The Magic Box, Monday

[existencemisspent]

"Any turkeys in here?" Eliot called as he made his way (belatedly, of course) into the shop. "No? How about pilgrims? I warn you, I have a very unorthodox view of godly worship. . . ."

The Magic Box was still. Nothing hopped, flapped, squawked, or pontificated. There were no random seasonal gourds, and the giant skeleton was as inanimate as expected.

"Ah yes," Eliot muttered. "This isn't suspiciously normal at all. Excellent."

And he settled in behind the check out counter for a nap.

[open!]

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[intheeyeofthebeholding]

Jon was feeling better today, so he was back to bringing Eliot his coffee-with-room, though when he saw him napping, he debated with himself before setting it gently down and wondering if he should leave.

[existencemisspent]

Eliot wasn't sleeping deeply, and had woken up when the door opened. He was just stubborn enough to wonder if by staying still and quiet he could get the person to go away.

Then he smelled the coffee -- and the air of . . . Jon -- and let out a sigh without opening his eyes.

"So is this a sign that you've found another source of sustenance, or are you hoping I'll nearly niffin myself doing another spell?"

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"No!" Jon protested. "No, I, um. I was a child this weekend. It...eating is...less complicated then."

He'd probably had a bit too much sugar, but otherwise he'd done well.

[existencemisspent]

Eliot opened his eyes then. "Good god. Tell me you didn't -- not the cat."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

Jon gave him a look that passed "affronted" for "aghast".

"I made myself eggs and toast!"

[existencemisspent]

". . . Ah." Eliot nodded. "Well. Good, then."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"It may not be entirely pleasant going back to that age, but at least the Eye isn't there," Jon said. "Did you...um." He gestured vaguely. "I didn't see you this weekend."

[existencemisspent]

"If I did I'm sure I have no memory of it," Eliot said. Which wasn't a full "no", was it. "My childhood thankfully still exists in a happy mist of obscurity."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

Jon nodded. "Well, I'm glad it wasn't memorably terrible, I suppose."

[existencemisspent]

"Sure," Eliot said, in the same cheerful, faintly wistful tone, then unscrewed the cap of his flask and poured some gin into the coffee. "Let's go with that."

He looked Jon over again.

"I am glad you're not starving."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"So am I." Jon grimaced. "For however long it lasts. I don't suppose you have any more suggestions than the last time."

[existencemisspent]

"I do not," Eliot said, giving a long shrug. "I'm as useless there as I am when it comes to finding a way back to Fillory."

He was in a Mood.

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"I wish I could help with that, too," Jon said. He sighed. "I...um. If you would rather, I can...I can leave. Or you could...rant. At me. So long as it isn't a statement," he added in a hurry. "Whatever you like."