has now graduated to licking her lips and making faces.] What's melodramatic?

Picture what Hector here would do if I were to tip a glass of water over his paws.

[Hector looks unimpressed.]

[Katie shares an unimpressed look with Hector.]

I would think he'd be very cross with you.

Aye, but that's not the point! He'd act as though I'd very well KILLED HIM DEAD. And THAT, darling, is melodrama.

Oh! [She has learned a new word. This may come back to bite you on the ass some day. And slowly it dawns on her that this means Jack thinks she's overacting. Oh. Well.]

It was only a little melodrama.

I find it refreshing. Far too many people put their feelings at face value these days. Makes things more exciting, child.

So should I practice it more often, then?

[Sounds fun.]

As often as you can, especially if it paints your own situation in the best possible light! That there's a rule for becoming famous!

Well, if it's a rule, then I simply must follow it.

[We're not quite sure how deadpan and melodrama can mix, but she'll give it a good try.]

Aye. Oooooor break it. Because you know what they say about rules, eh?

That there's far too many of them and they do no one any good?

Katie, your parents were sensible people. Raised you with all sorts of modest values. I applaud them!

[Hee.] I bet they'd love to know I'm on a pirate crew.

Any parent would be proud to have a child on Captain Jack Sparrow's crew! It's a mark of grand success. You should never forget that, lass.

[She won't. While she has a say in it, anyway. But she can't really say that, so she just beams.]

Do you think we can go sailing some time soon?

Soon! Aye. 'S more dangerous in this sort of weather, you know. [That being said, Jack does not sound in the LEAST worried.] Might take a bit of doing to clear the ice from the rigging as well.

Oh! I could do it. I'm sure it wouldn't take me more than a month or two.

...maybe a lot less if I'm really concentrating.

Ooooor you could let me do it before we set out. Do you not mind the cold, cabin girl?

Well, I suppose it's all right. It's never cold at all where I come from.

Which is where? [He is already planning on acquiring for her a GIGANTIC WARM COAT.]

Paris. They have very nice croy-sants. [Or croissants. Whatever. >.>]

Ooooh! Myself, I like the chocolate-y croy-sants! The flaky ones! And they're ever so easy to carry about in one's pockets!

Yes! But you need to be careful how long you leave them there, or they might get eaten by ants. Or muggers.

Ants?! There's no vermin in my pockets, darling. Not...not just now, anyhow.

[And he IS a mugger, pretty much, and not really afraid of OTHER muggers.]

Do you often get vermin in your pockets, then?

Only in prison.

Perhaps you should wear things without pockets when you get arrested, then.

Katie! You're back! [Vash tries to remind himself he shouldn't be this happy over a kid being in Luceti, but he's missed you!]

[Don't be ridiculous, she never went anywhere. Katie frowns.]

I suppose that means I was kidnapped by aliens after all. Do they do this often? I would have thought they'd crash into the barrier.

Oh! So you remember this place! Wait... do you think you got kidnapped by the Malnosso?

Well, I could have been. [She doubts it. She's not crazy. ...crazier.] Do you think the Malnosso are aliens? That might explain a bit.

I sometimes think they are.

But I don't think you were. All your stuff vanished, so you went home for awhile.

Oh.

...

Couldn't we just say the aliens took that, too?

[Because if she went home, she got gipped. She doesn't remember.]

Yeah, sure. We can say that if it's what you want.

Or perhaps brownies took it all for some spring cleaning. In that case, perhaps I can ask for it back.

[...]

Uh... sure, we can go with that too, but I doubt you'll get anything back.

Oh, that's all right. I won't miss any of it. [...it is all right, even if she will miss it. She can just get more. Though she hopes the armour Edward made her is still in Luceti.]

Did you get into any trouble while I was gone, then?

Who? Me? Trouble! When have I EVER gotten into trouble?

[How about when you almost drowned. Or froze. Or fell out of that tree. Or--]

Well, you are the most trouble-free person I know.

[...really actually that kind of comes close to the truth. /side-eyes the rest of her CR]

[Wait a second. He remembers how you tend to answer questions.]

Well, I AM trouble-free. Haven't been in hardly any trouble at all! Maybe once or twice a month or so, but no one is perfect.

[Grumble. Grumble.]

I didn't say you weren't. [Innocent blinking.] Why, is there something you're not telling me?

No, I think there's something you're not telling me!

Well, of course there is. It's no fun if you know everything.

Yeah, maybe not, but it would be nice to know everything sometimes.

Oh yeah, I haven't seen your cat, but what does she look like? I'll keep an eye out for her.

She looks like a piece of licorice. Her name is Kuroneko.

[Decipher that. B|]

That's my cat.

[Vash fails pooka speak, film at 11.]

Is it? I didn't know.

[That among many things.] I'm pretty sure you're the one who suggested that name. [He knows she tends to lie, just not always HOW much.]

Did I? You should have called her Licorice instead. But I suppose that doesn't suit her unless she's British.

Licorice? [He's starting to pick it up.] Well, if I find a cat I think might look like a Licorice I'll be sure to consult you.

If you wouldn't mind. Thank you, Vash.

[...hmrr. 8|a]

Is your priest friend still here?

He is and I'd appreciate it if he didn't suddenly take a trip to the mountains.

I already said I wouldn't do that again!

Uh, huh. Well. Across the village now and then would be kinda funny, just nothing too far away.

What if he's running late for something?

Well, if you want to help him out sounds good.

What if he's under attack by monsters?

Well, then he might get pretty angry he wasn't around to help take care of you. He kinda has a soft spot for kids.

I didn't say I was under attack by monsters, did I? [This look.]

Well, no, but the monster might get mad that you saved him!

The monster would have to catch me first. [Offended sniff.]

What if they're a really fast monster!

I suppose I would die horribly. [But they'd have to be pretty damn fast.]

See, I don't think Wolfwood would appreciate that then.

What makes you think a monster would ever be faster than me?

Because you never know what secrets a monster might hide!

Well, you never know what secrets I might hide, either.

True! But these are monsters! I'm scared of monsters!

Well, you shouldn't be. Monsters are people too, you know.

Well, people can also be monsters! Nice monsters don't scare me. It's mean people that I'm scared of!

But everybody's mean sometimes.

Yeah, but monsters are people who are mean all the time.

Well, I'm not afraid of mean people.

I am! They're mean!

Then I'll just have to beat them up for you.

Aw! Would you really do that for me?

Maybe.

Good enough for me! Maybe is at least a chance!

[... Katie.

She's not entirely sure how to feel about that. The youthful voice, the young face. And does she remember? Always a curiosity, that girl.

Still there is that guilty feeling of being glad to see someone again, even in a place like this. The trouble with missing people when they're gone.]

... have you gotten to somewhere warm yet?

[Because priorities.]

Oh, yes. I'm quite warm, thank you. I built myself a fire. [She has done no such thing, but she is heading back for warmer territory now. She's dressed for spring. Luckily, she's dressed for spring in Bath.] Does it often snow this early?

[Well, from what she knows of her, she knows not to trust that answer completely. Sigh Katie.]

It's the beginning of January, the heart of winter. So the snow is quite seasonal... for this place.

January? Did I go missing, then?

[There's a pause. And then a small sound of dismay.]

I missed all the leaves coming down. [UNFAIR. And then guiltily:] Am I in trouble for missing school? I would think 'kidnapped by aliens' is a very good excuse, isn't it?

Yes, you were gone for a few months.

... We'd love to have you back, either way. You sound very well, you know, for someone who's been kidnapped by aliens.

Well, aliens just like to experiment, you know. Sometimes they just tickle you a lot. [So say the cheesy cartoons of her youth. Oh. This means she missed Christmas, too. That's so unfair.]

Is everyone still here?

[Because Raine will know that, right? >>]

I suppose that depends on who you mean by 'everyone'. [She knows the faces that were in the mural, but even then that feels like something that she shouldn't have too much knowledge of.] ... I would think that at least a majority of the people you knew before may still be around, and surely they'll respond to hearing your voice.

[Taking a minute to run that through her brain, and then she nods slowly.]

I wonder if they missed me.

Well, I missed you. And I'm certain that the others have as well.

[That gets a wide smile.] Really? I'm sorry I slept for so long, then. I shall have to make up for it somehow.

It wasn't your choice to be sent away, so don't worry about any expectations. What matters is that you're here now, and that you're well.

I'm very well! I'm sure I'd be more well if I had some cake, but I shall have to make do. [She peers up at the sky. January, huh?] Is school on holidays?

It's actually opening up again from the long break on this coming Monday. So you're right on time.

[Oh dangit. She scowls.] Does that mean I missed all the Christmas holidays and Autumn? I shall have to have words.

I'm afraid so, Katie. It will have to be made up to you somehow.

In that case, I shall have to come up with a list of demands. [Intriguing.] Do you think the scientists would give me a neverending box of Skittles?

Probably not, but it never hurts to ask.

Can you tell me where you aren't? I'd like to see you. [In the hopes that she will actually say where she is so she can try and meet her.]

[She goes to answer, realises what Raine said, and actually giggles.]

Well, I'm definitely not in the forest. No houses to be seen anywhere nearby, either. Would you like me to come and see you?

I don't have any skittles, so I hope that cocoa and cookies won't make a suitable substitute.

Oh, that's a terrible substitute. [Her eyes light up.] Where are you?

You definitely won't find me at home.

[But all teasing aside:] ... are you sure you'll be able to get here all right?

[It is a cold day after all.]

Well, I might drown in snow before I get there. I shall try not to freeze. [She doesn't seem particularly perturbed, however.]

Well, if you take too long, I'll try looking for you. [But she figures there are more important people she'd rather visit first.]

[You'd be surprised how far up the list cookies and cocoa will take you. Katie stops in just long enough to see Katara, and then she'll be knocking a little timidly on Raine's door. It's sort of like going to see your teacher after class.]

[It doesn't take Raine long to respond to the knock, as she moves from the kitchen area to open the door for her. And will first take a careful look to make sure that the girl is bundled up properly in lieu of the weather.]

Ah, there you are. Please, come right inside, Katie.

[She seems to have borrowed Katara's coat, by the looks of things, huddled up to her nose in comfy fleecy parka, but she scuttles in out of the cold the second she's invited.]

Thank you. Hello.

It's good to see you.

[By the look of that, she's still in the need of proper clothes. Hmm. In any case, Raine will lead her away from the draft and further in to get settled in the living room, which is fairly warm and cozy.

... At least, it probably will seem more that way once Raine leaves the room to get the promised treats, and poor Katie won't have to deal with that water. Oops. At least it's currently not as bad as usual.]

[As a child, Raine's water has always been somewhat distracting, but at least she's not in danger of being swamped by it. Katie will happily slosh through it in order to get inside, because despite that feeling of damp around her ankles it is much warmer.

That being said, she'll sit right back on one of the sofa chairs so her feet are off the ground-- and mostly resist kicking her toes into water that nobody else can see. And wait patiently.]

[It won't be long before Raine returns with the promised treats and cocoa on a tray, and she brings it over to sit on the coffee table, before holding out a cup toward Katie.]

Here you go. That should warm you right up.

Thank you very much. [One is always properly polite to teachers, especially if they are bringing you cocoa. Katie inhales that delicious aroma and sighs contentedly.] I suppose winter is good for some things, after all.

[ buffy hardly knows the girl. had only just been maybe sorta getting to know her. porridge. the effect her disappearance had inspired in sparrow. the sadness. the confusion, afterwards.

gently: ] You're back.

[Katie is a little confused because she doesn't remember leaving. But it is snowing and she's beginning to work out that this might be the case, so she peers at Buffy through the journal window with a sheepish look.]

Hello. Um. Sorry.

..Don't apologize. It's not necessarily a bad thing.

Does that mean it's not necessarily a good thing?

I think that depends on you.

[Now she's confused.] I see.

I mean...are you happy to be back?

Oh! [She brightens.] I don't understand after all. I mean... Luceti is a terrible place and I wish I'd never arrived.

...

I don't suppose Jack told you much about me? I'm a very truthful little girl.

N-not a whole lot.

[ the most she had learned, really, had been on the day that katie had been announced as gone. ]

Oh. [Er. Hm. How to put this.]

Where I come from, little girls with curly hair aren't allowed to tell the truth. Ever.

Huh. That sounds a lot like where I come from.

Really? That must be very confusing for you. What sort of little girls are they?

Not too confusing. I don't run into th youngsters in my line of work. [ thank god. involving kids in the horrors of her life? not a pleasant thought. ]

But little and girlish, I guess.

Well. I suppose you're used to not taking everything they say for granted, then.

I'm used to not taking what anyone says for granted, Katie.

Is Katie short for Katherine?

[ACK! Busted--] O-oh, I couldn't tell you. I mean it might be, but my dad told me never to ask what my full name was just in case it was heard by the wrong people. So it could be Katherine! But it could also be --um-- Katydid. Or Katisina. That's a pretty name.

The wrong people.

[ not a question. ]

You know. Bugbears and bogeymen. And Rumpelstiltskin. And lawyers.

Lawyers are walking, incarnated evil. I can't fault you there.

[Nodding seriously.] My dad says some lawyers are even vampires, only they suck all the money out of you instead.

Hey. He's right. Only some lawyers are literal vampires and will go for both the blood and the money and...wow. I probably shouldn't be saying this. To you.

Have you talked to Jack yet? How did he react?

[ because he's been so weird about kids. she's investigating this. ]

[Oh. Hopefully Buffy realises, but she speaks cautiously.] He was very upset and said he never wanted to see me again. He also told me he wasn't a pirate anymore.

[ honestly? given jack's recent behaviour around children -- a horrifying, cruel behaviour, she thought -- that first part wasn't so unbelievable.

even the second assertion smacked of some of jack's actual concerns.

she clears her throat. ] N-nice try.

I'll try harder next time. [Head tilt.] I think he missed having a cabin girl

The day you left...

[ no. she shouldn't dump this on a kid. that's not fair. so buffy pushes through with a smile. ]

Ever have a peanut butter milkshake?

[Luckily Katie is easily distracted by subject changes. Especially when they touch on two of her favourite things.]

Hundreds of them. Why, what are they like?

I was kinda thinking about making one -- but with bananas in it.

But I could just as easily make two?

O-oh, really? Well, that would only be a good idea if you had someone to drink them with. I could help.

That'd be a heroic act of charity, if you did.

Well, I always wanted to be a hero. Where are you?

Do you remember the way to Seven?

...between six and eight?

[Sort of. Maybe.]

A-actually? Between nine and eight. The Malnosso's little urban planners never learned how to count, clearly.

Well, that's very silly. Maybe seven just decided it wanted to be different, and moved in the night.

I wouldn't put it past it...or here.

But -- yeah. Head on over when it suits you. I promise I'll do better than porridge, this time.

[That would be a terrible promise to be caught out in, really. Katie grins. Luckily there's not much chance of that one being broken.]

All right.

[And she'll certainly head that way after stopping past Katara to get her wrist fixed, even knocking politely on the door.]

[ and buffy answers the door with a smile and a wave of her hand. ] Get in here. It's freezing out.

[Katie doesn't need to be told twice, hurrying over the threshold with a puff of cold air.] Thank you.

[ she nudges the door shut with a toe. ] I guess it's a little backwards -- milkshakes in the winter. But you can't argue with a craving, you know?

I would think all the best milkshakes should be drunk all year round.

That's what I'm talking about.

[ buffy leads the way deeper into the house. ]

[Now that she's inside where it's warm, Katie stops pulling her sleeves over her hands and instead chooses to blow on her fingers.] Besides, this way all the ice cream can't melt if you want to take your time.

[ the blender is already out, in the kitchen. bananas sliced. peanut butter jar quite open. ]

There is that. California had this nasty habit of being too hot to keep ice-cream in any kind of a solid state, outside the freezer.

California. [She sounds faintly envious.] Don't they have lots of beaches, though? And ... rolls.

California -- [ she confirms. ] Born and bred. But I live in Scotlant, now. Well -- pre-now. Before Luceti. Still miss the beaches, though. And the rolls.

[Oh, Scotland! Katie brightens.] Do you like Scotland?

It's a little on the cold and dreary side.

It's full of very interesting people, though. And lots of green. And crumbly castles on clifftops.

Crumbly castles! I have one. A castle -- not a crumble one. We live in it, back home. It's a bi--[ bitch to heat. ] It's a big place.

[Oh, man. Envy. She has it.] I bet it's full of secret passages and suits of armour. Do you have servants?

[ by now, she's pouring out a milkshake. ]

Servants? Nah. But I do have students. And lots of secret passages.

[Katie watches the pouring hungrily, sort of edging up to the counter a little.] Do you teach them all how to slay vampires?

[ grabbing a straw and sticking into the thick beverage, she then slides the cup over to katie. ]

Mmhm. Hundreds of other girls. All Slayers.

Thank you. [She hooks it in her hands and drags it a little further before lifting it.] Do you ever run out of vampires, then?

[Slurp.

Okay, these are on Katie's approval list.]

...Somehow? We never get so lucky to see the never-ending spring of vampires go dry. As long as there are vampires, there'll be Slayers. And vice versa, I guess.

That's a shame. I think the world is a much more interesting place without them. [Sip.] Except for the art-loving ones.

...Knew one, once, who was really into ceramic unicorns. Hell -- maybe she still is.

Really? [Pondering this while she solemnly drains at least a quarter of her milkshake.] I wonder what she would have thought if she ever saw the real thing. Was she a nice vampire?

Not...really. And I knew in high school -- before she was turned? She wasn't so great back then, either.

Oh, well. Nobody who is mean in high school turns into a nice person. What was her name?

[ with laughter: ] Harmony.

Harmony? [She giggles along, because that is an incredibly silly name for a vampire. Also, hope you're not drinking right now, Buffy.] Is she a virgin, too?

Definitely not, consi--

Whoa. Whoawhoahoa. Let's put the brakes on this right now.

Who asks that?!

[ yes. this is her problem with the situation as it stands. ]

I just wanted to know! She just sounded like she should be.

[You know. Harmony. Loves unicorns. Unicorns only like virgins, you know. >_>]

W-well? She...[ really very wasn't. ]

You know, for future reference? You might not wanna run around asking questions like that. It's kinda -- surprising.

[ no. she doesn't lecture on the inappropriateness. she lectures on the fact that she nearly choked on her tongue and died. ]

Okay. [Just like that. Sip.] What sort of questions are "like that"?

You know -- about...people's...personal lives.

But if I don't ask I never find things out.

Okay. Yeah. Sure. But there are some things -- things like love lives and, uhm, marriage proposals -- that people mostly wanna keep to themselves. Other people aren't supposed to find out.

[ she just said marriage proposals. she hadn't meant to say that. ] W-wait.

Oh! [Right, she gets the difference and nods. But... well. Her nose wrinkles in confusion.] But don't people normally want to tell everyone about getting married? It's a good thing, isn't it?

...Maybe? [ is it? ] Maybe, if you accept it. The proposal, I mean. Then it's pretty good news. For the people who wanna get happily married.

I suppose it wouldn't be very nice if you were proposed to by a supervillain. Or an evil prince from another planet. [Voltron was one of her favourite cartoons.]

Or even, y'know, someone you love...but aren't ready to marry yet.

[Blink. Hnn... Katie's old enough to very vaguely grasp the concept of why sometimes a marriage is not the best choice, but it's not enough to stop her asking.] Why wouldn't you be ready?

[ confessions came quickly; unintentionally. ]

Who could get married here? And then there's the part where I'm a Slayer and he's a pirate and neither of us are the marrying type. He said as much, like, a gajillion times before now.

[Buffy might know she's said far too much at the look of dawning realisation on Katie's face. But, you know, just to be sure, she has to ask.]

There's at least six priests in the village, isn't there? Even if there isn't a church. Which pirate?

[ miserably: ] The pirate who's the only pirate for me. That pirate.

[Close enough. Such a romantic way of putting it. Katie finishes her milkshake, but she's smiling sort of goofily, because that sort of sounds magical to her.]

Slayers don't slay pirates, do they?

No. Not in the conventional sense of the word.

[ what are you getting at, small child? ]

Well, if he tries to maraud you, you could just punch him. [See, simple Katie facts. She has clearly proven that being a Slayer and a Pirate is no barrier to a happy marriage. Katie's just failing to mention that particular leap in logic.] And I know a priest who owes me a favour. Shall I get him for you?

I actually kinda try not to punch him. Y'know, after that first time...[ what even. she stares down into her milkshake. ]

A world of no. Me and Jack are not getting hitched. Not anytime soon.

[But--! D: Well, that would have been cute. She could have dressed as a flower girl and everything.]

Does that mean you might get married eventually?

[She sounds hopeful.]

I...don't know. I mean -- it's not like I said no. Yet.

You mean you haven't answered him? When did he ask?

...New Year's Eve.

[She has to stop and think about that. Given Katie last remembers it being a lot earlier in the year. Or...later last year, to be exact.]

What day is it now?

Hmm. January eighth? Yeah. Just about a week.

[Oh, only a week. That's not too bad. She does get the idea of not being sure, so despite the fact that a wedding between a pirate and a vampire slayer sounds like the most awesome thing ever (or at least this week), Katie pushes the empty glass aside.]

If you don't know how to answer, you could always send him on a quest to prove himself. That always happens in the stories.

[ she holds out her right hand and points to a pretty little ring. ]

He already covered the questing requisite before asking.

[...oh. That's very pretty.

Sorry, Buffy. Her faint attempt to be neutral just sort of vanished.] You should marry him.

...You're only saying that because you live with him. You're, like, obligated to take his side.

[ and aren't you a liar? she peers at the girl from over her milkshake. ]

You are moving back into the attic, right?

Edited 2012-02-06 14:52 (UTC)

I haven't decided. I thought I might lease it out to a few seagulls. They can help me decorate.

[Sadly, not everything Katie says is a complete lie. ...although yes, this is.]

Oh. Great. Just what I need. Waking up in the morning to the chipper calls of seagulls above my head.

[ after all, buffy is over there rather...often. oftenish. often enough that the pair of them had to have crossed paths when katie was last in luceti.

but then she breaks out into a slight smile. ] The stars are beautiful from those skylights though, huh?

It oculd be worse. You could wake up to seagull stew. [But she grins back.] Have you ever tried to touch them? The stars, I mean.

[As opposed to the seagulls.]

Tried? Maybe. A little. Sometimes. [ now that jack prompts her to take the time to sit back and look at them. ]

Used to date a guy who flied amongst'em.

Really? [And suddenly, all thoughts of romantic marriages are out the window. Sorry, Jack, she's fickle.] Like a spaceship captain? What was he like?

Exactly like a spaceship captain. [ apparently, she has a type? or a couple of types, at least. ] He used to live here. In this very house. And he was brave and gorgeous and could almost throw a football better than me.

What happened to him?

He went home. Back to the stars. About almost this time two years ago.

Oh.

Sorry.

Nah. It was a long time ago. And he's back where he wants to be, now.

So what kind of spaceship captain was he? Was he a smuggler? [Trying not to look too hopeful here.]

Peacekeeping armada. Did you ever meet Doctor McCoy when he lived here, Katie?

There was a Doctor McCoy? I wonder if we were related. Did he drink a lot?

I don't know if a lot is the right word.

[His echoes were very alcoholic.]

Did your captain know him?

Which Captain are we talking about now because...yeah, Jim is his Captain. But he was also Jack's friend when he was, uhm, still here.

Really? [It's a wonder she didn't run into him more often.] So were they peacekeeping armadarers together?

Mmhm. On the starship Enterprise.

Oh, o--

Captain...Kirk?

N-not the one you're thinking of. I swear.

Oh. [Not like...? She frowns.] Is he like the ninja turtles?

Hmm. Sorta, I guess. Like them how?

They're exactly like they are on TV.

Nah. Jim was...different. Not exactly Shatneresque.

Not exactly what? [Blink.]

...Let's just say that he was way more attractive.

I bet my mum would make faces at you for saying that.

Yeah. Mine too.

[Well. We can't have Sokka acting like he's happy to see her back.]

Have you checked the closest mirror?

All six of them. [So mournful.] So far I've found two odd socks and a stray dolphin, but no cats anywhere.

Dolphins. Well, you've got to watch those dolphins. They're trouble.

Oh, yes. Especially if they haven't eaten for a while. They've got a nasty temper when they're hungry.

That's why you're not supposed to swim right after eating. I think.

Oh, do you think so? it would make sense, after all. They can probably smell all that delicious food you just ate, and after that it wouldn't be very pretty at all.

Not pretty at all. So. Katie. You made it to the village, right?

Oh yes, I'm just walking in now. [...okay, so she hasn't even started. But she does glance up at the snow and look shifty. That's probably a good idea, isn't it.] I might go to the restaurant and have a hot chocolate.

[Okay Sokka. Tap into your inner Katie-speak. Become one with weird talk.]

So. I should just stay here and not care where you are, then.

That's probably a good idea. [...and. Oh. Actually. Her nose wrinkles.] Are you at the forge today?

[So that's a 'please come and rescue me Sokka', then. Duly noted.]

For now. I was thinking of heading out into the woods. For. Completely unrelated reasons.

You should watch out. There are all sorts of giant wolves in the forest. Why don't I come to you instead?

... right. Sure. I'll let you come 'right to me'. It's 'no problem'. I won't 'move an inch'.

[Wink wink, nudge nudge. Yeah, he's getting ready to leave.]

Oh, excellent. Stay right there and I'm sure I'll find you in just a few minutes.

[Good luck finding her, though. Directions, what are those. 8|a]

[Well, Hawky should still remember Katie. It may be cold, but a little time out in the cold won't hurt him. It's as good as any way to go spotting people.]

Sure. Don't worry, I won't move an inch.

I'll find you soon, then.

[Katie will move, though. She's at least heading in a general village-ward direction. May be distracted every now and then by random oddities like... balancing snowflakes on her nose or something.]

[Yes, well, eventually she'll have a hawk fly overhead, screech at her, then take off back in the direction it came from. This means it won't be long til Sokka shows up.]

[Katie is a little cold by now, though at least her sweater has long sleeves. She's hugging herself when Sokka appears out of the trees and still looking up because she swears she just heard a hawk.

But she looks around when she hears him. Ah!] And here I thought you weren't going to budge an inch. What a liar.

I know. I'm terrible, right? I think you're a bad influence.

[Look what he has! It's... a blanket! He's holding it out wide so he put it around her. But you know what? He's actually rather happy to see her again. Go figure, huh?]

[Her eyes light up at the blanket. So warm!]

Oh, I'm a terrible influence. Next you'll be telling the truth all the time. [She's just going to snuggle into that blanket up to her nose if she can, okay.]

Wow. That would be terrible, wouldn't it? You'd always know what I mean.

[Snuggle away. He's just going to take a moment to ensure she has shoes. No way she's walking the rest of the way back barefoot.]

[She does have a nice sturdy pair of shoes. And socks! The Malnosso were nice enough to leave her clothes out with her.]

I know. I wouldn't have to guess all the time, and then where would the fun be?

Somewhere else, that's for sure.

[Well, he calls Hawky back so that the bird can ride his shoulder.]

So... ready to go?

Never. [Staring curiously at that bird.] Did you always have a bird?

Well. For a good while anyway. You never saw him before?

Oh, plenty of times. I just didn't know it was yours.

[She can't stop staring at it.

...cat pouncing instincts. 8| See how well behaved she is.]

[Don't make an enemy, Katie! It would eat you in your kitten form.]

Well, I guess the whole red Fire Nation hawk kind of clashes with my usually stylish blue Water Tribe clothes, huh?

[And thus her nemesis in Luceti was assured!]

You have a nation made of fire?

Oh, yeah. It's terrible. You can't walk down the street without bursting into flames. But the beaches are nice.

You could stay on the beach all the time and cook marshmallows. How do people live there?

On their tip-toes.

They must look like fiery ballerinas then, going everywhere like that.

Sure. Feel free to call Zuko that the next time you see him.

Zuko's the one with the eyepatch, isn't he?

Close. Very close. Except in the sense I don't remember us ever having someone around with an eyepatch.

Are you sure? I saw him take it off once.

And I think you're making things up again.

You should know I never make things up by now.

Uh huh. [SO SKEPTICAL.]

Oh, hey. Town ahead. Hungry?

[...this is one of those times where she wished her stomach would growl on command, really.]

Not at all. I only ate a few days ago.

[It's a good thing he knows Katie so well.]

Oh, well in that case, you can watch me eat. I'll tell you if it's any good.

Okay. [She smiles, because even if she took that at face value she's sure she can swipe some of that food, okay. >_>]

Have I really been gone for months?

You've really been gone for months. I think you got shorter.

[Maybe. It's hard to tell, since he got taller.]

Probably. I get shorter all the time at home. [Though you are getting a suspicious look. Were you that tall before?] Is the playground still here?

[Possibly not. He's a growing boy.]

Nah, we got rid of it since you weren't using it.

Really? Did all the kids in the village just vanish, then? What about the bomb threats?

Taken out by the bombs. It was tragic.

Is there any wreckage left? I bet it looks very interesting.

Yeah, it's all crooked and jagged and terrible. You'll love it.

I shall have to take pictures. [And her stomach growls again. Time-honoured question for kids everywhere:] Are we there yet?

Just through these trees.

[And lo and behold... Luceti! In all its snowy splendor!]

See? Welcome back.

[Oh, Luceti. It's like she saw you just yesterday. --8|]

Thank you. I haven't seen it in so very long. [She frowns at it, because she wants her months back. Still.] What a shame I had to come back.

At least you won't miss winter. Not... that everyone loves winter. [But she's a kid! So she has to like it.]

I shall have to make giant snow castles and lay siege to the scientists. [...well okay, she has that the wrong way round, but still.]

Good. They have it coming. [Here was are. Seventh Heaven. Sokka opens the door to let her in ~~and should we handwave the rest???~~]

They always do. [And Katie skips inside with relief because it's cold and she's hungry. ~~And sounds like a plan.~~]

[School is out, Katie, did you know? That means Katara is hard at work. Building. A sledding monstracity. She's already had Zuko test it out, and now she is adding another tunnel. Because that is what you do with left-over snow. Due to this intense work, you may see her before she sees you.]

[By the time Katie gets closer to the river, she is shivering mightily, her sleeves pulled over her hands and her hands tucked up under her arms. It's very rude, not being brought back with proper clothing on, and she's too low on glamour to go jumping about the place. Stupid dauntain.

Oh, but those tunnels certainly get her attention. She watches Katara make the second one curiously. (Shush, tunnel making of awesome trumps freezing to death, okay.)

To Katie, no time has passed at all... and so it's another minute, before Katara vanishes into the tunnel, that Katie remembers Katara hasn't seen her in months.

So she'll just pad up and in to the tunnel and ...see how good she is at sneaking up on you. >.>]

[Because sneaking up on busy waterbenders surrounded by snow is always the best idea.

Well, Katara is inside the tunnel, shoving against the walls to test out the structural integrity of the thing - so far, so good - when her light source is affected by one small form. She glances casually over to the entrance of the tunnel and freezes.]

Katie?

[But Katara, Katie has all the best ideas! Really! And oh, darn, she has been spotted. Katie pouts.]

You're not meant to turn around just yet.

[Well, too bad.]

Katie!

[Hug incoming.]

[That's rather a surprise. Katie sort of stands there blinking owlishly as she is enveloped by this person in a big furry warm coat. Then she smiles against the fabric and reaches up with little hands to cling.]

I think I was hibernating. [Seriously, she went to sleep and months went past. What's up with that.]

If you were hibernating, someone came by and took all your stuff while you were gone. [She steps back and immediately sheds her parka.]

Here, put this on. You must be freezing.

Well, that was very rude of them. [Her eyes go straight to the parka when Katara takes it off, all hopeful. Oh good. Gimme. She snuggles into it and gives a thankful smile.] They could at least have left me a blanket.

[They did leave her old clothes next to her, at least. A sweater is much warmer than those summer dresses, that's for sure.]

It was, it was very rude of them. [...and then Katara realizes that it's possible that Katie doesn't... really remember where they are. Since there's no definitive answer one way or the other.]

Come on, we're not too far from my house. We'll get you some hot cocoa and a chance to warm up.

[She hesitates.]

Katara. [Which should hopefully put that fear to rest, but Katie bites her lip.] Could you do something for me?

Edited 2012-01-12 08:12 (UTC)

What is it?

[Katie fumbles a bit under the big coat, but manages to produce her arm again-- and then after a bit more managing of extra coat, she pulls her sleeve up to show the angry-looking burn circling her wrist.]

[Katara remembers that burn.]

Oh, Katie...

[Again?

She streams some snow up from the floor of the tunnel, converting it into water as she does so.]

Hold out your hand.

[She holds out her hand obediently. And thinks about saying it doesn't hurt or The aliens made it come back but... well, she just feels a little guilty. So instead Katie just sort of eyes Katara shiftily and says nothing.]

[Is it just her, or does that look... worse.

A small, reassuring smile, even if there's tightness at the corners of her eyes. Those who wound and bind children are a particular sore spot for her.]

Don't worry. I'm even better at this than I was before.

[She has faith. It's been a while. She just doesn't want to go home with this so red and raw, and she knows at least that Katara dealt with it and didn't tell lots of people.

Katie smiles.]

I trust you.

[Worth the headache.]

[A startled smile and Katara puts her water-coated hand over Katie's burn. It's not long at all, now, before the burn is as healed as it can be.]

Thank you.

[She drops her hand, revealing the changed skin.] There you go.

[Katie sighs in relief. It's not just the hurt; the feeling of angry ants burrowing into her wrist. It's something she'd rather not explain to anyone who might ask after this, and Katara has just made it so much simpler.]

Thank you. Again.

[Katara gets rid of the water.]

Let's not make a habit of this.

[Who keeps hurting you when you go home, Katie?]

[People who don't believe you're allowed to have any fun.]

I promise not to.

Good. [She really can't help herself. She leans down and kisses Katie's forehead because... child, you worry her. And she's glad to see you. And really, really angry at whoever keeps hurting you.]

[For a moment, Katie looks plain uncertain. She wasn't expecting that. From anyone. But then she reaches up a hand and latches on to Katara's sleeve and smiles.]

Come on, let's go get you something warm to drink.

Okay! [Down with this idea.] Hot chocolate?

I think we can manage that.

[There is suddenly a very, very intrigued pirate chef staring into his journal, looking more than a little hopeful]

... If we did, I missed the party.

[There is this long silence.

--and suddenly there is a pooka practically mashing her face against the journal window like she can pour herself through the damn thing. B||]

--Sanji?

[8DDDD?]

[8DDDD!!]

Katie-chan~! [For once, the force of his excitement blocks out any and every piece of guilt that would usually come rushing in to ruin his happiness.] You're back!

Well, you're back first! [Because OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS A COMPETITION. Her happy smiling face suddenly transforms into a horrible petulant scowl. Which...nevertheless promises to turn into a grin again very shortly.]

You promised you wouldn't leave.

[This must be some type of record - in the dog house after exchanging three lines of dialogue. He puts on his best remorseful face (which is half remorse and half sheepish laughter) and claps his hands together in front of his face, pleading for mercy]

I know - and you were right, Katie-chan. My sincerest apologies! If there's any way I can make it up to you...

[>> M-maybe fish?]

Hmm. [Problem is, Katie suspects he was already forced to pay for it. ...or was he? She wonders.]

Did anything bad happen to you when you went home?

...

Uh. [WHAT DO YOU KNOW? HE DIDN'T TELL YOU ANYTHING. HE WAS FORCED INTO IT. FORCED, HE SAYS. DON'T JUDGE HIM PLEASE HE KNOWS THAT SHADE OF PINK WASN'T HIS COLOR--

Wait.]

I, uh... ran into a bit of trouble here and there. [Peering at her almost nervously, before he switches his tone into something more cheerful] A-ahaha, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle, of course~! Katie-chan doesn't need to worry!

I can't help worrying. You people always get into all sorts of trouble without me. [She's going to take that as a 'yes' in any case.]

I forgive you, anyway.

Maaah, can't argue with that.

[Grinning widely] But I'll have you know I've kept Brook in line for you while you've been away~!

[He knows she does indeed forgive him, but hey, might as well make her day while he's at it.]

[...

oh. Small voice.]

Brook's back?

Edited 2012-01-12 08:09 (UTC)

[Hey now, what's with that reaction. He thought you'd be excited -

or maybe you're just wowed by this revelation]

That's right. Shithead showed up before I did.

[It's wowed. But it's also nervous, because if Brook is back--]

But he hasn't said anything.

That idiot's probably just stuffing his shitty face. Or locked in the music room.

Don't worry, Katie-chan. I'll find him for ya.

[Oh well, then. In that case, she brightens right up.]

Is he doing well?

Trust me, he's the same ol' Brook.

Just a rockstar now. [MINOR DETAIL]

[SDKFA:DA MINOR DETAIL--]

He's a rock star? Is he famous!?

Everyone knows his name. [Lucky bastard.]

[EEEEEE SHE'S FRIENDS WITH SOMEONE FAMOUS]

Really!? I shall have to get his autograph. Does he get a lot of screaming girls?

... Well, a few here and there.

[HE'S NOT POUTING. Or sore. Gentleman do not get sore about these things.]

[Luckily for Sanji Katie is oblivious to his not-sore feelings.] I bet it's very tiring to be a rock star. People follow you with cameras everywhere and I'm sure all that screaming would give them a headache. Does everyone in Luceti know he's famous, too?

[... She brings up a good point, though Sanji is unsure why hordes of screaming ladies wanting to kiss you is a bad thing. 8|a]

I don't think so. Or they're far more polite about their shitty adoration compared to his fans back home.

[True, it could be worse. They could throw their underwear at him instead. 8|| ...though a thoughtful question now.]

Does he still play the violin?

[At that, Sanji smiles]

I'm pretty sure that's not something he'd ever give up, not even for fame.

Good.

...

Do you still cook?

[>_>]

[Ffffff.]

I could tell you...

Or you could come by and see for yourself.

[:D!]

I suppose I can spare some time, just this once. [She's not scrabbling up at all, heck no.] Shall I see you soon?

So you shall, Katie-chan~! You know where the house still is?

Between five and seven?

That's the one.

Then I don't know at all. [And she's closing the journal. 8|

...yeah there'll be a knock on the door within the next hour. >>]

[NO ONE'S HOME. B|

Actually that's a lie. >> Sanji opens the door and--] O-oi, Pumpkin!

[Hello, Katie. There is a adolescent cat suddenly up in your business. And by that I mean, rubbing against your leg]

Edited 2012-01-24 23:28 (UTC)

[Oh! That's new. :D Katie looks surprised a moment, and then just plain gleeful, crouching down to offer Pumpkin a cuddle.] You adopted another cat while I was away!

[It's good. LUCETI NEEDS MORE CATS.]

[Pumpkin, being the pampered brat that she is, gladly accepts the cuddles, complete with satisfied purring. Sanji can do nothing but roll his eyes with a grin on his face]

Sorry, Katie-chan. Pumpkin-chan's always looking for more people to love her. [Though he tilts his head at her exclamation] Another-- Oh! You mean that black and white one? [soft mutter] Come to think of it, I haven't seen her around...

[Wonder why that is. B|]

[I wonder >_>]

O-oh, really? Perhaps the other one went home while you were away. It's a pity. Luceti is a very nice place for cats.

Yeah, it's a shame... Pumpkin-chan would've liked her. [Speaking of which, he picks her up before she starts climbing all over the girl, and ushers Katie inside.

There might be certain smells to greet her, coming from the kitchen >> Like fish.]

I hope so. [Katie makes a small disappointed face as Pumpkin is removed, but don't worry: said certain smells are extremely distracting. This is the part where she tries to stand casually in the living room while kind of casually taking a step to the kitchen every now and then like it's the most natural thing in the world.]

Are you cooking dinner? How long until it's ready? Would you like a hand?

[Would you like a taste-tester? >>]

No help necessary, but...

[There's a plate on the kitchen table, sporting a very handsome trout Sanji took out of the frying pan five minutes ago.]

I might need someone to finish that before it gets cold.

Edited 2012-01-30 05:39 (UTC)

[SDKFSSF if she didn't have better manners, Katie might have drooled all over your tabletop.]

All by myself? [Hard to tell if she's awed or worried by this fact. Either way, she's beelining for it with a very hungry look.]

It's alright! I'll let Pumpkin finish what you can't.

[Two cats with one fish. Genius]

Oh, well then. [Sharing a look with Pumpkin. Then she curtseys. Very formally.]

Thank you for the fish.

[And enough of formalities. With the speed she sets to that fish on the table it's a wonder she actually stopped to pick up her knife and fork first.]

... Katie-chan.

When was the last time you ate? [>____> Goddamn. She's gonna reach Luffy speeds at this rate]

[It's one of the few times that Katie opens her mouth to tell an outrageous lie, takes stock of the echoes surrounding Sanji, and decides to say something else entirely. A split second, as she blinks, and then looks shiftily away.]

I'm not sure. I'm sure it was this morning, but it wasn't snowing then. Oh, but I did lots of exercise all day. Perhaps I just worked up an appetite.

[Well, it's mostly true. Also, this is fish. Fish. Nom.]

[;; Thank you, Katie-chan. There's quiet breath of relief before he smiles at her]

Heh, and you are a growing girl, too. [Srsly, she can eat whatever she wants *_*]

I'd have grown a lot more if I didn't lose all those months, I bet. [Yet another grudge to hold. B| She's starting to slow down on the fish back to more delicate, well-mannered levels, holding out small pieces to Pumpkin as well.] Though I suppose it means I'll live even longer, now.

[Katie, you are Pumpkin's new best friend. The cat eagerly sits near the chair, delicately nipping at any food that is offered to her.]

Well, if we ever see a Malnosso bastard, we can lodge an official complaint together. [Sanji, why are you encouraging small children into violence?]

A complaint! I should start a petition. Do you think if I asked them for a job, they'd give me one? [These three sentences seem only loosely connected.]

... A job to petition against them?

[That's not what she meant, but the idea of this makes Katie giggle.] Maybe. It would be very silly of them, though.

Guess you're right. Not that I'd call them smart either.

Oh, I think they're terribly smart. Just not very scientific.

What makes you say that?

They like sticking angel wings on things. I used to do that when I was six.

It's not really that creative, either. Especially when they could've stuck anything on our backs.

I know! Like dramatic cloaks, or emergency food rations. Or advertising.

[Oh he likes the idea of emergency food rations] That second one might be useful. You'd be surprised how many adults in this place shouldn't be allowed near a stove.

Really? I didn't think you were allowed to be an adult until you could cook.

'Fraid not. The only shitty life skill everyone is equipped with is eating. [Usually. He's sure there's someone out there who would love to prove him wrong]

Do you know many who can't, then? [Who should she avoid. >>]

More than I expected to... [He hums, and takes a seat across from her.]

For instance, don't let Brook cook for you. He spent all his creative genius on music.

Really? What sort of things has he tried to cook?

Soup for a sick crewmate of mine.

... I think he nearly killed Nami-san instead.

[...eep.]

Perhaps he should have cooking lessons. {Said somewhat nervously. Don't worry, Sanji. She will never let Brook cook for her if she can help it.]

He probably should... Or at least have me kicking him whenever he stops paying attention.

[He shakes his head] But my captain is much worse. [Distantly he notes how his examples of bad chefs originate from his crew. B| Aha]

Not sure how, but he ruins a perfectly good glass of orange juice.

Doesn't anyone in your crew know how to cook except you?

Oh, of course! Nami-san, Vivi-chan, Bellemere-san, Keimi-chan...

...

[... Wow this pattern]

[Oh, Katie's noticed it too.

Sort of.]

Perhaps you should call them Brook and Captain chan. [Perfectly straight face. Not trolling at all.] Do you think it might help?

... Not to trample on your suggestion, Katie-chan, but Brook and Luffy are missing a few basic components to qualify for the -chan.

[Blink. Blink. It takes a few moments, but then Katie's expression clears. Revelation.] Oh! So all the girls get a chan, then?

Oh, I never explained that?

Where I'm from, girls often get a "-chan" attached to their name, especially if you're close to them. Guys get "-kun", and as a show of respect, people you don't know or feel indebted to get "-san". There are a few others, too.

[Oh that's kind of cute. Must try those out. 8|a]

Sanji...kun. Sanji-san?

...what kind of others are there?

Just like that~! Not that Katie-chan needs to use any with me, if she doesn't feel like it.

Well... there's also "-sama", reserved for the most important of people.

[Don't be silly, Sanji. She will of course religiously call you Sanji-kun. Until tomorrow when she forgets utterly >>]

Like kings?

That, or gods, too.

So I should say god-sama. [She makes a face. Katie isn't all that fond of gods. Well... of religious types in general. See: "allergy" to priests.]

Only if you believe or care about 'em. [So she's probably exempt from the whole "god-sama" crap]

Oh. Well. [She eyes him cautiously. Adults don't generally encourage little girls being faithless heathens where she comes from.] I do rather like God.

[B[ What's with that look, Katie? He's just being honest. ;;]

Do you? [Well, if that's the truth, he certainly doesn't want to insult her faith] In that case, choose whatever makes you most comfortable. [A handwave] But I don't think a shitty "-sama" is necessary. God won't hold it against ya.

Edited 2012-03-04 05:32 (UTC)

[She's totally okay with honest! It's just not something adults in Bath do; they're very dull and insist on being proper about everything.

...though for a moment, calling God "shitty-sama" is awfully tempting.]

Perhaps I'll save it for special occasions, then.

["Shitty-sama" would be the best name ever; Sanji can attests to it]

You can save it for his birthday? [That's special, right? 8|a]

[She giggles.] Does God have a birthday?

I'd pity the poor shit if he didn't. One of the best days of the year!

[Well Brook was in the middle of stuffing his face ~~that he doesn't have~~ and messing around in the music room all at once before Sanji yanked him aside with some surprising news.

Needless to say: Journal. Get.]

...Katie-san!

[There he is. Katie brightens up and for a moment all Brook sees is red, but that's because she's sort of dancing around in a dizzy circle with the journal clutched to her dress.]

Brook! You came back! Is it true you're a rock star now?

[That's dizzying in ways it shouldn't be, with him just viewing it through the journal like this. But he's too ecstatic to worry about that now.]

Yohohoho! It's true, it's true! That Sanji-san, spoiling the surprise.

You should tell him off for spoiling it so. When did you get back?

Oh, it's been a few months now! I have been back in Luceti since this last October, I believe it was.

[Yup, yup... oh wait. That was right on the tail of her leaving.]

Since October? [JUST MISSED. So petulant.] That's not fair!

You missed the rock concert I threw!

[/NOT HELPING.]

[B|]

Well, you'll just have to throw another one.

That can certainly be arranged! Ah, and then you can be the V.I.P.

Really? Do I get to wear a badge?

Oh, that's an excellent idea! A badge does give it an official touch, ne? All the V.I.P's that would come to my shows had them.

[He taps the bottom of one fist into his other open hand.] That settles that, then! We will make such a badge special for you!

[Yay!] I bet all your other fans will be very jealous.

I'm certain they would understand, given the circumstances. And if not, I will just have to do my very best to make it up to them!

You'll just have to keep throwing concerts. Are you very famous at home?

My managers said as much! I recently had a world tour. All of the concerts sold out! Yohohoho... the fans were wonderful! They called me 'Soul King'!

[She is impressed. And happy that you're back ;A; And actually.]

Can I come see you?

I had hoped you would ask that. [Katie, he missed you... once he remembered you. ;~;]

Though if I may propose an alternative plan! ...Would you liked to meet over ice cream?

[:D!]

Oh, ice cream would be very bad for me. I suppose as long as it's broccoli flavoured.

Broccoli flavored...? I wonder if they have such a variety. [He's actually curious now. That would probably sound terrible to most people, but so long as Noel isn't making it, he's willing to try just about anything.]

Yohohoho! I suppose there is only one way to find out. I shall meet you there shortly, Katie-san!

[At that place where they usually get ice cream. 8|a]

Okay!

[She will see you there as soon as her legs can possibly carry her. *_*]

[He will be there! Humming a little tune and possibly looking at the ice cream menu very solemnly.]

[He's about to get tacklehugged, then.]

Brooook!

Eep! [She surprised him! He jumps, dropping the menu. But soon as he places her voice, and the little girl attached to him, he's thrilled.]

Katie-san! [Hugging right back, dammit. ;~;]

Did you find broccoli on the menu? I hear it's delicious. [Still not letting go.] And I didn't miss you at all.

Oh! [Now he's disappoint again.] It seems as if it's not one of their flavors, after all. I checked the menu twice!

[Because clearly she was truthful about that.]

Is there something else you would like? I will try to make it up to you in any case! I know that it has been a long time.

Oh well, if there's no broccoli flavour perhaps we should try another healthy one just to make up for it. [shift aside, skeleton, she's wriggling up next to you.] What about strawberry?

[Accidental Voice -> Deliberate Voice]

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[voice] Dreamwidth found this tag delicious.

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[action] This is the closest relevant icon I have.

[action] XD

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[action] SOB DW I didn't get this notif DX

hahaha it's okay

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