everythinglost | IC Inbox

everythinglost

Call for a good time

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

everythinglost

Yeah, but you're that sort of person.

I don't mean that in a bad way. Most of my friends are that sort of person. That's why I'm there to provide variety. And it means you're right that Alexei already knew going in. Even if he didn't know what he'd end up feeling.

I mean, I'd probably die to save you if it really came down to it. But I'd work really hard to avoid it coming down to it. [He's risked his life to help others far more often than he's tried to count. But he really doesn't want to. It doesn't mean he doesn't love Ethan, just as Ethan being the sort of person who would sign up to risk his life doesn't mean he wouldn't die for Fitz because he loves him.]

From:

inthebiblicalsense

I'd hope you would work hard to avoid it... I'd feel like I'd failed you if you had to anyways. That's my job, Fitz. Both in the self-sacrificing and hard working department. [He tries to say so with a smile, but he might have to look away a moment, jaw tight. Fitz might just make him cry.

He doesn't think anyone has ever said so and it's nice, to know he's earned himself a friend like Fitz.]

I'd love to watch you be a hero though, for real, if it had a happy ending. It'd look good on you.

From:

everythinglost

[He nudges him with a knee.]

That’s why you have to remember to be as careful as you sort can be. You know I hate hard work. I do my part by avoiding unnecessary trouble.

[Ethan has heard his stories, but that generally is Fitz avoiding unnecessary trouble. His life can just be a bit too exciting.

But he’d still go out of his way to save Ethan’s life. And complain the whole way to safety if they both survived. Because Ethan is his friend.]

It is very impressive to see me all cool and heroic. People get overcome and so on.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[He sniffs, still smiling and stops again, looking at Fitz.]

Look what you've done!

I'm in tears just thinking about it...

From:

everythinglost

[He nods, sagely.]

It happens.

One time I led a whole lot of people through a forest in an alternate dimension full of monsters/ There were tears there, I can tell you. Mine, mostly.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[He can't help but snort, shaking his head as he wipes his eyes.]

That sounds very much like you. You played your role so well you even moved yourself to tears.

From:

everythinglost

There was a heroic speech.

Besides, if you don't play the role well, what's even the point of dressing up?

From:

inthebiblicalsense

I'd love to hear it if you can remember what it was.

[Maybe he'll feel inspired.]

From:

everythinglost

[He strikes a pose.]

When our fathers stood against enemy, they had no such resources as we have now; indeed, they abandoned even what they had, and then it was by wisdom rather than by good fortune, by daring rather than by material power, that they drove back the foreign invasion and made our city what it is today. We must live up to the standard they set: we must resist our enemies in any and every way, and try to leave it to those who come after us; an Athens that is as great as ever.

[He rubs his chin.]

Luckily, I think they took 'Athens' as a metaphor.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[Ethan sets a hand to his mouth to hide the smile and rests his weight on one foot as he watches Fitz 'perform'. When he's like this it feels rather special, and he isn't about to waste a moment of it on pretending he isn't amused and delighted. All professionalism is gone as he nods along.]

Is that from something? It actually was quite the heroic speech, Fitz.

From:

everythinglost

That's Pericles appeal for the war against the Spartans.

[He shakes his head.]

What are they teaching you at military school these days? Oratory is a very important subject.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

Yes, well that's my worst subject.

I don't know if you noticed, but I don't really like public speaking. I'm not a leader, and I can accept that. I've got better things to offer than my words, usually.

From:

everythinglost

[Fitz winks at him.]

I bet you do.

[He waves a hand.]

Public speaking is fun when you're someone else.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

Fitz. [He nudges the other man with his elbow lightly. Whether or not that was supposed to be inappropriate, he isn't taking any chances.]

Why do you think that is? Because I feel like I agree with you, but can't put my finger on why.

From:

everythinglost

[It's absolutely meant to be inappropriate. That's what the winking is for.]

It means it's not you spouting absolute rubbish. I don't think you'd like it for exactly the reasons I do, but it's like... you're sensible enough not to want to be a leader, but you get times when you got to get people to get their shit together. But it's not like you're just Ethan saying that. You're Navigator Ethan who knows how to fly things.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[He supposes he does put on a face for those kinds of announcements, finds the headstrong and confident person he had to be as a soldier and tries to wear that mask when he speaks.

Saying it as just himself, without the posturing for the hope that everyone will actually believe him would probably sound less convincing. And potentially embarrassing.]

Mm. Yeah, that makes sense. I'm not quite an actor, but I take comfort in a role I fit into. Or did...I think it's safe to say my career is over whether the war is done or not.

From:

everythinglost

[He winces, dramatically.]

Do you have to say 'career'? I think I'm allergic to the very word. You'll find another role, and one you might fit even more easily. Since you're attached to being yourself, even though there are so many fun people to pretend to be.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

What else am I supposed to call it? Its not like it was a part-time job... I thought I'd be there until I died.

[He rolls his eyes at Fitz and starts meandering again, though off in the distance he can see Foal running like a crazy dog around a fountain. He's enjoying his free walk.]

Ill have to think about it... I dont know what else I could see myself doing...

From:

everythinglost

See? That's exactly the sort of depressing thing people say after they start talking about careers.

[He shrugs.]

You like flying and engineering. I don't know how to break this to you, but I'm pretty sure that at least the engineering bit means you have a lot of options. It's 'useful'. Not as useful to society as music, but probably at least third.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[He supposes the idea of getting into engineering as a career would be so incredibly normal, and useful. He might find deadlines, but its nothing like hanging the fate of the world on your success and his shoulders drop an inch as he considers it.]

I...yes, I suppose thats true.

I just didn't think I- [He frowns as he thinks about it.] I have my certification from the Academy... it isn't as solid as a degree, going through a program and getting a diploma. But I suppose I'm not so old that I couldnt get it either...

From:

everythinglost

I don't know, you are pretty ancient. How could you ever get a degree now that you're in your dotage. I take it all back: the only option is that you open an illegal chop shop and use your experience for moderately dodgy jobs.

[He grins.] That sounds like a lot more fun.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[The teasing pulls him out of his musing, far away look to blush. It isnt his fault that he's feeling very 26 going on 50 over here.

Can you have a midlife crisis in your mid-twenties? Probably.]

Oh my god... I'd be the worst criminal. You know how bad i am at lying...

From:

everythinglost

[He's sure Ethan can manage it, but that's no reason to let him get lost in it.]

That's why you have the right to remain silent. Besides, you wouldn't have to go around lying. Just give the proper amount of the truth. Anyone asks what you're up to you can tell 'em that you work fixing stuff up or whatever. Or tell them how engines work at excruciating length.

From:

inthebiblicalsense

[He takes a moment yo imagine this and cant help the grin that comes to his face.]

Explaining how and why some engines are far superior than others and tell them all about my latest custome welded exhaust pipe for this bike I'm working on.

From:

everythinglost

Exactly! Either they'll be inching away within moments or if they like that stuff they'll be too busy talking about proper motor oil and how something vehicles are faster than others, or whatever you type of people talk about.

Not a single lie to be seen.