Sunnydale AU: knowing what this world is about

[americas_son]

Two days, Violet Chandler has declared, are more than enough time for Cal to mope around avoiding school. It's time for him to get back onto a normal schedule; just because he doesn't like the new arrangement doesn't excuse him from his responsibilities.

So Cal is at school, the high he's carefully maintained for the last couple of days wearing off. He's out back smoking a cigarette during lunch, but nicotine is hardly a decent substitute.

Only three and a half more hours to go.

Comments

[if_inconvenient]

"I would rather you dealt with it in a way that left you still able to interact with reality, but that is not my decision to make."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Reality hasn't got a whole lot going for it right now," Cal mutters.

[if_inconvenient]

"But it is the only game in town."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Only if I run out."

He won't. He'll make sure of that.

[if_inconvenient]

"And yet, while you hide in your foul-smelling cloud, the world continues to turn."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

Cal shrugs in answer.

It seems to be doing okay without him.

[if_inconvenient]

"It does get lonely out here, Cal."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

Cal glances over at him.

[if_inconvenient]

He smiles, wryly.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"So break in sometime," Cal suggests, his tone sightly lighter.

Though he makes no promises about trying to be sober for it.

[if_inconvenient]

"Well, now that you invite me."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"I'm in the same wing as Peter's office," Cal says. "Down the hall a little, on the other side of the hall."

It hadn't been a bedroom, but Peter had it turned into one.

[if_inconvenient]

"Thank you. I'm sure I can find my way without any trouble."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"I'm sure you can."

Maybe breaking in is a better idea right now, anyway. Cal isn't - well, it might be better if not everyone knew Sherlock was there.

[if_inconvenient]

He flashes a smile.

"And here I thought I was done circumventing your security. I am sure I will have a lot of fun with Mr Beardsley's new arrangements."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

Cal smiles back, just a little.

"I'd think it would be easier on the first floor than the third."

Less climbing.

[if_inconvenient]

"Ah, but the first floor is more populated. I might have to climb in your window."

A thought strikes, and he grins mischievously.

"Or his."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

. . . Cal looks blank, because Sherlock is right - that pronoun could refer to several different people.

[if_inconvenient]

"Mr Beardsley's, of course. It would be quite expedient, if I had news to give him in any case."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Oh."

Cal pauses.

"I dunno, I'm not really sure it's a good idea to fuck with him right now."

[if_inconvenient]

"Perhaps only if I have good news, then."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"It might help."

Maybe. A little.

Cal draws from his cigarette.

[if_inconvenient]

"Who knows. A little whimsy might do him some good."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

. . . that actually draws a noise somewhat resembling a laugh out of Cal.

"I, uh, I don't think he'd agree with that."

[if_inconvenient]

"Piffle."