(no subject)

[lastgunslinger]

It might be midsummer, but the heat isn't stifling.

Roland is sitting outside by the lake, on the big flat rock he favors. He has a copy of Pride and Prejudice with him, but soon finds it boring.

He's had other things to think about, anyway.

So he settles back, and puts the book over his face, and puts his arms behind his head -- thinking and dozing and trying not to think.

Comments

[river_meimei]

She stares at him.

(To say she has her father is a half-truth at best.)

Her fingers tighten in the grass, clenching on stems until a few break.

Then she loosens her grip and stands, still staring at him, and steps towards him, and leans a little against him, resting her cheek against his chest.

"Being a dummy again," she says fiercely into his shirt. "Miscalculation of the variables. It doesn't suit him."

[lastgunslinger]

He doesn't move.
You gave me away. How was that protecting me?
His face works, a little. Then he brings himself under control.
It wasn't.
And he brings his arms up around River, with another small sigh.

[river_meimei]

Her arms slip around his waist.

She doesn't say anything else.

Her eyes are closed.

[lastgunslinger]

Silence, but for the wind in the trees and the water on the shore.
You gonna leave me again?
Then, low and rough:
Never.
"Mo cuishle."

[river_meimei]

She doesn't move.
We're still flying.
Just breathes.
That's not much.
And relaxes, a little more, with each exhalation.
It's enough.
After a minute, there's the tiniest of nods.

[lastgunslinger]

"You know what it means, then?"

He doesn't know whether he hopes she does, or she doesn't.

[river_meimei]

A pause.

Then, with the hint of a smile in her voice, "She comprehends the context."

[lastgunslinger]

"That isn't an answer."

[river_meimei]

"Is too."

[lastgunslinger]

"A bad one."

An audible smile.

[river_meimei]

With dignity, although it's still directed into his shirt, "Subjective judgement. Inadequate rhetorical tactic."

[lastgunslinger]

"Had enough of rhetoric growing up."

Roland is making a face.

[river_meimei]

Well then, says her silence.

Smugly.

[lastgunslinger]

Roland laughs, a little -- silently.

"All right, then." Giving in.