driftfleet | Tourist ROAD TRIP (mingle)

_{[ He's been meaning to speak with Fenris ever since Varric disappeared. He knew that the two had been from the same world and if not close, he thought at least friends. It worried him to see the other retreat so, but he thought that Fenris would appreciate more private grieving for the loss before someone came to poke him about it.

Like Fenris, Kirk doesn't always sleep well, so it's not surprising that he comes across him one night when he decides that if he cannot sleep, coffee might be in order. ]}

Let me guess - 'just one more chapter'?

[He does appreciate the space, a lot. Fenris isn't very public about...most things, grief absolutely being one of them. Still, he offers Kirk a half-smile as he enters.]

I have to admit, it's a little hard to put down. Most of it is my stubbornness to finish, rather than the tales itself, though.

Haha, well, that's as good a reason as any to finish a book. What's it about?

_{[ He came over and settled across from him at the table, turning his
coffee cup slowly in his hands, the steam drifting up into his face,
smelling sweetly bitter. ]}

Anything you'd recommend?

They are simple fairy stories. A gift from Varric, to help with my reading.

[He gives an idle shrug. ]

If you enjoy short tales. I would personally recommend Hard in Hightown II, it is on the network system, and one of Varric's own stories. It is...what I suppose you would call a crime novel.

You having any trouble?

_{[ He sips from his coffee now, licking his lips. ]}

I'll have to remember that. Especially since I think I might go through the entire library soon enough at the rate I'm going. I didn't know he was a writer.

I am better than I used to be. Learning times time, it seems.

[Fenris smiles, and it's genuine, soft. He cares a lot about Varric, he's family. ]

He is, a very famous one back home. He has written quite a few series in the time I've known him. They're good tales, if a little on-the-nose with his inspiration behind characters.

[He noticed the broody elf barman, Varric. HE NOTICED.]

_{[ He chuckled. ]}

I'll have to try and find some more from him then. Sounds like they'd be a good read before bed.

_{[ He took another sip, licking his lips. ]}

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something - since Varric's gone, and I'm the captain now.

I suppose they might just be.

[There's a slight drop to his expression at the mention of Varric being gone. The dwarf has been such a permanent part of the ship, it's strange to not have him here, even if he knows he will see him again when he eventually returns home.]

Oh? Is there something you need assistance with?

_{[ He tries his best not to speak of him again, not at the moment,
unless Fenris brings it up. ]}

Well, I was looking at our records, and I don't see a First Mate assigned. As I believe you've been on this ship the longest, I wanted to ask if you would be my First Mate.

[This is surprising, and it shows on Fenris' face. ]

Me? Truly? You want me to be your First Mate? I'm not exactly very... sociable.

_{[ He has to chuckle at that because why deny it? ]}

That may be true, but being sociable isn't the only quality needed in a First Mate. As I said, I believe you've been here the longest, so there is a matter of seniority. And in the event of an emergency and I cannot act as Captain, for whatever reason, I have faith you could handle the job. You're experienced in ways I don't believe others on this ship might be, and that outweighs whether or not you are sociable, in my mind.

_{[ It would help, yes, but it wasn't entirely necessary. But he did
truly believe that Fenris was the optimal choice as his second. ]}

[Fenris isn't used to this sort of faith. People trust him to fight by their side in battle, yes, but this is something else entirely. He'd baulked, when Atroma made him captain, passed it on to Varric. But this...is something different. ]

Sorry, this is rather...unexpected. If you are sure, then I suppose it could not hurt.

[It helps that he likes the crew on the Tourist. He wants them to be safe.]

_{[ Kirk had come to believe that over the course of the past months on
the ship. And it weighed heavily on his decision making. Not that he
thought the others did not care. He knew they did. But Fenris, he thought,
would have more experience with situations that would demand he take a
leading roll. He trusted him to get their little crew through if he could
not. And maybe smack him if he was making a horrible mistake. ]}

If you are willing, we can file the paperwork and make it official then.

_{[ He held out his hand to Fenris to shake on it. ]}

[That, Fenris could do. He could especially do the smacking thing, too. It was a skill of his. Ask anyone. ]

Okay. Consider it a deal.

[He hesitates a moment, before taking his hand to shake it, a touch awkwardly. He's not used to this touching business. ]

_{[ He gives a firm shake and releases, relaxing back in his chair and
sighing with a pleased smile. ]}

Well, that takes care of the solemn business. Any suggestions on how to fill the rest of the evening?

[Fenris seems to consider this for a moment. ]

Aside from going to a bar and drinking?

Well, I wouldn't exactly say no to those two things, but it's always nice to have more than one option.

Hm, perhaps you have a point.

[He's used to doing his routine and little else. Save him, Kirk. ]

_{[ That's what he's here for, Fenris! He ponders for a second before he grins. ]}

What do you say to some late night obstacle course running?

[Okay that gets a brief smile. ]

I would like that, yes.

_{[ He grins wider back, feeling a flush of pride. That smile was small
and quick, but it was a smile! ]}

Then let's go. You can finish up the chapter in the shuttle ride over.

[It sure was. Fenris stands up in a fluid motion, nodding. ]

Okay, let us be off.

_{[ He follows suit, draining the last of his coffee and putting the cup
away ]}

Don't go easy on me now just because you're my new First Officer.

If you think that is a reason I would go easy on you, you will be horribly mistaken.

[At least he sounds amused? Kind of. ]

Is there any reason you actually would?

_{[ He's curious now, and they have to kill a little time in the shuttle
right? ]}

Tourist ROAD TRIP (mingle)

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