a_time_slip | (no subject)

Nightclubs are fun!

I love going to them, but I've started the process of opening one with someone.

Oh. That I've never done.

Neither have I. It can't be that hard, can it?

Millions of people do it all the time.

That's true!

You can do it!

I can, and easily.

Thanks for the confidence boost.

Any time!

How are you? Is everything going okay?

I'm fine. Right now I am kind of just spending the next little while trying to have fun again and put the past behind me. I was a doctor on earth, and things were falling apart and in the end I couldn't save anyone. Where I live now, they don't need me as a doctor so I've gone back to clubbing and drinking and such, and I might get into professional dancing again. I just dance for fun these days.

That's the best thing you can do. Did you like dancing?

I love it. I was a dancer for a long time before I became a doctor.

Apollo and I were talking... and.

Yes. We're opening a night club.

Apollo.

Yes.

Don't look at me like that, I'm allowed to do as I please.

Did I ever say otherwise?

...

You're opening a nightclub.

With Apollo.

You didn't have to say anything... I've known you for how long?

What else am I supposed to do with my time? I've retired. Not everyone can do whatever it is you do.

Retired? I thought.. You.. I.. You're good at what you ... No problem. Enjoy.

Stuff to do, catch you later.

...Phoenix. Don't go.

I'm not working for the agency- well, they'll call me when I'm needed. We were tossing around ideas because I can't sit and do nothing. There's no way I can freelance on my own, I'd go insane.

*Actually stops mid-demanifestation and re-appears*

It's not about the AGENCY!

..Sorry.

You... No, it's great. You'll have a ball. It's a much better way to live.

What is this about?

I'm not just going to be an owner in a nightclub for who knows how long! There are things I want- I doubt you'd understand.

Again, what is this about?

I understand a whole lot better when you talk to me about this stuff!

*Which is exactly what he's avoiding, the hypocrite. He just manages a dry laugh* It's not about anything. You'd rather a long and prosperous business partnership with Apollo than... than anyone else. That's fine. S'your life.

It's not about a business partnership or anything like that. It's... me wanting something more than constant work. This isn't meant to be long and prosperous- it's a club that may never get off the ground and it's not the only thing I'll do with my time

Who else would want a business partnership with me? I don't even want to think of it like that! I didn't see you coming up with any bright ideas.

You're right.. Okay, I'm sorry, you need to do what you need to do.

*Her next statement makes him reel. It's not anger, it's... it comes out coldly however. An attempt to cover the stab of pain*

No. I didn't did I? This s'what happens when a guy makes assumptions. Well don't worry. I won't be doing that again.

Assumptions?

What did you assume? I'd stick around and work with you on YOUR terms? This isn't five hundred years ago. I won't stick around and wait for someone to say they want to start up a business with me.

Phoenix, you're... my best friend and I adore you, but don't assume anything about me.

I couldn't ask.

*The words stumble out and are little more than a whisper*

Why? Phoenix... damnit.

I would have said yes

Janie...

Janie please. *Phoenix just reaches toward her, to hold her*

*after a brief hesitation, she wraps her arms around him silently.*

*He can't bring himself to say anything yet, simply holds her a while, stroking her hair*

I can't lose you again. *she says it very quietly, making no move to get away from her friend*

Not gonna happen. *He rests his head on hers, the relief that comes with her words flooding through him*

I'm sorry. Truly sorry. I hoped we'd fly together, hoped we'd.. you know, do stuff. Should've asked. Couldn't. *The last word is a little choked*

Edited 2010-01-06 18:52 (UTC)

You're. *she doesn't finish that phrase*

We can, I've got more time than anyone. It's- We'll do stuff, I promise you.

..A prize twat. *He finishes it for her, with a wry grin. It feels safer to put himself down than pursue her meaning*

I just want you to enjoy whatever you end up doing, even if it's more than one thing. *Phoenix's voice sounds lighter, and he's smiling* You deserve a little luxury, plenty of fun. Think that's pretty much owed to you. It'll be good. The nightclub.

You're not that bad...

The nightclub will be a good place for dancing. Drinks for you are on the house... but it's not all I want. That'll be for fun.

*He just grins, and kisses her forehead in reply, letting her go at last*

Well they'd better be. ... Need a bouncer?

*she smiles at him*

I'm sure we do. If not, I'll make you one anyway.

*Phoenix momentarily wonders if he gets to wipe the length of the bar - with Apollo's face...*

I'll be the model employee.

You. A model employee. *she grins, teasing him*

Yes boss. *He's kinda delighted by the teasing. Glad to have things back on an even keel*

See? S'easy. I'll make you proud.