milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

There is a Stanton boy in the bar - no, it's not the usual one.

He's beginning to be able to deal with this quite well, by now, so he simply shrugs good-naturedly and heads over to take a seat at the bar and watch the chaos.

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The Rider's smile falters for a fraction of a second.

"It's a bit down, actually," he recovers smoothly. "Fortunately, however, I am presently taking a holiday, so it works out rather...nicely."

His smile becomes slightly more strained by the end of his reply.

James' brow furrows.

"Wait, I thought you couldn't leave? That's not much of a holiday, is it?"

*sympathetically* Making the best of a forced holiday, I suppose? Best attitude to take, really.

The Rider nods in agreement with James.

"Indeed, I can't. But if there's any place I wouldn't mind being stuck in for a holiday, it would be Milliways." He looks briefly thoughtful. "Excepting maybe Barbados." ~~See icon.~~

One eyebrow raises slightly at Will. "Yes, well, I always try to adjust my attitude to suit the circumstances." Brief smile.

"Well," James says dubiously, "there's certainly enough girls in bikinis and things to make it almost like Barbados anyways, if that's what you're after."

Bit enclosed, though.

*It's sympathetic. Really.*

*Well, for all anyone else can tell, anyway.*

The Rider just looks at Will, expressionless.

"Perhaps. If one is lacking in imagination and ambition."

The line is delivered politely, if formally.

James looks up, startled, at that.

"Hold on a moment -"

Complimenting James with anti-Will insinuation is one thing. Insulting a brother outright is an entirely different story.

*Will doesn't look insulted. Or anything but polite and friendly, really. He slips his hands into his pockets, and looks amiably at Mr Aphelise.*

*mildly* Well, all right. No need to get defensive. I'm sure it's a lovely place to stay.

"Oh, dear me," the Rider says, with some concern. "I didn't mean to come across as defensive. I simply meant I found no such limits. I try to see the universe for all it's possibilities."

A quick smile.

"I have some reading waiting for me upstairs." A slight nod of the head. "Good evening, brothers Stanton. It was a pleasure to see you again, James."

And he's gone.

James blinks after him.

"That was odd."

*Will blinks, too, and shrugs.*

It was, rather.

Well, he's an odd person, sometimes, from what I've seen.

"You've seen him often, here?" James asks curiously.

*shrugs*

Oh, I dunno. Sometimes. I mean, he lives here, so he's around. I don't seek him out, specially, or anything.

"He doesn't seem too fond of you, I must say," James says, still puzzled.

*ruefully* Don't think he's fond of many people. He's a prickly sort. And cruel when he's a mind to be, I'm told.

*He shrugs again.*

"Dad quite likes him," James pointed out. "Mary did, too."

*Will looks a little dubious.*

mm. I remember Dad was quite fond of Mr Mitothin.

*Who is now Mr Aphelise, with aliases. Will looks a little concerned by this, in a confused sort of way.*

"He took Mary for a ride," James adds helpfully, bringing up lots of lovely memories for Will. "Dad wouldn't have let him do that if he didn't trust him."

*Oh yes, lots of happy memories. Who doesn't like to see their sister held hostage, enchanted to giggling placidity?*

*He shrugs.*

I suppose so.

Still, though.

Not James . . .

James sighs.

"You will take against people like this, Will."

*Will blinks at him.*

Like what?

"Mr. Mitothin, Mrs. Rowlands - Maggie the dairymaid, even, remember her? You don't show it much, but it's not invisible, Will."

*More blinking.*

'Course I remember Maggie. I thought she was nice enough.

*So far as servants of the Dark go, but Will doesn't mention that part.*

"You did," James says darkly, "and then? You didn't."