video;

[storyseeker]

[Elena Fisher isn't a constant ray of sunshine, no matter what some people say, but she's usually in good spirits when she talks on the network. Even in Hadriel's most difficult times, she's tried to project an air of optimism, or at least determination.

Not today.]

Nate's gone.

[She seems to search for more words before shaking her head.]

I just wanted to let people know.

Comments

video

[outofthefire]

[yay, a smile!]

It's okay, I had terrible role models back home, too.

[and she should be able to see Laura making her way towards the docs because she's holding the phone with one hand, the bottle with another]

video

[storyseeker]

[That should make her sad, but she doesn't have room for more sadness.

Elena gives Laura a little wave and hangs up.]

Hey.

video--->action

[outofthefire]

[and Laura has arrived, bottle of Rey's strongest stuff in tow]

Hey. Mind if I come in?

[storyseeker]

[Elena manages a smile as she turns up. It's a small step. This won't leave her defeated, she's too tough for that. It just hurts like hell for the moment.]

Yeah, of course. I wouldn't expect you to drop it off and go.

[outofthefire]

[she smiles back a little shyly. she's not used to being the comforter]

All right. [she follows Elena inside] Where do you keep your glasses?

[storyseeker]

Cabinet over there, above the sink. Feel free to grab whatever and take a seat.

[Not that they had a huge set of glassware, but they've scrounged together enough.]

[outofthefire]

[she goes over to the cabinet above the sink and retrieves the closest things to shot glasses she can find, bringing them back into the living room and setting them on the coffee table. she takes a seat on the couch, beckoning Elena over]

Hope you like tequila 'cause this is pretty close.

[storyseeker]

I do, but honestly, I'm not picky right now. [She waves a hand dismissively and plops back down on the couch with a sigh.]

This is pretty lousy way to handle it.

[outofthefire]

[Laura opens the bottle and pours the alcohol into the glasses]

Maybe, but there will be time for--what're they called?--healthy coping mechanisms later.

[storyseeker]

It's true I'm going to have some extra time on my hands.

[She lifts her glass to clink against Laura's.]

Look at me, falling to pieces already when he was here months without me.

[outofthefire]

I guess. Not like that's a good thing.

[she clinks back in response and takes the shot.

she's trying to remember what Dr. Jacoby said] People don't react the same way to the same things. And it just happened after months of being used to having him here.

[storyseeker]

Stop being reasonable.

[She flashes Laura a crookied smile to show she doesn't mean that.]

I'll adjust to not having him around. Not that I have much choice.

[outofthefire]

I can't help it, I'm a growing girl.

[she smiles back teasingly]

Unfortunately. Unless the gods decide to be really nice and I wouldn't bet on it.

[storyseeker]

Wise beyond your years, huh?

[It wouldn't surprise her. Laura's always struck her as capable. And anyone would have to grow up quick, here.]

I don't think 'nice' is something that really registers with them, one way or the other.

[outofthefire]

I had to be.

[thanks to BOB]

Yeah, me neither. Granted, I've never tried talking to 'em, but I've skimmed their network posts. They really don't seem to get people very well.

[storyseeker]

That might be because they're not people. Even if they look like them.

[Which maybe sounds a little racist, but Elena's not ignorant to theology or mythology. Shape does not determine form.]

It's pretty push-pull with them and what they want, huh?

[outofthefire]

[she gives a bitter laugh] You'd think after being around people for so long, they'd be better at faking it.

[she doesn't think it's racist, more like calling it like it is]

We push and they pull. Which is why I never fuck with 'em to begin with.

[storyseeker]

Makes you wonder what it would be like if they didn't need us.

[After a moment, she shakes her head.]

But that's pointless, really. If they didn't need us, we wouldn't be here at all.

[outofthefire]

I have no place else left to be. Can't go back to Twin Peaks, after all.

[she finishes her drink]

Need another? [she gestures towards Elena's glass]

[storyseeker]

[That garners a sharper look, but Elena doesn't press it for now.]

What's just one shot worth? Pour me another.

[outofthefire]

[she's feeling more comfortable with the idea of talking about stuff from home, but now's not the time]

Sure thing. [she pours out another shot for both of them] Wanna toast to anything in particular?

[storyseeker]

How about...here's to keeping on keepin' on.

[Clink.]

[outofthefire]

I'll drink to that.

[clink!]