redjacketthief | Appointments

[Point and point again. The ferocity that he couldn't face was evident in her tone, and was impossible for him to ignore without leaving the room. He didn't, because he understood on a deep, unspoken level that he needed his friends. He always did.

They were forever his anchor...and, in his concern for them, he was trying to reverse their roles. It was a hard lesson, but he was starting to understand that a man without an anchor couldn't anchor anyone else.

He needed to find a new one, somehow.

After a long moment Lupin returned his gaze to her's, his agitation replaced with something else that he couldn't quite define.]

Adele. [His voice was soft and a little strained.] They're gone. Do you have any idea what my friends, all of them, mean to me?

They're everything to you.

[It was easy enough to make that connection when she took his behavior into account. He was protective, possessive, possibly a little childish and jealous with her time. Without Goemon, Jigen, or Zenigata in the enclosure- she understands that need well. It was part of Lupin's charm, that intensity, that need and charm all rolled up behind a cheeky smile and casual laugh. It was a need all the same, though, and without those from his world? He was faltering.]

They're not gone Lupin. They're home- with you in a strange sense even if they aren't here. They are where they belong.

I'm not them. I haven't lived their lives with you, I don't know you as they do. It isn't the same, it doesn't measure up and I am a piss poor substitute at best- but you have friends here Lupin. And we wish to help you.

I know that, Adele. It's why I'm not upset for their sake. They've all gone back to living the adventure, while Fujiko and I are still stuck here. Once we're out, we'll forget...

But it's hard.

[Their absence wrecked his ability to play chessmaster in the enclosure, since he lacked both of his rooks and one of his knights, took away his bouncing board, and destroyed his ability to keep grounded. Back home he would have gone on a drinking binge and maxed out three credit cards on an empty-headed sorority girl. That tactic wasn't an option in Luceti.

He had accepted that he wasn't returning home anytime soon. That was another part of why he determined that he needed to get stronger.]

Adele, I--

[He didn't know what to say to her offer, didn't know even how to begin accepting it. Everything operated under a quid pro quo back at home. 'Aid me and I'll aid you.' It was simple, and the only way to get by if a person chose to live outside of the law. Accepting something offered without deals, without strings, was hard.

He wanted to know if there was a catch, but her eyes told him that there was none.

How was he supposed to accept this?]

You don't know how. It's not in your nature, it goes against all of your instincts. It's an entirely foreign concept to you and you expect there to be a catch, strings attached, or an expectation at the end of the deal. Because that's the only way you can think of this. As a deal. You don't understand altruism leveled in your direction. Everything comes with a price, so this must as well.

[Irving had been much the same, from what she'd seen. He was worse than her Remy in that respect, and Adele had never quite gotten around to offering anything more than the shallow relationship they already shared. Empty, unspoken promises and business transactions peppered with the odd night out, or in, whatever his tastes had been. Everything on his terms- because she'd never cared enough to make her own.

Here, now, it's different. The stakes are higher, there's more to lose if they fail- and they will. This won't be a one hit win. They'll have to keep pecking at the Malnosso for months, for years until they know enough to hamstring them properly. It's a long, slow job.

She wasn't certain Lupin knew how to handle those, not really. Considering his behavior since she met him, she's going to have to assume he either doesn't, or hasn't considered it yet.

Weighty thoughts, and he's too quiet. Adele sits back with a soft sigh, then reaches out to tap the tip of Lupin's nose.]

This is free. There are no strings. There is no deal to be made. You're my Lupin, my brother, and there never has been nor will there ever be a catch.

[She understood.

She understood and he didn't have to say it. He could talk in circles, dance into oblivion, and lie with every breath, but she would understand his truth no matter what he did. It was a rare trait, shared only among those he was closest to from his world--his nakama. He looked up at her squarely, trying to find the right words with which to respond to this turn of events. This woman, one whom he had placed on his list of potential threats and, later, as a person of interest to keep an eye on, had somehow figured out his truth over the months of their association.

...she was right. He didn't understand.]

Adele...you're right. I'm not sure how to take this. But--

Thank you. There's no way I can express it enough.

You can start by finishing your sandwich.

[She reaches over and ruffles his hair, slim fingers lingering on his scalp for a moment before dropping away. For a moment her eyes are shadowed, dark with remembered grief and guilt, before it slides away.]

Whatever they did, you've lost some of the bulk you built up over the past few months. You need to get started on making up for what was lost. Beyond that...trust me when I say I won't run again. That I'll be here, for you to complain at, for you to hide with, for you to fall on, even, if you need to. I'm here.

That's another reason I've been working so hard.

[He had lost time from his refusal to accept, and had a physical set back from being revived--right when he was starting to be able to throw a decent kick at a punching bag too. Pouting, Lupin took a big bite of his grilled cheese sandwich and listened to her words and her solemn vow.

It was what he asked for over a month before. It was an offer to be his right hand in a fox hole, and of the peace of mind he needed at that time and had been needing since. He would never openly make such an admission, but it was evident in all of his words and actions.]

I'll put my faith in you then, like I have with my partners. [His tone was steady and firm, but he couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze.] It's your word, and a promise between partners.

I only ask that you come to me for the same.

We can pick up our lessons here, as long as you're rested and they're only once, perhaps twice a week. It isn't combat training- but it will help you build up your core and stamina enough to help once this has passed.

[She ran once when he needed it- and never again. She's sorted out her own head since the hurricane. No matter the vision, the storm, the third party banging down her front door; she's staying. The worst they could do was kill her, and she's already dead. What was there for her to fear for herself, then?

Nothing. But those closest to her, those she can, and will, fear for when she's given cause. And she'll take steps to be able to protect them while she remains. As long as she's able, as best she's able.]

I'd have brought the brandy, but you are not to drink. [She lifts her glass of tea instead and taps it against his.]

Consider it done. In the interest of full disclosure- ask whatever you like. You've carte blanche, Lupin.

Thanks, Angel. There's only so much to do when you've only got windows, your journal, and your brain around here. You don't know what I'd have done just to get radio access out here!

[He grins, falling easily into his old pattern of complaining and deflecting. It was easier--but the point was made with their salute. They were partners now, as his grandfather and her uncle had been. She was his Leblanc; he was her Lupin.

Companionship. A person that he knew would be there. That was all he wanted.]

Tea works fine for now. We can always have brandy later. [He takes a sip and drops the brief moment of jest when she makes her offer. Just a simple offer of open communication.

How could it be so hard?]

...I have no idea where to begin. People haven't really been telling me anything, and it feels like I'm being treated a little like a china doll. It's annoying, but I feel like I'm missing a lot of information.

The journals can only tell a guy so much, you know?

Next time I visit? I will bring the record player. It isn't a radio, but it will be something, yes?

[They'd covered what needed to be covered. He gave his word, she'd given hers and they had an understanding. He was willing to try, willing to have faith- and that was more than enough for her.]

I'll save the bottle for you Aubergine.

[A half smile, sweet and sly, and she lifts a shoulder. Sips her tea.]

I suppose I might start with a confession, of sorts. For all my frustration surrounding the performance and being conned into performing for it- I did, in fact, enjoy dancing on stage. Even if it was in men's clothing.

I knew it!

[He laughed, proud that his fit of impulsiveness had earned exactly what he had set out for.]

You really rocked out there, dazzled the audience, and looked like you were having fun. I've seen you with your piano at Seventh Heaven, Angel, and heard that you could dance. Good to know that my guess was correct~

Classical ballet, Lupin, that is what I was trained in and what I've been teaching you. I also know the typical ballroom dances- the only reason I had anything that I could perform was Remy and I were inordinately obsessed with Michael Jackson in the eighties. To the extent that I learned how to moonwalk en pointe.

[Adele laughs at herself more than a little, and shakes her head.]

Yes, yes, be smug. The first time I danced on stage in the better part of twenty years, all because you are, occasionally, an ass.

[He laughs again at the thought of her moonwalking en point. He had been more than a little obsessed himself, but hadn't the same degree of skill to perform that feat--and his obsession had been more with Freddie Mercury and Queen.]

It shows. The spotlight really does suit you better than most of the kids here, and its for more than just your skill.

Can we expect a repeat performance in the future?

LeBlancs were made to perform. It's in my blood. It wasn't how my life went, yes, but I was trained for it.

[Smug, far too smug, and she can't have that. Adele reaches across and hooks her fingers around his nose, giving it a tug.]

Only if you are onstage with me.

[He reaches over and curls a loose strand of her long blonde hair around a finger in return for the affectionate squeeze with a grin that was a little too sly.]

Oh, I do plan on being on stage with you. We have things we need to accomplish.

Nothing too involved- it would detract from time I'd spend with Rick.

[Wait, did Lupin even know about Rick?

...

Oh dear.]

[He didn't.

...

again with the secrets!

He had a quip in mind, but it vanished immediately--instead he has to take a deep, calming breath.]

Who's Rick?

...Sergeant Rick Doyle? He's an...a. We're...

...

You were dead at the time, I cannot be blamed.

[A stranger. A complete stranger.]

Adele. I know nothing about that week. You and everyone else can be blamed for that.

It wasn't just that week- We've been associates- friends. We've been friends for months. That just...changed recently. During the cleanup for the storm.

...You tell me to tell you things, yet you don't do as you preach.

How come no one else knows him?

I haven't told anyone- mostly because I haven't been in a position to say anything. I haven't done this in years Lupin. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure it would...stick.

Even Luke invited Ami around before they were together, Adele. That really isn't an excuse here.

I'm not obligated to keep you informed of every minute detail in my speculative or actual lovelife. Rick keeps to himself- he's still sorting himself out after whatever happened in his world on top of the shifts. He spends time in the woods and I never thought to ask him over- but I did invite him to the beach party. He was there for a short while, before the bonfire. You may have seen us sitting together.

I was too busy trying to keep everyone from treating me differently, Adele. And I wasn't there much before the bonfire in the first place.

Look. I'm not asking you to keep me informed on every detail, but someone like that? Don't keep that person a stranger. It's not very cool for your friends, especially if that person becomes important to you.

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