Twenty-four bells: [Action]

[simplestgift]

[Luceti. Even the name is beautiful.

It's quiet here, but not silent. No cannonfire, no stomping feet or shouting men. No bars or guards or grey stone walls. Everything is lovely and serene and everyone is pleasant. Well. Nearly everyone, but that's okay.

In Hornblower's company, Kennedy stops by the bakery and selects, for some reason, cheesecake. He's never had it--not that he can remember, at least--and it is absolutely the most beautiful thing he can imagine. Chocolate cheesecake, smooth and rich and flavorful with a drizzle of raspberry syrup. He tastes it and doesn't just eat it.

They visit the tea shop and he is floored. They visit the clothing shop and he finds a new linen shirt, already made. They visit the library and...

And...

O the glory of the library. It's as if this town was created for his rehabilitation.

Hours are spent in the library until he learns he can take books out. Even then, he very nearly doesn't leave.

On the way home, he asks to be alone for a moment. When given the chance, he walks the woods close to the village. At twilight, he sits at the fountain, staring into space with utter blankness because he knows the pleasantness of this day is going to end.

He doesn't realize it when the moon rises and he's still sitting alone in its pale light.

OOC: Kennedy's replies will come from babymid_archie. Meet him absolutely anywhere during the day or at night. Depending on when and where, Horatio will tag in as well, so remember to specify when/where in your tag. Share his rapture or cheer him up. Possible triggers--character is hella post-traumatic.]

Comments

[unneeded]

I'll try. [The name doesn't inspire trust, but Archie will see for his own eyes.]

[herotypical]

That's all anyone can ask for. Trying.

[unneeded]

[That gets a few rapid blinks as his eyes fall and go glassy. A few heartbeats later, he looks back up, then at Buffy.] You think so?

[herotypical]

I know so.

[ and quickly, she passes into a teasing smirk. ] And if he does cross the line? Just remind him that Buffy Summers can still kick his ass.

[unneeded]

[Sorry, he can't let that weirdness slide.] I believe you. I'm...quite certain his livestock trembles as you pass.

[herotypical]

[ she laughs -- but only after a moment's pause as she tries to locate the misunderstanding. ]

Oh. For sure. His very fine and very stare-at-able livestock trembles in fear.

[unneeded]

[herotypical]

[ oh. bless him; she knows that look from when he's his proper self. it inspires a warm, delighted smile. ]

[unneeded]

[Yes, his infamous nose scrunch. That smile, though, puts him enough at ease that he decides not to worry about what she meant by that. Instead, he winds up smiling back. Then, it clicks, and the smile vanishes as the lightbulb turns on.]

You meant arse.

[It's all in the vowel.]

[herotypical]

Ever the quick-study. Mmhm, Archie. I did indeed mean arse.

[unneeded]

And you're American. Unsurprising.

[Light.]

[herotypical]

Oh. Come on. Which part is unsurprising about me being American? Are we really gonna have this out all over again? Because I'm pretty sure I won, last time.

[ lies. last time dawn was here and it was one big circle of trolling and there were no losers; only winners. ]

[unneeded]

You make everything sound so vulgar. Of course having grown up among sailors, I shouldn't speak.

[herotypical]

Vulgar?

[ surprised laughter. buffy is usually criticized for prudishness amongst her kind, not vulgarity. ] I'll -- how about this? I'll try and be less vulgar. Scout's honour.

[unneeded]

I take it you didn't hear me when I said I grew up among sailors.

[herotypical]

I didn't have to hear you because I already knew it. Besides -- somehow you still manage to continue to be shocked by me so I'm thinking these sailors couldn't have been all that monocle-popping.

[unneeded]

...Not shocked. Disappointed, and occasionally bewildered. [A shy glance.] Not very disappointed.

[herotypical]

Oh. Please. Come on, Midshipman Kennedy. I'm a big girl. I can take your disappointment.

[ a half-smirk. ]

[unneeded]

Please. Just Mr. Kennedy will do. [And, realizing he is already to use her first name, he stammers:] O-or Archie.

[herotypical]

Archie it is, then. Fewer freaky associations with dead presidents and mouthy Slayers, that way.

[unneeded]

[The look on his face says it all: does she always make references and expect people to get them?]

Dunno how you could have only two associations. There's loads of us.

what is american history.

[herotypical]

[ hey. some people like her greek-to-them way of speaking! some people even love it -- appreciate it -- value it. harrumph. ]

Kennedys? Well, sure. There are lots of Kennedys. A whole freaking dynasty of them.

Short, mostly. Or at least, WRITTEN American history is.

[unneeded]

Am I expected to know what you mean?

i still don't know any of it.

[herotypical]

...Not really. If it makes you feel better, you could try talking ship-talk at me? I always get a little lost when it comes to that.

[ though archie was helping her along -- and she's grateful. ]

And I'm iffy on Canadian history, so.

[unneeded]

[An ironic chuckle.] And I've forgotten much of it.