followstheflame | Report 024

I'm glad the PCDs are working again. This makes things easier.

[She pauses a moment, her voice hesitant when she speaks again.]

And I suppose I should wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day.

[Yep, she's been on the network, doing a little bit of research out of curiosity.]

[Private to Leon//Unhackable]

If you're not too busy, would it be all right if I stopped by? I still need to see what you've done with the place.

[End filter]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

heartofalion

[Squall gave Riza a doubtful glance, but nodded. He hoped whatever had just happened wouldn't repeat. He went over and made her a cup of coffee. He handed it to her and smiled.]

Right. Do you want a guided tour, or just look around on your own?

From:

followstheflame

[She accepted the cup gratefully. It was cold outside, after all.]

I'm afraid I don't know too much about fine architecture, so I probably wouldn't be able to appreciate it very much on my own.

[She sipped her coffee and glanced quickly at the coat, trying to act properly in this situation.]

From:

heartofalion

[A smirk and a shake of the head.]

It's just a stone cottage Riza. There's three bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and kitchen. Two bedrooms are upstairs and one's down here down the hall.

From:

followstheflame

It was a joke, Leon.

[She chuckled and then winked at the coat.]

Even so, it looks very nice. How much work did you have to do?

From:

heartofalion

[His smirk faded as he caught the wink. Was that..at the coat? That couldn't be right. At him? That couldn't be right either. Whatever it was..it was strange. He barely heard her question but caught it just in time.]

I had a lot of work to do..but it's all done.

From:

followstheflame

And all by hand? I must have been around the Colonel too long. I'm so used to alchemy by now that the simple things take me by surprise.

[Another sip of coffee and a smile.]

From:

heartofalion

[Squall shook his head, and brought her into the living room where they could sit down.]

I can't do alchemy. I guess..I guess I'm old fashioned.

[Old fashioned..was that..the reason..? He shook his head again. Now wasn't the time to worry about any of that.]

From:

followstheflame

[She sat down and looked around, taking in the house.]

I can't do alchemy either, but there's nothing wrong with that. Our skills lie elsewhere.

[She set the mug down on the table in front of her.]

The world needs us just as much as it needs alchemists.

From:

heartofalion

[A slight shrug. There were so many ways he could answer that, but opted for a simple reply.]

I agree. Not everyone can do the same things as the next person.

[He set his coffee mug down on the table and looked directly at Riza.]

How are you and Mustang doing?

From:

followstheflame

Indeed.

[That gaze and question took her a little by surprise, as well.]

The same as always. He just finished the addition the house in case we need to house anyone else or take some of the pressure off Miss Unohana's shoulders. I've stayed inside for the most part, unless there's been trouble outside.

[She picked up her mug and took another sip.]

From:

heartofalion

[At that reply, Riza got a confused look.]

Unohana is having trouble keeping up with all of the newcomers? There isn't enough room or something there at the clinic?

(deleted comment)

From:

followstheflame

Not that I know of, but the clinic is only so big. If we can help, then we'll do what we can.

From:

heartofalion

[Squall lowered his head. That reminded him of Rosalie Hale's departure. He took a sip of his coffee thoughtfully.]

I see.

From:

followstheflame

Have you heard anything more about our plans to meet to discuss the city? It seems everything went quiet on it recently.

From:

heartofalion

[Squall half laughed.]

Funny you should ask..

I talked with a..person from the Leaf Village about that and Mustang. I've told both to contact the other, so I hope this gets underway soon.

Roy mentioned to me today that he wanted to have an open meeting, so we'll see what happens with that. But in the Spring a Hyuuga Neji and I are working on getting the water working in the other three quadrants.

I still have to bring up getting the electricity to Doom. Today wasn't a good time I think.

[He shrugged.]

The sooner this all gets started the better.

From:

followstheflame

[All these names she didn't recognize...and then she felt her gaze slipping to look back at the coat. This was going well. At least Leon seemed to be on top of things.]

It sounds like a start. Let's just hope we can get past that and actually do something.

From:

heartofalion

[Another shrug.]

Doesn't matter..I'll still do what I can on my own. I suppose..I suppose I haven't changed much that way.

From:

followstheflame

There's nothing wrong with being driven, Leon.

From:

heartofalion

[Squall looked up from his coffee mug and half laughed, but it was at himself.]

Driven..? Is that what people call it?

From:

followstheflame

[She takes another sip.]

That's one word.

From:

heartofalion

[A smirk.]

I suppose. Did you want to take a look upstairs to see if it passes this..driven opinion?

From:

followstheflame

[And a smirk in return.]

Only if Master Leon is comfortable with prying eyes.

From:

heartofalion

[Squall put a hand to his head and could feel the blush forming on his face.]

Master..

[At the mention of that name..well..that was going to end now. He stood up and looked at her.]

Call me Squall. That's..my real name.