The Library is open [2/27]

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker's still studying her script. And sometimes making notes. But she'll help you if you need it.

Comments

First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Grrrr.

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

It's early, but Archie is here and looking for books on model shipbuilding.

Possibly actual shipbuilding as well.

Re: First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Hey, Lieutenant." Parker's not entirely awake; in fact, her eyes are still half-lidded. "Need help?"

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"Parker," he says with a halfhearted smile, and a slight bow. "Thank you, I think I can find what I need, but I'll certainly place myself in your capable hands should it come to that."

Re: First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Sure." She yawned, then cocked an eyebrow at him. "Hey. Do you know much about learning to sail? I mean, if I had a sailboat, would you be able to teach me, and maybe a friend?"

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"I suppose," Archie replied slowly. "I'd have to familiarize myself with the craft first, of course. Doing the actual hands-on work is quite different from ordering others to do it, but the basic principles are, really, much the same."

Re: First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"If you're here this summer, and I am, and I can hire or buy a boat," Parker looked thoughtful, "I'd really like that. I know it's more modern than you're used to, but I have reasons to want to learn." She cocked her head. "Are you going into the navy again, when you graduate?"

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"My summer plans have not been finalized, but in the event we are both here, I would be pleased to help you with that."

He froze, caught off guard by the question. "I -- hadn't given it any thought, actually," Archie admitted. Since the answer was contingent on the unanswered question of whether or not he could actually go home after graduation, he couldn't give it. "It's likely, but not definite as of yet."

Re: First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Ah." Parker studied him carefully, then said, "If you're here, you could go to the Naval Academy after graduation. Hard to get into, but worth it, or so I've heard." She smiled. "But that's a ways off. Summer, sailing, swimming and silliness first. I just have to talk my father into letting me stay if there's a summer session." She grinned. "You haven't *lived* until you've seen modern swimsuits."

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

He couldn't help arching an eyebrow at that. "Yes, considering my only experience in the pool here involved people either fully clothed or thoroughly nude, I suppose I haven't. You would really stay, rather than go home for the summer?"

Re: First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"There's not much to do in Blue Cove." Parker looked away. "My father's usually busy during the summer-- business trips and board meetings-- so I've always ended up at camp. If he goes somewhere he can take me along, I might do that. But I think it would be more fun to stay here, where I have friends. The only two I have left in Blue Cove would be busy with their own stuff." She shrugged, then gave him a wicked smile. "Besides, I can't learn to sail there, can I?"

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"I suppose not, although a name like Blue Cove might be misleading," allowed Archie. "I just may be persuaded to stay for the summer, then. Educational purposes, and all."

He hesitated. "Not that I had anywhere else to go, really."

Re: First Period

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"It's too shallow, and too far inland for the bay to be much good for sailing, really. It's blue, but that's about it." Parker smiled, then sobered. "You wouldn't be able to go back to-- 17-whatever? I've never understood how the time-travel thing works for you guys. And my Little Brother is from 1057. It's one helluva commute for him."

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie hesitated, then smiled slowly. "I think . . . I've burned my bridges there, so to speak. In all honesty, I have no idea how exactly it was I got here, so unless something happens, I haven't a clue how to get back either."

He tilted his head. "Your Little Brother? Oh -- that redheaded fellow?"

Re: First Period

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Morning, Archie," Rory said as she walked in.

Yes, it's earlier than one might be used to seeing her up. That would explain the extra-large coffee and the dark half-moons beneath her eyes.

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie looked up from the list of Dewey Decimal numbers he'd scrawled on a piece of scratch paper. "Hello, Rory. I see you look about how I feel this morning."

Re: First Period

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I try," she remarked dryly. "How are you? I heard about, um, you and Jaye...."

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie did his best to keep his expression blank. "Oh," he replied in a tone that was mostly flat, with just a hint of annoyance. "Yes. That. Give me a day or two more, and I'm sure I'll be fine."

Re: First Period

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

Rory nodded with a slight smile. "Yeah, I don't know what happened between you guys, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm around." She gave a little shrug. "I might understand a little better than most people, anyway. And I'm good at the listening thing."

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie shrugged. "I'm not sure what happened either, nor am I sure how to react. I thought things were going well enough, and I was teasing her about what happened at the brothel last weekend, and it didn't appear to be a concern. But evidently it was, for her, and I suppose I can't fault her for that." He smiled faintly. "Still, I wasn't expecting it, and I don't react too well to being blindsided. As, er, my behavior last night might attest."

Re: First Period

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"Um, yes," Rory said, blushing a bit at the memory. And possibly scowling a little. "But yeah, being blindsided is horrible. I think Jaye's just kind of...capricious? Or, at least, I don't know what she wants. And I don't think she does, either."

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie nodded. "Yes, I understand that a little too well, and that's why I can't fault her. Which is a completely different thing from being comfortable around her at the moment, of course." He looked annoyed at this circumstance. "To be honest I hadn't exactly given much thought to where things were going between her and I in the first place, either."

He fiddled with the edges of the piece of paper in his hands and muttered, "I almost envy . . . never mind."

Re: First Period

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

Rory raised an eyebrow. "You almost envy...?" She shrugged, not pushing it. "I think that's kind of typical of people our age, personally. Which, naturally, doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt or feel weird or confusing."

Re: First Period

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"It just seems so uncomplicated for some people, but that could just be appearances." Archie shook his head. "The whole thing is a damned nuisance, if you ask me."

Re: First Period

[auroryborealis.livejournal.com]

"I don't think any good relationship is completely without its complications. I mean, we might not see the problems, but they're probably there," Rory offered. "And yeah, it's kind of a bother a lot of the time, but with the right person? All those complications are so worth it."