(no subject)

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

Luke ambles into the bar, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and settles down on a barstool, looking around at the rest of the clientele.

It takes him a minute to recognize her. She looks different -- less flouncily dressed, maybe a little less carefree. But he grins, asks the bar for two glasses of lemonade, and tries to catch her eye.

Comments

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

He reaches tentatively out to lay a hand on her shoulder. "... I doubt you've been just fine. What's wrong?"

He does, come to think of it, remember some talk of a war, and quite a lot of young men, and is well versed in the general consequences of wars for young men. It seems like a fair guess.

[fiddle-deedee.livejournal.com]

Why, Luke, I got married. I'm Mrs. Hamilton now. But then my husband died in camp, and I had a sweet little boy. I'm living in Atlanta now, in my husband's house with his sister and aunt.

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

"Oh, my." He takes a moment to digest it all before saying quietly. "A lot of time has passed for you, then, for all that to have happened. I'm sorry to hear of your loss."

[fiddle-deedee.livejournal.com]

Yes, nearly a year now...

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

"It's been far less than that here. Not more than six months, certainly." He bites his lip. "Plenty of changes in that time, though."

[fiddle-deedee.livejournal.com]

Oh, and what kind of changes have happened to you?

*She says it lightly but watches him like a hawk*

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

Ah, well, there's a question with an awkward answer. He tilts his head, as if it takes a moment's thought. "I've found a surprising number of my family members come here, for one thing. Made my peace with a few people from back home. And, well, I'm going to be married myself. Quite soon, if everything goes as planned."

[fiddle-deedee.livejournal.com]

Oh...

*She manages a smile*

Who's the lucky girl?

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

He smiles as well, tentatively. "Val Wiggin. She works here. I don't believe she did when you were here before, though, so I suppose it's unlikely you've met her."

[fiddle-deedee.livejournal.com]

*Her nose wrinkles ever so slightly.*

I made her acquaintance last night. How wonderful for you, Luke. I wish you both the best.

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

He raises an eyebrow, but lets it pass. "Thank you very much. I'm certainly looking forward to it."

[fiddle-deedee.livejournal.com]

Oh heavens, I do believe I have a headache. I think I'll go back to my room now.

It was nice to see you again.

*She stands to go.*

[desert-worm.livejournal.com]

He stands as she does, almost instinctively. "I'm glad to see you again, too, Scarlett. Good night."