Prescribed Recreation part 3: Chillax'n with a Vengeance

[fleurdesel]

Who: House 44, House 46, House 3, Saori, Steve Rogers, and whoever wanders in
What: Movie night on the beach
When: September 9th, in the evening
Where: The Beach
Summary: After an unfortunate tussle with a Chaos God, work on a farm, a swarm of refugees and stress piled upon stress, sometimes all anyone wants is to sit back and watch classic movies.
Rating: PG for possible adult language
Something that everyone could agree on was this: the past three weeks had been several shades of stressful. What they needed, what they all needed was something mindless and relaxing shared in the company of those they care for in a neutral environment. The beach works well enough, and it's not that far a trip for anyone involved.

Comments

[averybadfeeling]

"Ah, I see."

[He shrugs.]

"Our code is not meant to be universal. It is meant to channel our gifts into total devotion to preserving peace and order, without falling to our lesser nature. It comes at the expense of a normal life, rather than to enhance or enrich a normal life."

[fleurdesel]

Ben, terribly little in my life has been normal, even by my own standards.

[A faint attempt at humor, though it does give her pause. How to phrase this next.]

And love, that is considered to be falling to one's lesser nature?

[averybadfeeling]

"Certainly not... to most. For some, however, the emotions it brings can take a toll, as happened with Anakin."

[He's not as reluctant to speak of Anakin as he once was, but the subject does bring up a pang of regret that even now, with all of his composure, still causes him to falter.]

"... Luke is a man who has run the gamut of emotions in his time, and we can see he has emerged a noble man. Not all are so strong."

[fleurdesel]

[She should have known that name would come up in their discussion. It was inevitable, but not her intent to bring up those memories for Ben. For a moment she's still, then she reaches over with her other hand, adding it to their entwined fingers. Cradle's Ben's worn palm against hers and gives it a squeeze.]

Do you doubt your won strength, Ben?

[averybadfeeling]

[He pauses, considering the question for a moment.]

"... I'm honestly uncertain. I attacked in anger when Qui-Gon was killed, and I nearly killed in anger when Siri Tachi was killed. And when Anakin fell... my love for him distracted me. It made me vulnerable, and my reluctance could have been my undoing.

For all that those around me may consider me overly disciplined, I believe it entirely possible that my emotions are not disciplined enough."

[There was another, more recent example of his emotional over-involvement, but-

Well, best not to bring that up.]

[fleurdesel]

I am sensing something of a trend. When you care the most you react with greater volatility. What happened with your Master...there was no other path to be taken. With Siri, you could have, but did not kill. Anakin you loved too well, and to him you extended a necessary mercy.

[Her voice is low and soft, honest but gentle. Kinder than she normally offered anyone when discussing matters of anger and loss.]

I think you are as disciplined as you should be.

[averybadfeeling]

"I hope you're right."

[He laughs slightly and shakes his head.]

"Oh, honestly, listen to me. We know already how my story ends, we watched it with our own eyes. Once I return to Tatooine, there will be no fall to the dark side, no temptation. No emotional disturbances.

I suppose that what I once told you is true of myself, as well. This place, this is what remains of my life. After this, it is simply a matter of fulfilling my final duty to Anakin and to the Republic."

[fleurdesel]

[It seemed, for a moment, that they were on the same page. That she could take the next step in their discussion and bring it from a general musing on attachment to a personal one.


And then the unconscious redirection of the topic. Inadvertent Soresu. Merde. perhaps a different angle if attack.]

Would it not be better, then, to make the most of the life you are to lead here?

[averybadfeeling]

"I should hope that I already am."

[fleurdesel]

There is...[How to phrase this?] Nothing more you might wish for to make your life more fulfilling while you are here?

[averybadfeeling]

"My needs are met, I am surrounded by those I care about... I suppose the only true trouble in my life is the Malnosso, and even they, I know, can only maintain their power for so long."

[fleurdesel]

[There may come a day when it clicks for Ben, when he realizes what she was subtly and none too subtly hinting at as they spoke.



But it is not this day.



Merde.


Levarre had it easy.]

I suppose that should be enough.

[averybadfeeling]

"The people you love and the amenities you require? Why shouldn't it be?"

[fleurdesel]

I honestly cannot think of a single reason why.

[She'd gone quiet. He was being truthful, if. Somewhat endearingly oblivious.]

[averybadfeeling]

[He allows the silence to linger for a moment, but then he recalls something earlier that day, and the idea he had.]

"By the way, have you any plans of attending our pink equine friend's party?"

[fleurdesel]

[Even now it is as it always was, a comfortable, companionable silence. It never felt stilted or awkward with Ben.

Then, of course, the question.]

I intend to assist with the organization, music, and will be performing at some point during the evening. So...yes.

[averybadfeeling]

"Oh, good. I had hoped to share part of the evening with you, at least. It seems... appropriate, somehow."

[He chuckles.]

"I don't recall having ever actually been dancing before."

[fleurdesel]

Ben.

[She turns to peer up at him, brow quirked.]

Are you asking to escort me to the ball?

[averybadfeeling]

"I suppose I am, yes."

[He shrugs, still grinning.]

"Make the most of my time here, yes?"

[fleurdesel]

Are you aware of the typical implications of such a request?

[It didn't matter if it clicks or not. Now? now she's just poking at buttons to see how he reacts.]

[averybadfeeling]

"It would depend upon the culture, the era, and the nature of the gathering. It could be anything from a political meeting to a courtship signifier."

[He raises an eyebrow.]

"... Would it be construed as inappropriate?"

[You French people have some wacky customs, bro.]

[fleurdesel]

Only if you intend to dance with me while naked, Ben.

[averybadfeeling]

"Hardly."

[fleurdesel]

As it will most likely be a costume ball I personally look forward to seeing what you choose.

[averybadfeeling]

"Oh, I believe I can come up with something suitable."

[... Actually, you've just given him a fantastic idea. He'll have to iron out the details, of course...]