♛ 43

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[Backdated to the first group returning from the trip]

[Even as the ding of the elevator signals their arrival on the third floor, Kallen still doesn't wake from her nap as Rookie carries her piggyback out of the lift. She mumbles a bit, but ultimately stays unaware of her surroundings.

Welp.]

Comments

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[He gets a grin in response.] Ever tried much?

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

Sometimes. [When he had the desire to, anyway.]

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Clearly not now.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't say that.

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No?

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[Folding his arms across his chest with a playful smirk.] Talking now, aren't I?

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That doesn't mean this is conversation. In fact, it looks more like friendly banter to me.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

Huh. [He laughs lightly.]

You know, I can never tell the difference.

1/3

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[Just... this look for a bit.]

2/3

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[Then Kallen suddenly starts laughing. Not a chuckle or giggle, but full blown laughter, enough to make her hold her side (though the bruised ribs probably helped as well). It continues for a good twenty seconds before she regains herself.]

3/3

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[She leans back into the chair again, clutching her side and catching her breath, trying not to breathe too deeply. There is a little wincing, but she doesn't seem to notice as the smile's still on her face.]

You really are weird.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[He's a little confused about her reaction. Something that was obviously hard to conceal as he canted his head to the side and waited for her laughing fit to be over. And although his expression was slowly shifting into one of humor as it continued, that comment of her's was what finally caused that big and bright smile to return to his face.]

Took you that long to notice?

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[She reaches over to the chair next to her and gabs a pillow before lobbing it at him. Of course, she wasn't really trying.]

No, but sometimes people need things repeated to remind them about certain aspects of themselves. Stating the obvious is a good way to start. You could learn a thing or two.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[Rookie lifts both hands to sort of 'block' the pillow, causing it to fall harmlessly in his lap.]

Thanks. [Picking the cushion right back up and softly chucking it towards her with a loud laugh.] I'll try to remember that.

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[The redhead catches it and hugs it to herself, grinning.]

You better.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[Leaning back against the chair himself now, and keeping that smile.]

I have a feeling you won't let me forget.

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Probably not, no. [Kallen shifts a bit, getting comfortable before she speaks again.]

What about you?

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[Head tilt and a questioning look.] What about me?

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What's something you miss from home? I know you're not too interested in talking about a lot of it, but there's got to be something.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[There's a tiny smile.] You mean besides spaceships?

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[A nod.] Yeah.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[He appears to be a little conflicted on how to best answer that, taking a few moments to sort of sit there silently in order to think about what it was he actually missed about home.

When his memories proved to turn fuzzy and unclear - as they often did when involving things like this - he settled for something more recent.]

My teammates, I suppose. [Slight pause, rethinking.] Or maybe it's just being around other ODSTs in general.

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Makes sense, but... what exactly are ODSTs? You've never really explained that to me.

[helljumped.livejournal.com]

[That gets a snort.] Do you want the short version or the long version?

[May as well ask just to be safe.]

[emit.livejournal.com]

Okay, just for that, I'll take the long version.