041 VIDEO LIST SEVENTEEN

[deadliestviper]

[The Beatrix who comes back to the Barge is not the one who left. Yes, she's the same person; she looks the same, except a bit older. She's rounded the corner into her early forties now, but it's not age that weathered her face. She looks exhausted, ashen-skinned and with dark shadows under her reddish eyes. So many things have changed from the last time she was here.]

Ten years.

[Ten years of monumental changes. She'd gone back; she'd seen Budd dead; she'd blinded Elle and killed Bill. She'd lost her enemies, at least she thought. And she'd gotten the most precious gift imaginable, which hadn't been revenge.

Ten years of motherhood, ten years of hugs and growing pains and tantrums and tears. Ten years of watching the most beautiful little girl in the world grow into a beautiful young woman, bright-eyed with a smile that always dazzled her. Easily the most perfect daughter any mother had ever had.

And then in the last week, it had all changed again.]

Well, I'm back.


[Ben]
I'm sorry about Zack. But I'm glad you're here. [Very, very glad. Much more relieved than she can say, if her voice cracking is any indication.]

[Ellie]
[This one is more difficult. She hopes to God Ellie's still here, and at the same time is afraid to see her. Too close for comfort.] Are you okay, honey?

[Vin]
How was she? Is she all right?

[Anya]
If you don't have an aversion to rock music, I have some things for you.

[Arthas]
[This one, at least, is an easy message.] Why the hell is this sword in my room?

[Lab Personnel]
If any of you have a working knowledge of chemistry, I have a favor to ask.

Comments

Private

[with_my_teacup]

[And all is instantly clear.]

Well fuck that.

Private

[deadliestviper]

I already mourned her once. I'm not letting her go this time.

Private

[with_my_teacup]

Was it a who, or a what.

Private

[deadliestviper]

A who. One with a preference for poison.

Re: Private

[with_my_teacup]

I assume you'll be handling shit once you've made sure your kid's okay.

Private

[deadliestviper]

That's the plan.

Private

[with_my_teacup]

Sounds like a plan to me.

...Bea, I'm sorry.

Private

[deadliestviper]

Thank you.

Shit, if I hadn't done this before I'd be even more of a wreck.

Re: Private

[with_my_teacup]

It... can't be good. Even considering.

You wanna drop by? I ain't feeling much like having an evening on my lonesome, just waiting-- if you wanna hang out and do tea while we wait.

Private

[deadliestviper]

It's not.

I really do, but I apologize in advance if I'm not very good company.

Re: Private

[with_my_teacup]

I'll be a party enough for both of us. [He won't be good company either.]

Private

[deadliestviper]

Misery loves company, right?

Re: Private

[with_my_teacup]

That's the working theory.

Private

[deadliestviper]

Are you still in the room I remember?

Re: Private

[with_my_teacup]

One-twelve. Ain't moved.

Spam

[deadliestviper]

[She's there quickly, knocking on the door more urgently than the situation really requires. Talking to someone - whether about B.B. or about anything else - is going to be a relief. And she knows Riddick doesn't share secrets.]

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[There's a moment before the door opens-- the sound of Partner's questioning yap, a low rumble from Riddick telling him it's okay-- and then there's Riddick. The water hasn't had time to boil yet, so the room doesn't yet smell of tea.

He extends a hand to welcome her in.]

Spam

[deadliestviper]

[Without hesitating, she takes his hand and squeezes it. It may have started as a welcome but it's become comfort, and she's grateful for it.]

Good to see you again.

Re: Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[He reels her into a hug, sighing deeply. A few months ago, if that, it was him on this end-- re-adjusting after years, walking face first into crises that had seemed so distant in the real world.]

Spam

[deadliestviper]

[God, she needed that a lot more than she thought. He hugs her and something in her, some sense of pride or paranoia, breaks. Bea hugs back and holds on, eyes tightly shut.]

Thank you.

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[He presses his lips against her forehead, tightens his grip.]

S'okay. You'll fix it. You've got it.

Spam

[deadliestviper]

[She has to breathe slower to lower her heart rate, to stave off the rush of emotion. But she nods before resting her forehead on his shoulder with a heavy sigh.]

Re: Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[The moment is slightly interrupted by the jackal jamming its face between them, trying to nose in to see what's going on. Riddick ignores him for a few more moments, and then pulls back, gripping Bea's shoulders tightly.]

Tea. Tea?

Spam

[deadliestviper]

[The jackal's a welcome distraction and she opens her eyes to look at the strange creature before Riddick pulls back. She nods.]

Yes. Yeah, that'd be good.

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

Don't mind Partner. He knows better than to get aggressive at guests as long as you don't out and attack him. You can pet him; careful around the eyes and the bullet wounds, he might get snappy.

[Yeah, those. Like Riddick said-- his dog's slightly undead.]

Green tea or herbal?