31} just like a needle in a haystack, another day when we run with the wolfpack...

[theresalwayshope]

{forward dated to tomorrow, because the mun is impatient. :P}

[ACCIDENTAL PUBLIC VIDEO]

[When the feed flickers to life, it shows an unconscious Allison Argent, head half-buried in her pillow. The arm she has flung out towards the camera, fingertips looming large in the shot, show that she's the culprit who activated the transmission: more likely than not, she roused just enough to roll over and, in a sleepy haze, shut off a nonexistent alarm, inadvertently flicking on her video feed.

The dead transmission continues on until it is interrupted...she may be asleep, but Allison Argent's coma is officially over.]

[OPEN SPAM]

[Allison is in a miserable mood by the time she finally showers and gets dressed, heading to the dining hall to eat. For a while, she walks the corridors of the ship, just to stretch her legs and really start to feel awake again, with stops to pick up Brownie and Duchess along the way.

Once Brownie has been walked, unwilling to separate from them just yet, Allison finally heads for the pub. The keys jingle in her hand with a sad, hollow sound.

She files in with Brownie on her heels, surveying the place with a sigh. She'd requested custody of the place just after she realized Duke was gone, then fallen into another stupid coma before she could take proper care of it.

She missed him...Jesus, she missed him.

Taking a deep breath, she walked over to slip behind the bar, setting Duchess down on the end with her bandanna, some hay, and one of her chew toys to amuse her. Ever the responsible "mother," Brownie planted herself to lay on the floor directly under Duchess's perch while Allison began to shuffle around, looking over the glasses, booze, and anything else Duke might have left behind.

It was her place now...she had to learn how to keep it running.]

Comments

[theresalwayshope]

I know you will. That's why I'm asking.

[She grins as she leans over to enfold Venus's hand with both of hers, just before impulsively leaning across the bar to drop a friendly kiss against her cheek.]

He loves you, too, y'know. Just thought I'd mention it, 'cause it'll take him forever to say it.

[no_tell_belle]

And I know I can trust you to do the same. [Allison's already proved she will. She's been looking out for Alexander since well before Venus arrived on the barge. For that alone, she would've earned Venus' respect, but she has grown fond of the young woman on her own merits, and she's touched by the kiss.

She shakes her head slightly, looking almost shy but it's not true shyness in her expression. It's that she still gets a little flutter in her chest whenever she remembers.]

As it turns out, not actually forever. [Admittedly the circumstances had been a bit extreme and maybe he wouldn't have said the words had emotions not been running high. But he did say them, and she knows he meant them.]

[theresalwayshope]

[Allison's eyes widen with a delighted little gasp. She shifts her grip on Venus's hand, clutching it giddily between hers and lifting it to press against her own chest...hugging her hand, basically.]

Omigod, he didn't! He said it, didn't he?! I knew it! I knew he had it in him! This is huge and awesome and...God, I'm either gonna shriek like a little kid meeting Mickey Mouse or cry happy. That is so totally badass.

[no_tell_belle]

He did.

[Venus is positively beaming because it is awesome. Not so much that he said the words though she's not about to pretend those are not powerful words. Maybe the most powerful words in the English language. It's that now she knows everything he's been through, she knows just how much courage it must've taken for him to allow himself to be that vulnerable again.]

I'm not sure how I got this lucky but trust me, I know what an amazing man he is and I know I am a very, very lucky woman.

[theresalwayshope]

He's as lucky as you are...God, y'know? Have you guys even had a proper date yet? Like, a real one? Going out, dinner and candlelight, or even just drinks?

[She suddenly gasps, eyes widening with a delighted smile as she releases Venus's hand to sweep her own hair off her face.]

Omigod, you two are going to have a date right here. I'll reserve the pub for just the two of you, clear everyone out, move aside some tables so there's room for dancing...this is the best idea I ever had. I may ask Lydia to help.

[Giddy teenage girl is giddy, Venus.]

[no_tell_belle]

Well, there was New Year's Eve.... [Which is nearly six months ago now. Life on the barge simply isn't geared toward formal dating. Alexander really isn't either. Most of the time, she doesn't mind. A nice date once in a while would be nice but they get to spend as much time together as they wish and that's what really matters.

She almost startles at Allison's gasp, thinking something bad was to follow. She relaxes with a laugh, however, when the young lady starts planning a date for them.]

You might want to get the okay from Alexander before you get too far in your plans. [She's not entirely serious. They both know there's little chance he would refuse a request from Allison. He might groan and grumble about it but it's damn near a certainty he'd give in.

Whether the date ever happens, however, she is genuinely touched. She knows very well how fortunate she is to be among people like Allison who don't even think to judge Alexander for being with Venus. She knows it would likely be much more difficult at home and she is grateful for the support he and their relationship have received.]

You really don't have to go to all that bother. I am grateful, however. Really, you have no idea how much it means to me.