[Mixed Muses] A Meeting with Simon Skinner

[his_sarah_jane]

It has been a long week and Sarah Jane is ever so grateful when her attic door opens up to Milliways again. While she has found herself really enjoying Luke, Maria, and Clyde's company, a part of her still seeks to be alone. And to be in the company of adults that will accept her.

So, it's with a cuppa and her notebook that Sarah settles into a booth. She won't admit it to herself, but she's looking for someone in particular. Christmas shopping has been taking it's tole, resulting in her buying a few gifts she hadn't planned on. Including one for her one-night stand.

If he ever shows up.

Comments

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah Jane shrugs, glancing down at the table. This is ridiculous. She's a grown woman. She shouldn't feel this awkward about giving a man (even if he is more or less a stranger), a gift. Yet, she does. Is this even the proper protocol to a one-night fling?

"I hope you don't mind."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"I don't. It's...rather unexpected." He begins to tear away the wrapping, remembering bittersweetly when he did this with relish as a child.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"I was shopping in Waterstone's for a book for Maria. I saw this and thought it could help to keep you occupied," she explains as she watches him open the gift. "I know it's not something everyone enjoys, but I thought I would give it a chance at any rate."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

He finally has all the wrapping off the box, which he opens. Inside is...well.

"It's lovely," he replies, smiling broadly. "I'm afraid I'm not much of a writer, though."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"I was hoping it might inspire you to do something each day that's worthy to remember."

Sarah Jane smiles in return, although she does look rather embarrassed by this whole thing.

"My aunt gave me my first journal shortly after my parents' deaths. I couldn't really write well at the time, but it did help to keep me distracted."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

Worthy to remember. Simon's smile turns just a bit false, just a bit tight. Hard to find the point of remembering when you're on your way to eternity. "Oh. I could use a distraction." He looks up from the book to her, his smile becoming less false--but more polite than genuine.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

She had mucked up the gift, hadn't she? Sarah Jane's smile faltered when she noticed how his had turned polite. Apparently she still had a lot to learn about these sorts of interactions.

"Well, writing does tend to make for a rather brilliant one in my opinion," she finally answers. "I hope you find something to fill it with."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

A sigh. He places the book back on the table. Might as well be honest: "I really do appreciate the gift. It's more than I could've expected, but I..." He laughs. "I'm being ridiculous, is what."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

She raises her eyebrows. "Ridiculous?"

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"I'm not the only one who can't bring his memories with him after he's passed on."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"But you're the one I care about," Sarah responds.

And then realises what she says, turning painfully red. Absolutely the wrong thing to say, she's certain. After all, they've only ever spent a night and day together.

She stands, wanting to get away. "Maybe I ought to go back and check on Luke."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

She turns red, he turns white. She stands, he sits, slowly, staring blankly at nothing in particular.

"Oh."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah Jane can't help it. "Oh?"

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"Yes." Still looking at nothing. "Oh."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"Oh," she chimes in, glancing downward herself.

But Sarah Jane still doesn't make any attempt to move.

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

He picks up the journal. "I'm not used to anyone caring about me these days."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"It really isn't that hard to do."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

He has his protests, of course, but he won't air them. He sighs instead, his fingers running over the journal cover. "Thank you."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah Jane nods. "Anyway, I do hope you find some use out of it."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a goodbye. He looks up sharply.

"You're not going anywhere, are you?"

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah doesn't know. She's used to taking demand. This situation has left her utterly lost and confused.

"Do you want company?"

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"I wouldn't mind--I mean, yes."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

She smiles a little at that, returning to her seat.

"Have you had a decent week then?"

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

He shrugs. "I suppose you could call it that."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

She's not used to having to make small talk either. "Did you do anything interesting?"