fandomtownies | The Perk, Friday, Early Afternoon/Lunchtime

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The Perk, Friday, Early Afternoon/Lunchtime

Ronan was still chuckling at Bridge having to run through the town naked, as he came into the Perk and went up to the counter. He ordered a hot chocolate, and then made his way to a table.

[Expecting one, but open for all your other Ronan and/or Perk-ly need! ETA: Fixed to lunchtime for great avoidance of Jossing, for I r fail.]

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Arriving shortly after Ronan, River got herself a coffee and an apple cake, and sank down in the chair opposite Ronan. "Have missed you," she said, smiling at him.

"And I, you," Ronan replied, smiling back. "I've been busy, but that's not really an excuse."

"We could both waste our time with excuses," she replied with a chuckle. "Tell me how you've been. Then I have something important to ask you."

Rather than express it in words, Ronan decided to reach out and share a little glimpse of exactly how he'd been the last couple of weeks. ... And who he'd been busy with.

"So I've been good," he finished.

The images were clear enough, and River laughed. "Good. Am happy for you." Ronan was one of the people she felt really deserved that kind of happiness. She sipped her coffee.

"And you?" Ronan asked. "How've you been doing? Did you go away for the break?"

She nodded. "To Serenity. Perhaps Mexico would have been a better choice. But seeing my brother was a good thing." She frowned a little. Might not be returning there after graduation. No need for me anymore.

Yeah? Ronan asked. What's changed?

She couldn't help it; she giggled. My brother has managed to get himself involved with two people on the ship, and the one he would prefer to leave is pregnant. Another sip of her coffee. And the second-in-command is expecting too. I don't like babies. Too loud.

Ronan blinked. "... I don't suppose the three of them could just get together? It might solve matters." Silently, he agreed about the babies.

That made her laugh. "Would not work, I believe. But no need for a psychic sister." I have other plans.

Other plans? Ronan poked at the thought a bit, hoping that she'd elaborate.

The Academy... made me like this. My brother got me out. Direct the secret weapon at the one who used to pull the trigger." She looked up at Ronan. "Might need your help for something."

"Whatever you need," Ronan promised.

It was still what he did, even if it were work in another world.

Mochterof. You made one to change your appearance. Can you make one for me? She looked straight at him. "Can't be recognised."

Yeah, definitely, Ronan said. It'll take a bit of time, but it won't be difficult. Anyone in particular you'd like to look like?

She shook her head. "Not important." With a small smile she added: "Thank you." And she reached out to squeeze his hand.

Ronan took it, and squeezed back. "Not a problem at all," he said. "I should have it ready for you in a few days, at the most."

She nodded. "No hurry. I need to make plans. But your help is an essential component."

Ronan nodded in return. "I'll do my best," he said. "Anything else you need that I might able to help with?"

"Not now." She smiled at him. Just need a friend. And maybe a friend's advice.

Any advice I have to give is yours for the taking, Ronan replied, as he sipped his hot chocolate.

Sipping her own drink, River thought: Adah prefers Lee. She doesn't say so, but I know. Reason tells me I should move away, but when I see her I react the opposite way.

Reason usually has little to do with the heart's whims, I find, Ronan replied. I guess... have you tried to talk to her about it?

River frowned a little. She won't admit it to herself. I threw bakery goods and sulked. Then the Valentine's dance was good. Then I sang... She looked at Ronan. What should I say?

... You threw bakery goods? Ronan couldn't help but chuckle at that. That's certainly an image...

He sighed, setting his hot chocolate down, setting his chin on folded hands. The best thing to do, he told her, would probably be to leave her yourself. But that's never the easiest thing. He paused. You say she prefers Lee -- but does she still lo- like you? The subvocalised word was cut off, but she'd probably get at least the shadow of it. Do you think she'll end up making a choice one way or the other? ... Would you be okay with Adah being officially involved with both you and Lee? Or even all three of you getting involved together, if you found yourselves compatible?

She smiled a little as he chuckled.

She has a talent for denying her own emotions, River replied. She does like me. Not sure... Unintentional comparisons hurt. She bit her lip. Lee and I don't get along. Too much in common and too little. Reason tells me to leave. She shook her head, laughing sadly at herself.

What does your heart tell you? he asked. "Not your hormones," he added, softly, aloud, barely above a whisper. "Your heart."

She closed her eyes. Leave and don't love again. Not sure I can.

Ronan smiled softly. I'd take the first part of that advice, he said silently. Not the second. No one should ever take that second.

She smiled a little back. Will try to listen to that. Both parts. "Should I distract myself, you think?"

"Distractions can be fun," Ronan replied, grinning. "I've been rather distracted lately myself."

"Got that impression. Tell me more?" She grinned back, enjoying a lighter subject.

"We~ell," Ronan said, laughing a bit, "I, uh, spent about two and a half days in be. Straight. In Mexico, I mean."

She snorted. "The travelling must have been a waste of time. I assume you took breaks for food."

"... Not the first day."

"I assume he was worth the starving," she laughed.

"More than," Ronan replied, his smile going a bit goofy as he remembered. "It was... a lot of fun. But not just fun, y'know?" He paused. "Actually, you probably don't, since I'm not really sure myself. Anyway, yeah. The travel was still worth it, though, because I did make it to the beach at least a little."

"He is sweet. And very pretty. We shared an eggbaby in class." I'm happy for you.

"Prettier than me?" Ronan retorted, with a sly grin. Thank you. I don't know if it's anything else yet, but even this alone has been nice.

River raised an eyebrow. "Won't say anyone is prettier than you." Always a good thing to remember, then. And maybe more.

Maybe more. We'll see. He grinned. "It's been great talking with you again. I missed this. More than I realised, I think."

She nodded. "Me too. Shouldn't wait so long until next time." Need to return to work.

"Definitely not." Ronan nodded. I think I'll get to work on the mochteroof, he added. I've already got some ideas.

River replied with a happy smile and reached across the table to hug him. "Thank you," she said again.

Ronan hugged back. "Thank you," he returned, then, pulling away, got up, downing the last of his now-cooled hot chocolate as he did. "I'll see you around, then, definitely?"

"You will." He got another smile, and then River slipped out of the Perk, heading back to the hotel.

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The Perk, Friday, Early Afternoon/Lunchtime

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