[PSL] And the Vagrant Timelines (for hengeandkey)

[cahooted]

[Sometimes it's hard to believe that it's been almost ten years. And sometimes it's hard to believe that it's only been ten years. Which isn't to say that Flynn has been idle; old habits die hard and he kept studying, learning and, as time progressed, trying to put his skills to good use.

Sometimes he likes to help out. There may have been artifacts sent to or left on the Library's doorstep from time to time. Never with a name but Flynn is pretty sure that Judson and Charlene know it's him. In a way, it's trying to make up for his mistake. In a way, it's saying sorry.

Getting mixed up in unnatural occurrences or magical mishaps is still a thing that happens regularly to him. Which makes sense, now that he's part of it. Still, there has been a noticeable increase of strange events over the past couple of weeks and he thinks that something is up, something big is coming. Tonight, he watches from his window as a blue light unfolds in the dark sky like a blooming flower, then crashes down somewhere in the distance, dissipating.

Which can't be good.

Something about the phenomenon jogs his memory. He knows this. That light and how it behaved looked a lot like something he read about a couple of years ago. What was it called again? Laylines. Right, yes, that's the word. Flynn paces restlessly, his gaze drawn back again and again to the spot in the distance where the light had disappeared. The night has already progressed considerably and it's a risk to go out again at this hour.

But what if someone else decides to go after it? What if there's a danger and he gets stuck here the entire day? What if by tomorrow night it's too late?

Fine. He'll go; he'll be quick. At least figure out what is going on. If all else fails, he can send a message to the Library and they can send... whoever they have in there these days.]

Comments

[cahooted]

So you're multitasking now. Interesting.

[He casts a curious glance back over his shoulder. He isn't one to talk, having spent a lot of time going on missions alone, but a Guardian and a Librarian going their separate ways? That's new.] I guess it allows you to cover more ground.

[hengeandkey]

It works. [ Would she prefer things to be different? Of course. ] It's not all the time, of course, but like you said, we can cover more ground this way.

[ Still, she misses having company, so oddly enough, this is a refreshing change of pace for her. ]

[cahooted]

I bet. I remember I used to hate the long plane travels, very exhausting.

[He stops at the doorway, glancing down, then back at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes.]

Would you like to come in?

[hengeandkey]

[ That hint of amusement earns him a look. ]

All right, I'll come in. [ Because she does want to, just so that they can talk more. ]

But don't even think about trying anything. [ She won't use force unless she has to, but she also is at least a little concerned about her chances against a vampire. ]

[cahooted]

[That draws a chuckle from him.] Relax. I'm not going to attack a member of the Library.

[He's not going to attack anyone, really, but he's not giving that much away. Intimidation tends to work in his favor and gets him out of a lot of fights by default. It's a security net that he won't give up anytime soon.

Just in case she might be lying.]

Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?

[hengeandkey]

No? You could easily spin this to your advantage, if you wanted to.

[ But she relaxes, if only just a little. She's not going to lower her guard, but she can at least be a little less stiff. ]

Water's fine, if you have it.

[ What exactly do vampires drink, anyway? Besides blood. ]

[cahooted]

And what advantage would that be? Have Charlene get here and rip my head off?

[He moves to fetch the water and two glasses and sits with her again.]

I like to think I know better than that.

[hengeandkey]

[ She arches an eyebrow. ]

Really? You see no potential advantages here at all? And I'm fully aware of the threat Charlene presents.

[ That's vaguely reassuring that Charlene still holds some sway here. ]

[cahooted]

[He smiles.] I also like to think I am better than that.

[Flynn takes a sip of his water, trying to determine his next move. They were going to talk out there before the sun had come up. Should he pick back up where the conversation had been interrupted?]

So what are these grand stories that you heard?

[hengeandkey]

Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. Some people wouldn't hesitate to jump at what could be seen as an opportunity. [ She shrugs. ] But maybe you're just smarter than most people.

[ Her lips turn up into a half-smile. ]

To tell you all of them would take a lot longer than just one meeting. But I'll have you know that Judson and Charlene painted a picture of a very daring and practically fearless man.

[ And in the interest of keeping his head from getting too big, she adds: ]

Although they did say it took some time for you to develop in that particular direction.

[cahooted]

[He laughs at that.]

That is very true.

[Leaning back in his chair he grins, a hint of the old self-deprecation finding its way into his features.] Constantly distracted. Way in over my head. Broke the Holy Grail on my first day and the Jet-pack in three hours? Judson said it's a record.

[hengeandkey]

Impressive. I think the only thing I broke on my first day was your personal space.

Well, not you exactly, but- you get the idea. You tried to shut me out, and I wouldn't let you.

[cahooted]

That sounds...

Well, I guess that sounds a little bit like me.

[hengeandkey]

Only a little?

[ She doesn't mean to sound so questioning. It's just hard to imagine that he could be so different from the Flynn she knows when he looks exactly like him. ]

[cahooted]

I shouldn't give away all my secrets. Makes me more mysterious and interesting.

[He grins.]

So! I guess that means we're from different timelines. Which begs the question – are you in mine or have I crossed over into yours?

[hengeandkey]

Mysterious and interesting, just the way I've always liked you. [ Too forward? Perhaps. But she wants to see if he'll respond to teasing the same way. ]

Although, sometimes I think you take the "mysterious" part too far.

[ Just saying. ]

That is a good question. I'm a little new to all this, and crossing timelines is something we try to avoid.

[ Basically, she's not certain how to tell whose timeline they're in. She has no problem admitting that to him; somehow, she thinks he won't use it too much against her. ]

[cahooted]

[The teasing brings a surprised expression to his face and he needs a moment to catch up to the implication. When he does he chuckles, a little flattered, a little embarrassed and he briefly rubs the back of his neck.]

Ah.

[He quickly clears his throat, getting back on top of his game and attempts a playful smirk.] One can never be too mysterious.

[But back to business. He leans back, hesitating.]

Well, my apartment still exists which points to you being in my reality, though that could be a ripple effect. I guess the easiest way to check would be to see if this world has your Library or... ["Mine" dies before it can pass his lips and he clears his throat again, looking away briefly.] Or not.

[hengeandkey]

[ In turn, Flynn's reaction brings a slight smile to Eve's face. He hasn't changed that much. It's good to see that. ]

It does? [ Eve makes a "hmm" sound as she ponders that one. She's still getting used to this business of alternate timelines and realities. ] Well, all right then. Let's go find out.

[ Her no-nonsense expression is back, because she'd rather find out the answer definitively. They can decide what to do after that. ]

[cahooted]

Right.

[He doesn't look too happy about that. He's been running from this particular confrontation since... well, pretty much since he stepped foot into New Orleans.]

Only problem is, I can't exactly board a plane.

[hengeandkey]

You can't?

[ That's news to her. ]

Why not?

[cahooted]

Well, it would have to be a night flight. And if it gets delayed I might be in trouble.

And with in trouble I mean I'd die.

Pretty much on the spot.

[hengeandkey]

Oh. [ A pause. ] Oh.

I see. That does present a predicament.

[ She'd forgotten about the trouble vampires could get in if they were caught out in the sun. ]

Too bad I can't just produce a Door. That would solve all your traveling problems.

[cahooted]

[Flynn holds up his thumb and index finger closely together. Tiny predicament, yes.

Then he pauses, his brow furrowing.]

A Door? What do you mean, produce a Door?