TEXT; UN: J.SHEPPARD

[impavid]

Alright, new pop quiz. When you think of home, what do you think of?

[ Open question, which he's not going to expand on unless prompted -- though really he's curious about something specific. Do people consider Olympia or Wyver their home now? Maybe the Natha station? Or do they think of home worlds they've been told no longer exist? ]

Comments

[impavid]

[ He snorts at that, because if only that was true. ]

I don't remember anything aching so much in my twenties.

[priorly]

Mm, preach that one to the choir.

[John. Foot, mouth, friend with osteonecrosis. Not that Prior minds: it's nice not to be tiptoed around. He's smiling but he looks away a moment.]

But I don't feel old - well, I'm only 30. Mostly I still tend to feel too young. [A beat and the mask slips back on.] But tell me where it hurts, maybe I can help an old man out.

[impavid]

[ Prior's the one who complains when he's tiptoed around -- John is just taking that to heart. He knows, after all, he's just choosing not to censor. Everyone has aches and pains, not talking about them just because Prior has more isn't going to make his any better. ]

Well you're younger and prettier than me. You offering a massage?

[priorly]

True and true. [Teasing - but nice to hear. His battered vanity still appreciates the occasional polish.] And that depends on where it hurts.