Come Sail Away IC Inbox

[crushed_pearls]

Erin's voice mail message is in a weary voice: "Erin Peters. If you called in the middle of the night and I didn't answer, I'm dying. If I pick up and someone on your end isn't dying, they will be shortly. Text otherwise."

Comments

[crushed_pearls]

"...Ah."

Deep breath. This is going to be bad later.

"The Black Binder is the collection of what we know, or think we know, about the ship and its master."

[decrypter]

There's a moment where Helena is silent, restraining every response she wants to give on that. Everything that says that such a thing is very important, and she makes herself calm down.

"And right now said collection is in question due to the now-unknown motivations of its author, but prior, it was considered reliable information."

Okay. She can follow.

[crushed_pearls]

"Aye. I mentioned it when you first arrived but you uh. Proceeded to be. Homeless. At that time. Mighta gotten lost in the shuffle." Another deep breath. "I'm still sorry about that. I should have done more."

[decrypter]

"...I didn't want you to know about that."

A tinge of pink rises in her face. So, somehow that had gotten out.

"You were all dealing with so much. To impose would be impossible."

[crushed_pearls]

"...Christ on the fucking Cross, Helena, impose next time. Okay? Impose. You're my roommate and my friend and I'm the big scary sword lady, keeping you safe is something I'm glad to do. You shouldn't have been alone like that."

Erin pinches the bridge of her nose and manages not to sigh. "...If I can't handle something I'll tell you, okay? On the name my mother gave me. Don't. Don't do the 'I'm fine' bullshit with me. I'm so exhausted of it."

[decrypter]

"Okay. I promise."

More pink rises - she's embarrassed, thoroughly, to be caught out. But at least it won't be a secret she has to keep anymore, even though half of her mind wishes she had covered her tracks better.

"Maybe...when we get back, after Christmas, I should see Mr. Skulduggery."

[crushed_pearls]

"Thank you. And good plan. I might suggest you also ask SecUnit to read the Binder to you; it'll give you the text as it exists. It'll be...heavy information."

There's a small pause. Then: "I'm not gonna pry into your business, Helena. But if you ever need to talk, I'm ready to listen. I'm a bit hard to horrify, given the circumstances."

[decrypter]

"Thank you. I appreciate that, greatly. Perhaps...when we're not on this trip."

Pause. Taking a breath, the words stick a little on the way out, and Erin will see some of that effort. The signs of someone who doesn't usually talk, fighting the urge to swallow more of her words.

"Whatever's in that binder, it won't be too heavy for me. I'll ask SecUnit later when
I see it if it wouldn't mind the recitation."

[crushed_pearls]

"Alright." Erin hesitates, then continues: "You're very considerate of others, Helena. But this is a marathon, not a sprint. Please be considerate of yourself too."

"...Would you like a hug?"

[decrypter]

"...Yes, if you wouldn't mind."

But knowing Erin's considerations with space, she'll let her make the first move.

[crushed_pearls]

Erin sets her cup down on the floor and approaches so she can cradle Helena into a gentle hug. She has to bend a little, but that's okay.

This is her friend, under Erin's aegis.

[decrypter]

Only when Erin touches her does she move to hug her back, and Erin will feel the amount of tension in her shoulders, constantly there in her posture. It doesn't exactly ease away, but she at least breathes, bringing herself back to center. It's okay. This was okay.

When she manages to speak again, it's half muffled in Erin's clothes.

"Sorry this wasn't merely me missing our usual discussions."

A gossip session is a lot more fun than this.

[crushed_pearls]

"You have nothing to apologize for, Helena," Erin murmurs softly. "But don't worry, I've got plenty stored up. I've been slacking on the news myself since I've been so busy making Christmas presents."

[decrypter]

"Good. Once you're rested enough, you'll have to tell me everything that I've gone and missed by being elsewhere."

The second Erin wants to let go, Helena will - but truth be told, she's not going to be the one to do so first. Blame it on being a tactile person.

[crushed_pearls]

Yeah, Erin's not letting go any time soon either.

"Done deal, youngblood. Can't wait to tell ya how the maze went too."

[decrypter]

"Yes. You'll have to tell me who won, who lost...I'll tell you about the horses, and the people I've gotten more acquainted with."

"...your coffee's going to go cold, though."

[crushed_pearls]

"It'll go cold regardless, it's for later." Erin gives Helena a soft squeeze and lets go, though, stepping back out of her personal space. "...Enjoy Christmas, Helena."