II. ( action ; phone )

[helpmeguideit]

[ Action ]
( Library - Morning )
[ Charles has gotten quite used to life in Mayfield since he had arrived. It was even easier to get around in a wheelchair now. He had even developed a routine until the school year had ended. Now, he was developing a new routine. His day always started at the library, going through a few books. Anyone who notices him there, would find that he pulls things off the shelf, puts them on his lap, and decides if he would like to read. Once he has several books, he moves to a table, and settles down there with about seven books. ]

( General Store - Early Afternoon )
[ Charles always intends for his trip to the general store to be quick. He never gets much. Just a lined notebook, a graph notepad, a new pen, juice, and a snack for the day. He's just browsing through the aisles and seems to be enjoying the quiet. ]

( John Doe Park - Mid Afternoon - Early Evening )
[ Charles leaves himself sitting near the edge of the park. He leaves the juice and chips in the bag hanging over the arm of his chair, as he starts with the graph paper. He's plotting out moves in chess games. He occasionally says things out loud, mumbles, though. Nothing anyone could really understand, at least. ]

[ Phone; Evening - Unfiltered ]

I see that things have settled down; however, is anyone in need of assistance? I understand things such as this can have a bit of a lasting aftermath and I don't really expect everyone to be okay for a little while.

[ He pauses. ]

Also, I was wondering if anyone here knows where I can obtain a chessboard, and if anyone knows how to play. I would love to play it with someone soon, if it is possible.

Comments

[companioning]

Ah, I remember reading about that in my history classes.

[She looks like she's thinking for a moment.]

Oh, about five-hundred and fifty-six years in the future.

[helpmeguideit]

...A long, long time.

[ He would be long dead by then, really. ]

This place would be a large change for you.

[companioning]

Just a bit. [She smiles though, because really it is indeed quite some time.]

It is... More surreal than anything to be honest. I sometimes wonder if I'm merely dreaming all of this.

[helpmeguideit]

I can promise you it isn't a dream.

[ He chuckles, staying beside her as they head down the side walks. ]

Does that make it seem more like a dream, though?

[companioning]

[She laughs.] I suppose it could make it so if I believed that was something which would be said during one. Though I know it's not. [She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes, trying not to smile.] As I have yet to be completely swept off my feet by a ruggedly handsome stranger.

[helpmeguideit]

That would definitely be something that could happen in a dream. The selection of books is too awful to be a dream of mine. [ He nods and chuckles. He looks towards her, but past her. ] So for now, it isn't a dream, just a place that shouldn't exist.

[companioning]

And we must somehow manage to make the best of it. [She pats his shoulder again.] And I must say, if I may be so bold, that I believe meeting you is a step in that direction. [Small flirting? Why yes.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Yes, flirting is good. He laughs. ] Well, I'd be more than happy to sweep you off your feet. [ or at least try ]

People are very good at making the best of things that they are given.

[ why he likes them so much, really ]

[companioning]

[She laughs.] You are more than welcome to try. I believe that could be great fun. [And something to keep her mind off of a certain captain and all the crazy the town puts them through.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ he chuckles ] Well then, the park would be perfect, then. A shame there's not many places to actually get a drink.

[companioning]

[She knows of one, but she's kind of avoiding someone who works there.] It is too bad. [She flashes a bright smile.] Perhaps that alone would be a good excuse to invite you to dinner sometime.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Well most places are hard for him to access. The fifties isn't the most wheelchair friendly. ] I would very much like that. Where are you staying, then?

[companioning]

Wonderful! [She hasn't even though about that. Honestly, she'll be embarrassed later.] 2241 Stevens Road, though of course you'll have to let me know if there's anything you won't eat. Do you happen to like Chinese food?

[helpmeguideit]

I do like Chinese food. [ He looks a little amused. He honestly couldn't think of anything he really didn't like. ] There's not a thing that I wouldn't eat. [ He takes a mental note of the address. ] I can be there anytime. Summer means no work for me right now.

[companioning]

Well good, because I just happen to make some marvelous Chinese food. [Not to brag or anything.] Well... The clone husband normally goes to do something with other clone husbands on Tuesday evening, so perhaps then?

[helpmeguideit]

Do you? [ He has no problem if you brag just a bit. Bragging is okay by him. ] Then I will have your marvelous Chinese food on a Tuesday evening.

[companioning]

Wonderful, I truly look forward to it. [She laughs and looks up. And look, there's the park.] Is there a specific area you'd like to go to?

[helpmeguideit]

[ Small smile. ] I don't tend to go to a specific part. Different parts every day. Get a better idea of the place, I suppose.

[companioning]

Which parts haven't you been to yet? Or would you rather just have me pick?

[helpmeguideit]

It's fair to say that the parts I can't get to are the ones I haven't explored. So -- your choice, perhaps. [ A smile and a nod. He knows very well he could be disrupting her day. ]

[companioning]

Hmmm all right. [Inara looks around the park for a moment and then spots a small grove of trees. She smiles and points at them.] How about there. It looks like a lovely spot and easily accessible.