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[inklongdry]

INBOX

"Arthur Inkwell here.
I've no earthly idea how this thing is supposed to work, but leave me a message if you're so inclined. I'll retrieve it at some point or another!"

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Comments

[velluminous]

Hah! I have been terrible lover in past, and poor friend.

[inklongdry]

You have been a good friend to me ever since I arrived. I see, also, the way you care for your team.

[ He tilts his head, tries for a smile. It's a small thing, though no less genuine for it. ]

Perhaps you were terrible at this once, but people do change. We are scholars, are we not? What, then, is a little more learning?

[velluminous]

[ she fights the instinctive need to deny it, to say she isn't nice, say that it's only because her other passions have been wrenched from her that she bothered to start giving anyone the time of day.

he's reached out to her with the one question that can pierce through that uncertainty. they're scholars. this is another thing to learn. feeling herself dangerously close to tearing up, she brings a cupcake to her lips and takes a bite. ]

...'s good.

[inklongdry]

[ That was abrupt?? He can only hope that he's managed to strike at the heart of something for her to suddenly switch tracks like that. He'll let it slide.

For now. ]

I'm glad you think so. 'Twas my first attempt at baking.

[velluminous]

[ time will tell, Arthur. ]

Difficult to go wrong with chocolate. I will take some home.

[inklongdry]

So I've been told.

I can prepare a plate for you, if you like.

[velluminous]

[ her reply is very soft: ] Please.

[inklongdry]

Of course.

[ He moves pat her to rummage around in the cabinets for a plate. ]

... You're welcome to stay longer, of course. I could put some tea on.

[velluminous]

I could have tea.

[inklongdry]

[ A smile. He sets the plate on the table, motioning for her to have a seat. ]

I'll put the kettle on, then. Have you a preference?

[velluminous]

[ she doesn't sit, but steps a little closer to him. something's changed between them, she thinks, even now.

quiet, hopeful note: ] Bergamot?

[inklongdry]

Certainly. You have good taste.

[ That's one of his favorites, actually. He turns to reach for another cupboard but stops short when she closes the distance between them. It's a small step, though something about it feels significant. ]

Sprezzatura?

[velluminous]

[ toss aside dignity, Sprezzatura. ]

Mister Inkwell... Would you hug me?

[inklongdry]

For your bingo card-?

[ do not be disappointed do not be disappointed do not--- ]

/2

[velluminous]

[ she fucked it up ]

[velluminous]

[ kind of, cracked, ] No.

[inklongdry]

[ No.

She scarce gets the word out in that broken tone of voice and he's right there, looping his arms around her to pull her close. ]

I'm sorry. It should not have mattered why you asked.

[velluminous]

[ ... presses her forehead so gently into his chest ]

I have not been smart, Mister Inkwell.

[inklongdry]

[ He lifts a hand, gently combing his fingers through her hair. ]

Do you... want to talk about it?

[velluminous]

[ VERY MUCH SHE DOES NOT WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. shivering noticeably when he combs through her hair ]

Can't sleep.

[inklongdry]

[ That only makes him curl his arms tighter around her. ]

Is there anything I can do to help?

[velluminous]

Can you shut woman up inside my head?

[inklongdry]

Inside your--? You mean your "passenger"?

[velluminous]

[ what a benign term. passenger. ]

She is loud, since... that trial.

[inklongdry]

I see. Would that I knew best how to quiet her. I mentioned that I know a spell to help with sleep, but I do not know if that would help or hurt the situation.

You mentioned such things make you feel ill, anyroad.