< Not Fade Away | Hang Time | Morning After >
(This is the first part of a transcript-turned-fiction. It was not scripted. It was not outlined. It was purely improvised roleplay from start to finish.)
HANG TIME glides up to the roof of a high-rise building where DARK SCORPIA is standing.
HANG TIME
Boo.
DARK SCORPIA jumps.
DARK SCORPIA
Holy shit!
DARK SCORPIA
What happened?
DARK SCORPIA blinks several times
HANG TIME tries to change the subject. "This is the place you got? Kin mentioned it today."
DARK SCORPIA
Huh?
DARK SCORPIA reaches out to touch his chest
HANG TIME
Still here, so far.
DARK SCORPIA
How...?
HANG TIME sighs. "Fucked if I know."
DARK SCORPIA
Does it hurt?
HANG TIME shakes his head.
HANG TIME
Tingles. Kinda like your foots asleep, but not really bad.
DARK SCORPIA stifles a giggle
DARK SCORPIA
Sorry... just the word tingle for some reason just now...
HANG TIME
Well, I was gonna say 'prickles', but I didn't see that getting much further either.
HANG TIME grins a little.
DARK SCORPIA smirks
DARK SCORPIA
At least you're handling this well - or is that just the humor defense mechanism kicking in?
HANG TIME
I guess, cuz this pretty much sucks donkey ass.
HANG TIME moves to the edge of the building, looking down as the sounds of the Ghost Ship echo over the streets of Talos below. He watches it silently for several minutes.
HANG TIME
I wonder if they need a first mate.
DARK SCORPIA
Stop.
HANG TIME
I feel like I'm dying by inches. Or just... going away. You any good at goodbyes? I try to get em over quick. This crud isn't quick.
DARK SCORPIA
There must be someone who can help - scientists...experts of some kind.
HANG TIME
You know what, yeah, it's stupid -- I sound like some fucking teenage cutter.
DARK SCORPIA
And you're going way too fast for me. I'm trying to process here.
HANG TIME
Sorry... umm... yeah, Barometra's fiddling with stuff, I guess, or noodling at it.
DARK SCORPIA
Well, that's a good start
HANG TIME
And I figured out one thing that stops it...
HANG TIME jogs down to the end of the building and sets of a massive burst of energy.
DARK SCORPIA
Would you stop doing that! Wait... I can see you!
HANG TIME
Yeah. For a bit... it's...
HANG TIME fades back out. He seems to feel it, and his face falls.
DARK SCORPIA sighs, "This is what you were talking about on the com the other day..."
HANG TIME
I can't keep my energy levels down low enough to keep it from happening.
DARK SCORPIA
Maybe there's a way to siphon the excess off...
HANG TIME points at the scorch mark at the other end of the roof. "Pretty much all I have right now."
HANG TIME
But yeah. Maybe some kinda... cuff, or something ...hooked up the Talos Power Grid.
DARK SCORPIA
Damnit. I really don't know what to do, but I want to help.
HANG TIME
Okay, this moping is even annoying me. Tell me about your apartment, cuz Kin said I had to ask you.
HANG TIME
Nicer than mine? It's okay if it isn't. I know those standards are hard to reach for.
DARK SCORPIA smirks, chuckling a little, "Down five floors, follow me"
DARK SCORPIA leads him down to her balcony, and through the patio entrance.
HANG TIME
See, this is sweet. I have to come in through my kitchen window.
DARK SCORPIA
I find myself caring less about what good can come of it and more about you. You sound a little scared.
HANG TIME shakes his head.
HANG TIME
- Changing subject.* You need some of those huge bean bag chairs in here.
DARK SCORPIA
Um...no. No beanbag chairs
HANG TIME
Those really nice leather ones? You could leave the pricetags on.
DARK SCORPIA
No, Hang.
HANG TIME
Gettin' a TV? Just for movies?
DARK SCORPIA grins impishly, "No, I figure I'll just go back to your place if I feel the need for a movie."
HANG TIME
See the beanbags, they'd go up on this raised section, like a dais... and then you have a bowl of grapes and someone to feed them to you.
HANG TIME grins.
DARK SCORPIA laughs.
DARK SCORPIA
Who's gonna do that? Darktail?
HANG TIME
Hey, I only furnish the scene, you're in charge of casting. *wanders through the apartment*
DARK SCORPIA
My point was...*shakes her head*...how do I get into these conversations with you?
HANG TIME calls from a back guest room. "No room for a hot tub."
DARK SCORPIA
Master bathroom has a whirlpool roman tub.
DARK SCORPIA
Or...whatever the realtor called it
HANG TIME pauses in the little hallway.
HANG TIME
O Kaaaay?. Nice. I think I need to see it... for accuracy.
HANG TIME heads into the bathroom.
HANG TIME
- calls out* JESUS, it's bigger'n my kitchen.
DARK SCORPIA laughs.
HANG TIME
The hell you need a phone in here for?
DARK SCORPIA follows him into the bathroom
DARK SCORPIA
I don't know. It was already there.
HANG TIME nods.
DARK SCORPIA leans against the doorframe
HANG TIME
Oooh. Even has security buzzer.
HANG TIME
Hello? Guests? Come on up, I'm in the roman whirlpool soccer field.
DARK SCORPIA
Big difference between this place and that tiny hole in the wall in the Row, huh?
HANG TIME
Never saw that, but I have seen King's Row, so I'm going to put fifty bucks on, "Hell yes."
DARK SCORPIA
Oh wow, that's right. You haven't seen it.
DARK SCORPIA
Believe me when I say the entire apartment could fit in this living room.
HANG TIME wanders out to the living room.
DARK SCORPIA follows.
HANG TIME
Maybe one of those big sectional couches, so everyone can chill.
DARK SCORPIA
That's kind of the plan. I actually found this whole set today. It's being delivered tomorrow. Want a drink?
HANG TIME
DARK SCORPIA
I've got whiskey and water.
HANG TIME
Hey, always drink what the hostess offers. Or was that two options?
DARK SCORPIA
That was two options
HANG TIME
Well, let's make em into just one.
DARK SCORPIA
Heh. You got it.
DARK SCORPIA walks into the kitchen, "Luckily, Dark left me some glasses."
HANG TIME moves to the patio window.
HANG TIME
S'cool that your high up. Can't see the crud on the streets. Save it for work time.
DARK SCORPIA pours herself a whiskey and a whiskey with water for him, "And can't hear them either. Which means I can enjoy the sunsets in peace."
HANG TIME lays out on the carpet, with his knees drawn up.
DARK SCORPIA brings the glasses and bottle out and hands him his drink, then sits beside him.
HANG TIME does an easy half sit-up, drowns the drink, and eases back down, exhaling through clenched teeth.
HANG TIME
There was a story I read in college.
HANG TIME studies the light on the glass.
DARK SCORPIA takes a healthy sip of her own whiskey, wincing slightly at the familiar burn, listening to him talk
HANG TIME
Bout a guy who woke up one day, ... well, no, lemme back up.
HANG TIME
The guy dies.
DARK SCORPIA
You back up and he dies?
HANG TIME
Is reincarnated as a bottle of whiskey.
DARK SCORPIA
Oh!
HANG TIME
And he's kind of confused about the whole thing, cuz he wasn't a big drinker when he was a alive, and he doesn't know the guy that has him up on the shelf.
HANG TIME
But. Not like he can do anything about it. He just sits there and watches this guy's life.
DARK SCORPIA
Is his life at least interesting?
HANG TIME takes the bottle and pours, lying down, watching the glass fill from underneath.
HANG TIME
Well, it's going to hell, actually, so the guy .... he gets drunk out of the bottle-guy more and more.
DARK SCORPIA downs the remains of her whiskey
HANG TIME
and a funny thing happens.
HANG TIME sets the bottle down.
HANG TIME
as more of him -- the bottle, gets empty -- get clear -- he understands more about why the other guy's life is so screwed up.
HANG TIME
But with the liquid and the fire going away from him, he cares less.
HANG TIME
He starts out, not understanding anything, but full of a ... I guess a will?
DARK SCORPIA
refills her glass, "Why don't I see this going anywhere good?"
HANG TIME takes a drink, hisses.
HANG TIME
...and he ends up knowing a lot more, but barely even aware of what's going on.
DARK SCORPIA
Sounds like life though.
DARK SCORPIA
When you're young, you're full of energy and drive, but you're damned near stupid in your ignorance
HANG TIME
Yeah, I suppose when it's boiled down like that, that's a whole person's life, just compressed.
DARK SCORPIA shrugs, "I could be wrong"
HANG TIME
I doubt it.
HANG TIME finishes off the glass.
DARK SCORPIA
So what is it you're afraid of? That you are caring less?
HANG TIME
Not really.
DARK SCORPIA sips from her glass, not wanting to overdo it again
DARK SCORPIA
Ok then....?
HANG TIME
The guy in the story, he was fading away too, and he didn't even really care about that.
HANG TIME holds his hand up in front of his face, flipping it back and forth. "I'm afraid I'm gonna be an empty bottle."
DARK SCORPIA
But that guy was a bottle of whiskey in a story. You're a hero in real life. And you're not gonna be an empty bottle. I don't see that as any kind of probability.
HANG TIME sits up, staring at the ceiling, blank.
DARK SCORPIA
You're still here...just...hard to damned near impossible to see.
DARK SCORPIA puts her hand on his, "See? You're solid."
HANG TIME
Some day, you're going to say something. And I'm going to say something stupid back, and you're going to wack me on the arm, and you're going to miss. Except it won't be a miss.
HANG TIME
's voice is almost dreamy.
DARK SCORPIA shakes her head, "No. We'll find help."
HANG TIME nods.
DARK SCORPIA
Seriously. No one in the Phalanx is gonna let you just slip away from us.
HANG TIME
I like your place.
DARK SCORPIA looks around at the bare walls and empty space, "Almost seems a shame to fill it with furniture, doesn't it?"
HANG TIME
I like the space, but I think you ought to have lots of things hanging off the walls... lots of decorations and stuff. Fill the space. Me, I think I'd like to buy one of those boats with the cabins. I think that'd be nice.
DARK SCORPIA
Yeah? You wouldn't get tired of the way the floor is so unsteady beneath your feet?
HANG TIME
I don't think so. I guess I could test it out.
DARK SCORPIA
You could.
HANG TIME
I just like the idea of living in a small space, kinda, but surrounded by a lot of open.
HANG TIME
Like being in a hug. Annnd holy shit did that sound stupid.
HANG TIME taps a 'cheers' salute against the whiskey bottle.
DARK SCORPIA
I hadn't thought about it that way. No! It makes a kinda sense.
DARK SCORPIA
You want something cozy, but not cramped.
DARK SCORPIA
This...
DARK SCORPIA indicates the apartment with a swirl of her hand the apartment in general.
DARK SCORPIA
This is my fresh start.
HANG TIME
This is going to be so you.
DARK SCORPIA grins.
HANG TIME pushes himself up and walks over to the Patio window.
HANG TIME
Hmm.
DARK SCORPIA
What?
HANG TIME
I think, with my imaginary boat, I could dock right out there.
HANG TIME
Get a good telephoto lens... something with a night scope.
DARK SCORPIA pops him playfully on the shoulder
HANG TIME
Or, you know, maybe I'll just wave.
DARK SCORPIA
Or you could stop by
HANG TIME
I'd like that.
DARK SCORPIA grins, "Great flying space out here."
HANG TIME
Yeah. I love this place.
HANG TIME
You need help with the stuff you ordered? Moving?
DARK SCORPIA
No, I'm having it delivered by the stores over the next couple of days.
DARK SCORPIA
You really think it's me? All this light and sunshine?
DARK SCORPIA smiles a little, looking back toward the interior of the apartment.
HANG TIME
I think you're --
DARK SCORPIA looks over at him expectantly, obviously waiting for him to finish his thought.
HANG TIME
I think you're going to ... you know, gardens can be kind of dark and hazy and full of things that aren't really shiny. But they're all about sunlight, and they're happy places.
DARK SCORPIA nods, her smile widening a little, "That's a pretty cool way to put it."
DARK SCORPIA
Sooo...what do you think of throwing a huge house party here?
HANG TIME
Oh. that's a really good idea.
[Super Group?]Zepher-Storm: hmm, where should I look for Warriors here in Talos?
HANG TIME
west of the tram, Z.
HANG TIME fumbles with his comm.
[Super Group?] HANG TIME: West of the tram, Zepher.
DARK SCORPIA chuckles a little, "No more whiskey for you."
HANG TIME
Yeah, like I don't do that crap when I'm sober.
DARK SCORPIA
I was trying to let you off the hook there
HANG TIME
Okay. Listen. I need to ... go. Actually.
DARK SCORPIA blinks. "What?"
HANG TIME
Someone radioed and asked if I could come help em out, and I told em to wait cuz I was here, and so I was going to go help them. What did you think I meant? OH! No. Just go. Not *go* go. Not empty whiskey bottle go.
DARK SCORPIA
Oh. I wasn't sure. I mean... I was kinda liking sitting and talking. But if someone needs you, by all means, go. Want back-up?
HANG TIME
... You know what? Hang on.
DARK SCORPIA
Ok.
HANG TIME murmurs over the comm. Finally:
HANG TIME
- quietly* Okay, I'll talk to you soon.
DARK SCORPIA
So?
HANG TIME flops back on the floor. "Rain checked. You can't have me help move furniture saturday night. Cuz I'm spoken for in a freak-smashing."
DARK SCORPIA chuckles, sitting down nearby and snagging her glass, "Cool."
DARK SCORPIA empties her glass, looking at him as much as she can manage in his present state.
DARK SCORPIA
I need to talk to you.
HANG TIME (ruminatively)
You need to talk to me.
DARK SCORPIA nods, pouring herself another drink
HANG TIME holds out the glass.
DARK SCORPIA refills his glass while she's at it.
HANG TIME
Danke shoen.
DARK SCORPIA
Yeah, I do.
DARK SCORPIA
I'm just not sure I want to put anything else on you with your current problem.
HANG TIME
Jesus. Distract me.
DARK SCORPIA chuckles, "Well, when you put it _that_ way..."
DARK SCORPIA takes a healthy drink of her whiskey and nods, obviously wool-gathering a bit
DARK SCORPIA
Ok...this whole fresh start thing. I want it with my friends too.
DARK SCORPIA
So, bear with me while a put a few facts out there...
HANG TIME nods and takes a sip.
DARK SCORPIA
I'm not from this dimension. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it to you in passing.
HANG TIME
Yeah. like when I was thinking you did magical stuff, cuz of the gates... and you explained all that.
HANG TIME
Jesus, I think that's when I met you?
DARK SCORPIA
No, we met before that.
DARK SCORPIA
Early on, actually, I tagged along on a couple of missions with you and....*bites her lower lip, trying to remember* Hell, I can't remember who else.
HANG TIME
I tend to overshadow others. It's a failing.
HANG TIME looks at his faded arm. "Clearly, I'm working on it."
DARK SCORPIA smirks.
HANG TIME
"Clearly." Shit, that's funny.
DARK SCORPIA shakes her head a little. "Yeah, it's funny."
HANG TIME
So, you're from another dimension.
DARK SCORPIA
Yeah...another dimension. Ran away from home basically.
HANG TIME
Huh. Never did that.
DARK SCORPIA
Secret identity is... was... incredibly important to me because I didn't want to be found.
HANG TIME
You think someone's lookin' for you?
DARK SCORPIA
I know they're looking for me.
DARK SCORPIA
A couple of months ago, they nearly found me.
HANG TIME
Okay.
DARK SCORPIA
I was in this lab trying to stop a bunch of Sky Raiders from stealing some technology when a portal started to open next to me.
HANG TIME
So that's why you don't give people you're name. That's cool. I get that.
DARK SCORPIA
Right. It's why I avoid pictures too.
HANG TIME
Ohhhh. Huh. One mystery solved.
DARK SCORPIA
Mysterious worked for me, because I wanted to be impossible to find.
DARK SCORPIA empties the contents of her glass quickly
HANG TIME
You know. I read a lot. I notice you're using the past tense a WHOLE bunch.
DARK SCORPIA nods.
DARK SCORPIA
I got so used to hiding, I think I kinda let myself get a little lost.
DARK SCORPIA looks around at the apartment again, "So when I say this is a fresh start... I really mean it. I want to change a couple of things.
HANG TIME nods and refills her glass a bit. Takes a sip of his.
DARK SCORPIA
So, I'm starting with my friends. That includes you, by the way.
DARK SCORPIA
Anyway... I still probably should be Scorpia to the rest of the world, but to my friends, I just want to be me - whoever that turns out to be."
HANG TIME
So... whose apartment am I in? I want to know for when I have to file the flying accident report.
DARK SCORPIA
Sabrina's. The flying accident?
HANG TIME
The one I'll have trying to get home.
DARK SCORPIA giggles
HANG TIME smiles. A big genuine smile.
HANG TIME
Sabrina. I like that.
HANG TIME
Sabrina, I'm Jason. ... I'm pleased to meet you, and if anyone tries to take you away, I will rip their goddamn arms off. Deal?
HANG TIME rolls sideways and extends his hand.
SABRINA looks kind of relieved and smiles genuinely as she takes his hand and shakes it, "Jason. Very cool. Much better than Hang."
JASON
Sometimes, yeah.
SABRINA runs a hand through her hair, half-grinning, "Also, you win the award for coolest reaction to that story."
JASON grins.
SABRINA
So, you get it? The whole fresh start thing?
JASON
I get it. I get what you've told me, anyway. I'm not much good for figuring out subtext; with me subtext is pretty much just... text.
SABRINA
Well, if you want clarification, I'll give it to you, but it'd be easier for me to answer direct questions rather than bore you with all the details.
JASON
Okay, you kind of ask if I get this fresh start thing in a way that makes me think I missed something besides you coming out of the phone booth to me. Like "this is my name, but it also means in secret code that I'M A MAN," or something, except I missed the second part.
SABRINA chuckles, "No, I just wanted to make sure it made sense - or maybe I was hoping for... ok, maybe there is subtext. Damn."
SABRINA looks down at her drink
JASON
Whatever you were hoping for from me, I'm betting it's there, so tell me and I can tell you.
SABRINA
I think it's important to me what you think. I know you've seen me on an off day or two, and I was hoping this would reflect on that as why I was having such a rough time.
SABRINA
Aside from the whole getting over bad break-ups thing.
JASON
Okay, two things.
SABRINA
Shoot
JASON
One, about what you said. Yes, that explains a little about the things you mentioned.
SABRINA
And two?
JASON
Two, about me.
JASON
I will never ask for explanations: if you're worth the time, you just are. So I'm glad you told me, but never feel like you need to tell me. I'm on your side anyway.
SABRINA smiles, her expression softening, and nods, "Okay. Thanks. I like that. Feels good - though still a little odd, I'll admit - to have a friend like you."
JASON
Sounds like there's a Disney song in there somewhere.
SABRINA looks at him like he's nuts and takes another drink
JASON
- casual* You know, I don't think I'm particularly unusual with how I treat my friends; I just think you've been fucked for luck in that department.
JASON blinks.
SABRINA
You're not. I was ---- Huh?
JASON
Shit. That was a hell of a way to say that.
SABRINA
Maybe. I'd just like to know what you mean by it.
JASON proceeds more methodically, speaking clearly. "I think that you deserve to surround yourself with people who are real friends. And I don't think you've had that chance so far, at least not much. And I think that sucks for you... Because you think I'm notable for saying that stuff before. And I don't think I am.
SABRINA
I never allowed it before. And I was thinking more of you as an example, not the only one. Though, like I said, you had the coolest reaction.
Honestly, the Phalanx feels like a family to me now. Granted, a somewhat dysfunctional, sex-crazed family at times, but a family none-the-less.
JASON
Sex-crazed? Mention 'house warming' and 'roman bath' -- watch the dial hit eleven.
SABRINA laughs.
HANG TIME smiles around his drink.
SABRINA
Should be fun, huh?
JASON
I think it's the best idea I've heard in awhile.
SABRINA nods, looking toward the balcony again, "Time to let my friends in, I think."
JASON
You make me feel lucky.
JASON takes a drink. Fails. Notices that his is the empty glass, lies back.
SABRINA
How do I make you feel lucky?
SABRINA is totally baffled by the statement
JASON waves his hand aimlessly at the ceiling. "Well, I'm on a list. Someone I like put me on it. It's nice.
SABRINA laughs, "How could you _not_ be on my list?"
JASON
People forget.
JASON drops his hands onto his chest. His fingers drum a little rhythm.
JASON
People forget.
SABRINA
Well, I don't.
JASON nods.
SABRINA
I don't forget the people I know I can rely on and that I want the best for.
JASON
You're cool like that -- you always remember people.
SABRINA smirks, "Only the ones that matter..."
JASON reaches over to pat her on the arm, misses, and goes wide-eyed for a second. He looks at Sabrina, and reaches out to grab her arm.
SABRINA grabs his arm
JASON exhales.
JASON
Sorry.
SABRINA smiles, "You're not going anywhere if I can help it."
JASON
Thanks. *drops back down, arm over eyes* I just thought it'd happened.
SABRINA finishes her drink and lays down on the floor, stomach down, feet up and crossed at the ankles, propping herself up on her elbows.
HANG TIME glances over. "Sorry, I'm being kinda king rat about this vanishing thing".
SABRINA
You have every right to be. I'm kinda scared for you, so I imagine how scared you must be.
JASON
SABRINA
looks at him a little worriedly, "And I vented to you the other day about how frustrated I was with everyone checking in on me, so it's not like you can't vent to me.
JASON
I'm reversing. I don't know if this counts as venting, cuz I don't really do that, but that's what I'm thinking.
SABRINA
What do you mean? I think something's wonky, but it can't be impossible to fix.
JASON
Before all this, I was fine, but... I was just sort of not... here. Like "oh, hey, it's HANG TIME -- cool... now what were we talking about?"
JASON
I loved the fun of it, but I didn't feel like I was really ... I dunno. Like I was spending time in house I really liked, but only because I knew a kid that lived there. I was just visiting. It wasn't my house.
SABRINA
Well, honestly, on my part at least, I was dealing with some heavy shit back when I joined the Phalanx. And when you would come on the com, I think I felt like you were too far beyond me. I was the newbie and you were the seasoned vet.
JASON
I'm the seasoned vet. Heh. that's funny.
SABRINA grins, embarrassed, "Well, you were in my eyes. And I didn't know how to ask for help."
JASON
I mean, I would meet people, and I'd really like them, and they'd just... leave.
SABRINA
I'm sorry.
JASON
They're around... they just... I dunno, I just don't see them anymore, or... and here's some poetry, they didn't see me.
JASON
And just lately, that was changing. Is changing. But while that's getting better, this happens... Reversing. Flipping. That's what I meant.
SABRINA
You're becoming invisible physically, right when you were feeling comfortable. Is it possible it's partially psychological?
JASON
I don't know how it could be -- it's not like I'm complicated. I'm like... the kung fu master of the single entendre. I think it might just be horrible friggin' irony.
SABRINA
Ok, but you're also talking about a change in the way you perceived the way others looked at you.
JASON turns on his side and props his head on his hand, to pay attention.
JASON
Yeah. There's that.
SABRINA puts her hand on his shoulder for a moment.
JASON
Still there.
SABRINA
I wasn't checking. I'm reassuring. This is workable. We just have to figure it out.
JASON
I'm used to just pointing at stuff and knocking the hell out of it. If I'm doing this... even partly doing it -- it's not something I would have thought I could do.
SABRINA
If you could gain control of it... Damn, you'd be scary.
JASON
Heh. I'd be happy just shutting it off, actually, Off and on... that would be even better, but I'll take just... off.
SABRINA grins, pulling her hand back help prop her head and shoulders up, slowly kicking her feet back and forth.
JASON
SABRINA
So, why don't we try that? I mean, you should definitely still pursue an answer scientific--- What?
JASON
You looked happy. I was just checking.
SABRINA
I am happy. Looks weird on me, doesn't it?
JASON
It looks good on you.
SABRINA grins impishly, "How good?"
JASON
It looks good on everyone, but on you it's like sunshine at Abergavenny.
SABRINA
Abergavenny?
JASON
A town in Wales. Really green.
JASON
Rains a lot. Looks really nice when the suns out.
SABRINA nods, actually able to picture something like this in her head - which worries her a little - and blushes slightly, "Wow. That's the second time tonight..."
JASON
's eyelids dip just a second, half-mast, either from a thought or tiredness.
JASON
What is?
SABRINA
That you've compared me to something botanical and... pretty?
JASON
Technically, the first time was your apartment, I think.
SABRINA
Ah, but it was the apartment in the context of how it suited me.
JASON
Point. And you act like no one says your pretty. Everyone says that.
SABRINA
They say it in meaningless flirtation, not by way of a serious compliment.
JASON
Huh. Well, I'm glad I did it twice, then.
SABRINA gives a lop-sided grin, "Yeah, I know I'm pretty, but to be told I'm pretty sincerely still makes me feel good. It'd be like me telling you that I like having you at my back in a fight, because I can count on you."
JASON
Always.
SABRINA
It's nice to hear.
JASON
Well, I'm can talk better around some people than others -- you get poet-me.
SABRINA
I think I like poet you.
JASON
Whiskey-poet me. Dylan Thomas Jason. I'll see if I'm the same tomorrow.
SABRINA giggles. "I'll take what I can get. In my experience, a little inebriation makes for a little extra honesty."
JASON
Yeah?
SABRINA nods.
JASON
You think I've said anything I wouldn't normally?
SABRINA
I don't know. First time you've said some of these things.
JASON
- grin* I think you just asked things you might not have.
SABRINA
Oh really?
JASON
SABRINA
Ok, you don't want to go down this road with me. I'm not nearly as drunk as you are.
JASON
We're on a road? I didn't know I went on a road. I was just talking and suddenly I picked a road.
SABRINA laughs.
JASON
Oh, you mean the "ask me and see what I say" road?
SABRINA
Yeah
JASON
See, I caught up.
SABRINA giggles.
JASON
Well, don't get me wrong, I'm still *editing* -- I just don't lie.
SABRINA
Neither do I - even sober. If I don't want to answer honestly, I just don't answer. Believe it or not, after seven years on the run, I still suck at lying.
JASON
After seven years in Paragon, I still can't find a *date*. I win.
SABRINA
You're shitting me.
JASON
Not unless beating up Freakshow with someone allegedly female under the body armor counts.
SABRINA chuckles
SABRINA
I'd date you if I was--- Wait, when was the last time you actually asked someone on a date?
JASON
Huh.
JASON thinks.
JASON
Before the accident. One of the girls at a place I did bike couriers trips to.
SABRINA
So you can't get a date, but you haven't tried to get a date?
JASON
I've sorta been busy. And everybody cool kinda transfers away. Cept you. Didn't mean you weren't cool.
SABRINA
Yeah. First thinking of yourself as invisible, then actually becoming invisible.
JASON
...
SABRINA
So name one woman you'd like to date.
JASON
Oh.. now. Now... that's a very bad idea.
SABRINA
There certainly seem to be quite a few around who aren't attached.
SABRINA
Oh come on.
JASON
You'd want to *do* something about it. And then I'd have to commit seppuku out of damn embarrassment.
SABRINA
Nope. I'm not gonna do a damned thing. You are. Now just play along for a minute. One woman you'd like to date.
JASON
I'm trying to think of something to distract you with, and I can't.
SABRINA grins. "Jason, quit stalling."
JASON
How ridiculous can it be?
SABRINA
No, it has to be honest.
JASON
Oh it is honest, it's just ridiculous.
SABRINA
What is?
JASON
...
SABRINA
Damnit! Just say a name!
JASON
B. Barometra. There.
SABRINA
Ok. So why haven't you asked her out on a date.
JASON
Why? You see this?
JASON sticks out his tongue.
JASON
Thith... I can't FIND this when I talk to her. It leaves. Deeeeparts. Ghandi.
SABRINA
I'd date you.
JASON
Sure.
SABRINA
I would! Of course, that's probably not saying much considering my track record thus far...
JASON
I really. REALLY... REALLY appreciate you saying that.
SABRINA
Don't you dare suggest I'd say something like that out of pity
JASON kinda turns his face into the palm of the hand that his head/s resting on.
JASON
SABRINA
Good. Cuz I'd have to hurt you.
JASON
... and my center line is wide open.
SABRINA
Bad enough my love life is the disaster it is. Don't bruise my -- center line?
JASON draws a line with his finger from his forehead to his knees. "All the places to really hurt someone are on the centerline. I was reading about it."
SABRINA
Oh. Gotcha. That's right, bub.
JASON
I'm... this is yet another road I missed.
SABRINA
Which road would that be?
JASON
The road of discussing dates. And... I didn't mean you that you meant anything by what you said, but... if you look at the order of the conversation... it sounded like reassurance for talking to B.
SABRINA
It was. You can't claim that you can't get a date if you've never tried. If you really want to date her, of course.
JASON
I think it would be the most horrendous thing ever, in the history of dating. Ever.
SABRINA
Why?
JASON points at his tongue. "I. Can't. Talk. To. Her. With you, I migh occasionally be a dufus.
SABRINA smirks, "You're not a dufus."
JASON
Around her, I'm... Gilligan. I would beat the hell out of me and take my own lunch money.
SABRINA
So you've got the hots for her but bad, huh?
JASON
I guess. It's different for different people.
SABRINA
How do you mean?
JASON
I don't get stupid around everyone cool.
SABRINA
I don't get that. You _are_ cool.
JASON
Umm... lemme rephrase, and thank you again.
SABRINA flutters her eyelashes, "You're welcome"
JASON
I obviously don't turn into a blithering moron around everyone I've "got the hots for, but bad." God... How can you say that and it sounds funny and I sound like Revenge of the Nerds. Whiskey, please. Just a dram.
SABRINA
- blinks* You've got the hots for me?
SABRINA hands him the bottle.
JASON pours a drink, staring fixedly at the glass.
JASON
You are a very attractive person with many fine qualities.
JASON knocks the drink back, grimaces, and sets the glass aside, keeping the bottle.
SABRINA grins wickedly, sounding pleasantly surprised, "You've got the hots for me!"
JASON
Okay, that phrase is getting old. Does my face look red when it's transparent?
SABRINA
Yep
JASON
Do you have your kitchen utensils here yet? Any sharp knives?
SABRINA
Nope
JASON
Damn.
SABRINA takes the bottle from him and takes a drink, then hands it back
JASON
There are many attractive people... that I know.. who are very cool. It's not like there's pining going on.
JASON takes a looooong drink.
SABRINA
You like me! That's so cool!
JASON
- deadpan* The liking is fading, I think.
SABRINA
Bummer. I was gonna ask you out...
SABRINA takes the bottle back and take another sip, then hands it back
JASON
- rolls back on his back* Stop.
SABRINA
What?
JASON props up on his elbows to consider the bottle, but sets it aside and rolls to face Sabrina.
JASON
Mmm. That was my legal limit.
SABRINA
What was?
JASON
That last slurp. Drink. Large drink. Anyway.
SABRINA crawls toward him a little to pat him on the head, "Need to pass out now?"
JASON
I'm pretty sure I'm dreaming this, so that's probably best. Because this thing...
SABRINA
What thing?
JASON
Where you're talking to me like a person.
JASON
Wow, that sounded weird. I didn't mean that bad.
JASON considers what he needs to say.
SABRINA
Jason, part of being seen is looking at the people around me and seeing them. Or didn't you get that earlier?
JASON
You ever feel like most every conversation's a play? Like you're acting?
SABRINA
Yes.
JASON
Well, this talk hasn't been like that, and that... that's really okay. I mean it's REALLY okay... not... "I'm on the 11th step of the 12-step Program, and I'm okay with that." It feels *good*. I'm sorta tired of being Falstaff all the time.
SABRINA smiles, nodding, "Kinda nice to just be genuine for a bit?"
JASON
Kinda nice look at a face that's not waiting for me to say something funny. I mean... it's fun to crack wise. Just... you know... not all the time. *looks up, meeting her eyes* Sometimes shit is serious.
SABRINA
I know.
SABRINA tentatively reaches over and slips a couple of fingers through his hair just behind his ear, "Thanks for that."
JASON closes his eyes. Doesn't move, just seems to soak in the contact.
JASON
SABRINA
For making me feel like I know you a little better. For...just hanging out here with me. For making me feel so comfortable in my own skin. I don't know. Pick one or pick them all.
SABRINA continues to gently play with his hair, leaning her head on her free hand and watching him
JASON
Well, I pick 'all', and you should probably stop that pretty soon.
SABRINA
Why?
JASON
I don't want to be an "Oh what the hell just happened" in a minute.
SABRINA
You really think you'd be saying that?
JASON chokes through a disbelieving laugh.
JASON
Umm... No.
SABRINA continues to slip her fingers through his hair, a soft smile on her face
SABRINA
No worries then
JASON
Yeah?
SABRINA
Yeah
JASON
Hmm.
JASON tips himself forward on his arm, until the air between them is shared.
JASON
SABRINA blushes, nodding just a little, whispering, "More than okay"
JASON
Okay...
JASON leans in and gives her a simple, gentle kiss. The word might be 'restrained', filled with weeks of held-up momentum that can be palpably felt.
JASON breaks the kiss and leans his forehead against Sabrina's, his breathing heavier.
SABRINA meets his lips with a gentle pressure, feeling herself flush as he pulls back from her, her own breath a little heavier. She swallows, her eyes slipping closed as she leans forward to kiss him again, her hand sliding to the back of his head to pull him into a deeper kiss
JASON makes a sound his throat... chest... the sound of something being released. He pulls himself half around to free his hands and cup her face, like a man holding something precious.
JASON fades back into view -- visible for the first time in days.?
JASON breaks the kiss, pulling in air... blinks...
JASON
Whoa. Can you --
SABRINA
I can see you.
< Not Fade Away | Hang Time | Morning After >
