the ground could open, he could still say please

[slavophile]

Comments

[swillpot]

She's not, it's true.

[Alexander hopes that he'll stop yelling at him now.]

Whenever you're ready to talk to her, just let me know. Or if you would prefer I just give a hint so that she makes the first move, I can do that too.

[Sometimes that's less pressure too. Then all the onus isn't on you to make the connection.]

[pricetags]

( Even choosing between the two sinks his chest and increases the pace of his heart. How did he go from bonding behind closed doors to being the deciding factor in reuniting with family he'd lost. He'd thought he lost. )

No. Neither. Not yet.

( He needs to think of her, too. Her family. He's lived with it for too long now to put anyone else into danger. If he weren't off the grid, he'd be in danger. )

[swillpot]

Okay. Just let me know.

[But Alexander has a feeling the longer he waits, the sooner he'll be forced to confront it. But before they can go any further, Abernathy pokes his head out the door again.

"Alys, I think we're going to need you in New York. Dolls and Serena need some back up."]

[lengthened]

( Like in Shephard's volleyball days, the ball dropped with minimal notice, but also like in his volleyball days, he continues to spike it when need be, rarely missing. He does everything with precision. This is the first ball that's dropped at his feet that he's let hit the sand. But, he reminds himself, this is his choice. And it's more than his choice. It doesn't just effect him.

Alys intervenes when it's necessary but holds back when their are those higher ranked than her. She has held ranks higher than this. She likes her level. This is her sweet spot, helping but not being involved in the coordinating. It's easier. It reminds her less of days gone by.

Backup they'll get.)

I'll leave within the hour.

( She places a hand on Shephard's shoulder, pauses a moment for him and his family, and takes her leave.

Shepard finally speaks again.

"Don't tell anyone." )

[swillpot]

[Alexander shrugs.]

Don't tell anyone what?

[As far as he's concerned, they weren't talking about anything. And he'll take Jackson and get back to work.

Annie lingers behind, but only until she's sure that Shipp doesn't want to talk anymore.]

[pricetags]

Let's drink.

( And off they go to the seedy bar on the corner to drink and not talk for the time being. )