best to take a moment present

[maleficum]

Comments

[daydrinker]

We don't, ( Jo's phone vibrates, indicating that she's been added to a new group chat. Geminis Do it Best and then another vibration indicating a shared contact. ) but it doesn't sound like he retreated away from your brother and sister, just that they got caught up in his work. It's likely, he returned to that work. Maybe it wouldn't hurt, reaching out first.

( at least with a hello. )

[saveslives]

I am.

[She holds up her hand with her phone in it.]

I just got added to the group chat. But I don't want to plan too far in advance.

[Even if it is only three weeks to Thanksgiving. It's not like she's planning three months.]

[daydrinker]

Maybe start with, "Hey." But on your own time.

( whatever she wants. )

[saveslives]

I know.

[She takes a deep breath.]

Just nervous, I guess. It's been almost forty years.

[daydrinker]

That's only natural. You'll be nervous, probably until you talk to him, or talk to him in person. He might be just as nervous.

( it's highly likely. )

[saveslives]

Yeah, I know.

[She'll probably wait until they're back on the East Coast regardless, but she will do it.]

Anyway. I'm going to go look for flights. I'll let you get back to your history rabbit hole.

[daydrinker]

I might've sampled from the stash.

( which, before she goes, he will pour her a nice glass of something old and stiff. )

For courage.

[saveslives]

Cheers.

[She raises the glass, before heading back to their room to start looking for flights. She finishes the glass, but still decides to wait to send the text.

Maybe Shep isn't the only one who might need a minute to breathe. But later that night, when the flights are booked and Ric is asleep she sends a brief, simple:]

Hey.

[He can respond whenever he's ready. But with that, she rolls over and goes to sleep.]