video ↯ the first ⇒ he came back with a story to say

[allbloodyhail]

[ the video is dark, but spike's frame can be made out, slumped by his window in thor house, idly puffing on a cigarette. the pinch and burn to his lungs was a new sensation and he wasn't sure if he hated it or if it made him want to smoke more, but either way it doesn't show on his face and nor does he stop. ]

When I would get riled, or scared, my mum always used to tell me a story. A different one, but I was always the star. [ it's said fondly, but with a sadness too old for this plane alone. it was a tone he used a lot in asgard. he blew his smoke out the window and carried on without looking at the feed. ]

And so when it was my turn to do the caring for someone else, I would do that. I would tell her a story where she was a countess; a sorceress; a queen. [ his queen. he hated stirring up these feelings -- it was time to get to the punchline already. ]

I just got to thinking -- after all that mess, or if you're new.

[ spike gives a half-shrug then swings his gaze to meet the video, eyes bright and blue in the dim room. ]

You might could use some cheering up. [ he cuts the feed. ]

Comments

[becauseichooseto]

[What?] ...Are you offering to tell us a story?

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

If you want one. Or we could just talk.

[stakes]

[ Well this is certainly eye opening. Buffy's concerned, mostly because of how personal he's getting. ] You okay? Not often you get with the mom-talky.

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

Fine, luv. Just got to thinking about it, that's all.

[ and dru, a different kind of mom. he knew he didn't want to talk about her any more than buffy wanted to hear it, and things were already a bit tenuous between them. ]

voice.

[likethetragedy]

[The mention of a mother catches her attention in an uncomfortable way. Elektra supposes she could make him feel useful. She doesn't need the service. Even if she had stuck around for the mess, it wouldn't have bothered her in the slightest. (She's nearly convinced herself that's the truth.)]

You're generous.

voice.

[allbloodyhail]

Maybe. Or maybe I just want to feel like I'm contributing. [ aka hit the nail on the head elektra ]

[fredless]

[Because she's nothing but curious]

Did you ever tell me a story?

[allbloodyhail]

[ he smiles, willing to do the video feed thing for fred. ]

I've told you plenty of stories, sure. You want to hear one now?

[Video]

[5thchild]

If you have a story, I would like to hear it.

About her.

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

[ 'her' could mean so many people, but he was guessing the bloke probably meant... ]

Who? My mum?

[Video]

[kuramaless]

[They've all been through a lot this last few weeks... and some of them are still trying to rebuild bridges. It's not easy, but he's not sure that listening to a story of all things is going to work.

That uncertainty might just be noted in the way he pouts when he switched the video on to reply.]

You're gonna tell a whole bunch of people a different story about them to make 'em better?

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

Doesn't have to be about them, I guess. Could be any story.

video;

[doomhoops]

Not really sure a fairy tale's gonna help.

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

You'd be surprised what the power of suggestion can do.

video;

[boutant]

My mother used to do the same thing.

[ A projection, probably, but if it's her dream, one of hers. Might as well be nice to the figures in her subconscious. ]

I wouldn't mind some cheering up.

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

She did?

[ he doesn't believe her, but it's better than being made fun of. which he thinks he deserves really. ]

You just get here, luv?

video;

[shinybaldhead]

Close with your mom, huh? I can respect that.

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

[ the response makes his heart go out to gunn, but he lets out a breath, and just says ] Yeah. [ instead. ]

Or I was. She's long gone now.

text;

[nukeoleptic]

you are still pretty new yourself, arent you?
thats sweet of you
trying to help everyone else, i mean
i like that

text;

[allbloodyhail]

Newish, sure.

It's not really that sweet, I just don't have much else to offer.

[ plus he's like 89% sure still that you're all pod people. ]

[notaroundme]

She sounds really nice.

[Reminds her a little of her mom, too.]

[allbloodyhail]

She was.

video;

[delancret]

This girl is sitting on her bed, a blanket wrapped around what looks like legit Renaissance dress, looking like she could really use a story.]

Will you tell me one, sir?

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

[ oh wow this one should be easy. ]

Let me guess. Princess?

video;

[bestestfurrend]

Oh, I love stories!! Would you tell me one too?

voice;

[allbloodyhail]

Yeah, don't see why not. What'll you have?

[standsonhigh]

Oh, storytime is it? Well, that's one way to cope with the idea of being trapped in a warzone with no possible escape and everything special about you being snatched away. I'm sure nothing quite sets people's mind at ease like tales of some stable boy nobly fighting the forces of evil to eventually earn the right to shag the princess. I know it soothes me every time.

[allbloodyhail]

A person's story can tell a lot about him, you know, even a made up one.

Maybe especially then.