reconnaissance | ic contact.

That's a question and a half.

( But really, though. )

I've been worse. ( More softly, considering Ahiru for a few moments. ) I reckon you've probably heard all the shit that went down this end. What's been going on with you, Ahiru?

Yeah, I've heard. I just... I know there's probably nothing, not now, but if there's anything I could do to help you, I'd like to.

[She pauses for just a moment.]

Mm, I've been fine. It sounds like everyone here went through a lot more than I did, so it's you guys I'm more worried about.

It hasn't all been bad stuff. ( There's been good patches, here and there. Some crazy, complicated ones, too. Ellie maybe just seems a little more tired, than before. A little less fiery and angry? It'd be a joke to say she can't still get there, but she's a little less volatile.

A little shrug. ) Having people around is good. I'm glad you're back.

( Look at her, getting all sentimental. ) We're tough, yeah? It's good you managed to miss some of the rough stuff.

[Her expression lightens a bit, though she's still grim, and she leans forward.]

Yeah? Tell me some of the good stuff. I mean, if you want.

[And then she sighs, looking down.]

Mm, I guess it's good, but... I wish there was something I could have done to help.

Uh.

( Okay. Sure. A sidelong glance at Ahiru. ) We've got a rocket ship. Did you leave before you say that? And uh, I'm dating someone?

( More quietly, like it can just be casually overlooked. That's good... right? )

It's better you were safe. I mean, I was here, and I just wound up lying around. ( A shrug. It sucks, she hates that she was so useless, but she's dealing with it. )

Wait - you're dating someone? Who is it?

[Everything else is important and she'll probably get to it next, but priorities.]

( trust Ahiru to focus on that. Ellie scoffs quietly, shaking her head. )

You met Steph?

Um, no, I don't think so! You have to tell me everything, though. How long have you been together?

Huh, all right. Uh, not long. A few days, I guess.

( If you want to be technical about it. She rolls her eyes at herself - this is ridiculous. ) She's basically the most annoying person you could ever imagine.

( But she says that super fondly, fyi. ) You know when people just kinda make things better by being there?

( Yeah shut up she is sentimental sometimes. )

Yeah, I know what you're talking about. Can I meet her? I'd like to meet her! She sounds nice.

[Despite the whole annoying part.]

Yeah, if you want. You should come over for dinner, or something.

( like grown ups do!!! )

I think you'd like her. ( ~~because you're both annoying~~ no jk jk )

Freakishly tall, though.

I bet I will! What's she like?

How tall is freakish?

Funny. And uh, street smart, you know? She's the kinda person you can always count on to have your back. I mean, she can be pretty down on herself, but she's probably the best person I've met here.

( stop Ellie you're being gross.)

About this much? ( gesturing, showing Steph at about six inches taller than herself. Actually, El is just short.)

So how did you guys meet?

[never letting go of this topic ever, sry ellie]

That's pretty tall! But I've met taller.

( oh god )

We met on my first day here, actually. She gave me a sandwich. ( a wistful sigh, and then a wicked grin.) Food really is the way to my heart, I guess.

( Ellie pls ) I don't suppose you got any hot goss' for me too, huh?

That's sweet! So you've known each other for a while.

[She pauses.]

Nothing new, I don't think! I've told you about my boyfriend already, haven't I?

It's not sweet. ( Ew, no. She's scrunching her nose a little, because gross, Ahiru, even if she is sort of grinning a little. She likes Steph a lot, okay. ) But yeah, a few months. We're actually living in the same flat these days, too.

( And she occasionally wonders if that's a good idea, but she tries not to worry about it too much. )

Uh. Probably, but it's been a while so you should tell me again. Update me, or whatever.

( A beat, and then-- ) Hey, you want some tea or something?

Oh, she lives with you? I bet that's really convenient.

[She pauses, running a hand through her hair. Bringing him up was probably a bad idea. It's been less than a day that they've been apart, but that means that it's finally starting to seem real, and the ache is fresh. She's not about to voice any of this, though, not when Ellie is telling her these new and exciting things. She doesn't want to turn the conversation from good news.]

No real updates! We were doing really well. Tea sounds good, though! What kind do you have?

Convenient?

( Wow, excuse her, but her mind just fell directly into the gutter, and her eyebrows are raising just a little incredulously. ) Convenient for what, Ahiru?

( Could it be Ellie is teasing her? Is that a thing that could be happening?

Okay, seriously Ahiru, a lot has happened. )

Heaps good. ( But a pause. ) Hey, sorry you got split up again, then. That's pretty shit.

( More gently, before she's moving back to the tea: ) Few kinds. Come on. ( She shall lead the way! )

[And that goes right over her head, oops.]

If you want to go out or something, you can organize it more easily if you're here together, right?

[She shakes her head at Ellie's next words, though.]

No, the last thing I'd want is him to be stuck somewhere like here.

[And then she's following after Ellie, moving past that topic.]

( A snort. Oh, Ahiru. Never change. )

Yeah. It does mean that. ( It also means a gross amount of cuddling but whatever let's not go there.

She's curious about that, offering Ahiru a smile that she hopes is comforting over her shoulder. ) You'll just have to make do with us lot, hey?

( Take a seat, Duckie, she's going to dig through teabags. ) Okay, black tea, peppermint, some-- I dunno, other herb stuff. Chamomile.

You don't have to say that like it's a bad thing. I'd say it's a pretty good group of people to be stuck with on the whole.

[She grins, thinking for a moment.]

Peppermint sounds good! Thank you.

'On the whole?' So what, now you're saying we're not fun to be around all the time, huh?

( She's in a good mood because Devil's Advocate. Nothing cheers Ellie so much as a random argument and an unsuspecting victim. )

Don't thank me yet. ( A bit dramatic, considering it's tea, and she lifts the kettle to make sure it has plenty of water before flicking the switch. )

No, I mean that most of the Transports are really good people!

[She laughs, shaking her head.]

It's pretty hard to ruin tea. Besides, I trust you!

Sure, sure. That's what you mean.

( She's having too much fun being obnoxi-- oh wait. She's Ellie, of course that's what she;s doing. )

So. What are your plans now you're back?

ic contact.

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STORMS BACK IN HERE WITH THE FIRE OF A THOUSAND ELLIES

AW YEAH

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