milliways_bar | (no subject)

Alana has collected her gun, and donned her protective jumpsuit from Jay under her red, dahlia-patterned wrap dress. She's ready to leave, to confront Hannibal Lecter in her world. She's tired of waiting for Rae--the past two years have been mind-numbing--so Alana has decided to take X's offer and go home with just her instead.

Hands trembling, Alana pens a few notes while sitting at the bar. Her nerves are jittery; for two years she's been putting off this confrontation, and though she's wracked with anxiety, she does feel she's ready.

Dear Guppy Sandhu,
I'm leaving the bar to confront Dr. Lecter in my world. It's time. I might not be coming back, so I wanted to say goodbye to you personally and apologize for leaving you with Life Support. Wish me luck.

-Alana Bloom

And also:

Dear X,
I'm ready to leave the bar, and I need your help. Rae Seddon will not be coming with us. Please contact me when you're ready. Thank you for being willing to help me.

-Alana Bloom

And finally:

Dear Rae,
I'm ready to leave the bar. I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you any longer. I hope that whatever you needed to accomplish in your world was finished to your satisfaction. Thank you for offering to help me. I might not be coming back, so take care of yourself.

-Alana Bloom

Notes delivered, Alana wraps her shaking hands around her latte and waits.

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"Of course," Alana says, keeping hold of his hand. "What are friends for? My relationship with you is one of the best parts of this bar."

He offers her a hug now, not quite managing to fight off tears.

"Are you taking someone with you?"

Alana gladly accepts the hug, folding him into a gentle embrace. "Yes. X has agreed to come back with me."

"Well, that's a bit reassuring." Guppy says.

"Yes," Alana says, nodding thoughtfully. "Very. With her help. I should be just fine."

At very least, if Alana did perish, X would make sure justice was done.

"Do you have plenty of medical supplies?"

"No, we don't, because I didn't think to bring any," Alana says, tilring her head. "That's a good idea, though. I'll bring some along."

"Better to have some than none." Guppy says. "Whatever happens out there."

"Yes," Alana says, nodding again. She turns to the counter, and orders a standard first aid kit. "I sure hope we won't need a doctor."

"Yeah, me too." Guppy says quietly.

Alana pats his hand. "I'll be all right, Guppy. I trust in X. Do you need me to get you a tissue?"

"Um, maybe, sorry." Guppy says, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

"Of course," Alana says, and orders him a box of tissues from the counter. "I'm sorry, Guppy."

"You don't have to apologise, sorry, just, feelings." Guppy says, wiping his eyes. "I finally got to through the waiting list for therapy at home, so by the time you get back hopefully I will have got a grip."

"If I don't have to apologize, you don't have to, either," Alana says gently, squeezing his hand again. "And I'm so glad you're getting help. I'm so proud of you, Guppy. That's wonderful."

"Thanks. It's not that you haven't been a great help, as have others here, but my GP has decided I need more help." Guppy says. "And I'm finally secure enough that it won't cost me my job to accept it."

"I'm so glad," Alana says again, smiling. "I knew you needed more help than I was providing, and I'm happy you're going after it. Being secure in your job must be a relief. I hope your therapist is a great boon to you."

"Thanks." Guppy says again. "I did it for the kids really. They're starting to hide things from me so I don't worry. That isn't good."

He smiles slightly. "I wish I could do as much for you as you have for me. You'll be careful out there, won't you? Even if it means you don't get him, make sure you escape. He'll get his downfall soon enough."

"No, it's not," Alana murmurs, patting Guppy's hand. "I'm sure your relationship with them will improve once you've become more stable and confident. Your therapy will be such a good thing for your whole family. And I'll be careful, thank you."

He gives her one more hug, trying not to cry on her shoulder.

And Alana embraces him back, welcoming the tears. "It's okay."