09; A million spaces in the Earth to fill [but there's no going home]

[rude-not-ginger.livejournal.com]

[dysfunctional couples? They really have nothing on these two. Dysfunctional...well, sort-of selves. The one in the brown suit is sipping on a banana daquiri with a little umbrella in it (he'll be saving it for the little sunbathers on Tredronia as they need it more than he does)]

Right. So! Merging is supposedly quite complicated, or time consuming. Or both. Maybe. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me, either.

[The one in the more casual attire sips on a pint, giving his other self a look] Well, it has to be less complicated and time consuming than explaining to people on the streets why I'm talking to myself. You really do need to figure something out.

Why do I have to figure it out? You're me---with less sartorial taste, of course---but you've got to have some of my cleverness in that human brain of yours. [he may be surly because of the rum in the fruity drink]

I'm clever! Besides that, you've had a merger before, I haven't. So you need to figure something out. [gives him a look] And I'm sorry, but having exactly two suits isn't anyone's idea of taste.

They're nice suits. Besides, at least I know what I like. [scratches his sideburns] Well, I know it's got a bit to do with psychic wavelengths, creating some sort of a bond between the two realities.

I know what I like. Wearing more than two things is actually considered quite healthy by most people. [takes a sip of his drink] A bond between realities? How did you manage to do that before?

I don't know. It just sort of happened over time.

It just sort of happened? Like what, you woke up one day and bam, merged reality?

No, not that simple. It just took a bit of time, like a melting block of ice.

Really? A bit of time? Can't we just speed the process up, seeing as we're sort of the same? We should have some sort of psychic wavelength all ready, I would think.

We probably can. [takes a sip of his drink] I'm just not the sort of person who would know about that.

Lot of good, you are. [sighs] Right, well, what sort of person would know, then?

The Master.

Oh, you've got to be kidding. Really?

Not exactly the universe's greatest tutor, I think. We'll figure it out, though.

If he would be the sort to know, it can't be that difficult, right? I mean, there are two of us, after all.

We've got plenty of time, though. No need to rush things.

Comments

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

He wouldn't have asked if He didn't want to.

[takes a sip of his drink then looks back at her, trying to change the subject along with his tone]

Would you want something to drink?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[is he avoiding the topic, or avoiding her?]

That would be quite pleasant, thank you.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[offers a tight smile, happy for the change of subject, before moving behind the bar and examining the contents]

Right. So there seems to be a rather large amount of bottles back here.

[looks back at her]

So what'll it be?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I think I shall allow you to chose.

[because she finds herself fascinated by the choices he makes]

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[examines the bottles and glasses behind the bar]

How about...

[lets his eyes wander the bottles before settling on the wines. he turns around, holding up two bottles]

Pinot Noir? Or a Cabernet?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

The Cabernet, I think.

[she smiles briefly]

Do you like wine, then?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[looks around and finds a couple glasses and a cork screw]

It's not bad. A little bitter sometimes but -

[uncorks]

I still like it.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

It is complex, and not inclined to immediately reveal itself.

[she seems to be considering something]

I apologize if I gave the impression I do not wish you well with the merger. I do.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

Well, it sounds almost enigmatic. For a drink, at least.

[pours her a glass]

Don't apologize. Sorry if I seemed a bit edgy about the entire thing. It's all right for you to ask questions.

[looks at her thoughtfully]

Do you think it's a mistake?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she truly smiles]

The best ones are. Drinks, of course.

[she takes her glass and indulges in a sip]

I do not hold enough information to know if it is a mistake or an opportunity. What I do know is that it is a commitment on an escalated level.

You are only just making a life of your own. Are you so eager to bring others into it?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[smiles]

Of course.

[pensive]

Yeah, but it's a chance to travel again. In the TARDIS.

[quietly, his tone almost secretive]

I think I'd like traveling with Him, too. I'm not sure how much He'll like me being there but -

[hesitates, taking a sip of his drink and his tone going back to normal]

Either way, it's a moot point if we can't get it worked out.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

Is that what is most important? Traveling, and the TARDIS?

[there is no judgment in her voice, only curiosity]

You must know I understand. After all, you share his memories to an extent, yes? You must know I walked his mind. Saw things that I knew I would never have a chance to experience, places that I would never go.

With pictures so clear I swore I could smell them. Taste them. When I sleep, stories that are not my own still whisper back at me.

I do understand. Just as I understand his appeal as well.

But I have also been the one that waits.

I cannot wish that for you.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[his tone is private and quiet again]

It's almost all I know.

[nods and listens, taking in her words, understanding exactly what she's saying, because he's felt very nearly the same way]

I just - [stops, looking down at the bar then back at Reinette]

I can't not try. Wouldn't you try too, if you were me?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

There are many things worth knowing. Even the unknown.

[but then, quietly]

I would try. Yes, I would try.

Without hesitation.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

This is still the unknown. Me. And Him.

[looks at her and almost says something else, but instead taps the bar, then takes a sip of his drink, his tone back to normal as he studies his wine]

I hope this starts revealing itself soon. It seems a little better than before at least. I still haven't found the appeal yet, at least taste wise.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I wish you the best then.

[her mood seems to shift ven as she drinks more of the wine]

It is an acquired taste. But it is one of the few drinks that can be as complex as the people that favor it.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[looks at her]

Did I do something wrong?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

No.

[features soften slightly]

No, of course not.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

You sure?

[concerned]

If I did...well, I didn't mean to.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[there is a small, almost indulgent smile]

Can we agree that you did nothing wrong?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[makes a face, but nods]

All right, I suppose we can agree on that.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she finds herself laughing despite herself]

Your face truly masks nothing.

I do genuinely wish you well.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

It can mask things. Probably. I'm sure.

[smiles]

Thank you.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I cannot think of anything I have done that requires your gratitude.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

You wished me well.