ladyfirestarter: (Tet Corporation)
ladyfirestarter ([personal profile] ladyfirestarter) wrote2007-08-26 11:30 pm

(no subject)

Every so often, Charlie's called to the home office in New York. She tries to arrange a day or two extra before and after the scheduled meeting, just to walk around and see the city.

The desert has become her heart's home, but ... once or twice a year she starts to sicken for the sight of skyscrapers and yellow cabs, the way some people sicken for mountains or the sea.

It's a brisk day in early September, cool and breezy, ideal for walking.

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
"Then lead the way, madame. I am at your disposal and eager to be a sightseer." A beat. "Do I get any sort of warning, or is it all going to be a fabulous surprise?"

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
He gives the idea some pause. "I like surprises," he decides. "Real ones are very rare." He eyeballs the Empire State Building. "No giant gorillas, though, right? No giant unfriendly (or just misunderstood) gorillas?"

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Okay. Not that I have anything against gorillas," he hastens to add.

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
One hand comes to rest on her elbow. "There's a lot of particulars. Ask me what you want to know."

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
It's a few moments before he speaks.

"The clay is old, and untouched. It remembers its purpose is to shape and be a shape; that's why it worked so well when my brother and I were using it, the first time. When you put purpose in it through the work and intent of your hands, it learns it, and learns but good. You infuse it with your will and give it life of its own.

"That's how you build a new being. We would be after something different, though: we would want to teach your body not to take harm from the fire. Give it armor, in effect. The clay, when it touches a mortal, it alters them. That's what I meant by potent: it's will turned into reality."

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
"If I said so, yes."

He's looking straight ahead.

"We'd cover you and let it dry. It wouldn't hurt, as far as I can guess, and I know the stuff pretty well." A pause; he doesn't alter the quiet in his voice. "You'd have to trust me enough to let me be the one putting it on."

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
A small tug at the corners of his lips. "You don't have to know. I dropped it on you half an hour ago. Don't rush in to anything this big, okay?"

He should know; it's what he's named for.

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
His hand needs no further persuading: it snakes around Charlie's waist while he smiles into her hair. "I could Option A you right here and now for bringing that up."

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
"Then the day hasn't been entirely wasted." A beat, while he savors just how comfortable this is. "Where're you staying, by the way?"

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-29 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
He looks at her, startled. "Not the place with the beastie you charbroiled?"

Startled, and also somewhat pleased.

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-30 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
"I think I'd like, yeah." He tilts his head. "Why's that?"

[identity profile] notboundnow.livejournal.com 2007-08-30 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
"As in, you left a smoldering hole in the building, or...?"

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