a_time_slip | (no subject)

He really cheers you up. That's good. [There's a pang that the Master's friendship might stop Janie ending her life, and that Phoenix's might not be enough. But he'll use anything he can find to make her see something she can cling to]

There's plenty of Kaldoan settlers here on Earth, if people but knew it. Bound to be a couple of teachers. Educating one's own kids is far more common on our world.

I promised him that he could eat me when I died. [except she broke that promise. She spoke to him right before her trip, and he was worried]

I'll try to find them. She misses Kaldoa.

Gods, Janie! TMI!

Here. [He has a few contacts on his comm device, being partly responsible for their welfare, Phoenix writes some numbers down] The password is Nightingale'. That's how they'll know you're for real. I can't write it down, tell nobody, right? And they can't have any contact with me. With Solus and Vahl alive, it's too dangerous. S'why I haven't approached anyone about teaching Sam.

...It is?

No. I won't put them in danger. We'll find someone on our own.

I can't get past you being dead for fucks sake, let alone.. that. Jeezus shit.

Whatever you decide, make sure that paper's destroyed then. I guess .. I dunno if they'd come after you again. The chieftains would take steps to hide you and Lynn.

It's all I think about, I won't say anything else.

[Janie looks at the paper, watching as the paper ages and crumbles to dust] We'll find someone else, and she will be fine. Nothing will harm her ever again.

I know a two minute conversation isn't gonna make it go away sweetheart. But.. don't just 'not say anything else'. Please. If it's real bad, just talk to me. Any time. I'm a selfish bastard see? I don't want a universe without you.

You're making a habit out of saving me, aren't you?

Hadn't been for you, I'd prob'ly still be Vahl's entertainment. My turn again now.

*she looks away*

Someone else would have helped you. Alec, probably.

The point is, you were there for me.

It was my fault he found you- that any of it... *she trails off, not wanting to get into that discussion again*

[He's quiet, not wishing to go there either. those fucking crossbow bolts were what had led Vahl to Janie. As far as he's concerned, nothing was her fault]

Honey. We're going off the point again. I just want you to call me if it all gets unbearable again. Please.

[She knows him well enough that she shouldn't have given him a crossbow, so she'll continue to blame herself]

If I remember, Phoenix.

[Remember? What's to forget? He bites back the comment, feeling a little bitter about that]

Right. Look, I'll .. best get home. Will you be okay?

[She's distancing herself, or trying to, because Phoenix gets a clingy Janie hug]

Right. I'll talk to you soon. Goodbye.

[He leaves her quietly. feeling utterly thwarted again. All he can hope is she'll gradually find it easier to lean on him]