Title: Decent Tripe

Summary: Drabble: Merriman has tea with a grim reaper, who's recently returned to London.

Words: 292

Disclaimer: The only things of my own creation here are the ideas and the grim reaper. Merriman belongs to the beloved Susan Cooper.

Notes: Another very random thing that popped into my head. Umm… People liked my other Death & Old One fic, so… I figured I might as well post this one, too, then. –grins- Hope you like this one, too! Personally, I don't like it as much as the games one, but I still like it enough to post it. So there. Anyway, feedback is very much appreciated!


"I'm glad to see that you've been stationed in London, again," remarked Merriman to his companion as they sat at a small, round table on the patio of a corner café, watching the passers-by and drinking their cups of tea.

"I'm glad to be back, though… I highly doubt I'll be able to get away, much, to visit you in Oxford, old friend," replied the other. He then took a sip of his tea.

"I'll visit you, then. For a little while, at least," said Merriman, with a touch of sadness, a hint that soon it would not be so.

And the other picked up upon this. So, lifting his eyebrows, he inquired, "Oh? For only a little while?"

Merriman nodded. "Mm."

"The end is nigh, then?"

Another nod. "For good or ill, the end is nigh."

"I would wish you good fortune, but…"

"You're not allowed to take sides; I know. I appreciate the sentiments, nonetheless."

"Alas, but I shall miss our chats."

"I, too. But, I shan't be leaving you alone. The Watcher will remain behind, when I leave. You would do me a great favor in keeping him company, when you are able."

"Oh? I shall do my best. What's his name?"

"Will Stanton."

"Will Stanton," the man repeated, mulling it over. "English, then. Good."

Merriman shot him an inquiring look.

The other merely smiled and took a tea sandwich from the small plate sitting between their teacups and the small pot. He took a bite, then answered, "Because I'm rather partial to a good English tea. Besides, nowhere else, save the British Isles, have I found decent tripe or properly cooked liver-and-onions."

At this, Merriman laughed. "You and Will will get along quite nicely, I'm sure."


END
As stated above, feedback is appreciated, positive or negative.
Love, Snarky.