not so gently, not so good / for John and Daisy

[loficharm]

"Of course. You too." Martin lowers his phone slowly, ending the call with his thumb before letting out a long, tired sigh and finally looking at John.

"So," he says. "That was Greta. Sounds like everyone's snowed in at Kagura. They're all okay, but... she needs someone to look in on the animals."

Martin is keenly aware that he wouldn't be Greta's first choice for this task unless there truly were no other options. He is equally aware that John probably isn't going to like this one bit. He's not very happy with it himself. But what is he supposed to do? He can't say no to Greta, and it's not as though she's asking for something dangerous. At least, probably not.

"Sssso I said we would," he says, as if John hadn't just watched him make an agreement without even asking.

Comments

[statement_ends]

John can't make out much beyond the generally harried tone of Greta's voice, but Martin's half of the conversation is illuminating enough for him to get the gist. Christ, it's always something. There's an uncharitable part of him that thinks Greta, of all people, ought to have known better than to roll the dice on a holiday. Of course the New Year's celebration went tits up; something dramatic happens more often than it doesn't. That's why Martin and he had quite sensibly stayed home. Now it's sounding like they won't even get to reap the rewards of being smart.

Not that he expects Martin to refuse. He can't even begrudge him the lack of any real consultation. What was he supposed to do, put the woman on hold while they debated whether or not to let her pets starve to death?

He still indulges in a grimace after Martin ends the call, letting his head loll back against the couch. "What better way to start off the new year than a bloody Shackleton expedition," he grumbles at the ceiling before lifting his head. "There wasn't anyone closer?"

[loficharm]

Martin sighs, more in agreement with John's irritation than in any kind of exasperation. "I think most people are up at Kagura," he says. "I don't think she'd have asked us if there were any better options. Really wish Daine were still here."

He swallows a small wave of sadness and presses on: "But we only have to go out once. She's told us to just post up there, that there's enough food and... Well, it's safe there, about as safe as here, I think. Maybe moreso. We should bring Daisy, and The Bishop. We can manage that, right?"

If it were merely a matter of inconvenience, that would be one thing. But they've both seen hints of shadowy movement out there in the dark. He'd dismiss it for his own fearful imaginings if John hadn't been so firm about staying put.

But, needs must. He's not willing to sit on his hands in the face of Greta's plea, and he's not sure how safe their flat even is, really. "I'm sure it'll be fine," he says, shifting his weight.