sixwordstories | (no subject)

*He can't help but to sit across from her at her table when he sees her there*

Raven. I didn't expect to see you here. I'd say it's dangerous to be out, but it doesn't seem to be stopping any of these other people either.

[She glances up at him sleepily, her head resting on her hand, hair falling in front of her face.]

Oh. Hi.

[She puts her pen down, giving her attempt at a letter one last glance and heaving a sigh.]

I'm just trying to block out all the noise in my head with outside noise. So I can focus, you know?

I believe I do know. Rather be here among people than hold up in a dark room somewhere waiting for the storm to pass, as they tell us to do.

*He smiles briefly* But not a typical place to write letters, I must admit.

[Raven's just a bit guarded about her letters to her brother. She folds it up and sticks it in her jacket pocket, a nervous look on her face.]

It's to my brother. He likes this pub, and I feel... closer to him when I'm here, I guess.

*It isn't as though he was trying to read it, the letter was just there. He may have glanced over the name, but really who else would she be writing a letter to in the first place.*

Ah, well.. that's what matters when someone you love is so far away.

[It's not the reading... it's just that Raven has feelings concerning her brother that she's very, very, very self-conscious of.]

Yeah. [She won't say any more on the 'love' topic.]

So, what brings you here, Erik?

*He smiles a little, picks up his drink and downs the rest of it*

No reason really, other than a drink. Though the company is much better than being alone all night in blackout conditions and listening for air raid sirens.

[Raven smiles and nods, knowing the feeling.]

Charles has an air raid hanger that I can go to. It's pretty big. You're always welcome to just come and spend that time at the mansion. We can play cards. Or chess, if you prefer.

I may take you up on that offer, Raven. Not now, but perhaps in the future.

What have you been doing of late? *He wants to add, now that Charles is gone, but he holds his tongue about that one.*

Unfortunately, not all together too much. I wish I had more to busy myself, you know? I have a friend named Henry who I've been visiting with. I told Charles we were seeing each other... [She fiddles with her napkin.] I lied. I just wanted him to think I was being taken care of, you know? He worries far too much, and I didn't want to weigh too heavily on his mind.

He has enough to worry about over there, he should know that you're taken care of here while he's gone. That's reasonable enough.

Of course, it's not the case. But he doesn't have to know that. The problem is, living on my own in such a house. It's... taboo. [She leans on her arms on the table.]

Buy me a drink?

*He smiles a bit easier* Well, if you insist.. I wouldn't be a gentleman if I refused.

Gin and cranberry, please. [She smiles back, thankful for the alcohol and the company. After this, she might sleep well tonight.]

*He put in her order and his, scotch straight up, and pushes her drink across to her when the bartender delivered it* There you are, darling.

You haven't been drafted yet, then. [Raven smiles softly in thanks, taking a sip of her drink.]

Oh, no... *He laughs softly, picking up his own drink and taking a sip* No. I am a special case. Anyway, I'm doing my part.

Special case? [That gets an eyebrow of interest, and she leans in a little closer.] What? Are you some sort of secret service? You'd have to kill me if you told me kind of thing?

Honestly, Raven... do you think I could tell you something like that? *Just a half-smile--you're onto something, miss*

I think you could, if you wanted to... [The smile that spread across her face is schemey, and amused.] Are you?

I suppose you haven't heard that the bad guys benefit from loose lips, have you? *But he's still smiling a little, perhaps teasing* As I said, doing my part.

Who am I going to tell? [She shakes her head, and leans back again, rolling her eyes.] I mean, really. My brother's away at war, and he's pretty much my only friend.

I do trust you, Raven. But you know, in this line of work, one can't really trust anyone. It's just the way it is I'm afraid, darling.