[001] audio;

[rule_britannia]

Well, this is just bloody brilliant.

Unless they’re lying. They could be lying. I don’t feel any different. I certainly don’t feel more sodding real than I did before… but this isn’t London. Magic, maybe? Could be. Maybe I’m dreaming. Pinching doesn’t work though so it must be one hell of a good---… Maybe I’m dead? Oh, bloody hell, what if I am dead? How the bloody fuck did that happen?!

No, no… Calm down, Arthur…

… Thinking about it, I suppose I should have expected it, if I’m honest, but who the bloody hell is going to entertain for a moment the idea that they’re fictional? The world’s always felt perfectly real to me and I… ah, bollocks… I’m not dealing with this very well...

...

I need a drink.

Comments

[lifewithoutrest]

Thank you.

I don't suppose you've already managed to find tea?

[rule_britannia]

Naturally. It was the first thing I looked for.

[lifewithoutrest]

Excellent. May I?

[She gestures toward the kitchen, more than willing to make it herself. Never mind the fact she seems perfectly content to come into his apartment and do as she wishes.]

[rule_britannia]

[He's a little taken aback by all that but it's something of a comfort to have someone around who seems to know what they're doing]

Ah.. by all means.

[lifewithoutrest]

[She smiles, heading toward the kitchen.]

You said you were from London?

[rule_britannia]

Mm, that's correct. I rather miss it already.

[Hands clasped behind his back, he follows]

And yourself?

[lifewithoutrest]

I'm from London, originally, but I haven't lived there in a number of years.

[She moves to gather what she needs, putting the water on.]

I visit when I can.

[rule_britannia]

Funny thing about London... It changes, but then it doesn't.

[lifewithoutrest]

Something I've found to be unfortunate as well as comforting.

[rule_britannia]

Unfortunate? You think so. I rather believe it keeps things exciting.

[lifewithoutrest]

Too many memories.

[rule_britannia]

... Believe me when I say I can entirely understand that.

[lifewithoutrest]

Yet you stayed.

[rule_britannia]

In London..? Of course I did. London has been my home for.. as long as I can recall. I have no reason to leave. My heart belongs to that city.

[lifewithoutrest]

It seems that is where our feelings differ. [She moves to finish the tea, thankful for the distraction.]

[rule_britannia]

If you'd lived there as long as I have, perhaps they wouldn't.

[He leans back against the counter, tapping his fingers lightly]

[lifewithoutrest]

I'm afraid I remained longer than I should have.

[rule_britannia]

I couldn't possibly pass judgement.

[lifewithoutrest]

Of course not. We each handle our ghosts differently.

[rule_britannia]

I shan't be so impolite as to ask a lady her age, but I'm rather getting the feeling that you're older than you appear.

[lifewithoutrest]

What gives you that impression, Mr. Kirkland?

[rule_britannia]

Call it a hunch.

[lifewithoutrest]

A very good one.

[rule_britannia]

We have something in common, then.

[lifewithoutrest]

[She's quiet a moment, but then she nods.] So it would seem.