continuations

[tenebraecious]

Comments

[mind_blown]

Well, most people will point out the stairs.

But it's a pretty learnable skill.

1/2

[tenebraecious]

Mm, and I hope to learn it. With a proper teacher.

[tenebraecious]

[sighing]

Truly, I would like to enjoy your company, whatever form it may arrive in. Still, I hold onto that wish. But I cannot— No, do not want you to restrain yourself, so our friendship would be fraught, Jay. I do not fear this, only trust that it would.

[mind_blown]

Lucky for you, I remember being a teacher for stuff like this. I don't remember what kind of teacher I was, but I'm sure we can work something out.

As for our friendship....

[he considers this for a moment.]

Nothing's gotta be fraught. Nothing has to be anything.

[tenebraecious]

[softly starts to object then just — stops herself]

. . . No, I suppose not.

[mind_blown]

... I'd rather it not. Be fraught. Maybe it just is what it is.

[tenebraecious]

Mm, and whatever it will be is our choice.

[carefully holding a hand out to him]

[mind_blown]

[he just considers that, and slowly reaches our his hand to take hers, thumb running lightly over her knuckles.]

I'd like that.

[tenebraecious]

[holding lightly at first then squeezing]

As would I. —Thank you, Jay.

[mind_blown]

[he pauses for a moment-- and fuck it, he's going to steal a kiss, consciously, this time.

but he's still very soft about it.]

[tenebraecious]

[still with surprise for a beat, then leaning forward to chastely return that kiss, mouth formed into light smile as she does]

[mind_blown]

[he's brief with it for now. just a thought that-- maybe, just maybe, she deserved a kiss? even if it was from someone like him.]

No problem.

[tenebraecious]

[ducking her head with a slight blush, this is all very crazy but okay!! cool!!!!!]

I will need your help. To not think so much.

[mind_blown]

Yeah?

About etiquette, or...?

[tenebraecious]

I do not think that long on etiquette. [it's in her former princess bones] No, just my concerns.

[mind_blown]

[but he'd be a great person to teach about not thinking about it.]

I can try.

But concerns is very 'broad' as far as things go in hell.

[tenebraecious]

[wait until he is invited for tea...]

Yes, but I try to only mind those that I can control. Nothing would get done if I fretted over every possible outcome.

[straightening up, ganbare glacies]

How well do you know Baritones?

[mind_blown]

[he pauses.]

Well enough to know they're dangerous.

[he inclines his head towards her]

[tenebraecious]

I have not found them so. Rather, I keep good company with one of theirs, so I would appreciate the consideration if you do speak with them.

[doesn't have the tone that she thinks they're the greatest but still, pretty firm]

[mind_blown]

Are they one of your concerns?

[he won't argue on why he thinks they're dangerous. he doesn't think it's worth it.]

[tenebraecious]

Not as a whole. Only a particular member who shares some history with me . . . Absinthe. He tries very hard to feign any interest in me, but he is also able to speak of my brother among many other things.

[mind_blown]

[hm. and from what he's seen of him? not entirely surprising.]

Huh. And the way he's acting is what worries you?

[tenebraecious]

No, I only wish to keep speaking with him. Considering his mercurial temperament, I do not know what will end his good will.

I'm not unaware of his reputation, but I have also not experienced any unkind action from him here.

[mind_blown]

So... Not technically wrong. Just you can't read him to know what will set him off.

... Honestly, that might be out of your control.

[tenebraecious]

That may be, but I am not resigned to that yet. I have more power here than I did before, especially in regards to him.