a_time_slip | (no subject)

[Janie is quiet for a moment, and starts dancing]

It's... well, it's a nice break from war, and saving the world, but my kids are grown now and Phoenix is. Um. Well, when we were younger we always talked about adventure and there's none of that. I've put people in charge at work, and I made sure that certain people are as happy as possible... I want you to be happy too, so if I can do anything.

I want some kind of purpose again, and. Okay, Aunt Sara said that if I want something in life that I have to go for it. So I'm looking for projects and adventures, I suppose this is one, but there's something else and I'm so scared about it because I have such bad luck. Maybe I should be alone forever.

[He does the according steps, for now ignoring the sand that's quickly collecting in his shoes.]

I don't know if this can give a purpose, or if anything can for people like us, but oh yes, it is an adventure. Let's make it a great one.

And … you know better than anyone that forever is a long, long time. No one should spend all of it alone, not unless you really, really want it. But I don't think you do, am I right?

[Janie is having trouble with the sand, but doesn't want to stop dancing with Julian]

It is a great time... But we're on a world somewhere. Do you want to leave soon?

I don't want to be alone at all, but... [Janie frowns, trailing off and getting lost in her thoughts]

[His steps become a bit awkward because of it, but he doesn't want to stop either.]

No, I don't want to leave yet. It's nice. There's ... real sunlight.

[He's quiet for a moment.]

... but?

It's great, isn't it? There's something about this place that makes me want to stay...

[Janie stumbles a bit, because sand and high heels don't mix at all]

I mess up every relationship that I've ever been in.

Yes, me too ... oh, careful.

[Julian tries to hold her steady and slows down, realizing the sand isn't only a problem for him.]

What makes you think you're the one messing up?

Thank you...

[After a moment Janie stops dancing, and separates from Julian so that she can remove her shoes]

Do you really think my taste is that bad?

[Julian watches for a moment, then does the same, including the socks.]

Well, no, but I don't see why it should all be your fault.

It's hard to dance in sand...

It isn't all my fault, but I feel like my luck would be better if I was smarter

It is. Sorry ... it was a bad idea.

Janie. You are one of the smartest people I know. And aside from that, not even the smartest person in the universe could influence all the parameters of a relationship alone. I understand why all of the bad luck you've had would make you weary, but ... if you stop trying, you'll never know if it could be different.

No, it was a bad idea of me to dress up. It should be a lot easier to dance barefoot.

...Thank you. [She's silent for a moment] I um, really. I think we should dance again.

The dress is lovely, it's just the shoes.

[For some reason he feels a bit embarrassed and hurries to get back into dance position.] Uhm. Yes. Let's dance.

Thank you... you look nice too. Did I say that already?

[Janie fumbles a bit, but eventually will try leading Julian in a dance.]

Do you, uh. How's New York?

Uh, thanks. You chose it well, and fitting.

[He grins a bit and tries to follow Janie's lead the best he can.]

It's ... still the same? Now that I think about it, I've spent much of my time elsewhere, actually.

I guess at sizes... But I- well. Thank you.

[She's dancing slow, and seems to be concentrating on the conversation.]

Do you like being away? I like having you around.

You're good at guessing ...

[His attention is split between dancing and talking, which means he'll make a mistake or two.]

Thank you. I do, I like exploring new things, making experiences, or, uh, mistakes. But with friends, it's always best. I'm ... it's nice with you.

We've known each other for a long time... Haven't we?

[Janie slows down even more]

I like exploring too... I can't seem to stay still for too long. It's nice with you too. We can go anywhere, whenever we want.

We have. You're very attentive ...

[Julian adjust his pace, at least this makes it easier for him to remember the right steps.]

Oh, I'd love to do that. I never minded much doing such things alone, but that was before we started traveling together. It's all ... all so much better with you.

I really like you...

[Janie looks lost in thought for a moment]

I'm glad I can help make things better for you.

I, uhm. Thanks. I like you, too.

[He looks somewhat confused, wondering why he can't seem to find the proper words.]

You do, you have no idea how much.

[Janie stops dancing]

What's wrong, Julian? Are you alright?

Yes, yes, I'm fine. I'm just ... I'm glad you're here, that's all.

[He looks at Janie.]

Would you like to stop?

No,no. I'm just- confused, that's all. Do you want me to change the music? Do you want a drink, because I sure could use one.

Uh, no, the music's fine ... but I could use a drink as well.

[Now he's confused, too.]

Uhm, are you alright?

I'm freaking out. I-my mind is racing and I'm nervous.