The Dorm Roof, Thursday Evening

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

It's too dark up here to be working on his model ships, but Archie brought them up anyway, just to run his fingers along the now-completed rigging on the cutter and memorize the complicated sail workings that might come into play were this a real ship.

You couldn't say he's being emo, but he's certainly less cheerful than usual, and not particularly mentally focused either. He wouldn't mind company, but for now he just turns the model cutter over absently in his hands, takes in the feel of the cold air on his face, and wishes for some bizarre reason that he were up in the rigging again, yelling orders to the topmen.

Comments

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

Old Man and Mr. Neilson have had enough of Pippi and her trumpet.

She wanders up to the roof with it in her hand.

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

Archie peers at the figure emerging onto the roof until he recognizes Pippi. "Well, if it isn't my fine nautical friend. In a musical mood tonight, are we?"

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

Pippi saluted Archie.

"Indeed. What sort of mood are we in this evening?" and by "we" she means "you".

She catches sight of the model in Archie's hands.

"Oh how lovely! Did you finally get around to learning how to make a model?"

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"Not a bad mood, under the circumstances," he says, holding the model cutter out to her. "It's not the sort of fine craftsmanship your ship in a bottle has; it's only boards carved to imitate an actual model. But it's a start."

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"It is, a very good start. You should try her out in the pool. I bet she's yar." Pippi said inspecting Archie's work as she copped a seat next to him.

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"I'm thinking of creating a small fleet and taking over the duck pond in the park," he says lightly. "But I should test her out first, shouldn't I?"

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"By Fabion how exciting that would be! How many twenty pounders do ya think you could get on this girl?"

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"She's only a cutter," he says thoughtfully. "I don't know if twenty-pounders would be a good idea on her. A pair of carronades, likely, and maybe a half-dozen eight-pounders? But she'd be weighed down awfully heavy for her purpose. Wait until I get the frigate built!"

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"Once I get my sail done, I'll have to join your fleet." she said

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"And a welcome addition you would be," exclaims Archie, springing to his feet and giving her a playful, if a little too enthusiastic, salute.

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

Pippi salutes him back just as playfully and too enthusiasticly.

"So, what's new with you Leftenit? Besides the beginnings of a mighty fleet that is."

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"Being single again, apparently," Archie replies in a forcedly casual tone. "Other than that, it's routine as usual."

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

Pippi tilted her head. She had rather thought that Principal Smith was just making things up when he said all those things about Jaye over the intercom.

Poor fellow. He really needs to get out on the water.

She held up her horn.

"Do you mind if I play? I promise I don't suck."

[actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com]

"Please," he says, the smile more genuine this time. "I'd welcome the music."

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

Pippi puts the horn to her lips and plays Worst Day Since Yesterday (http://s18.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1TKTT84B3XY7Y26NYC0UI929WF).

She's not bad.