002 ✗ video.

[soldiernoclass]

[ The second time around, these terminal things are a little easier to figure out. Zack still hasn't gotten the hang of their finer workings (see: anything other than Record and Send), but at least he's past the fifteen minute delay stage.

And he hasn't smashed anything - there's that. Technically, he's still in debt for the last computer he touched. But that's beside the point. ]

I didn't think it'd be this hard to find a decent weapon shop around here. They're usually front and center, y'know? [ Right next to the Items Shop and the Inn, generally. This is very basic city planning. ]

But I probably should've guessed. There's not exactly a lot around here to fight... [ Which is weird, and makes life a little boring - but it definitely isn't a bad thing. He shrugs, flashing the screen a lopsided smile. ] So what I'm saying is, if anybody out there's had better luck, I wouldn't mind a recommendation or two. I can't be the only one who wound up here unarmed, right?

Oh, yeah, and uh... [ He runs a hand down the back of his neck, looking around indecisively (as if that's doing anything to hide the faint hint of color climbing in his suddenly uncomfortable expression). ] If somebody wouldn't mind holding my hand for a while, I'd appreciate it, too. I kinda let that get away from me.

Comments

[soldiernoclass]

Hey, spare me the gory details. If it works, it works! And since it sounds like such a big deal, I'll definitely repay you, either way.

[ Not that all of that mildly technical speak makes him any more doubtful than his first impression (now gradually fading) accounts for.

He's going to have to belatedly assume this is another case of kids growing up a lot faster than they should, but in this case "it takes one to know one" is fairly apt. That, and war is something he understands perfectly. ]

Yeah. No kidding. [ A little awkward. ] So he's not really dangerous or anything? You aren't in some kind of trouble, here?

[brainiest]

You don't have to repay me, not at all. Honestly, having something to work on while I'm here is doing me a favour.

[ She sighs, brushing her - insane - hair out of her face and breathing out as she tries to think.

Is she in danger?

She doesn't think so, not really. Draco made his choice after the war and that was to go on with his life as though he hadn't been on the losing side, he and his family helping to put a great number of Death Eaters in Azkaban. That didn't mean he didn't still have his prejudices. Pursing her lips, Hermione shakes her head. ]

No, I don't think so. It's only been three months for him but I don't think he'd attack me.

[soldiernoclass]

It's still a lot of work, though, right? I insist.

[ And he'll totally come up with something better than a date, honest.

Most of the alarm smooths out of his expression at her (only somewhat reassuring) reassurance, but there's still an edge of sincerity left behind. It's that "I don't think" that bothers him. ]

That's a relief. If this guy does start giving you trouble, though, don't keep it to yourself. There's enough weirdness around here without anybody adding in their extra negativity.

[brainiest]

If you insist, then... Maybe when I get sick you can hold my hand? That would work, right?

[ It seemed like physical affection wasn't something completely taboo here - or to Zack, really, seeing how open he was to hand-holding with... Anyone. Not that that's a bad thing - she completely understands how it's a necessity.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione smiles and nods her head, trying to look as confident as she can. She is sure - she knows Malfoy, sort of - but it never hurts to be cautious, especially when he's still recovering. ]

I will. Thank you, um...

[ Well. That's embarrassing - she hadn't even offered her name. ]

[soldiernoclass]

Uh... Sure! Whenever you need, no problem.

[ Actually, that sounds pretty fair. It's not exactly trading hard work for hard work, but if it means keeping everybody happy and healthy, contact is at least as valuable.

In spite of his brief hesitance, he smiles brightly. ]

Zack. Nice to meet you.

[brainiest]

Then that's a deal.

[ She relaxes a little, smiling softly and breathing out. It's nice that she's made a - sort of - friend and she's glad that she has a resource if she needs it sometime in the future.

Nodding her head, she smiles - she'd offer her hand, but... ]

It's nice to meet you too, Zack. I'm Hermione Granger.

[soldiernoclass]

[ Okay so his eyebrows go up a little at the name, but that just means he'll be trying extra hard not to mispronounce it.

Or to ever have to spell it (but that should be a lot easier). ]

Thanks, again, Hermione. I'll get to work looking for the ingredients of a really great sword ASAP!

[brainiest]

[ Her parents were... Special, that's for sure. She smiles softly, nodding her head and looking a lot happier than she did before. ]

You're welcome! I'll start working on the formula and see what I can do for you.