(open.) in spite of ourselves

[decrypter]

who: helena and others!
what: variety catchall for the month.
when: end of july/ all of august.
where: across the boat.
warnings: likely discussions of death.

Comments

[freedomsuitsme]

"I will... keep that in mind. Where I come from, it's common to encounter stray rabbits in strange places, even riding around inside a tumbleweed."

A few things click in his head suddenly: Johnny's request for a specialized magic show, the names he gave, his dinner the other night with Grace, Security's protective presence over this woman.

"Pardon my asking such an abrupt question, but... would you perhaps be Ms. Helena?"

[serialskiller]

In the same dull, monotone, unfriendly voice: "...Helena, you'd look adorable riding inside a tumbleweed."

Inflection has not always been its strong suit.

[decrypter]

She can't help but be fond in Security's direction, even if it's a touch embarrassed as well.

"Is this really the time..."

Though, a tumbleweed ride would be fun. Still, that's not the point.

"But yes. I'm Helena Adams."

[freedomsuitsme]

"I've heard quite a lot about you. I'm pleased to meet you, though I'm sorry it had to happen through a misunderstanding."

[serialskiller]

"One which will not happen again. Correct?" Rumble rumble. Still standing right on the other side of Maxwell and looming.

[freedomsuitsme]

"N-no! No, you've made it quite clear. I shan't make the same mistake again, I assure you."

[decrypter]

It would be a pure lie to state that on no level is she pleased by what she hears in Maxwell's voice. It's a very small, very human satisfaction that makes up for her disorientation and temporary panic, and it means she can extend grace to him, satisfied with this outcome.

"Accidents do happen." To punctuate this, she steps closer to the construct, more a signal for it than for Maxwell. It's okay, Security. I'm not upset with him anymore.

"Yet you have me at the disadvantage. You say you've heard a lot about me, but I don't even know your name, or who's been speaking of me. Forgive me for not asking sooner, Mr...?"

[serialskiller]

Security takes a step back, so it’s no longer quite boxing Maxwell in, but its arms remain crossed. Helena might be okay, sure, but it’s still going to be the protective SecUnit (wow, that’s redundant) for her.

[freedomsuitsme]

"Carter. Maxwell Carter, at your service. Ms. Grace has spoken of you with the most glowing of praise, Ms. Adams."

[decrypter]

"I see."

The way she straightens her posture minutely will be hard to detect, though it will tell Security how she feels about that name immediately connected to her.

"Grace's praise is flattering, but hopefully not set so high a bar that I inevitably can't clear it."

[freedomsuitsme]

“Not at all. I will say that you drive her towards self-improvement, and that’s certainly something to be proud of. I believe Mr. Summer has also spoken of you, in passing. Ah, that reminds me… I will be holding a magic show at the start of September. He asked me to have some tricks prepared that you would be able to appreciate, if you’re at all interested in attending.”

[decrypter]

It feels strange, still, to have that on her shoulders - that Grace would want to improve because of her, and not on her own merit. But Helena swallows that, keeps it in against this stranger - she will not ruin Grace's friendships with her personal uncertainties.

"Well, now that I've received an invitation from the magician himself, it would be a crying shame not to. I'll come, though you will need to let me know the date and time. Flyers don't always give me the information I need."

[freedomsuitsme]

"I will be putting out announcements over the intercom as well, and I'll pass along the information to Ms. Grace, who I'm sure will make sure that you absolutely, positively, do not miss the event. Oh, one other thing- my tricks will be for you to witness with your own senses, but I suggest that you also bring along someone whose eyes you can trust. That way you can be assured that I am not using your lack of sight against you."

[decrypter]

"As it happens, I trust Security more than I trust myself, though that's up to if it has any inclination to go."

Here is room for her companion to bow out, if it so wishes, but also to let Maxwell know why it had appeared so swiftly.

Wrap!

[freedomsuitsme]

He's not sure what to make of Security's silence, but after a few beats, he just smiles and says, "Well, you're under no obligation, but I would be honored if you would attend. And again, I'll make certain you're notified of the date and time, one way or another."