[Forsaken] Frozen Moments

[lslaw.livejournal.com]

He dreams not in moving scenes, but in still pictures and voices; in snatches of the past and their rich associations.

Eyes widening behind glass. "That means... you knew before I did." Warmth and compassion; the first quickening of the pulse.

A smile, almost furtive; eyes over glasses. "Don't make me shush you." Flash of need against the warmth of easy companionship.

A quizzical frown. "I don't know how anyone talks to him. Just looking at him makes my knees go weak." Pain, heart deep, quickly hidden in jest. "Speaking as someone you clearly can hold a conversation with..."

The smile again, a little sad. "Christmas...? Are you sure? That would be really lovely." Sharp surge of joy; anticipation. "I'd be glad if you could make it." Too much unsaid.

The smile brighter, truly joyful. "I think you'll like him. He's lovely, and terribly charming." The pain again, this time hot and brutal, tearing at his insides.

Different eyes; cool, bright and deadly. "They're counting on you to save them, you know." Guilt and hopeless rage, and then: "Let me know if you need help; I can redirect some funds." Frustration and rage, but all he can say is: "Thank you."

Three pairs of green eyes, side-by-side in his mind. "Oh... shit!" Futile anger and helpless sympathy.

A hand on a table and a knot of frustration. "Do you want to actually go for a drink?" A fumbled reply; a swift retraction.

Arthur wakes, troubled. It is still early, but he reaches for the phone and dials a number.

"Tony. We need to talk about the payouts due to your partners' families."

A pause.

"They will have been. We'll talk about it later."

Another pause.

"No. For two."

He hangs up, and after a moment picks up the phone again. He dials hesitantly and waits for the answer.

"Isabelle?"