savetheearth | 03

Entry tags:

03 | voice

So... I thought I should let you guys know that Xander headed back to Minneapolis.

[Stefan's voice is quieter and more reserved than usual. He doesn't really want to make this post, but who else is going to relay everything? He made a promise, and it's not as if Xander can magically regain all of his Echoes anytime soon. Minneapolis isn't within the boundary.

So he pauses for a few seconds, and keen listeners might be able to hear him sigh.] He remembers most of us, and that he was a Numbered, but stuff relating to the Network's a no-go. Um, that said...

Purim's tonight. If anyone wants to come celebrate, even if they're not Jewish, let me know. My work's holding an interfaith event in coordination with [one of the Locke City synagogues] in the evening, so feel free to drop by if you're around Locke. Just tell the other interns you're with me.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He doesn't answer for a little while. While he and Xander were never close, the man was on the network for a long time, and at this point everyone like that feels like family to some extent.]

That's my synagogue. It's been awhile, but... you know, I could use a distraction.

No time like the present. I'm getting one of the other interns to explain Purim before we go, but uh, you're always welcome to join us after. I think we're meeting outside around [time].

[There's also an implied 'if you want to take over and explain it to them, I wouldn't object.']

[He notes the implication, but he's more than happy to let someone else explain. As he's mentioned to Stefan before, he's not great at the whole religion thing.]

Great, I'll be there. I should probably try to find a babysitter, but in case I can't I'm sure I can figure something out.

Babysitter?

[Stefan racks his brain for a second, trying to remember if Lazarus has any pets...] I can ask around if that'd help.

Asking around is... the problem is I don't really want to expose anyone to this situation. Like I said, I'm sure I can figure out something, and I will certainly be there.

[He'll be mulling over this for a while, but he understands, so he won't pry further.] Ah. I'll see you then.

We've uh, got costumes if you need those too.

Costumes...

Sure. I mean, if other people will be wearing them, too. I don't want to stick out too much.

[As "the token Jew" or otherwise. But he's not in a very festive mood, lately, and if anything can help take the edge off of recent events, this seems like a pretty good contender.]

Some of the LCU kids're helping out with masks and hats, so we've got stuff. Not full costumes per se, but it's Purim. You won't be the only one.

[He is, however, going to be a annoying sober coach this year. Stefan's pretty sure that he won't need to be, but he worries. He worries even when he doesn't have to.]

OK, if you say so.

I'm bringing a marker to keep track of my drinks. If I forget to mark a shot, please remind me, and I need to be home before 2:00 AM in at least a semi-coherent state.

Got it. I'll arrange for one of those ride services around 1.

[He's not driving there himself, or else he would've offered his car.]

That's really thoughtful; I appreciate it.

Anything I can bring or do in the meantime to help? You've taken so much care and trouble to pull this together, and the more I think about it, the more I'm sure I really need it.

I don't think so. You could bring a friend or two? But I don't... there's nothing off the top of my head. [He sighs of relief.] I'm glad you're coming, though.

I don't have a lot of friends, and I think they're all busy tonight. I really should be, too, but I can excuse myself for Purim.

Oh Stefan. [ Have a worried not!uncle ] Will you be alright? Want me to come round?

[There's a hesitant pause.] Um, I'll be fine, I think.

But you know, I think I could make time for some coffee or tea, if you're free.

I am always free for my favourite nephew! [ Arnold you aren't even related... ]

Want to go out this evening?

Sure. [Just like that, his voice sounds lighter too - he's not exactly sure why, because normally, he would be dreading this.] Where would you like me to meet you?

Since I picked last time, it's only fair.

Hm, lets see... do you have to be extra careful during Purim? Else we can go to [ insert name of a nice organic restaurant here ]?

That sounds good. I don't actually celebrate Purim - it's a Jewish holiday - so the usual's fair game.

[Thanks to his work at the interfaith organization, he "celebrates" every holiday under the sun, even if he only really observes the two main Muslim holidays.] As long as we wrap up by nine? I've gotta help with clean-up this year.

Oooh, sorry I didn't realise. Sure, I don't think that will be a problem. Will you need a ride?

It'd help. [Honesty's the best policy, right?] I can get there just fine, it's uh, getting to the synagogue that'll be an issue.

Purim's kind of... well, you'll see. ["It's a giant costume party where everyone gets too drunk to function."]

Eh, I can drive the electric car, or I can have Jeeves bring the limo, if you like? I don't think I know where the synagogue is though.

[ He blinks at Stefan curiously ] Oooh? Now I'm interested~

I'm okay without Jeeves. [It's said a little too quickly, honestly - Stefan's always been a bit flustered by him.] But uh, if you need directions, I can send them your way.

It's hard to explain. Purim's a giant celebration with costumes and sweets and games and stuff, but also a lot of alcohol.

Directions would be good!

And Purim sounds really interesting - not at all like how I'd expect a religious holiday to be! ... It is a religious holiday right?

Yeah, it's a Jewish holiday. [laughs] If you're up for parties, it could be a good distraction.

I always go because hey, who turns down free hamenschen?

You'll have to tell me what hamenschen is, but you had me at "party" and "free"!

Well, I suppose I'm a bit old to be partying wildly these days.

Oh, they're sugar cookies with jam or chocolate chips or whatever you want. [He grins.] You don't have to party. You can just stick with me and the kids and feast on cookies and sherbet punch.

[ A theatrical gasp of horror ] You are asking me to stand there and babysit sugar-high bitlets?

... Only if I get to eat some~!

You can have as many as you like. I think that kitchen's gonna be open for a long time.

Just let me know where we're going, so I can go ahead and get myself there.

Hah! [ Arnold snortgiggles ] You sure you want me sugar high as well? Mm, but let's go to [ pick random name of orgainc food restaurant here ] - shall I see you around 6?

Hey, I'm only caving to the inevitable. [Those kids are going to babysit Uncle Arnold, really.]

Sounds good. I'll see you then.

[ Probably. And a good time will be had by all, except the parents who have to take them home after ]

Alright! See you there, Stefan!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

03 | voice

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

[Audio]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject