Distractions

[hedda62]

I have to make a heck of a lot of plant labels this week, and complete many other similar tasks, so I could use a little fannish distraction (of the more creative sort than randomly browsing tumblr (which I still do not belong to, oh god tell me I'm not going to have to do this) or rewatching POI s2).

So, feel free to prompt - DVD commentaries on my fic, trope ficlets, Important Fandom Questions, whatever - and I'll fit in answers as I have time. I think you all know my fandoms, and I'll just tell you if you prompt something I can't do.

(Yes, that is a pay phone with a green roof in the DW icon. Seen in a California state park.)

Comments

[hedda62]

So, as I suspected when I saw the prompt, this is now a draft of the opening for the "Sparrow" and "Goshawk" sequel, whenever I actually get to writing it.

*

"Tea? At the Imperial Residence? Me?"

"Don't be skittish, Finch. You've met them before." There wasn't much that fazed Harold Finch; Simon enjoyed watching his eyes widen at the mere thought of the Vorkosigans.

"I have met the Regent and the Regent-Consort once each. In secret. And I'm not skittish; I merely prefer to remain out of the limelight."

"It's not in the least unprecedented. I'm frequently asked to bring junior officers along on social occasions. Consider yourself a representative sample of ImpSec's best. Or my protégé. Or my date."

Finch's mouth twisted, suggesting a scowl, or a smile. "Who else will be in attendance?"

"It's a family party. Lady Alys. The Koudelkas." Simon paused briefly. "The Emperor, of course."

"Of course," Finch echoed faintly.

"He's an eight-year-old boy. Quiet. Not intimidating. He'll make a certain amount of socially-appropriate conversation - you'll recognize Lady Alys's influence - and then eat more cream cakes than anyone notices and fade away to watch Ivan construct and knock down buildings." And then, later, he would quiz Cordelia on Finch, nodding and frowning in a way that made him look three times his age, and storing the information away. "He's… unobtrusive. You'll appreciate him."

"I'm not good with children," Finch said. "Mr. Reese, on the other hand--"

"Reese wouldn't come even if he was invited. You know that. Besides, Sergeant Bothari will be there. In charge of Lord Miles." Reese and Bothari had met once, too, but it hadn't gone particularly well. "So, may I tell them you'll come?"

"I don't think I really have a choice." Finch's mouth twitched. "So you may as well say I'd love to."

*

He was all right on the day, of course. He turned up on time in a perfectly-pressed uniform, looking at ease, bowed and saluted and fake-kissed hands in the approved style, and not only endured Gregor's questioning but made the poor boy almost laugh once. Then he limped over to his designated chair next to Alys, and accepted a cup of tea and a few kind words, and Simon relaxed and let Aral draw him into conversation about last week's security glitch. It was some moments later when Aral broke off in the middle of a sentence, looking across the parlor.

"Huh," he said, and Simon followed his eyes.

Miles had been on Cordelia's lap, still a little drowsy from a painkiller-induced nap, but he'd evidently woken up and crawled over to Finch's chair in his usual determined fashion, dragging his braced legs. Simon caught his progress in time to watch him flop over onto his bottom, look up, and tap Finch on the knee.

Finch paused in whatever he was saying to Alys, and glanced down, surprised.

"Hi," said Miles.

[philomytha]

Oh God Finch and Miles in the same place, look out everyone! I love the bit about Gregor too. Thank you!

Also, I wondered if this prompt might spark another installment in the series, and I'm not sorry :-).

[hedda62]

Thanks, glad you liked it, and I knew I had to get the two of them together somehow. A tea party works. :)

[yunitsa]

I love everything about this!

[hedda62]

*g* Thanks! I will actually write more at some point...