♔ 009; [text/action]

[professorcharisma]

[Early in the afternoon on the 23rd, a short and simple text message came from what might have been a familiar D-Terminal.]

I have, at present, two questions.

1) What's the date, exactly?

2) Rider. Are you still here?

[Not very long after that message was sent out, one could find an unfamiliar figure wandering the hospital in long strides as though acquainting himself with the layout. Though he had the decency not to start smoking inside, the oddly tall individual seemed to be mildly annoyed about something or other as he went about his path through the building.]

Comments

[text]

[bigger_and_better]

Fine, we'll just text. I just told you though, you just left a few days ago.

[professorcharisma]

It's been a very, very long few days for me in that case.

Meet me outside the hospital. It's something I'd like to explain in person.

[Text --> Action]

[bigger_and_better]

Sure, if you want to.

[A few minutes later, Rider's waiting outside the front entrance, his two partners flanking him.]

[professorcharisma]

Good afternoon, Rider.

[The notably lower-pitched voice held the slightest note of fondness to it, though Waver's expression had turned hard and cold over years of hard work and sleepless nights. If not for the slight accent and similar hairstyle, it might have been impossible to tell it was Waver at all who approached from out of the front door with a cup of coffee in his hand.]

It's...been a long time.

[bigger_and_better]

That you, boy?

[Rider cracks a grin, and then it turns into a huge laugh.]

You really do look handsome taller!

[professorcharisma]

[The serious look broke into what must have passed for a smile with Waver--leave it to Rider to just brush off something like this.]

I guess I can't say that I don't appreciate the compliment.

[bigger_and_better]

So, how long's it been, then? Don't suppose you're older than me now, are ya?

[Of course, even with Waver's extra height Rider still towers over him, and the boy's still thin as a rail, too. Age will have very little to do with this relationship.]

[professorcharisma]

Ah...nine years, maybe ten? I just turned twenty-eight last October. Or last October for me, at least.

[bigger_and_better]

Hah, still younger, then.

[And this Waver certainly seems to command more respect - though it's entirely Rider's own decision whether to give it to him or not.

Slap on the back incoming.]

You should tell your partners you're back! They've been worried sick about you!

[professorcharisma]

Ow- [Waver stumbled under the sudden impact, but managed to remain standing.]

I imagine they have--I don't recall having given much prior notice, to say the least.

[bigger_and_better]

[Rider laughs.]

You can stay standing now!

[That gives way to the other matter, though.]

They were worried about you, you know.