ringing in the new year

[beastkeeper]

For the most part, the beginning of every new year on the block is the same. There's the party, held down in the common room (barely distinguishable from the lobby, but hey, who cares), and the reminders that go up in the week prior, telling people to bring food to share (not that everyone does — the witch provides more than enough, anyhow). There are, of course, smaller parties, held in the apartments upstairs or on the grounds, and the combinations of creatures always rotates (more or less), but the overall air remains the same. The end of one year and the ushering in of another is cause to celebrate.

Comments

[striping]

Hm.

[He doesn't answer straight away, balancing about six books in one hand as he leans into the shelf, peering behind the ones left. His voice is muffled by paper and wood when he finally chooses to explain.]

A rather nice bottle of Glenrothes '85 that I didn't want getting filched. [He pulls his head back from the shelf, turning to look at Jack over his shoulder.] Books make surprisingly good guardians, I've found.

[insides]

[He presses his lips and arches an eyebrow, turning away to close the window. No point in letting any more of that cold in.]

I shouldn't be surprised. [He speaks a little louder, making sure his voice, somewhere between disinterested and disapproving, is well heard.] No one uses this place to actually read anymore.

[Says the man who used it as a refuge to smoke. He wipes his hands on his jacket and makes his way to Josias, lessening the load on his hand.]

Do you actually remember where you hid it?

[striping]

Only because I've already read everything in here.

[He says it with a sharp smile, perhaps slightly insulted by the insinuation that he doesn't read. The smile only spreads wider as Jack chooses to take some of the books out of his hand. He tips his head slightly in silent thanks, before turning back to the shelf.]

No. I was quite sloshed at the time.

[Which was probably another reason why hiding a bottle of expensive whiskey behind some books had seemed like such an excellent idea.]

[insides]

[There's a little shift in Jack's expression, mildly surprised by the first answer. Impressed, even.]

You poor boy. You must be very bored.

[He moves over to the nearest table to place the books down as Josias continues, fingers brushing lightly on the covers. There are a couple in this stack that he hasn't touched.

His back is turned and his focus is somewhere else when he replies.]

That explains it, then.

[striping]

[The look of surprise, as slight as it is, is very satisfying, though he can't say he's especially pleased to be referred to as boy.]

Trapped in this place, you do end up scraping the bottom of the barrel for entertainment.

[There is an underlying hint of bitterness to the words. Josias is not someone who enjoys being caged. Still, thoughts of entertainment have him looking back at Jack again.]

Not joining the party?

[insides]

Tried. Got bored.

['Trying' is too kind a word. He only passed by because it was on the way.]

[striping]

[Josias doesn't believe that for a second.]

I'd take that as a sign that you need to try harder.

[insides]

[There's a contradictory laugh.]

I'm too old to try harder.

[striping]

[Oh, that gets a real reaction. Josias turns around fully, eyebrows raised, incredulous.]

I'd say you're never too old, but truthfully: what are you, forty? That's nothing.