a re-watch brought him out

[aquill]

What in God's name could have possessed you to do this? It's a sort of freedom, at least from stone walls, but it's hardly one I deserve. I'm not certain what you intend, but I do know that I likely want nothing to do with it.

Let me write. I owe them that.

Comments

[umgekehrt]

Peace I didn't find. Good company and good friends I did. [A rasping cough. Stildyne's voice is as unlovely as his face, and he contrives to look innocent. He fails, largely.]

[aquill]

[ despite himself, his mouth quirks faintly. ]

Well, that's certainly nothing to dismiss, at least. I am relieved to know that you got something positive out of the experience, anyway.

[umgekehrt]

A good deal. I'll admit, I've heard of you second hand. That's why there's an interest. I'd like to see the Marquis' friends settled more comfortably.

[aquill]

Ah-- [ a startled blink. ] Have you? From the Marquis--?

[umgekehrt]

He mentioned you, once or twice. I don't approve of most of his associates back home on the whole. Difficult to really like that kind of medical barbarism. But one or two of you, as I heard, deserved better.

[aquill]

.. I wish that I could say that I am one of them, but I'm not. In the end, I was as cruel to him as the doctor.

[ he didn't know how to help him, and he'd been so afraid and so angry-- ]

I wanted to help him, but I-- I failed in that. Quite miserably, actually.

[umgekehrt]

I'm sure I can forgive you if he's managed it. And it's better you have a place to rectify the mistake instead of rotting. At least that's how I see it.

It needn't be the barge, though at least then I'd have a chance of meeting you in person. I'm curious, I'll own it.

[aquill]

[ a faint quirk of his mouth. ] Perhaps so. .. She is very tempted, though I fear you might be disappointed. Compared to the Marquis, I'm quite dull.

[ compared to the marquis, most people are. he was very colourful. ]

[umgekehrt]

I'm getting on in age. I couldn't possibly handle two like him. [Said with a good deal of affection.]

It'll be some time until I'm allowed back. Mine's waiting on a new bit of canon stubbornly, and who knows how quickly it'll be released.

[aquill]

[ for a second or two, he doesn't quite get it-- but then he colours faintly. ] --Oh, I-- I see, I think. Your relationship with him must be quite close.

[umgekehrt]

Closer than I meant it ever to be when first I invited him to bed. But don't scandalize too hard. I wouldn't impose on anyone who didn't want imposed on.

[aquill]

[ a small shake of his head, amused despite himself. ] I'm familiar with his particular tastes by now. When I visited with him, he often attempted to flirt with me. Mostly to see how I'd react, I think.

[umgekehrt]

That's his way. You are a lovely thing, though, I doubt he'd have been too disappointed if you'd been of the inclination.

[He sobers.] Seems he'd be pleased to see you again. I'm selfish, I'd like that for him.

[aquill]

[ he huffs a quiet laugh. ] Thank you, I suppose. I'm not of any sort of inclination, though.

That's certainly not selfish, to want to see a loved one happy. Even if it makes us happy in turn.

[umgekehrt]

I'll keep an eye on the place in case, even if I'm not allowed back. In the interim, take the best care of yourself you can.