[OOM: The Often Forgotten about, yet none-the-less still there, Gym.]

[mnt_raph]

Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Rest.

Oh sure, Raph could be working out back in Tortall. It's not like there isn't any number of errands, tasks, or chores that he could do that wouldn't result in the exact same amount of exertion. It's just that here in Milliways? He can take a scaldingly hot shower afterwards. The draw of a place with a nigh unlimited amount of hot water is a powerful draw indeed.

He takes advantage of the rest period to shift his position on the work out bench and adjusting his grip on the bar resting on the pins above his chest.
Only four more sets at this weight, and he's done.

Comments

[mnt_raph]

...

"what."

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth smiles a little to herself.

"It was me who chained him to the mast-"

She pulls back, then looks up at him from behind his other shoulder.

"-and left him for the kraken."

[mnt_raph]

Now there's a name Raph hasn't heard in some time, not since the day of the siege of Pirate's Swoop.

Kracken.

There's a brief flash of a memory that plays in Raph's mind. An image of Captain Jack as Daine's friend surfaced and released fury upon the sea.

"You didn't."

[try_corsets]

Would a pirate lie?

Elizabeth wisely refrains from posing that question aloud.

"Oh, but I did."

She circles back around, eyes finding and holding his.

"I sent Jack to the Locker."

And helped retrieve him, but that's hardly the relevant point.

[mnt_raph]

Would a pirate lie?
That's like asking if a ninja wouldn't jump out of a shadow and kill someone.

"You did that. To Jack. You left him to be eaten alive by that thing."

There's surprise behind his eyes, but only for a second. It's quickly replaced by amusement. He even cracks a smile.

"You're all right, Kid."

[try_corsets]

"I did what was necessary."

Elizabeth holds her breath, waiting to see if her gamble pays off... and it does.

Amusement softens her expression.

"So the way I see it, you owe me a favor."

[mnt_raph]

"Half a favor," he corrects. "Ain't like the bastard stayed there."

Have to keep an eye on this one. Raph doesn't know what Jack did to piss her off, but clearly she's capable of oh so much revenge.

[try_corsets]

It wasn't a matter of Jack making her angry. It was a matter of survival.

"No, he didn't. We rescued him."

She blinks, face maddeningly blank.

"Then we have an accord?"

[mnt_raph]

"Thanks for that." His eyes roll.
And don't think he doesn't notice that lack-of-emotion thing she's got going on. Because he does.

Again Raph gives her an appraising look. "That like a deal? 'Cause if it is, we do."

[try_corsets]

"Good."

Excited anticipation flashes in her eyes.

"Either I or Mr. Gibbs will deliver what you need in a few days." A small smile. "And I will leave you to your... heavy lifting and offensive noise."

[mnt_raph]

He nods.
"I'll keep my eyes peeled."

It's only after her final jibe at his music that he smirks.

"Have fun bein' Mike's new project."

He can almost hear the sound his baby brother asking Mel if they can keep her.

[try_corsets]

Already on her way out the door, Elizabeth stops and glances at him over her shoulder.

"I think I will."

Beat.

"I'll enjoy proving it to you at the baby shower."

And she's gone.

[mnt_raph]

Raph is...well, crestfallen is really the only word for it.

"A babyshower?
Seriously?
Are you kiddin' me?

...

Fuckin' Milliways."