the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

It's probably entirely too warm for the fire burning in the grate, but the heat feels heavenly to Alanna as she curls up on the sofa. Several times in the last hour, she has considered going out to the bar, but decided to stay in and think free of distractions. There's a lot on her mind.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

*Thom ducks through the door.*

Hey.

Alanna glances up, smiling.

"Hey, yourself. This is a surprise."

You mean you don't just sit around and wait for me?

"No, that was yesterday." Sitting up, she motions for him to have a seat. "But better late than never."

*He thumps down next to her, smiling faintly* How're you doing?

"I feel better," she says, leaning on him.

That's something.

"Perhaps."

Frowning, Alanna pulls a blanket closer.

"And you, brother?"

I'm just . . .

Glad that you're back.

"Careful," she teases, "if you keep saying that I might start to believe it."

*helpfully, Thom grins at her and says*

I'm just glad that you're back. I'm just glad that you're back. I'm just glad that you're back.

Alanna curls an arm around his neck and covers his mouth.

"I'm just glad to be back."

*He crosses his eyes.*

Mmf.

"What was that? I didn't quite hear you."

Hair ruffling and tickling, all at once - Alanna is an exemplary sister.

*Thom giggles and flails at her*

You're impossible!

"Nothing is impossible," she laughs. Not quite up to her usual level of roughhousing, she quiets down and yawns. "Did you come by for a specific reason, or just to say hello? Not that I mind either way."

Just to say hello. Adam reminded me.

She pulls her knees up, resting her chin, and eyes him.

"I'm very glad he did." She pauses. "I'm worried about him. Did he seem... alright?"

Yeah.

Why?

Making a face, she shrugs.

"He's wound tighter than a bow string. It's been months since he got a decent night's sleep, and I don't know how to make him see that there's nothing to worry about now."

*quietly* Isn't there?

"No?" Puzzled, she watches him closely. "I'm not dying. It's just going to take some time..."

Alanna trails off, examining her fingernails.

"He wants to fix me."

*Thom sits up properly -- well, with his legs crossed -- and reaches for her hand.*

In what way?

"Physically, of course," she replies as she squeezes his hand. "He has the power to make me as I was before I left. It would be a matter of mere seconds, I assume."

So you don't because . . .