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[mnt_raph]

*The exit opens to a dark alleyway. Doesn't matter that it's the afternoon, most alleyways are dark. Especially ones in this part of town. The sounds of the city are overwhelmed by the stench of the trash in the cans lining the alley.

Raph takes a deep breath*

Home sweet home.

Comments

[mnt_raph]

*Raph smiles at the cute girl behind the register, giving her a 'how you doin'?' for good measure. He fishes a pristine looking fifty dollar bill out of his pocket and pays.

The girl smiles back, and hands Raph a small paper bag with the necklace, and a larger plastic bag with the curtain.

Raph tosses the small paper bag at Andrew*

Eh, don' worry 'bout it. 'S my good deed for the day.

[stilljustandrew]

*Andrew catches the paper bag, and smiles gratefully at Raph.*

Thanks, man.

I'll, uh ... next time I can do you a favor, just name it, okay?

[mnt_raph]

*Raph raises his eyebrows and smirks*
Yeah, I'll keep that in mind.

*He gives a nod at the cashier girl, and then heads out of the store*

So, where to now?

[stilljustandrew]

Uh ...

*He's glancing up and down the street, and facing south, he suddenly pauses and goes very still.*

*He's looking at the Twin Towers.*

[mnt_raph]

*Raph knows that look. It's the look one gets when a hoarde of enemies come into view. Knife in hand, Raph turns to see what they're up against...and blinks in confusion when he sees Andrew is looking at The Towers.*

oh.
They uh...they're gone where you're from, ain't they?
Tim tol' me 'bout that.

[stilljustandrew]

...yeah. They're, uh ... yeah.

*His face is so very still.*

Could we...?

[mnt_raph]

*Raph nods*
Sure. Never been on the inside before.

*unsure what to do, Raph claps Andrew on the shoulder, in an attempt to be reassuring*

[stilljustandrew]

*His voice is soft and wondering.*

I never ... me neither. Never seen them in person, even. Never really thought I ever would.

They were ... New York, you know?

And then they were gone, and ...

*He shakes himself, a little.*

Yeah. Let's, let's go see them.

[mnt_raph]

*Raph nods, and then looks up at The Towers again*.
Yeah, that they are. I can't 'magine the skyline without'em. An' I'd really rather not try too hard...you know?

*They walk to a busier intersection and hail another cab*

[stilljustandrew]

*And some time later, the two are standing on the observation deck at the top of the World Trade Center, looking down at the City.*

*It's nearly sunset. Golden light reflects gemlike off the Empire State building, highest of the forest of spires to the north, and gilds the waters of the two rivers to the east and west, and is thrown back like fire from the torch in the Lady's hand far below.*

[mnt_raph]

i love this city
She cleans up real nice, don't she?

[stilljustandrew]

*softly* Yeah.

*He shivers. Even in the coat, because let's face it, they're a long way up and the winds here can get pretty strong.*

[mnt_raph]

*It doesn't matter how high they are, or how cold the November wind cuts him, Raph still looks like a kid on Christmas morning.

In an instant it's all gone. His expression is closed off, and his voice is quiet over the sound of the wind*

It all goes, doesn't it?

[stilljustandrew]

Uh --

*He lowers his voice. There's a crowd of other people around them, as there has been a crowd of other people around them for pretty much the entire day.*

The World Trade Center, yeah.

Not the rest of it.

[mnt_raph]

maybe not here though, right? i mean, lots of stuff happens in lots of other places...and not all of it happens here. so maybe this is just another one of those things? you think?

[stilljustandrew]

...Could be. I guess ...

I don't know. But yeah, it could be. Maybe in this universe they don't.

[mnt_raph]

*Raph smiles slightly at this*
yeah, that's right. in this one they don't.
not on my watch.

[stilljustandrew]

Yeah.

*The sun has dipped below the horizon by now. The entire western sky is rose and golden, and the city lights are beginning to come out like stars.*

...We should probably go back soon.

[mnt_raph]

yeah.
*he takes a deep breath*

Yeah, better get you home before Meg puts your mug on a milk carton.

*just before going back inside the building, he glances back at the city. What do you call it if it doesn't feel like home anymore?*