Video;

[shifting]

[ Sam is wearing one hell of a grin as he makes sure his video is steady. He backs up, and in view behind him is a small pick-up truck with a high cap over the bed. It may have once been powder-blue, but those days are clearly well behind it.

But hey, it has tires. Honest to god tires. ]

It was hard enough findin' one that doesn't hover, but throw stick-shift in the mix and you'd think I was askin' to buy the first printing press. [ his grin widens. ] Hell, I feel like a hunter showin' off a trophy.

But bein' able to avoid public transportation? Or just go campin'? That's priceless.

She's gonna need a name though, for good luck. [ Sam levels a playfully serious look on the camera. ] Can't go drivin' a cursed truck. So, any suggestions?

Comments

[private]

[shifting]

Not sure why that has to be true. Are you used to findin' darkness in nice people?

[private]

[flowerette]

[ It's more like what she hopes for. ]

I'm used to nice people turning out to not really be so nice after all.

[private]

[shifting]

...I've run into that myself a time or two. Never gets easier, learnin' who you can and can't trust.

But that's no reason to stop tryin'.

[private]

[flowerette]

How can you--

[ She begins, incredulous that he would still be so willing to open up to people even after being hurt. But then again, he probably hadn't faced it as often as Raina. ]

-- Nevermind. At any rate, play nice with Frederick. He's my most important someone, and I will protect him fiercely, you know. I'd hate for you to find out I'm not so nice when it comes down to that.

[private]

[shifting]

['Desperation' could be an answer; some would say 'masochism ' is another. Sometimes beaten dogs get so hungry for a scratch behind the ears that they can't see the boot until it's an inch from their face.

Sam's trying to get better about that.]

I'd hate for that too. I'll be keepin' my distance from him. Can't promise I won't bark if he comes yappin' at another of my posts, but I figure he can handle that. It half seems like he enjoys it.

[private]

[flowerette]

Yes. [ A beat. ] It does. Which is why I imagine he wants you to join us.

[ Funny thing that Raina's convinced it's Chilton who wants Sam, and Chilton's convinced of the opposite. ]

[private]

[shifting]

You sure about that? I got the feelin' he'd rather I join him for a long walk off a short pier.

[private]

[flowerette]

Antagonism often breeds passion.