voice ... re-testing?

[halare]

And here I was under the impression this was little more than a spur-of-the-moment sort of thing.

Oh-- not at all, of course, I don't mind being brought back out here. Actually, I am quite grateful. I do enjoy the opportunity to meet others, now that everything's all over. I wouldn't have the chance to otherwise.



Come now, miss writer. It was sad, yes, but Joey made it home in the end. I'm sure he's happy with his master. And he certainly deserves it, after all he'd been through.

Comments

[angustifolium]

Not to, um, interrupt, or anything, but I just want to say that my mun is really excited to see you.

[halare]

Oh? [ gawsh. ] That's very kind of her. Do pass on my gratitude, though I don't believe I am entirely deserving of such excitement.

[angustifolium]

From what I understand, you're very brave and goodhearted, and that seems to be enough reason for her. [Enough reason to be mentioned.]

[halare]

She is especially generous, then. But I do appreciate her words, and she has my most sincere thanks.

[angustifolium]

You're very welcome, Captain.

[halare]

[ goodness /)w(\ have a tip of the hat, good sir. ] James, actually. I don't believe I need the title anymore.

[angustifolium]

James. [Introductions were always a little awkward for him, but he was going to try.] I'm, um. Doctor Spencer Reid, but if we're going to be on a first name basis, it's just... Spencer.

[halare]

Spencer it is, then. [ and he extends his hand for a friendly shake. ] A pleasure to meet you.

[angustifolium]

[And there's the problem. Spencer looks at his hand first and has a quick internal debate. Refusing would be rude, but shaking hands is so very much not his thing. So after taking a breath, he bites the bullet and does it anyway. His handshake isn't very practiced and isn't very strong, but it's passable and not limp-wristed.] And a pleasure to meet you. It's a unique opportunity.

[halare]

[ Aw, James can see the man's not quite comfortable with physical contact. but that's okay, he doesn't want to push if it's too much for his new friend. so he keeps the handshake brief, smiling all the while. ] Is that so? I'm glad to do what I can.

[ ... or did, but whatever. details. ]

[angustifolium]

You already did quite a bit. I mean, there aren't many people anymore who can really be considered 'noble', but you... You did it. I could tell you what I know about... about the war you were in, but I doubt it'd be anything you didn't know, I mean, you were there. I bet you could tell some amazing stories. [And Reid, well, he was great at listening. A lot better than he was at talking.]

[halare]

You do flatter me so, I'm about to blush to my boots. [ excuse him while he shuffles his feet around for a second. ] Stories indeed, I have plenty. Not many suited for public forum, of course. But many of brothers in arms and their bravery.

[angustifolium]

I'd be glad to listen to anything you wanted to tell me.

[And that was unequivocally true. He was a scholar more than anything else, so hearing stories, learning? That was what made him thrive.]

[halare]

I wouldn't mind having a chat over tea sometime. [ he's counting this on the calendar: day he met a fwend. ] Perhaps, whenever you're available for it?

[angustifolium]

Oh, anytime that I'm not on a case.

[He was eager, his eyes lighting up hopefully. Just the thought of listening to such stories filled him up with anticipation.]

[halare]

A case? [ perk! don't mind him being curious too. ] Are you a detective?

[angustifolium]

[--Oh, right, time difference. How to explain...]

I'm... I'm a part of the American government police force. I help hunt murderers.

[halare]

Oh. [ so ... not a detective? huh. ] I can only imagine how that must be. Discouraging, but rewarding at the same time.

[angustifolium]

It is. It gets... Sometimes it's frightening. But you have to keep remembering the good you're doing. The people you're helping.

[halare]

Ah. [ small nod of his head here ] I can certainly understand that feeling. But there aren't many others willing to take that risk and see the unfortunate side of humanity for the sake of others.

[angustifolium]

Sometimes, you just get tired enough of seeing it that you have to stop it. [And only after he said so did he realise how telling that statement could be.]

[halare]

[ oh dear. ] I'm sorry, I didn't intend for this conversation to turn so upsetting so soon.

[angustifolium]

It's-- No, it's all right, I just-- It's... not ... something I talk about that much.

[Understatement. His history was something better not talked about, period.]

[halare]

Understandably so, of course. I'll not pry.

[angustifolium]

Maybe after we know each other better?

[Because he was interested in making a friend. He was interested in listening and learning and taking everything in. It was what he did best.]

[halare]

I wouldn't mind that at all. It seems as though I will be out visiting more often, so I do not doubt another opportunity to meet up again.

[angustifolium]

I'll definitely look forward to it. It's... It's amazing to be able to talk to you. Really.

[And there was maybe way too much sincerity in that.]

[halare]

Now you really are flattering. [ you're making him blush sir. ]

[angustifolium]

Just-- Just being honest.

[And that makes two of them, Spencer smiling and glancing away.]

[halare]

Well, it is very kind of you to say, regardless. And I find myself looking forward to our next meeting.

[angustifolium]

So do I. Have a good day, Ca-- Um. James.

[Right. First names.

Spencer lifted a hand in a small, light wave before leaving the other man be.]

[halare]

And you as well, Spencer.

[ being the polite Englishman he is, he'll nod and bow all proper like to see the other off. ]