Week 2, Sunday Evening; Barnham

[alcobrawlic]

[ It's actually the first time she's stepped foot in the saloon today. She's perhaps had a long day with killing a man (sword), giving his sword (self?) to someone else, and dealing with everything else, up to and including the death of someone else she hadn't known at all.

But Sara's put up enough strength for everyone else today, she thinks, and as the sky finally grows dark, she pushes open the saloon doors.

... And pauses, blinking. ]

You can't tell me you're here just to investigate.

Comments

[moraled]

[SARA]

Perhaps it is time to stop for the evening.

[alcobrawlic]

But I don't wanna.

[moraled]

That tells me all the more that it is time to cease. Come, Lady Instructor--I shall see you to your bed.

[alcobrawlic]

I'm not ready to fit you in my bed yet, Barnham.

[ Okay, yeah. She's had a day. ]

[moraled]

[......... OKAY ANYWAY]

Come, Lady Instructor, you've had enough.

[HE'S PUTTING HER MUG AWAY NOW.

UP, UP, STAND UP.]

[alcobrawlic]

[ She's up!!

Aaaand she's down, because her legs kind of give out from under her and so much for balance. She's at least grabbing onto the counter to keep herself semi-upright. ]

[moraled]

[WELP.

He's immediately moving to catch her when she falls, though thankfully she doesn't fall the whole way down. He pauses for a long moment, taking a look at her and the state she's in, before he just sighs.

And picks her up, princess carry style.

Whatever, it's fine.]

Honestly, you should have more caution here.

[alcobrawlic]

I trust you, so it's fine. I just really wanted to stop thinking and being reliable for a while.

[ She's not even making a joke out of this or teasing, as she slumps a little in his hold. She's just... tired.

In the end, this still feels too much like the jaeger days. ]

[moraled]

[... sigh.

Well.

If she says that she trusts him, it's not like he can let her down, right? Besides, he'd already said he'd see her to her bed. Time to carry her there.]

... There is no need to be reliable when it is merely the two of us. There are others who depend on you far more for that.

[Like all of those kids here.]

[alcobrawlic]

I know... the kids... and my kids back home... probably not that preening jackass though.

[ If Barnham says there's no need to be reliable with him, she'll take it. She'd like to think she did the best she could for the kids today. ]

[moraled]

Yes, yes. You've done all you can for them.

[Calm down, Sara, you're drunk.

Striding right on to the hotel and into it, now!]

Do not fret.

[alcobrawlic]

I'm not fretting! I don't fret, that's what people like you do.

[moraled]

Whatever it is that makes you settle yourself, Lady Instructor.

[you fret plenty, Sara.]

[alcobrawlic]

You're mocking me, aren't you.

[ YOU... RUDE... PRINCESS-CARRYING MAN.... ]

[moraled]

I am merely stating that you must relax.

[Please.

You're going to make him drop you if you squirm.]

You have worked hard thus far. Allow me to support you, if only for a brief time.

[alcobrawlic]

Do you know... [ And Sara turns her head to speak to his chest, wearily smiling. ]

Normally I get told I'm too carefree or relaxed and here you are, Captain Stern and Stoic... it must be bad, then.

[moraled]

... You have simply been through a great deal lately, nothing more. Do not worry, Lady Instructor. Your carefree attitude and lackadaisical facade are safe with me.

[He won't tell how much she's actually fretting.]

[alcobrawlic]

Who says it's a facade? I like being lackadaisical.

[ ... it's touching, though. It's rare that people see through parts of her attitude instead of simply being exasperated with her and giving up on arguing. ]

[moraled]

I do not doubt that you do.

[But also--]

It simply does not mean that you aren't also capable of being serious when the situation calls for it.

[alcobrawlic]

Ugggh. [ It's a very dramatic groan she offers in response, one not meant to be taken seriously at all. ]

Could you stop making me like you? You're supposed to be an annoying killjoy.

[moraled]

[Sara... he blinks for a moment, surprised, and then clears his throat only a little awkwardly as he starts to climb the stairs.]

Honestly, is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?

[... Though he can't say he's unhappy that she seems to like him.]

I am simply doing what I believe to be right. Though I am concerned you will be displeased with this conversation in the morning.

[alcobrawlic]

[ Don't drop her on the stairs, Barnham. That would hurt. ]

... Huh? Displeased with what part, exactly?

[ Enlighten her. Was it the talk about beds and bosoms? ]

[moraled]

With your candid discussion of feelings, perhaps.

[He snorts softly, shaking his head.]

Remind me which of these rooms is yours, Lady Instructor.

[alcobrawlic]

I honestly don't think I said anything I'd regret, so... [ Not that she'll remember all of what she said. Or maybe she will. Who really knows, with Sara. ]

It's the first one on the third floor.

[moraled]

[Up the stairs they goooo]

Indeed? Well, perhaps that would be fine then. [He doubts it.]

Here we are, Lady Instructor. Shall you be able to make it to your bed?