capeandcowl | [ 3 ] [ voice; forward-dated to early saturday morning ]

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nelson gardner | captain metropolis

[ 3 ] [ voice; forward-dated to early saturday morning ]

[ He doesn't speak immediately, though there's the very, very faint sound of the radio in the background. A breath is drawn and when he does finally talk he sounds some combination of very concerned and upset while also trying not to be. ]

Um -- uh -- hello. I wouldn't normally use this thing for such a simple question, but I figured this would be the fastest way to get a real answer, since-- well, I know that protocol here doesn't always allow for just calling the police.

So: Has anyone else disappeared... recently? Unaccounted for?

[ He clears his throat and there's a pause as he takes a drink of something. ]

You see, I can't reach my friend Sally. [ Another pause. ] Jupiter. She's not normally very difficult to get ahold of, but it's no use. Now, my coworkers went missing for about a week last month without any warning, and they're all back now. But they weren't alone, either, and I know -- I know that these things can depend on if they're individual or en masse. That is, it's what I've heard.

But if anyone has seen her... or heard from her... I'd just like to make sure she's all right. I want to ensure that--

[ You don't want to know how many times he's tried calling her to bring him to the conclusion that, yes, something may be wrong. Like. It was a lot of times. Just in case: ]

Sally, if you're listening to this, I really hope you aren't just avoiding me.

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[ For a moment there, he almost thought he was going to have to clarify (again) that there isn't a gay life debt between them, but Bradbury huffs a laugh that's just a little -- wry? ]

Yeah, I guess you could call him my best friend.

[ Don't worry Bradbury Nelson knows all too well how str8 you are. ]

I -- er, just assumed, you two do compliment each other. It's nice. If you have to be stuck with anyone...

[ He snorts, more out of amusement than anything else. ]

I can honestly say that's the first time anyone's ever told me that.

[ Honestly, he isn't used to other people thinking about their relationship at all. Or what it looks like, to other people. ]

[ With slight amusement as well: ] I don't have a "best" friend myself, truthfully, so I hope I don't cross any lines by saying so. [ A pause. ] You just have to appreciate the chance involved, I suppose.

I guess I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be stuck with. [ Dryly: ] That's not saying much, though, since I didn't exactly have a lot of friends back home.

It says something, because it is him you're stuck with. Don't you think so?

What, like it's fate or something?

Or very good luck. That's always something to be glad for while you can.

I guess I can get behind that.

Something to think about the next time you two have some moments alone.

[ He has to laugh. ]

Yeah, good luck with that. His schedule's booked for the next six months.

[ Which he knows, being in charge of arranging security detail and all. Then again, he doesn't even know what they'd talk about, even if they had the time. ]

I'm sure you of all people would need only ask.

I'd rather ask for a pay raise.

Don't you like spending time t-- with him? [ He realizes maybe "together" does sound a little... ]

[ A long-suffering groan. ]

I spend more than eighty hours a week watching his ass; how much more time do I need?

[ It's dodging the question, though. Even he knows that. ]

Edited (ICONS...) 2013-03-13 15:41 (UTC)

Well, there's professional time and there's personal time. [ A pause. ] But if you say so. You're the authority.

[ Talking about Mitch being his friend hurts, because he's not even sure that's what they are anymore.

It doesn't make him any less willing to take a bullet for the guy. He's always known they didn't see it the same way. ]

To hear him tell it, he doesn't have any personal time.

[ ARE YOU LONELY... ]

There's always coffee in the morning. Or after work. Something simple.

[ Ha ha ha why don't you ask Mitch that. He laughs, in any case. ]

Have you seen him before he gets his morning coffee? [ Bradbury's had the dubious honor. ] Wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[ A beat. ]

Thanks, but ... things are fine the way they are. He's got enough on his plate.

Oh, um--

[ A sheepish pause. This conversation has started falling down the stairs ]

I'm sorry, it's none of my business. Absolutely not. I got carried away.

Just a little. [ Wry. ]

Come on, it's not like we need marriage counseling or something.

[ A nervous laugh. ]

Of course not. I just though, maybe--

But it's not important. I'm still just thinking of Sally, I suppose.

You'll get a chance to see each other again. I'm sure of it.

... When I go back, at the very least. I'm sure sooner or later I'd feel compelled to fly over to California to see her and Laurie.

Probably a good idea.

[ He likely won't even remember being here, but Bradbury doesn't point that out. ]

At least you know they're safe, back home.