A Conversation

[inthebones]

[action, locked to Slugger]
[A day after the untimely demise of her husband, Susan sits at her desk, tapping a pen, ostensibly grading papers.  The play was a no-go, of course, that was obvious.  There were more important things to worry about at this point than whatever reason she had concocted for forcing her students into that travesty of a performance (alright, there had been a good reason, but it was largely inconsequential now).

With a sudden sigh, she pushes her chair away from her desk, snaps her fingers, and appears in front of wherever her son happens to be.]

Slugger.

We should talk.

[phone]
As you all know, the revival machine is broken, and everyone is dying left and right from old injuries.  If you happen to prefer a dignified death over bleeding slowly like a stuck pig, I believe there are a few of us who can assist you in that regard.

Grandfather.  Didi.  Is it fair to say this is something we can do?

Don't call back unless you require said service.  I'm a bit busy with my own brand of bleeding like a stuck pig.

Comments

[strike_you_out]

[An inexplicable sense of dread slowly washes over him. Before giving her a response, he sips heavily from the mug, taking his time. Then, setting it aside, he will take a deep breath and finally raise his head to meet her gaze.]


Yes, Miss Susan?

[inthebones]

I don't ask for things unless I have no other choice. Slugger...

[She is aware that they both know already what she is about to say. She had almost decided, at the last moment, not to make the request at all, seeing how he had dealt with Edward. But no. ...She believed in him. She had faith that he would be able to carry out what was necessary. Susan walks forwards a few steps and pulls up a chair beside Slugger.]

You're welcome to refuse. You absolutely can. But I would prefer it... Much prefer it. If it were you. You're the only one who knows what happened to me that day. And I don't want anyone else seeing me like that - Not Grandfather, not Luke... Not anyone.

But I need to know your answer now.

[strike_you_out]

[As she speaks, an obvious pout forms on his face, which Slugger becomes aware of at some point before she finishes and bites his lip. He doesn't want to do it... but he also doesn't want her to relive it. And he, especially, doesn't want to see her like that again.

Finally, after some quiet consideration, he gives a subtle nod. He would do it because it was what she wanted and he could trust her to be sure of her decisions.]

[inthebones]

Thank you.

[Slugger receives a smile and a hair ruffle as she leans back in her chair.]

Will you know if it happens?

[strike_you_out]

[She has his word.]

Yes.

[inthebones]

...Then I'll be relying on you.

You and Luke will need to go to Grandfather's afterwards. I don't want the two of you staying in this house with that cat creature prowling about.

[strike_you_out]

[A single nod. He's relieved for the change of subject that follows.]

Pokey told you about him?

[inthebones]

Pokey hysterically screamed about him to everyone in town, I think.

[strike_you_out]

[A weak smile passes briefly over his face. Those were the good old days when Pokey was alive and not buried in the backyard. He prepares to say something more on the subject of Giygas and his powers but then realizes it doesn't matter -- everyone's going to be dead soon, anyway. Except him.]

Yeah...

[inthebones]

[Susan hasn't thought to look for Pokey or anyone else Slugger may be familiar with, but she understands his thoughts well enough.]

It will be fine, Slugger. It's just like a normal town... thing when they stop revivals for the week. We'll be back next Saturday, and we can all have a good laugh about it later.