OOM: Working on the theater with Joly

[herr_bookman]

Autor checks over his list to see what else needs work in his and Joly's theater. The cavern is almost cozy now, with cushions on the floor and a couple of benches in the back, along with a table off to the side for food strung up with lights.

Autor picks his way across the floor to the 'stage', peering up at where Joly works with the lighting. "How's it going?"

Comments

[herr_bookman]

Autor drills for a while and methodically attaches the pulley to the wall, lost in his own thoughts. Eventually he glances down at his friend again. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get maudlin," he says quietly, and climbs down the ladder, drill in hand. "It's just the way it is. I'm recovering these things, and there's no guarantees that they won't be painful. Maybe it's better that I've forgotten them."

[merryeccentricities]

Joly shakes his head, hard. "Autor--Autor, no. I mean-- you know for yourself what you think of your own memories, I won't argue that, but--you never need to apologize to me for being upset. For, for grieving what's lost, or being confused, or anything like that."

He reaches out, just resting his fingers against Autor's shoulder, and goes on more quietly. "You're my friend; I want to know if something's hard for you, or hurts, or if there's a problem--if not so I can help, at least so I don't go blundering right over it."

[herr_bookman]

Autor's lip quivers for a moment. He impulsively hugs Joly, mindful of the drill. "Thank you," he says softly, the words leaving him with a sigh.

He sniffs once, drawing back. "I'll... be all right. I think. And I doubt you'd blunder into this; you're more sensitive than that."

[merryeccentricities]

Joly hugs back tight, and presses Autor's arm when his friend draws back. His own eyes are damp, but he laughs softly at Autor's words.

"I fear I'm not as clever as you think--but I will try. And I won't press, if you don't want to talk. Just-know that you can, always."

Joly pulls back himself, his hand still on Autor's arm. "And don't go trying to not worry me, either. I believe I've told you before, it's a lost cause; I always worry about my friends." He smiles as he says it. He knows it's ridiculous; but it's still true.

[herr_bookman]

"No, I don't believe that," Autor says, shaking his head slowly. "You are. You absolutely are. Thank you for the permission to be sad. It was sorely needed."

He wipes a tear away, and smiles a little. "We can worry about each other."

[merryeccentricities]

Joly smiles warmly. "That sounds fair; a very practical share of tasks. You've a fine practical turn of mind." He touches Autor's shoulder once more, in promise to both of them, and moves away, sure now that Autor will speak up if he needs to.

Joly nods to the speakers. "You direct, I'll move?"

There's plenty of work still to do, but it goes quickly between them. The result, some time later, may not be the finest theater the Universe has ever seen; but Joly at least has never seen one better lit or heard one with better sound.