'tis the season

[beathach]

Who: Hank, Raven, Charles, and Erik
Broadcast: none
Action: Corona
When: Forward-dated to after Christmas

[docking at the hotel had been something of a godsend. Originally he was going to attempt to cook himself, but with all of the restaurants at the hotel available, he opted to choose one of them instead. Likely for the best, because he wasn't the greatest cook.

He'd done his research, however, and the dinner - while nothing overly fancy - still had some traditional Christmas and Hanukkah foods - or at least, as close as they could get to them, all things considered. He tried, okay.

But it was a holiday dinner for the four of them, and that was the most important part. It was a first for their family, after all]

Comments

[exothermia]

I suppose it's also because the planet below doesn't seem to have a lot of towns.

[He picks up the serving utensils, scooping some of the latkes onto his plate.]

It is a bit. Just cruising around this nebula.

[axiomed]

I imagine there are plenty of planets like that.

[exothermia]

Yes, I have no doubt.

[They had seen a few in their own time.]

Much like less populous countries on Earth.

[axiomed]

I suppose I can't complain. I did talk about having a holiday.

[exothermia]

[He smiles a bit.]

You did. It's even unplanned.

[axiomed]

Perhaps a little too unplanned.

The wine is decent though.

[exothermia]

At least there's that.

[He tilts his own glass with a finger, before looking out the windows that display the nebula beyond.]

It was a nice idea. Doing this.

[axiomed]

[ He shakes his head. ]

It's all Hank's idea. Honestly, I completely forgot about the holiday season.

[exothermia]

I know it was. I can't say I was intending on doing anything.

[Hanukkah was already over, and he had observed that in privacy. This time of year had become a bit more familiar to him while living in Poland, but it still was never going to be a tradition he took much part in.]

It's easy to forget, being completely unconnected to Earth as we are.

[axiomed]

[ It's easy to forget for markedly different reasons, but Charles doesn't mention them. ]

That has its benefits too.

[exothermia]

[Nor will Erik. He's already spent a few days in a low mood; it comes and goes. These days, it goes a little faster, at least.]

And what would you say is one of them? If you had to name one.

[axiomed]

[ He pauses. ]

The opportunities, I guess. I love the school but it's not - bad being away for a while.

[exothermia]

[Erik takes a sip from his wine glass, mulling that over.]

It would be hard to find the time.

[axiomed]

My time is well spent.

But I've never had time for myself unless I'm here. It just - wasn't as important.

[exothermia]

Mmm. [He's not unfamiliar with that manner of thinking. Charles has had it for a long time. And he's not about to discredit the importance of the school or Charles's work on it.]

It is something that this place has in abundance.

[axiomed]

I suppose.

[ It's transcient, unfortunately. It'll be forgotten. Or just - gone. ]

I can't say I mind it either way.

[exothermia]

I'm glad to hear it.

[axiomed]

[ Charles takes a sip of his wine. He briefly considers slipping into Erik's mind - but dismisses it. ]

I suppose I am too.

[exothermia]

[Erik moves some salad onto his plate, considering the spread once more.]

It takes getting used to. I know that I still feel like I should be doing something more... useful, rather than something for myself.

[axiomed]

I would argue that doing things for yourself is very useful but I can understand the need to move on from that.

[exothermia]

[There's a pause as Erik shifts in his seat, the idea of 'moving on' still striking a discordant tone in him. He's able to square it away faster than before. He sounds thoughtful more than anything when he speaks again.]

No, I understand that. It's just not something I've considered that much before.

[Like Charles, he hadn't thought it important most of the time.]

[axiomed]

[ He nods sipping his wine and letting it rest. ]

[exothermia]

[It's fine to go quiet for a while. Erik doesn't find it awkward anymore, not the way it had been weeks ago. He takes up his own wine glass, looking at the other patrons of the restaurant chattering softly.]

[axiomed]

[ He follows Erik's gaze. ]

It's someone's anniversary. The waiter is thinking urgently not to miss the cue.

[exothermia]

[Erik raises his eyebrows at Charles briefly, before looking back at the couple.]

And then what... he brings in the champagne?