:*; Sparkle ;*:
It sucks not having him around! The humans won't listen to him so what's the point? I wish he'd just come back.
He chuckles at North's griping and replies smoothly, I'm told you managed quite well on your own before Markus came along. You'll manage now. How are you occupying your time?
A sigh. Trying to hang more lights. This boat may be shiny and new but that shiny doesn't work for Christmas.
I thought I told you how shit your decorating skills are?
Yeah well I'm gonna make this ship fucking sparkle! What are you doing, huh? Probably boring stuff.
Police work.
I was right!
If it's so boring then why am I more entertained by case files than you?
The overdramatic gasp earns a ghost of a smile. Rude much?
I adapt to those I work with.
Well aside from 'asshole' as your default setting, shouldn't you be off work now?
I am at Lieutenant Anderson's house reviewing files in my HUD.
Well leave the work behind. Get in the holiday spirit! Does that Lieutenant put up any decorations? I bet New Jericho will outdo him!
He pauses to look around the living room. Aside from Connor wrapping a newly acquired ribbon of tinsel around the Christmas tree there isn't much else.
"Lieutenant?" he calls out to the man relaxing in the recliner watching Connor.
"Yeah, kid?" Doesn't turn away from his predecessor.
"North has issued a challenge on behalf of New Jericho." This earns a groan from the Lieutenant and a pause and curious glance from Connor. He continues, "She believes they will outdo you in Christmas decorating."
"Course they will!" the Lieutenant exclaims. "They've got a fuckin' cargo ship to hang shit on!"
He agrees you will win.
Well that ruins the fun. I told you humans are terrible.
I never denied that.
And then Connor's LED rapidly flashes yellow before he fully turns to face the Lieutenant with a devious smirk he's rather proud of. Perhaps they have been adapting to each other. "I've accepted on your behalf, Hank."
Yet another groan. "Fuckin'... Why?"
A confused head tilt that he knows is not so innocent. "Is decorating not part of getting into the Christmas spirit? You don't have to pay for anything else. We can handle that."
The Lieutenant turns to him with tired eyes and asks, "So you're joinin' his little crusade?"
He might as well. This could be an interesting venture. "Obviously." he replies with a smirk. "Don't worry about a thing. Connor and I have it handled."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
I believe Connor spoke with you?
Yeah. Are you in too?
I accept your challenge.
You guys better make that human's house shine!
He assumes North's reply was sent to both him and Connor because of the way his predecessor cheekily replies, I always accomplish my mission.
I don't think we can this time. he adds.
Why not? Connor asks.
North chimes in with a similar, Yeah, how come? At least try!
Oh we will certainly try, he assures. but I don't see how any decorations could ever sparkle more than you.
A beat passes before the inevitable, Are you flirting with me? Connor is he flirting with me?
That is none of my business but he is right. You do tend to shine when placed as the center of attention.
I wasn't flirting. he clarifies. It just needed to be said.
North laughs. Then you have one hell of a bar set, huh? I'll get Simon to judge. Let's see just how shiny you can make that place!
Yes, Captain. he snarks.
Captain?
A shining leader aboard her sparkling ship.
The resulting laugh from North and smile from Connor is worth a terribly cheesy joke or two.