savetheearth | ❧ 015 ❧ Video, laptop webcam

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❧ 015 ❧ Video, laptop webcam

[The video starts with a shot of an apartment kitchen, with its counters filled with several containers of sweet and savory baked goods. Someone had gone on another baking spree after recent events, but chose to remain out of the picture. A black tail is seen at the bottom of the frame, swishing slightly as it brushes up against a lower cupboard before a meow is heard and the cat walks away.]

If you were around the last time I made a post like this, then you know what I'm about to offer. For those who don't, I've made a bit too much and I'm willing to share this to the network. I already gave a large portion of what I made to the people working on rebuilding Las Vegas a few days ago. But, I'm unable to leave Locke for the time being since the 'teleporter' is presently inaccessible. Sorry.

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I'm aware of that feeling and heard about those who have lost so much.

Well... everyone's lost something, even if only a friend or several.

That is true.

[His tone is rather somber before he changes subjects.]

I'm not very far from the building now. I'll see you in a few minutes.

[A few minutes later, L is still at work, but he's slowing down; as much as he hates the fact, his body has its limits, and his limbs are wearing out faster and faster the longer he's hammering and lifting things that he should have probably gotten help with a long time ago.

The school is old and dusty but not nearly so ramshackle as it was when L started, and he'll be easy to locate. All Xander has to do is follow the sound of hammering in one of the upstairs classrooms, where L is putting up drywall.]

[Xander was using the shadows to travel and did follow the sound of hammering up to the second floor. Once he reaches the top of the stairs, he emerges and intentionally makes his steps loud to give his presence away.]

...L?

[He made sure he could be heard over the sound of construction as he makes his way towards the room and tries to avoid tripping on any cords or tools.]

Here.

[The response is quick; he turns to greet Xander when his footsteps bring him close to where he's working.]

Glad you could make it. What do you think of our new digs? Not too bad, right?

[As he enters the room, he glances around before finding a place to set down the box of baked goods.]

...It wasn't hard to get here, but thank you for inviting me over. [As for the question, he busies himself with opening the box.] The place has a certain atmosphere to it. Are you planning on removing some of it with the renovations?

[The second Xander sets down that box and pulls off the lid, L's going for it, taking a donut in one hand and a croissant in another, double-fisting the baked goods like a man who hasn't eaten in days. That's actually not too far off the mark.]

Only what I have to. It doesn't have to be pretty, just relatively functional. Comfortable enough. I'm going to live here and maybe others if they need a place...

[He takes a break to swallow, going back to the drywall where's he's left his thermos full of... coffee, naturally.]

[He moves his hands away as L comes over and picks up a few food items.]

Of course. I take it you're planning on replacing the windows with the bullet proof kind and installing multiple ways to escape the building if there is a fire?

[He drinks deeply, tilting both head and thermos back, and doesn't even both to catch his breath before tearing into those pastries again and finishing them both on the spot.

Appearing dazed, but calmer and less desperate, he shuffles back toward the box to take another donut.]

That all goes without saying. There will be other modifications, too... any way to defend us against intruders, attackers and trespassers is worth investing in. All the time, effort and money in the world are worth it. I can't have another tragedy like Anthony's death on my conscience.

[He gives a somber nod to the other modifications and the comment about avoiding another death.]

Yes. That would be ideal. [At least he was in agreement of it all.] It is a shame there's no security guards who can be up at all hours of the day.

[The concepts are scarcely controversial, and Lazarus honestly doesn't expect much opposition on all of this from anyone. Even if it's just him living here and running the place, he can get a far sight more accomplished than he could living out of hotel rooms with a laptop and library computers as his investigation tools.]

Fortunately...

[He laughs brokenly, a rough, unbalanced edge to the sound.]

Fortunately, I don't mind being up at all hours of the day. I don't do too badly when I have enough to do.

[Too much. He has too much to do, and while he might not mind, eventually he will collapse from exhaustion. His manic energy is a good indicator that he's running on fumes and this point isn't too far off.]

[The broken laugh catches him off guard and a frown appears on his lips.]

I know you want to get this project done as soon as possible, but you'll collapse from exhaustion if you keep that up. I doubt anyone would want to see you in the hospital again.

[A pause. Xander has a point, and Lazarus knows it. He's won't argue when it's clear he's wrong... but he's currently pretty sleep-deprived and probably qualifies as insane by a few definitions.]

That's why I put my sweater on the floor, so if I fall down I won't hit my head on the concrete.

That won't be enough to cushion your fall. [He says with disapproval.] Do you have a sleeping bag around here?

No. I'm not camping

[He turns his thermos agitatedly in his spindly hands, one of which is tattooed with his number.]

There are some bed frames upstairs. I'll move in proper and get mattresses soon.

[He catches sight of that tattooed number before waiting for the other man to finish speaking.]

I could fetch you one for the time being. It would be a lot more comfortable than a sweater.

[He wavers where he stands. His will is strong, but the offer is sorely tempting to him in his sleep-deprived and desperate state.]

You care that much? I guess if you do, you could...

[It's his way of giving Xander permission to keep him from hurting himself.]

I do. [He reconfirms with a nod.] I'll only be a couple of minutes.

[Which meant he'll go to the store and pick one up since he didn't have one to spare back in the apartment.]

...Just don't hurt yourself before then.

I've been on my feet for long enough already... it's unlikely that the time you take to get a sleeping bag is really going to matter.

[If he seems bristly, it's just his pride. Truly, he is grateful.]

[Xander gives L a doubtful look for his comment about how long he'll be gone and the sleeping bag would be unnecessary.]

Are you trying to say that you might be asleep by the time I'll be back?

No...

[He pinches the bridge of his nose. He's so tired, but fortunately it's not that bad yet.]

I just meant to imply that if it's only a little while longer I can definitely stay awake.

Then I should go and get it before you pass out. [He moves towards the wall and starts to disappear in to his own shadow.] I won't be long.

[That is always just a little bit creepy, when Xander does stuff like that. L swallows, but focuses on staying awake until he returns. Out of curiosity, he does set his cell phone's stopwatch, to see if it really will just take a couple of minutes.]

[He's aware that merging in to the shadows was unusual and creepy to some people, but he would prefer if no one watches him when he uses it. Sadly, he doesn't have that luxury all the time.

About ten minutes later, he returns with a sleeping bag as he emerges from the shadows. Coming from the wall was easier than the ceiling or the floor.]

...Here you are.

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