016 [audio]

[batmanschmatman]

So, don't get me wrong, I appreciate that there hasn't been much mass murder and mayhem since we got back from port. Aside from all this politics stuff that I'm not getting into - by personal choice, I trust the rest of you who are actually more involved with the situation to be able to sort it out - I think it's pretty safe to say things have been pretty quiet, all things considered.

And that's fine. Seriously, I'm definitely not complaining about the apparent lack of horrible crisis situations with dozens of people dying or anything like that. Heck, I've even been kind of enjoying having some time to take it easy, I guess.

But it's the excessive down time I really can't figure out what to do with. I mean, sure, it's nice to have some time to relax and hang out in CES or watch movies or whatever, but I'm used to always having something to do with myself. And I don't just mean helping out an inmate or something, like a tangible case or something to work on. People to interview, places to stake out, paper work to file... I was basically living from one difficult case or catastrophe to the next, and without that everything's felt kind of... weird, these last couple days. I guess somewhere between being a cop and coming here I forgot how to just be used to having some free time to kill.

Anyone got any suggestions on how to cope until the next catastrophe?

[Private to Steph]

Sorry I skipped out on lessons without warning you about it. You up for some more practice later tonight?

[Private to Hayley]

This doesn't change anything.

[ooc: So this is an audio because Dick broke his nose. And it's sort of a funny/embarrassing story, the bruises are still really colorful/noticeable, and therefore no video for you, Barge. Infirmary folk would know it happened twoish days ago in CES while sparring with Costigan, who broke/fractured one of his ribs. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. :| ]

Comments

Spamé

[everylittlegirl]

"That's not what I--" [No, that was what she had said.] "I mean, okay, that is what I said. But it's your choice for it to be that way."

[Hayley paused, then she stepped out of the way of the door so that he could leave whenever he wanted. Then she said something she knew she shouldn't.] "I guess I just feel like if you really cared and wanted to be friends? You'd be willing to make the effort to choose me for awhile."

Spamé

[batmanschmatman]

That's not how I do things. I don't pick people.

[Because when he did, he alienated people he cared about and apparently was a leading factor in pushing them away to start working for or with the League of Assassins. He wasn't that person, and he wasn't going to be, even if it meant staying on the Barge forever. And there was still something in his tone that held the frustration and confusion of "but you apparently do and you didn't pick me, so what's that supposed to say about us being 'friends'?"

He headed for the door.]

Spamé

[everylittlegirl]

"Yeah, well. I guess I do." [Hayley paused, then frowned when she saw him moving toward the door. She took a step farther back away from him, but spoke up again before the warden could escape.] "And so does she, apparently, because I tried to pick you and she wouldn't let me. She gave me Cooper instead."

[It was the truth, to a large extent. While Hayley hadn't fought tooth and nail or anything, she had tried to choose Dick and Ariadne had taken that away from her and given her Cooper instead. In Hayley's mind, Ariadne was as much to blame as she was and it wasn't fair for Dick to be angry with her without being angry at the warden too.]

Spamé

[batmanschmatman]

[Dick was unimpressed by the exaggeration. He'd talked to Ariadne, he'd seen the conversation, and he knew what had happened.]

Yeah, I think she said that to get you off her back. When we talked, she was very clear I could be friends with you if I wanted, and I should keep being friends with you. The only one who cares about keeping things separate is you, Hayley.

Spamé

[everylittlegirl]

[Wrong answer, Dick. Hayley immediately felt like he and Ariadne were already in league against her and her expression instantly contorted to one of sincere hurt and anger. She moved forward to unlock and open the door for him, not willing to even look at him now.]

"Get out."

Spamé

[batmanschmatman]

Fine.

[And that was that.]