@nestedshrike / continued from here
She should have known that it wouldn’t have been that easy. This was Gabriel and Gabriel was a man who excelled in finding people. As good as she was, she no longer had the mask of death obscuring her mistakes.
That and more than one associate had been by in the last forty hours. What a busy time of year it was.
Still, he was… calm.
The pair of wine glasses certainly didn’t hurt to put her at ease. She smiled at his greeting.
“And to you, Gabriel.” She gestured for him to join her. She didn’t have much in the way of furniture, but there were pillows and quilts to go around.
“I do not know if age has touched you as it has me, but there is a small heater for aging joints. I’ll share it if you share the wine.” She said, tone a familiar, fond one.
“If my last good eye doesn’t deceive me, that’s one of the better years.”
“I do love when you remember my favorites.”
She took one of the glasses, watching as he opened the bottle.
“Well, Gabriel, do I have some stories for you.”
And join her he did, drifting over to a spot across from her as a glass was placed on the ground near her.
Gabriel curiously listened to her, a fond smile making its way onto his still covered features.
While him forgetting her reaction from seeing his face back then is something that will never happen, he found himself wondering if she would mind the unsightly look of his... marred face while drinking some wine. Probably, he’d definitely mind it himself, so he’d just settle with lifting his mask just slightly; just enough for him to drink without making anything... awkward. Well, more awkward than it might already be, at least.
“As old as I am, I am fortunate not to have too many joint problems. Though, I suppose it makes way for... other kind of problems.” The corners of his mouth tilted up in a small smile as he worked on opening the bottle and pouring them both a drink.
“My memory is perhaps the only intact thing about me.” He joked then, albeit a little nostalgic, placing the bottle to the side and closing it (as well as he could) before taking hold of his own glass and taking a sip from the wine.
“You know how much I enjoy your stories, Ana.”
