011 ☣ sleepover!

[fridgetothefire]

Private text to Ben, later at night after this post:

hy can i crash at your plcae tonite

i dont wanna go back to mine



[Private to Alex, the next morning]

i have a gigantic hangover

bring me breakfast u owe me

Comments

[ Spam ]

[warisart]

[He had not, necessarily, been thinking of sentimental items when he said it so much as practical items. He doesn't know how long she'll be staying but she'll need clothes if it's longer than a night, at the least. Perhaps some of the food and water she mentioned to him during the takeover. She certainly won't want to go back there but Ben isn't afraid.

If he thinks the request is odd, he doesn't show it.]

Okay. Is there anything else? Is there... [And now he does hesitate because it's in his nature to be absolutely secretive when someone needs to be safe; someone he's willing to protect, anyway. But.] Anyone you would like to know you are safe?

[ Spam ]

[fridgetothefire]

[She will be going back, is what they misunderstand about each others' assumptions. She likes this Erik well enough, and the part of her that doesn't trust him prefers being close so she can keep tabs. It's just tonight, when she feels wobbly and lost, and he's still rattling the walls.]

M'gonna pass out soon anyway, I think. Can face it in the morning. And I've got my comm, I'll answer anybody who's worried myself.

[ Spam ]

[warisart]

[He doesn't understand yet but he wants to, he will try; he couldn't protect her from the events of the past couple weeks, but he's learning to utilize his skills and his strengths to do what he can. He'll watch Erik and try to understand.

For now, though, he swallows quietly and pushes smoothly to his feet.]

Alright. I will fetch your cape and go speak with my warden so he is not surprised should he come looking for me here.

[ Spam ]

[fridgetothefire]

[She nods, gets herself a little more comfortable.]

And some more water, maybe? I had plenty at the bar, but. Still good to have.

Thanks, Ben.

[ Spam ]

[warisart]

Yes, I will bring some.

[He's already almost at the door, and doesn't stop now even as he replies, steps slowing just a moment before returning to normal on his way out.]

Of course, Anya.

[ Spam ]

[fridgetothefire]

[She scoots into the corner of his bunk; the enclosure of it feels protective, comforting. It's been a long day and she wants to lay down and let the heaviness of drunken sleep cover over her, but she blinks and traces woodgrain and waits until he comes back.]

[ Spam ]

[warisart]

[It doesn't take him long, and he's certain he hasn't been followed; that's what took the longest. He slips back through the door on cat-silent feet, shutting the door with a quiet click just in case she's actually fallen asleep.

She hasn't, he can see when he cranes his neck to look, so he sets the pack of bottled water he took from her room as well down on the floor next to the bed, and extends the folded cape.]

No one saw me.

[ Spam ]

[fridgetothefire]

[She gives him a smile, wan but genuine, and wraps the cape tight around her shoulders before drinking most of a water bottle in one go.]

You're a hero.

[ Spam ]

[warisart]

No. [Ben tilts his head quizzically, already stepping back.] I'm....

[He doesn't know anymore; not a soldier, not not a soldier, not...

She's tired. She's safe. The rest can wait.]

If you need anything else, I will be in my warden's cabin. I will have my communicator at all times.

[ Spam ]

[fridgetothefire]

[She just kind of shakes her head, fond and languid.]

I'll remember. Thank you.