θ 9

[bit_impossible]

[in some parts of the world and the universe, it is July 25th. for a Time Lord, it is always July 25th somewhere at some time (as well as many other days if we really wish to get complicated and pedantic), and today is no exception. now, the Doctor isn't always on-time; in fact, he often misses things nine times out of ten, so when he actually

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[promisedsomeone]

[Somewhere at the grumpiest, darkest edge of the party, Asch is investigating one of these Christmas cracker things. He tugs on it, and then

BANG

- he's actually so startled that he drops it.]

What--

[oliverplus]

[Oliver only spots Asch when he hears that bang. but when he sees who--and what--was the cause, he laughs and hurries over to Asch, carrying his pint with him] Having fun? [griiin]

[promisedsomeone]

[Asch just looks grumpy. As usual. Must mean things are normal between them again.]

No.

[He looks down at the contents of the cracker. What a mess.] You didn't tell me it was your birthday. [... He sounds so accusatory.]

[oliverplus]

[in this case, Oliver is actually relieved by that grumpiness. at Asch's accusation, though, Oliver pouts back] I didn't know it was!

[promisedsomeone]

How do you forget your own birthday? Idiot.

[It's not like he's done the same thing multiple times. Asch takes a moment to rudely hurl a small box at Oliver's chest. It has some weight to it, and it's been wrapped neatly in green and blue paper.

What's inside? Well... it's a small silver amulet, no bigger than a locket, with a strange rune carved into it.]

[oliverplus]

[flails a little] I didn't forget! I've been travelling in time. Days don't go in order!

[but Oliver stops there, caught completely by surprise by the box] Wha...? [he doesn't know what to say. he just catches it and opens it, pulling out the amulet curiously and turning it over in his hands. then he looks up at his friend with a grin] Whoa, Asch! What does it say?

[promisedsomeone]

You're good with lists. It's not hard to keep a calendar.

[Asch is caught somewhat off guard by the grin. He huffs and looks away, blowing a few strands of hair away from his forehead.] It says 'world'. It's a small fonic glyph that's said to ward off sickness and make the wearer stronger. Maybe it will work on someone like you.

[oliverplus]

[scoffs] You can't keep a calendar when you're time travelling!

Oh. [okay, now he's embarrassed, but he still appreciates the thought. in fact, he slips the chain over his head so he's wearing the amulet] How do I look? Powerful? [he grins]

[promisedsomeone]

What, you don't sleep?

[Asch is embarrassed, too. He didn't expect Oliver to take to the gift so much. He stares at Oliver blankly.]

Too bad it doesn't make you smarter.

[oliverplus]

[makes a face] Not on a strictly 24-hour schedule, no. We get busy, or captured, or the Doctor forgets sometimes. Of course, then he pretends he meant to stop all along when I say something. But come on, between that and the Plane, a day's never a straight 24 hours anymore!

[Oliver snorts] Maybe next year, huh? [he fiddles with the amulet, admiring it]

[promisedsomeone]

[Asch gives Oliver an exasperated look. No wonder he's so scatterbrained all the time. But Oliver has good qualities, and he is loyal and trustworthy and strong in his own ways. Therefore, Asch tolerates him.]

Maybe.

[He uncrosses his arms.]

I need to get going.

[oliverplus]

[Oliver smiles back at Asch's--concession? implication that he isn't hopeless yet? compliment? he isn't sure what it is exactly, but whatever the case, he's glad for it]

[but he flinches when Asch makes the expected announcement] Hey, don't feel like you have to leave on my account! [he smiles to let Asch know that he understands that this is just the way he works--and that Oliver isn't going to get angry with him for it this time] I'll see you around. Get something to eat before you go! The food's great.

[with a wave, Oliver is the one who turns and walks away]

[bit_impossible]

[and Ten shows up just as it explodes and scoops up the contents of the cracker] Close, but you didn't quite do it right! [hands Asch the contents of the old cracker--which are a bright green paper crown, little toy car, and a cheesy joke--and holds out one end of another cracker] Here! You're supposed to do it with someone. More fun that way!

[promisedsomeone]

[Holy shit, where did you come from? Asch recoils from the sudden Time Lord in his personal space, refusing to take the other end of the cracker.]

I'm not interested.

[He does glance around for someone, though.]

[bit_impossible]

[poor Asch, there is no such thing as personal space where the Doctor's concerned.]

No, huh? Understandable. Some might find them childish, but I think they're grand! Never can tell who will win the pull. Well, there have been statistical studies done and so on, but those aren't any fun, are they? It's more fun to pull and damn probability!