Breakfast at Milliways

[go-between.livejournal.com]

Richard runs in through the front door, dashes behind the bar, and ties on his apron. It had taken him a couple of hours to persuade Armand to let go this morning.

"What'll it be?"

Comments

[youalleverybody.livejournal.com]

At some point, Liam makes his way over to the bar. He's not hungry, but he wants to talk to Richard.

"Hey."

[go-between.livejournal.com]

"Morning, Liam. Want any tea or coffee?"

[youalleverybody.livejournal.com]

"Coffee. Please."

[go-between.livejournal.com]

He pours a mug and sets out cream and sugar.

"Get any sleep yet?"

[youalleverybody.livejournal.com]

Liam opts to drink it black.

"Not yet. I can't."

[go-between.livejournal.com]

"You should try to. Maybe lay down on the couch with a book?"

[youalleverybody.livejournal.com]

"Maybe."

He doesn't say he's afraid of dreams.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

"Want to try some breakfast?"

[youalleverybody.livejournal.com]

He shakes his head slightly.

"Not hungry."

[go-between.livejournal.com]

Richard frowns but says nothing. Liam's a grown man, it wouldn't do to push.

"All right. But let me know if you need anything."

[youalleverybody.livejournal.com]

"I will." He hesitates, wanting to bring up the idea of going to get Charlie, but not sure how to.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

"Listen, I'm going to have to go back to London for a day or two. Just wanted to let you know."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*Bernard sits at the Bar and sends off a letter. Then he turns to Richard, looking like hell.*

Hey, Richard.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

Good morning, Bernard. Can I get you something?

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He lights a cigarette, and when he speaks his voice is rough*

Coffee. Lots of coffee.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

*pours a large mug of coffee and sets out cream and sugar*

Rough night?

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*Bernard laughs, just a little hysterically.*

You could say that.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

*takes a small step back*

I don't think anyone's having a good time right now.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

No.

*He sips his coffee, pleased to see that his hands only shake a little.*

I was sorry to hear about Charlie.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

*nods*

So was I. I'll miss him terribly.

*he takes a deep breath*

Listen, I'm taking Bartleby to London for a day or two. There's something he wants to do there, and I don't have the heart to tell him no.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*Bernard nods*

That's fine. You do what you have to do, Richard.

*He passes a hand over his eyes.*

Why does it seem like everything always goes wrong at once around here?

[go-between.livejournal.com]

So we can have those nice, long peaceful stretches before the Fates remember to gang up on us again.

*finds glasses to clean*

Thank you for letting us go. I'll try not to be long, but time runs funny there.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Don't mention it.

I figure those of us who can leave ought to be able to when they need to.

[go-between.livejournal.com]

Are you Bound?

[mailorderjunkie.livejournal.com]

A very large snake slithers behind the counter and curls around Richard's leg.

Hello, Richard. Is there anything I can do?

He didn't know Charlie, but he knows of Charlie...and Richard does not look fully well.