(no subject)

[nowonder]

What should I say? You're late? Would that make you happy enough to go away? I learned my lesson long enough ago - no more traveling. Ever. Not for adventure, not for riches, never for some girl who wants to [ a wave of his hands, before they fall to his sides ] "broaden my horizons". They're broader than they should be already. You can only stretch things so far before they [ snap ] snap.

[ . . . and his shoulders sag slightly. ] I'm not going to leave her again.

Comments

[kissmyboot]

Could have fooled me. What with the way you put her aside and abandoned her like one... [He giggles.]

[nowonder]

[ And - shaking with rage, check. ]

I didn't. There was a reason.

[kissmyboot]

[Rumple's also a lot less pleasant, but he keeps that smile right in place.]

And what reason would that be, dearie?

[nowonder]

To [ and here's something that's half-hiccup, half-laugh ] help her.

[kissmyboot]

[The hicculaughter doesn't help.]

And just how did that work out for you? For her?

[nowonder]

You know.

[kissmyboot]

Precisely why you should be thanking me for even considering helping you in your little predicament, dearie.

[nowonder]

Well, you should be leaving, but you're not. Funny, isn't it?

[kissmyboot]

Now why would I leave when I know you'll make a deal with me, dearie?

[A giggle.]

[nowonder]

You don't know.

[kissmyboot]

Oh, but I do, dearie.

[Terrible as a father you might be, Jefferson, he knows you want to set it right. He empathizes.]

[nowonder]

I'm not desperate enough to risk -

[ And he shuts up, but. The price is never, ever worth it. ]

[kissmyboot]

You've been far too honest for a lie to work now.

[nowonder]

[ A bark of laughter. ]

Why would I lie to an old friend?

[kissmyboot]

[Now that does get quite the laugh from him.]

Why would you not trust an old friend?

[nowonder]

Because it's you.

[kissmyboot]

And you think me so incapable of gratitude that I would not help you out of the goodness of my heart alone? [A hand to his chest.] You wound me.

[He giggles.]

But you'd be right.

[nowonder]

You made the mistake of allowing me to help. I saw things. I remember everything, even now.

[ Translation: I know you, I can see right through you, I recall how much of a troll you are. ]

[kissmyboot]

Knowledge only gets you so far, dearie.

[In other words: no fucks given. In fact, going to even laugh at that idea that somehow gives you leverage.]

[nowonder]

It makes a good shield.

[kissmyboot]

Bomb, dearie, not shield. And one with the fuse already lit!