on libraries...

[finedprint]

That library? Is hardly a gesture warranting such skepticism.

So careful, dearie. One might begin to think you doubt a man's capacity for improvement. 

Comments

[sacrificial]

Library? [she likes libraries]

[forebears]

You gave someone a library? [this is ringing disturbing bells for him.

heh. belles.]

[loveislayered]

One step at a time, Rumple.

[finedprint]

[ the irritation is...slightly displaced ]

The abandoned library will be in need of a new name, it seems.

[finedprint]

Furthered inquiries. Giving implies that it was serviceable.

[sacrificial]

[Raising her eyebrows at him. Wow rood] I was asking for more information, not an attitude.

You may have a while to go with your efforts at self-improvement.

[finedprint]

[a tight, sad smile ]

Of course.

[ he forces a grin ]

Still. An improvement from the two taken backward, as the young miss so kindly sees fit to remind me.

[bearnecessities]

Men can hardly be counted on for improvement.

[forebears]

Nothing but the best for the object of your affections? [His tone is dry, but curious. Maybe giving libraries is a thing in some other world??]

[finedprint]

[ two eyebrows at that. He was being polite. Sort of. ]

And it seems my...less than hospitable mood has affected my manners.

[ he smiles ]

The library will be under more polite management. Should a library be the desired source of information.

[finedprint]

Improvement, I find, is a word so often left to interpretation, Miss-?

[bearnecessities]

And often the interpretation is left up to the men who seek to "better themselves", as it were. [A pause, and then a sniff.] Belle.

[loveislayered]

The library was a very heartfelt token, but you being truthful with me is....

[She tries to smile, but it seems a bit strained]

If you could be open and honest with me, I think there's a possibility we could make things work, but for now I just need some space. I need to make a life of my own here.

[sacrificial]

[There's a beat, and then she offers a rueful smile in return] And I may have...jumped the gun slightly. So to speak. I'm sorry.

[Tilting her head a little to one side] Why would it warrant such skepticism from your mundane? I'd find it difficult to see something sinister in a home for books.

[finedprint]

[ he side-eyes him for a moment, suspicion evident ]

More a case of helping the affection find the best.

[forebears]

An emotional bribe?

[finedprint]

It's no matter. The atmosphere has become a bit heated as of late.

[ he folds his hands over his cane, scowling, but not at her ]

I believe there was the mention of a rate of return.

[finedprint]

[ deadpanned: ]

I suppose next you'll be asking into your lease agreement.

[sacrificial]

You gifted someone with a library on the expectation of receiving something in kind?

[forebears]

[Eying him for a moment] It is a familiar story. I was seeking similarities.

[finedprint]

[ he wants to say that he could do it, for her. but he's a coward, and cowards avoid promises such as those ]

It wasn't my intention to stop you from having one. [ a twitch of a grin ] Though intent is meaningless.

[loveislayered]

I know, you just wanted to keep me safe, but I've been locked away for long enough. I've missed out on a lot of things. Even something as simple as a hamburger....

[She wants to reach for his hand, but she can't quite bring herself to touch him. Not just yet]

Be careful what magic you try. Remember what you always told me. Magic comes at a price and you're not quite the Dark One at the moment.

[finedprint]

[ a glare]

Perhaps a diminishing rate of return.

[sacrificial]

I think I may have found your problem. [:'|]

[idkworldruler]

A person should always doubt a man's capacity to improve.