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[holyposition]

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t.laughlin

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[mygoodsir]

[Harry, who cannot find it in himself to truly believe he'd be allowed to leave with Tim, despairs. But quietly. Alone.]

There is an awful lot of work to do, it's true.

[holyposition]

[ He knows Harry is skeptical of their chances, but he has to either have faith, or start mourning now, and the latter is unthinkable. If there is any mercy in this place at all, he'll find it. ]

When I was back there, I thought once I got home I'd apply for a job with the refugee office and help people rebuild. I could do that for people I've met here, who can't go back to their own homes.

I'd like to do work that matters. I have fun at dead men, but I'm not changing the world mixing rum and cokes.

[mygoodsir]

That would be good work indeed. People need such help, and I can say firsthand that you are good at giving it. I would not be the man I am now if not for you.

I understand. It is different when you can touch the lives of others.

[holyposition]

You really think you're that different from when you arrived here?

I could do that for a couple years, until people are settled. and then California.

[mygoodsir]

I was lost when I arrived, Tim. It was a struggle every day to remember that people are good.

To fight for acceptance.

[holyposition]

You give me too much credit. But it's very romantic, so I'll let it slide.

Yeah. We could stay in New York, if you take to it. But it would be nice to be warm for a change, don't you think?

[mygoodsir]

I really don't. You and Koby especially were quite instrumental in my early days.

I would love to be warm. To wake up to the Pacific every day. With you.

[holyposition]

I know you had a lot weighing on you, but you always seemed happy to see me, at least.

I'd be grateful to wake up next to you anywhere. But near the beach would be the cherry on top, wouldn't it?

[mygoodsir]

It was difficult not to be happy around you.

Oh, yes. We could walk along the shore after coffee.

Tim, have you ever seen the shell of the abalone?

[holyposition]

I was smitten pretty quick, too 😇

Yeah, they've got the little holes in a row. Never live ones, though.

[mygoodsir]

I still don't understand why. But I'm so grateful.

Do you find them beautiful? The inside of the shell, I mean.

[holyposition]

You were a breath of fresh air. You still are.

Where it's all pearly? Yeah, I guess I do. Why? Adding them to your museum?

[mygoodsir]

Oh, Tim. You are truly my light.

Oh, yes. I wasn't sure modern folk were still impressed by such things.

[He lies, like a liar.]

I suppose it's silly to ask if you find any minerals particularly lovely?

[holyposition]

I wouldn't know, you would need to ask them 🙂

What are you fishing for?

[mygoodsir]

You are modern!

Oh, you've caught me out. I'm trying to feature a few items that you personally might like.

[holyposition]

I'm at least fifty years out from most of the house! Don't lump me in with people who say "rizz"

At the museum?

[mygoodsir]

To me, you are modern indeed.

Of course.

[holyposition]

I'd like any exhibit if you're the one telling me about it.

[mygoodsir]

You're so sweet.

But you must realise that I would like to hilight something especially for you.

[holyposition]

Maybe...something with birds?

[mygoodsir]

Do you enjoy birds very much? I could taxidermy some!

[holyposition]

I used to go bird watching with my dad. It might be nice. It's been a long time since I've been home for Christmas.

[mygoodsir]

We could watch birds here. Tomorrow morning, even. I can get us binoculars.

[holyposition]

It's getting cold, we'll have to bundle up. If you find some binoculars, I'll make us some hot chocolate.

[mygoodsir]

Tim. I'm an Arctic explorer. A failed one, but still. I can bundle up like no-one else.

Did you know that the people of that region would wear animal skin clothing with two layers? Hair facing in for the under layer, and out for the outer layer. It was ever so much better suited for the climate than our layers of wool.