Christmas

[a_time_slip]

You've all got presents, reply here to get them.

Lynn is starting at a Catholic school for the new term, so NO EXPENSIVE CLOTHES (Xander, that's directed at you).  

Everyone else, Happy Holidays.

Comments

[a_time_slip]

... Alright.

We're both fine. There was injury but we're fine now.

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

Who was hurt? [Still not yelling]

[a_time_slip]

Both of us. He got Julian in the leg and ran through me with his blades.

Don't worry. I've upgraded the security and he won't be able to get on the boat again.

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

[He won't be ranting about how much he'd like to stick those blades up Snake's arse. Merely thinking it]

Fine. I won't.

[a_time_slip]

I'm sorry. I should have called you. It happened so quickly, and had to get patched up. Then I felt bad for not calling you right away.

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

[He will worry, of course. And instantly regrets his shortness]

No.. no, you should never feel bad. Just.. remember me, if you need someone to fight at your side.

locked

[a_time_slip]

I'll remember you, but gods, it's too hard to even be around you sometimes. I love you so damn much, it hurts to know that...

And there's Xander who I can't tell about you or he'd never want me to see you again and that would be even worse than things are now. That's why I've been avoiding you, alright?

locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

[It's very scary that recently, he's been a gnat's whisker away from ranting that same thing at Xander. Thank the gods he didn't]

Janie. I had no idea it was that bad....

[So... she's been avoiding him, because she doesn't want to be forced not to see him. Women! Okay, fine, who said love ever makes sense?]

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

Right, you wouldn't know that. It wasn't right of me to keep that from you, or keep this from Xander.

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[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

I.. don't know what to say. Just.. trying to do the right thing.

[Like burying it deep inside him. Because that's what Phoenix is good at]

You do love him?

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

There is no right thing other than to deal with it as much as possible and for me to stop trying to ignore it.

I think I love him. We went to Vegas and got married, and he's been so great with the kids while I was away. I do, I love him, but love you at the same time. That's not even supposed to be possible, is it?

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[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't it be easier if I knew what you were going through? At least then I'd watch my big mouth, be capable of more understanding.

Well, I guess it's meant to be impossible.. for a human.. but I'm not... Vegas??? I knew you guys were planning on a wedding, didn't realise it was a Vegas - thing.

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

I'll give it more effort. You've got to understand, I grew up as a human. I was raised by a wonderfully normal family until I was eight and when I lived with Ori she always taught me that I was mortal. That I would die and it never happened. And I'm still not sure why.

...It was a last second thing. I- yeah. Not with the fake Elvis, however. It was at a chapel and seemed to happen very quickly.

Re: locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

I do try to understand, Janie. I guess I thought you'd spent enough time on Kaldoa, that you were getting more used to the way we are - and the way you are.

Congratulations? [Somewhat relieved about the lack of fake Elvis's]

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[a_time_slip]

Most of that time was spent working and drinking.

I, uh. Thank you.

Re: locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

Is there anything I can do to help make it better? [Apart from the obvious, sadly. It hurts him too, but Phoenix believes Janie doesn't need to see too much of that]

That was crass. Sorry.

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

You're doing more than enough I'm happy, married and all of that.

It was fine, quite a thing to dump on your oldest friend.

Re: locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

I'd rather not stay away, unless you really need me to.

You can dump anything you have to.

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

I need you. If it's a friend role, an enemy, whatever it is. You're like... a guardian angel and best friend all rolled in to one. More than that, really.

Re: locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

Enemy? Never. [He wants to hold her, but it'll only make everything feel worse] You'll always be pack to me. Whatever happens.

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

Right. Pack. [She forces a smile]

Re: locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

[Pack covers a lot of things. It could be "like a sister to me" It could be "I love you. Always". Phoenix won't elaborate, too painful. Instead he smiles, and pats her arm]

No matter what.

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

[Right. awkward arm pats for all?]

Re: locked

[ashes-ascended.livejournal.com]

[Best all round really?]

Re: locked

[a_time_slip]

[this is Janie, so he gets a big, friendly hug. ]