bitteraftertaste | twelve ♥ video

[Vesper is not affected, but she has definitely been keeping to herself since a certain someone left without prior warning. They've tried to keep their relationship quiet for the most part, and she's not interested in letting on that it bothers her - even though it obviously does - so she appears just as well put together as ever when she clicks on the video feed.]

For anyone interested, I'm staying on as a warden for a while longer, [Because she really has no fucking clue what she's supposed to do when she goes home, and was sort of hoping she'd have Bond to talk stuff over with before that happened, but.] and I've been considering finding a more productive way to fill my day than sitting around twiddling my thumbs waiting to be repaired.

I'm afraid I can't offer anything that exciting - [It sometimes seems like she's one of the only people on board whose boring, normal job really isn't a cover for being a superhero or a spy or an assassin or god knows what else.] but I know some people have expressed an interest on catching up on any schooling they've missed, and I've always been fairly handy with mathematics. I'd be happy to arrange private lessons or organize a larger group to discuss it. If anyone's interested in economics or financial planning to help prepare for life after the Barge, I'd be more than happy to arrange meeting about that, too.

Obviously it's going to be a bit tailored to what I consider modern Earth standards, but I can try to assist anyone with a more exotic point of origin, if they're willing to be patient with me.

[Warden Filter]

I'd also be interested in continuing self defense lessons, but as my former teacher's returned home for at least the time being, I'm on the market for a new one. My schedule's quite flexible.

[Private to the Admiral]

I'd like to request some high school level math books. From Earth, please, if it's not too much trouble.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I could help you out if you'd like.

I'd appreciate that. What do you specialize in?

I had out of towners teach me a lot. So basically a combination of stuff that ends in "disable the enemy in the quickest, most efficient way possible".

That sounds perfect. When would you like to get started?

Whenever you were up for it. Who was teaching you before?

Slade and [There's a fraction of a second where she almost says James, but catches herself.] Bond.

I think I knew Slade well enough that if you tell me where he left off, I'll do my best to follow up. [Being a stunted romantic himself, he won't push about that pause.]

Excellent. Does tomorrow afternoon work for you?

I'd be happy to.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Okay, so two things.

First of all, I never finished high school, so I need help with that, and I'd rather you know I'm an idiot than somebody else. [Truth time, what what.]

Second of all, you're full of it and I know you miss him. Stop acting like you don't.

I never said I didn't, Cassel. But it's not like much is going to be accomplished if I sit around moping about it.

[She also just has no idea what the fuck to do now so. B(]

You didn't say it. You just omitted it. Close enough. You should probably stop. It's making me worried, and I think that might make you feel bad.

I'm sorry. I just don't think it's an appropriate thing to discuss on the network for anyone to hear about.

But hey, we're not on a private filter anymore.

I bet you would feel bad. I really think you would. I'm saying that at this point to be manipulative, but I honestly think you'd feel pretty shitty knowing that I was worried about you. Weird, right?

[Cassel, you're a weird little shit.]

Can I be flattered instead?

[He sure is.]

I guess you could be both if you wanted.

Alright.

I am sorry, but I'm trying to stop being upset about things I can't change. [She's still sad though. B(]

If this was a chick flick you'd be eating a pint of ice cream.

But I'm glad you're not the kind of lady who resembles a chick flick.

[A pause, and then the word vomit takes over again.]

I feel a lot more confident that he's coming back talking to you right now than I did before.

[That surprises her, and she regards him with curiosity, because this whole conversation has been... surprisingly honest.] Why?

I don't think you'd bullshit me.

I wouldn't.

So you're not trying to make me feel better. You're just carrying on. Which helps. I don't know.

Well, I'm glad I could do something.

I have a cat now.

Oh my god, why does everybody have a kitten but me? This is bullshit. What's its name?

Peter wants to call him Martin.

[Like Aston Martin. Get it?]

Cheesy dork. Do it.

Where are you? I want to see him.

My room. Feel free to come by.

What have you learned so far?

Our focus was mainly on disarming and disabling an opponent quickly. There wasn't really enough time to get more specific than that.

[A slight nod.] Good place to start.

I'm a bit limited in the demonstration department, but I can show you a few things. My specialty nowadays is eskrima - one of the focuses is using anything handy as a weapon.

That sounds useful.

[A wry smile.] Oh, it is.

It's just as much about training your mind as your body, but that's true for any martial art.

Well, you've got a willing student.

I always love those.

I'll have to fit you in around the engine room and the classes, though.

That's fine. My schedule's quite flexible.