[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]

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?"

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"Not really."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"Oh," she murmurs.

Right now, she isn't so sure what else to say.

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"There's not much to do around here." Plus, when you are depressed, you can live in the middle of the busiest city in the world, located mere minutes away from the most spectacular sights the world contains, and find nothing to do. Largely because you don't feel like doing it.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah Jane nods. "Well, I suppose... if you'd like, you could come to Ealing. I could say that you're an old friend visiting from out of town."

[slasherofprices.livejournal.com]

"Ealing? Is that where you live?"

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"I inherited my aunt's home after she died," she explains. "It's lovely, although far too big even with Luke living there now."

Sometimes she still misses her small flat in South Croydon. There had been so many memories there.