[ Survivor AU ]

[bothbarrels]

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[bothbarrels]

"Yeah. My sister doesn't live far either, though. Couple towns over. What about you?"

[ghostthatlingers]

She shrugs and her gaze focuses on the wall behind the bar. It helps her keep her composure for the words that come next. "I live here alone. It's my hometown."

It hurts more than it should a year out and she downs what remains of her beer before flagging down the bartender for a shot of tequila.

[bothbarrels]

There's something about the way she says it—the way she almost shuts down any vestige of emotion in her expression—that tells him he asked the wrong question. He's not going to press, though. "I haven't been to my hometown in a long, long time."

[ghostthatlingers]

The shot is thrown back as soon as it is placed in front of her. She lets out a breath she doesn't realize she's holding. Goddamn, she couldn't be more of a mess if she tried.

"I might be leaving mine soon enough. Where are you from?"

[bothbarrels]

"Mars. A long way out." He's been working on his rum and coke slowly and finally takes the last swallow. "It's been a few years now."

[ghostthatlingers]

"I've been out there a few times for some jobs. Haven't had a chance to enjoy the scenery." She motions to his empty class. "Want another of the same or a shot? I'll buy."

[bothbarrels]

"More of the same is great," he says. Once the drink is placed in front of him he motions with the glass toward her. "Thanks."

[ghostthatlingers]

"Thank my recent paycheck," she jokes lightly and clinks her glass with his. This time she went for a tequila sunrise with instructions to be generous with the alcohol portion. At least a cocktail would take her longer to drink than a shot.

"How long are you in town for?"

[bothbarrels]

"Until I decide not to be," he says. "I haven't got any jobs lined up as of now."

[ghostthatlingers]

She nods in understanding. "One good thing about our job. It's dangerous, but at least we set our schedules."

[bothbarrels]

"That's how I see it." He takes a sip of his drink. "How many jobs do you take a year?" They were paid well enough that if they felt like it they would only need to take a few.

[ghostthatlingers]

She shrugs. "Enough to live well. I took on a lot this year because I enjoy what I do." And she needed the distraction. It was either work as much as she could or spend all her time in that damn house and that wouldn't have helped one bit.

[bothbarrels]

"I take it in bursts. A lot of jobs for a few months and then a long break."

[ghostthatlingers]

"And you keep up a place here? Do you have a lot of places you rent or just the one?"

[bothbarrels]

"Just one place. I travel enough, don't need a vacation home. How about you?"

[ghostthatlingers]

"Got a house here, that's all," she replies and her drink is becoming more interesting to look at. "I haven't needed anywhere else, but I'm thinking about moving."

[bothbarrels]

"A change in scenery," he agrees. "I used to move around more but, well, like I said, I get around plenty otherwise."

[ghostthatlingers]

"You said you had a sister nearby?"

[bothbarrels]

"Yes, my twin. She works with me sometimes, but not a lot lately."

[ghostthatlingers]

"A twin in the same line of work?" That's almost unheard of. "She trying to do something else with her life or just wants time away from her brother?"

[bothbarrels]

He laughs. "Probably the latter, to be honest. She has her own ideas about how to do things."

[ghostthatlingers]

She smiles a little at that. "I'd be more surprised if she didn't. You don't last long in our field by letting things happen."

[bothbarrels]

"Something we both recognize." A drink and then a swirl of his ice. "Have you ever considered entering into a partnership?"

[ghostthatlingers]

"Not lately," she answers carefully and watches him out of the corner of her eyes. "Why? Are you looking to start one?"

[bothbarrels]

"I'm used to being in one," he explains. "I like the guarantee I'm working with someone who I am completely confident in."