An Apartment in Two Bridges, Manhattan, Thursday Morning

[suitably_heroic]

It had been a pretty good year. Big early summer catastrophe notwithstanding. Weird to think about. Especially when so much had changed. And yet, here Jack was, sitting on the craggly couch of his own apartment on this far-flung world, staring out the window at the rain with a mug of coffee in his hand, and he felt... pretty good.

"I think I'm getting sentimental," he muttered.

"Shit," said Dane, half-bent over his guitar, writing down a few notes without looking at him. "Need me to call 911?"

Jack let out a noise he hoped fully communicated his displeasure. He sipped his coffee. "We should go for a walk or something," he said. "I mean. Not right now, but in a couple hours. Maybe get out of the city, before the parks freeze over."

"Hm," Dane said, righting himself. "Thought you were helping out at Duff's?"

"Not today. This weekend," Jack corrected absently. Though who'd have known his schedule would fill up this quickly, even without a job? And half the people who were asking him for help had actually offered money? He was still doing the math on how much, but it looked like they weren't going to have to dig further into his Jedi savings this month, and that felt weird as hell. "And you're off tonight, so..."

He made a vague gesture with the mug.

"Works for me," Dane said, looking at him. "Glad you finally have the itch back."

"Don't call it that," Jack muttered. "I just want to get some exercise, that's it. I'm not planning to get back into the van just yet."

"Maybe next year," Dane said.

"Maybe next year," Jack agreed.

"...Definitely next year."

"Yeah, definitely."

[[ open for phone calls et al ]]

Comments

[somethingwithturquoise]

Summer hadn't included a card or even a return address with the package that had coincidentally shown up that day for Jack and Dane, but, considering that it was just stuffed full with jello candies and space-themed tree ornaments, she really didn't think she needed to.

[suitably_heroic]

It was Jack who found them, which was probably best for everyone (at least if you asked him; if you asked anyone else they might have disagreed). He eyed the contents of the box warily for a second, and--

-- managed a "Hey!" as Dane swooped past him to secure the ornaments.

"They're for our tree!"

"We don't have a tree, we have a twig!"

He glared down at his phone as he fired off a quick text. i hate you

[somethingwithturquoise]

Awww! He must have gotten her gift!

The cheeriness of Summer's response no doubt could be felt through both distance and dimensions.

hate u too boo 😘😘😘 merry xmas nerd

[suitably_heroic]

i hope the island drops a bucket of ice-cold coca cola down ur shirt, Jack texted crabbily. merry xmas to u too u madwoman

He looked over his shoulder. "Don't put that-- look, it's going bendy!"

[unusual_sith]

Later in the afternoon, he'd get a text.

Last class of the semester today. Earth takes this holiday really seriously.

Look at her, texting like a modern person!

[suitably_heroic]

Yeah, Jack actually had to doublecheck that one to make sure it was actually Lana.

where on earth are you???

[unusual_sith]

Vienna, Austria Lana answered. They have a ridiculous number of markets and stalls here for Christmas. Plenty of food, too. Want anything while I'm here?

[suitably_heroic]

idk do they have gud pastries? could do w some pastries.

Jack looked at Dane. "Does Austria have pastries?"

Dane frowned back at him. "I think so? That's like, Germany, right?"

[unusual_sith]

So many cookies and dumplings! Lana wrote back.

Also donuts, different kinds of strudel, sweet and savory pretzels that are huge, and something I'm told is sort of like a croissant, but round, and filled with different things. And that doesn't even start on the meat!

Look, the Viennese were serious about Christmas foods!

[suitably_heroic]

All the Germanics were. Not that Jack knew that.

right so bring me some of these, he texted. And, after a shove from Dane, whatr ur christmas plans.

[unusual_sith]

Some of which? Lana asked.

Probably trying to dodge polar bears? I don't need any more Coke.

[suitably_heroic]

Jack sighed, and stared up at the ceiling.

we do a dum wholesome xmas party thing for the building wanna come.

[unusual_sith]

Lana read the text and gave it an unimpressed look.

Don't sound so excited. You're really selling it. What should I bring, apart from every pastry in Vienna?

[suitably_heroic]

Look, Jack had mixed feelings about letting people into this tradition and while he'd feel bad if she didn't show, there was also the potential of the instant relief of her saying no like Summer had, so...

every pastry in vienna will be more than enough, he texted.

[unusual_sith]

Sorry, Jack; Lana liked you too much to turn down the invitation.

I'll get a bigger crate. When is the party?

[suitably_heroic]

25th. its for everyone in the building who doesnt have family to go to.

Or wanted to bring their whole family to it. Hey, he didn't judge. Much.

[unusual_sith]

And what did you call what you were doing, Jack?

Sounds good. Let me know if you want me to bring anything else.