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[captainryan]

The bed's made and Richard's relaxed on it, one hand tucked behind his head as he watches River finish getting dressed. The other hand is hanging off the side of the mattress, scritching Damocles' head.

"So CAL makes a copy of your data every time you return to the Library, and if something happens, she can restore you from that, correct?"

Comments

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"Someone should start an inter dimensional tour service. Maybe a bed and breakfast."

He may be teasing her a bit.

"No, that should be simple enough. Did you just want to go...looking?" Or do combat missions count?

[hell_in_highheels]

She does grin at the jest. "I dunno. Hadn't given it that much thought really. It's just time."

"I think that the last adventure ended badly..." There's a nervous laugh in the back of her throat. "Just say it, River. I died. There is no more final end, is there? But this is a second chance? And I have you to go with me. To look after me, so to speak."

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

He arches an eyebrow at her.

"I thought you didn't want me to do that?"

Not that he ever had any intention of letting that stop him.

[hell_in_highheels]

There's a thoughtful shrug and a wash of that powerful emotion in her scent.

"It's nice sometimes, to have someone you trust at your back. Like I said before, I like the way you ground me. And you know, it means I can look after you as well, doesn't it?"

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"I'd like that."

There's nothing like trusting someone you trained yourself to watch your back.

"You know that's an excuse for me to train you harder, yes?"

[hell_in_highheels]

He can feel her grin. "Not an excuse, a valid reason. I'm certainly up for anything you can throw at me. But if you think that's going to bypass our philosophical differences in certain areas, you'll have to think again. If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem tends to look like a nail and all that."

She gives him a squeeze in anticipation of the rumble she knows is coming next.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"I resent the implication that my only tool is a hammer," he huffs.

"I also use guns, swords, and my own two fists."

[hell_in_highheels]

"And your mind, Captain. Your mind is your most valuable asset. One should only resort to guns, swords or your own two fists when your mind has exhausted all other possibilities."

"Tell you what. You train my fists, and I'll exercise your clever little brain meats. Then we'll both be amply prepared to face whatever the universe throws at us, hmm?"

She leans her head back to look up at him.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"Mmm, how so? Are you giving me brain teasers?"

He has nothing against the diplomatic approach. It's just that by the time he's been called in, it's already been tried and failed.

[hell_in_highheels]

"Thought exercises. Riddles. Conundrums, perhaps. I assume you took tactics and strategy in officer school, no doubt?"

River's of the opinion that most people who have 'tried and failed' didn't try hard enough in the first place.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"Of course. But I usually leave negotiations to others.

"For instance, you seem rather talented at it."

He doesn't mind being the brawn on their team.

[hell_in_highheels]

"Oh really. So -- why should I have to learn to fight again?" There's a teasing lilt to her voice.

"System redundancy, love. It's never a bad idea."

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"I'm well aware of that," he smiles. "Be prepared and all of that. Besides, I'm sure I'll still have solo missions."

[hell_in_highheels]

"Mmm, yes. Well. I'm sure you will too." Doesn't mean she has to be happy about it.

The sun is almost set, but she's enjoying the warmth of his embrace too much to want to move just yet.

"Tell me about the night, through your wolf senses?"

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"I can smell the ocean, the brine and seaweed on the beach. I can smell you. I catch whiffs of the animals here, their scents and scat. I hear them muttering to each other. There's something squeaking off in the woods over that way; probably a mouse or rat. I can see clearly. The sun may as well still be up for the amount of detail I can detect."

He pauses.

"There's a lot of things I don't recognize. I've only had senses this impressive for three years and the bar, while varied, misses things."

[hell_in_highheels]

"Sounds like an adventure in itself. Always something new to learn."

She hears Damocles come padding back to them across the sand, hears his breathing and can infer the happy canine grin on his face. She certainly doesn't need any translation for the bump across her knees.

She rests her head against Richard's shoulder, breathing him in, more than content to stand here, listening to the waves as the night enfolds them.

Love you, Wolf.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

Love you, River, he answers back, nose still buried in her hair.

I love you, too, River! And you, sir!

Yes, Damocles, you too.

Silly needy puppies.