I regret my sudden disappearance and hope it has not sown seeds of distrust between us. I have been informed that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Men and women will vanish, and then return at an unknowable time later.
But that is not what I recall. My nightmares returned to me as if caught within a fever dream, but it was no dream. I bear the evidence of my failure in the Arctic anew.
My man Jopson has returned to his former duties as nursemaid. Though, if you could implore him to consider an allowance of freedom outside a bed, I would be forever grateful. I do not do well confined, even during convalescence.
There's no need to fear: I'm familiar with the way people vanish and return to this place at random. When you left, I'd hoped you'd returned to home and comfort, but I won't deny that it's good to hear from you again. Less so that you've come back ill and burdened, of course, but we can tend to some of that soon enough.
What ailments are you suffering? I can stop by and bring you appropriate medicine, and see what I can do about speaking with Mr. Jopson. However, if he's tended to you for some time, I've no doubt he has good reason to see that you stay abed.
I am in dire need of a constitutional, somewhere far from my rooms. And then I recalled a promise to escort you around the Up for new clothes and other necessaries.
Please allow me the pleasure if you are still of a need.
I could use a break from my rounds, certainly. It'd be a pleasure. [Cleanup at the hospital is still ongoing, and even with the new robot's help, it's been easy to let himself get bogged down in it. A walk around the Up with Crozier feels like just the thing to clear his head - and even better, it's a practical walk with purpose.]
[He's a little surprised - but glad, relieved - she's reaching out to him after the way their last conversation went. Not seeing her around the lab hasn't felt right with how much time each of them both seem to spend there.
He's curious about what prompted the unexpected ask, but he decides to wait and see how things go before reaching for any conclusions.]
I can meet you in fifteen minutes. Largest park in the Up? [It's picturesque right now, with the remaining colorful leaves still clinging to the trees there.]
It's a LIEr bar. You'll be fine. ( But if the man doesn't want to drink, whatever. He's still fucking drinking. A lot by the end of the night, but this first shot of whiskey to start.
Not that the shot does much. It takes time for that shit to kick in. Caden would love to get smashed in that time and deal with the consequences later, but this is already-- him dealing with the consequences. For once. Fuck, he doesn't want to do this. He really fucking wants to let this all go and to never fucking see Charles again. But he can't skip town or go into hiding, because this city is fucking small and you can't fucking escape it.
Fuuuuuuuuuck.
He downs a second shot of whiskey before grabbing a glass of water and forcing his ass onto a stool. He's fidgeting and tearing at his curls still, but at least he's not pacing. )
I don't-- ( do this. ever. A sigh. Come on. You came out here, give him something, asshole. Just like you do with Ro whenever this shit happens. )
...I'm sorry. I wasn't going to say anything until-- until the city forced it out.
( Somehow, that's so much worse, but it's out of his mouth now, so... fuck. )
[Charles isn't surprised to hear that Magpie was planning on avoiding talking with him until the last possible moment. But this much honesty is a relief, and feels like - a chance? He can do something with this with the other man. Magpie may hold his trust close to his chest, but what if that's about not being used to giving it? Possibly ever? That's not an assumption he'll make for good without finding out more, but he can entertain the potential. It fits how much the younger man always fights him at every turn.
Now that Magpie's given him an apology, he can't even pretend to hold onto his anger. It doesn't help either of them.]
That doesn't work here. [Something he's learning, too, but in a different way. Avoiding or ignoring his past, only to paper it over with working to try and make something better of it, is only doing half of the heavy lifting that needs to be done.] Two weeks or two months later, we would have always ended up here. [He waits until he has either the man's gaze or at least his full attention, before continuing:]
Thank you, for apologizing. It's better of you than the way this started.
[ She's not expecting the answer he gives. Truthfully, Elle wasn't sure what answer he would give, if any. Not that she was expecting him to ignore the question, but even through text, she can read the tone fairly well.
And she's not entirely sure how to respond right away.
The connections she's made in the city have never been focused on the physical aspect of their assignments and reason for being here. She's always believed she's built them from the base of genuine friendship first.
Where Charles feels the uncomfortable twinge, Elle feels that sudden lump in her throat. Her mouth goes dry and she's slightly flushed. Thank goodness this isn't a video chat! ]
What preferences then? Anything you need, of course!
[This part is easy to explain, and merely the truth, so he doesn't hesitate in giving it. Where he assumes he'd have to specify that he won't offer a bite with others in the city, it doesn't feel necessary here. Elle wouldn't push him that way.]
I don't do casual sex well, so I've put aside trying for it during my stay here. Anyone I'm intimate with, I prefer to take my time with. I'm not inflexible, but I won't do, or say anything to you that would mean belittling, or treating you in a way that's less than you're worth. [He can get into more detail there, if needed, but for now he leaves the explanation there.]
Sex is personal. It's how I've made my deeper connections with people. [He realizes.] If the enjoyment isn't mutual and tailored to each person's desires and who they are, it's only two ships passing meaninglessly in the night.
[He knows that his preferences are a lot and make him sound like a walking gothic romance novel, but it's inevitable. This is simply how things are for him.]
I understand if that's asking too much, or 'too intense'.
[It's a lot to take in and think about, when given all at once. She missed the chance to learn how to do this before Duplicity by having closed herself off so completely from those around her. Even her family got less from her than they needed to help her with this. Only Aloïs knew differently and they... Their relationship was entirely different, one built on trust and love deeper than platonic without being romantic. They simply knew each other differently. Dreams, what she wouldn't give to ask for his blunt opinion and feedback on all this now.]
I know some of that already, where it comes to how relationships grow and change. Those aren't something I build on my own, and they never could be. I don't want them to be either, because friendships and partnerships require something more than one person directing another through all the hardships of life.
I still feel as if I should be trying things for myself before I seek help. How can one learn when they don't make the attempt and accept they'll make mistakes? I apologize often, and it's why I spoke of mitigating harms. It's all I can do as I stumble my way to better understanding.
If I do need help from someone, I ask for it. I'm not above admitting I don't know something.
[There's a short pause before another message arrives.] I only ask too late sometimes, because I'm certain I know how to make it through without the help or guidance.
[Purely out of an interest in seeing what she'll say, he asks:]
What's the harm, truly, in asking for help first? Beyond a hit to one's pride in one's self-sufficiency, perhaps?
[He's bad at this, too, so he knows how difficult it is to relinquish oneself to even an idea of helplessness.
At the same time, some problems can't be solved on one's own, regardless of the effort put in. The city's teaching him that at a rate that's almost overwhelming.]
because youve never mentioned them?? everything here was maudlin or closed off you DO know what you sound like yeah? or are you so in the dark about what you sound like?
seriously when was the last time you did anything BY CHOICE with another person? whend you last make a new friend or anything like that??? a REAL connection that was more than just some business or research partnership? i'll wait
[The man does have something of a point, even if he doesn't think it's an especially good one. Friends and allies are important in dangerous places like London and Duplicity. There's reason to build those partnerships.
Charles' texting pauses for a significant beat of time, as he considers his stay in the city. He has, after all, met with a handful of people for no special purpose.]
I've met people in the Spread Eagle and Neptune for nothing but a conversation.
[ Christmas morning, afternoon, and evening, there are deliveries being made, and Elle has plenty to give. Charles is sent a handcrafted pipe and a gold-plated pocket watch, his name engraved inside.
A card is attached that reads: Merry Christmas, Charles. I hope we can spend more time in the new year and beyond. Elle 💗 ]
when you were putting the lab back did you see where my gloves went? i'll probably have to just get new ones
( she'd been in during the day when he hadn't been in there, having slowly started broaching it with kyle, little moments that she'd grown to trying to re-sort out her section and what she'd kept there. what was still good, anyway. it's the first day since the flooding that she'd been up to it )
You'd have to parse through everything we salvaged and tell me.
My guess is you're better off buying a new pair. Everything we didn't throw out, we decontaminated within an inch of its life. [It wasn't pretty, even if the lab's functional again, and looking much better this many months after the earthquake.]
[ the finders can be brutal even when they're attempting something in the form of humor. it's something Elle knows well and deeply dislikes when others are dragged through their stinging coals. ]
I'm sure you've gotten plenty of supportive messages after the finder, so just know that I'm adding to them. No one should ever have to change who they are for anyone. You are perfect just as you are.🩷
[The spirit of the message is kind, but the naive tone of it makes Charles wonder for a knee-jerk moment whether she understands what the Finder was asking, and hoping for, from him. She must, he reasons, after she responded to his network post, so this may simply be her expressing her support in her own way.
It sounds naive, but that doesn't mean it is. She knows about his situation, and the risks.
So, after an extensive pause to think, Charles replies with a simple,]
Thank you, Elle. As always, your support is appreciated.
[ There is a medium-sized black box with crimson ribbon. Attached is a lighter red note with a single name to suggest where it's from: Nathaniel. Inside is a half-dozen chocolate cupcakes. No other context is included. ]
I think it's important for people to get compliments. Reminders of how amazing they are to others.
And it's important for you to know just how handsome you are. I particularly like just how intense your expression is. You get a look in your eyes when you're deep in thought and when you smile. Completely different but also the same.
And I always appreciate said handsome gentleman with rolled-up sleeves.
[A lot's happened since their last conversation, but it's one that's been weighing heavily on Amelia for the past month. Painting one's self into a corner with labels, belief in who one is, the choices one makes... She could talk to her partners about all this, but she could use the perspective of someone who doesn't feel the need to accept her flaws when looking at her.]
Charles, do you have time to speak on a more private matter? It pertains to our conversation last November. I've had time to reflect on it and related subjects, and I could use someone to speak to about all of it.
Charles, I hope you're doing okay after everything that's been happening. If I could see you sometime soon, outside of work, I would like that. I also have information about things we talked about before. I might have someone that can help.
The man that helped me with my daylight tattoo and so much of the magic I use returned recently.
[Well, this is a relief. At least one of the people he cares about in the city doesn't sound like he's been taken in for testing.]
Helter-skelter in the city or not, you haven't missed a beat. I'll meet him - gladly. [Whether an extra protection will conflict with the ones he already has is a matter that seems best sorted out by Nate, himself.]
Make sure to check your desk before getting too involved with anything. It's important! XO Elle
[ What awaits Charles is a very elegant envelope with his name written in neat and curving script. Inside is a folded notecard. There is a simple hand-drawn design of green plants but inside is a hand-written note that reads:
Charles,
It would be an honor if you would accompany me to the housewarming gathering hosted by Daphne Bridgerton this weekend at Lilac Cottage.
You'll find funds and a note of authorization for the purchase of anything you might need. It's not formal so remember: comfort above all else! And, since you might ask or wonder, you look very handsome in navy or hunter green.
[He had imagined many times that this conversation would be more fraught, or difficult at this point - and parts of it have been - but there's so much more promise, happiness, and fulfilment in it beyond that.
This kind, giving, and deeply compassionate man. There's a feeling of safety, and of being held, in the hands touching his, and in the way Kyle's looking at him now. It all amounts to a feeling that's immediately precious to him, and one that he'll hold in his mind and heart for the hours, days, and months to come.]
You won't lose a friend, [Charles promises, reaching out to lay his free hand atop the two grasping his other one, and gripping firmly.] We care too much about the same things [and each other] and have been through too much for that to be something I see happening-- or that I'll allow on my part. [It's an easy reassurance to make, and one he's determined to hold himself true to. His friendship with Kyle is just as important to him as the love he's grown to feel for the man, and to let the former go over disagreements or romantic mismatches over the ways either of them might choose to love or spend time with others would be a waste.]
[ So much of Kyle's time in this city has come with horrific things, but the good things had come easily in many ways. He'd not talked about many things in his relationships with others. Those involved had just let them happen, in most cases but one that was still weird and hazy to him, and then gone along with how life went until... well until they weren't there anymore.
Having this talk was something else, and it felt huge in the way it made his chest tighten and yet right in the way this felt between them. He wanted Charles to know the truth. The man he'd been. Who he'd become not just with being turned but this place as well. How much he'd grown to be the man sitting there next to Charles, holding his hand, and working out their relationship.
Their relationship. He loves how that sounds in his head, and he can't wait to see how it turns out in action. With them actively working on it beyond all this city is. ]
Good. Because I don't plan to let it either. You started as my friend, and now you're so much more, and I will fight this place and others over what we have.
[ He leans in to tenderly kiss Charles' cheek. ]
So then... tell me, Charles. If I were to ask you out on a date, officially, as the first step of our new relationship... [ Yep, no matter the others in his life, saying that word to Charles sends a shiver up his spine. ] What would be the perfect date for you? What do you miss the most? And do you ride a motorcycle?
[ Neve drops off a box of potions at the hospital with a little handwritten note attached: ]
C.,
As promised. They don't explode, I tested them. If they work for your needs, we can discuss payment for the next batch. I'll hope for all our sakes you don't have to go through them quickly.
[A day later, Neve will receive a short return missive attached to a modest selection of dried flowers, and a tied parcel of a handful of Elle's baked goods. The flowers have been selected practically from around Obsidian Port - all things that will last longer without needing to be tended to or placed in water to remain attractive.]
Neve,
On behalf of Haven, its administrator, and myself, thank you. Once we have a chance to try them, I'll reach out to you again.
[Fuck. The first time D'Artagnan had been here, he'd made it back to his home sufficiently on his own, without reason to seek assistance, nor fear of not doing so. He was a Dominant then, and hadn't been kept as long as they'd seen fit this time, waiting until he'd shown signs of obvious disturbance and discomfort, and until it had gotten dark, to send him back out in the cold, roughly, and he's quite certain they'd intended for him to slam his face against the icy sidewalk as they'd shoved him away from the entrance, but his reflexes weren't completely shot and he'd managed to catch himself, though his wrist aches now and the the ice and snow has seeped into his pants at the knees and shins, cold and damp. Scurrying away from the SLUT centre, he holes up in an alleyway, leaning against the frozen bricks and ankle deep in a snowdrift, digging out his device with shaking fingers, the tips already pale and half numb from the cold. He fumbles his way through calling McCoy, not his device, but mistakenly Haven's offices. He doesn't wait for a reply before he speaks once the there's a clicking noise on the other side, his tone flat and devoid of much inflection, but wavering with the cold.]
I should've told you before, I realise, but if you'd kindly come retrieve me from... the liberation centre.
[That's it, and he sighs sharply afterward, a shiver running through his spine, somehow hot even with the cold wall at his back, and he knows by the time McCoy arrives he'll be in an unfortunate state... Perhaps he should just take his chances, but, looking out the mouth of the alley at the dim street lights and darkness beyond, D'Artagnan knows he has little luck in these endeavours and he's trying to make better choices.]
[It's been a rough end of the month for Charles. Between the struggle of being one of the few left propping Haven up throughout the storm, Kyle's death and return, and Tim's struggle to handle his panic over their mutual partner's death, he's not sleeping well. He's not worrying about Kyle (as much) any more, but there's still work to be done now that the storm's released the city from its clutches.
Things were damaged by the supernatural cold, and the fluctuating power's inability to sustain machinery and systems that require stability. Patients who suffered when the power went out, are now being supported back to stability in the ICU. Samples in the laboratory are spoiled, and need to be redrawn and tested again. People are all still recovering from the emergency that had, once again, made everyone in the city powerless in a way Charles still resents bitterly -- and resents himself for, too. He hadn't been prepared at all for any of it. A gross error on his part, particularly after the earthquake that had rocked the hospital a year ago. He's reeling from the arbitrary cruelty of all of it, and the non-stop frenetic activity of being on his feet for what now feels like over a week.
It's difficulty and weight that must continue to be pushed through and handled as it comes. He sees no other option in any of it. Kyle needs the time to process dying dragging back the trauma of his other deaths, and enough of Haven's staff are also still recovering from friends and loved ones having died, or from having died themselves. The people left standing on their feet, need to stay that way for the sake of everyone else.
So, when a call lights up the triage while the lone on-duty nurse is taking a break, Charles picks it up. He shifts his other hand to rub at the headache pulling tight behind his eyes.
There's no opportunity to offer a greeting.]
D'Artagnan? [An uncomfortable twist of dull, old, and grudging irritation hits his stomach as the caller registers to him. Charles takes it for granted that this man didn't mean to call him, and also quickly assumes D'Artagnan wouldn't have wanted to reach him, either.
But he knows immediately what the man means by 'liberation centre'. More than likely, D'Artagnan's not in a good state right now. Especially when this came after the difficulties of the storm. In light of that, there's a swell of sympathy, and Charles starts trying to marshal some of his less agreeable feelings about the other man aside.]
It's Charles Saville; I'll come, [his tone is completely willing, and determined] I only need ten minutes to leave things here in the right hands.
[It's not a question of whether he should. This man may need help, and he's in a position to offer it. Lingering confusion, and distaste for the man's assumed disrespectful and excessively prideful nature, aren't at all acceptable or good reasons to not reach out his hand.]
When can I have your time? For an evening and then maybe the night? For a date. Dressed up and everything.
[ He's certainly not sending this because of a recent post. It's truly because he wants to see him outside of work and with planning and forethought to treat him right... and to make sure Charles knows he's not a burden and that Kyle wants to be part of all of his life. All aspects of it. ]
[Everything about this subject is still painful enough that it feels hard to approach, but having the focus of someone else's (Charles' assumes) pain is helpful as a distracting point of focus.]
I do, thank you.
I don't know if this would be... appropriate, or wanted, or not, but would you be interested in doing something like that together? If you haven't already chosen what you'd like to keep. Kyle was important to both of us. [To many people in the city, he thinks.]
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mattersofscience) wrote2016-05-31 10:57 pm
un: FrancisCrozier
I regret my sudden disappearance and hope it has not sown seeds of distrust between us. I have been informed that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Men and women will vanish, and then return at an unknowable time later.
But that is not what I recall. My nightmares returned to me as if caught within a fever dream, but it was no dream. I bear the evidence of my failure in the Arctic anew.
My man Jopson has returned to his former duties as nursemaid. Though, if you could implore him to consider an allowance of freedom outside a bed, I would be forever grateful. I do not do well confined, even during convalescence.
Sincerely,
F. Crozier
text; @C. Saville
What ailments are you suffering? I can stop by and bring you appropriate medicine, and see what I can do about speaking with Mr. Jopson. However, if he's tended to you for some time, I've no doubt he has good reason to see that you stay abed.
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god I'm sorry this is late, life kicked me in the dick
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finally back on the tag brain train. sorry for the wait!
un: FrancisCrozier
I am in dire need of a constitutional, somewhere far from my rooms. And then I recalled a promise to escort you around the Up for new clothes and other necessaries.
Please allow me the pleasure if you are still of a need.
Yours,
F. Crozier
text; @C. Saville
Where shall I meet you?
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text ★ un: cocked tale
if not tonight then another?
( even though he'll have seen her around the hospital since the quakes he'll have noticed that she hasn't been in the labs at all since )
text; @C. Saville
He's curious about what prompted the unexpected ask, but he decides to wait and see how things go before reaching for any conclusions.]
I can meet you in fifteen minutes. Largest park in the Up? [It's picturesque right now, with the remaining colorful leaves still clinging to the trees there.]
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Mistlefoes continuation
It's a LIEr bar. You'll be fine. ( But if the man doesn't want to drink, whatever. He's still fucking drinking. A lot by the end of the night, but this first shot of whiskey to start.
Not that the shot does much. It takes time for that shit to kick in. Caden would love to get smashed in that time and deal with the consequences later, but this is already-- him dealing with the consequences. For once. Fuck, he doesn't want to do this. He really fucking wants to let this all go and to never fucking see Charles again. But he can't skip town or go into hiding, because this city is fucking small and you can't fucking escape it.
Fuuuuuuuuuck.
He downs a second shot of whiskey before grabbing a glass of water and forcing his ass onto a stool. He's fidgeting and tearing at his curls still, but at least he's not pacing. )
I don't-- ( do this. ever. A sigh. Come on. You came out here, give him something, asshole. Just like you do with Ro whenever this shit happens. )
...I'm sorry. I wasn't going to say anything until-- until the city forced it out.
( Somehow, that's so much worse, but it's out of his mouth now, so... fuck. )
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Now that Magpie's given him an apology, he can't even pretend to hold onto his anger. It doesn't help either of them.]
That doesn't work here. [Something he's learning, too, but in a different way. Avoiding or ignoring his past, only to paper it over with working to try and make something better of it, is only doing half of the heavy lifting that needs to be done.] Two weeks or two months later, we would have always ended up here. [He waits until he has either the man's gaze or at least his full attention, before continuing:]
Thank you, for apologizing. It's better of you than the way this started.
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cw: panic attack
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Mistlefoe Continuation
I hope you're able to find something, then. And soon! That handsome face isn't meant to frown and look sad, you know.
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I'm afraid the frowning is more about having lived over a century than anything else. To put it lightly, it gives you a great deal to think about.
Mistlefoe Continuation
[ She's not expecting the answer he gives. Truthfully, Elle wasn't sure what answer he would give, if any. Not that she was expecting him to ignore the question, but even through text, she can read the tone fairly well.
And she's not entirely sure how to respond right away.
The connections she's made in the city have never been focused on the physical aspect of their assignments and reason for being here. She's always believed she's built them from the base of genuine friendship first.
Where Charles feels the uncomfortable twinge, Elle feels that sudden lump in her throat. Her mouth goes dry and she's slightly flushed. Thank goodness this isn't a video chat! ]
What preferences then? Anything you need, of course!
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I don't do casual sex well, so I've put aside trying for it during my stay here. Anyone I'm intimate with, I prefer to take my time with. I'm not inflexible, but I won't do, or say anything to you that would mean belittling, or treating you in a way that's less than you're worth. [He can get into more detail there, if needed, but for now he leaves the explanation there.]
Sex is personal. It's how I've made my deeper connections with people. [He realizes.] If the enjoyment isn't mutual and tailored to each person's desires and who they are, it's only two ships passing meaninglessly in the night.
[He knows that his preferences are a lot and make him sound like a walking gothic romance novel, but it's inevitable. This is simply how things are for him.]
I understand if that's asking too much, or 'too intense'.
Mistlefoe overflow
[It's a lot to take in and think about, when given all at once. She missed the chance to learn how to do this before Duplicity by having closed herself off so completely from those around her. Even her family got less from her than they needed to help her with this. Only Aloïs knew differently and they... Their relationship was entirely different, one built on trust and love deeper than platonic without being romantic. They simply knew each other differently. Dreams, what she wouldn't give to ask for his blunt opinion and feedback on all this now.]
I know some of that already, where it comes to how relationships grow and change. Those aren't something I build on my own, and they never could be. I don't want them to be either, because friendships and partnerships require something more than one person directing another through all the hardships of life.
I still feel as if I should be trying things for myself before I seek help. How can one learn when they don't make the attempt and accept they'll make mistakes? I apologize often, and it's why I spoke of mitigating harms. It's all I can do as I stumble my way to better understanding.
If I do need help from someone, I ask for it. I'm not above admitting I don't know something.
[There's a short pause before another message arrives.] I only ask too late sometimes, because I'm certain I know how to make it through without the help or guidance.
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What's the harm, truly, in asking for help first? Beyond a hit to one's pride in one's self-sufficiency, perhaps?
[He's bad at this, too, so he knows how difficult it is to relinquish oneself to even an idea of helplessness.
At the same time, some problems can't be solved on one's own, regardless of the effort put in. The city's teaching him that at a rate that's almost overwhelming.]
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because youve never mentioned them??
everything here was maudlin or closed off
you DO know what you sound like yeah?
or are you so in the dark about what you sound like?
seriously
when was the last time you did anything BY CHOICE with another person?
whend you last make a new friend
or anything like that???
a REAL connection that was more than just some business or research partnership?
i'll wait
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Charles' texting pauses for a significant beat of time, as he considers his stay in the city. He has, after all, met with a handful of people for no special purpose.]
I've met people in the Spread Eagle and Neptune for nothing but a conversation.
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Christmas Delivery!
A card is attached that reads: Merry Christmas, Charles. I hope we can spend more time in the new year and beyond. Elle 💗 ]
text ★ un: cocked tale
i'll probably have to just get new ones
( she'd been in during the day when he hadn't been in there, having slowly started broaching it with kyle, little moments that she'd grown to trying to re-sort out her section and what she'd kept there. what was still good, anyway. it's the first day since the flooding that she'd been up to it )
text; @C. Saville
My guess is you're better off buying a new pair. Everything we didn't throw out, we decontaminated within an inch of its life. [It wasn't pretty, even if the lab's functional again, and looking much better this many months after the earthquake.]
Re: text; @C. Saville
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a delivery
a delivery for Charles
text; un: makeitpink
I'm sure you've gotten plenty of supportive messages after the finder, so just know that I'm adding to them. No one should ever have to change who they are for anyone. You are perfect just as you are.🩷
text; @C. Saville
It sounds naive, but that doesn't mean it is. She knows about his situation, and the risks.
So, after an extensive pause to think, Charles replies with a simple,]
Thank you, Elle. As always, your support is appreciated.
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Present delivered to Charles's home address
hot or not cont. (if you'd like!) [perma private]
I think it's important for people to get compliments. Reminders of how amazing they are to others.
And it's important for you to know just how handsome you are. I particularly like just how intense your expression is. You get a look in your eyes when you're deep in thought and when you smile. Completely different but also the same.
And I always appreciate said handsome gentleman with rolled-up sleeves.
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You're a menace to basement researchers trying to go through our days without stumbling awkwardly over ourselves.
But, thank you. Between the pair of us, I'd rather the attention go to you.
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Text | un: LadyRogue
Charles, do you have time to speak on a more private matter? It pertains to our conversation last November. I've had time to reflect on it and related subjects, and I could use someone to speak to about all of it.
text; @C. Saville
Neptune Lounge at 8, if that works for you?
text --> action
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un: valenti; voice
The man that helped me with my daylight tattoo and so much of the magic I use returned recently.
voice; @C. Saville
Helter-skelter in the city or not, you haven't missed a beat. I'll meet him - gladly. [Whether an extra protection will conflict with the ones he already has is a matter that seems best sorted out by Nate, himself.]
Does he have the details of my situation?
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text; @makeitpink
text; @C. Saville
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text (slightly backdated to before October 19)
[ What awaits Charles is a very elegant envelope with his name written in neat and curving script. Inside is a folded notecard. There is a simple hand-drawn design of green plants but inside is a hand-written note that reads:
Charles,
It would be an honor if you would accompany me to the housewarming gathering hosted by Daphne Bridgerton this weekend at Lilac Cottage.
You'll find funds and a note of authorization for the purchase of anything you might need. It's not formal so remember: comfort above all else! And, since you might ask or wonder, you look very handsome in navy or hunter green.
- XOXO Elle ]
Fibber overflow - Kyle
[He had imagined many times that this conversation would be more fraught, or difficult at this point - and parts of it have been - but there's so much more promise, happiness, and fulfilment in it beyond that.
This kind, giving, and deeply compassionate man. There's a feeling of safety, and of being held, in the hands touching his, and in the way Kyle's looking at him now. It all amounts to a feeling that's immediately precious to him, and one that he'll hold in his mind and heart for the hours, days, and months to come.]
You won't lose a friend, [Charles promises, reaching out to lay his free hand atop the two grasping his other one, and gripping firmly.] We care too much about the same things [and each other] and have been through too much for that to be something I see happening-- or that I'll allow on my part. [It's an easy reassurance to make, and one he's determined to hold himself true to. His friendship with Kyle is just as important to him as the love he's grown to feel for the man, and to let the former go over disagreements or romantic mismatches over the ways either of them might choose to love or spend time with others would be a waste.]
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Having this talk was something else, and it felt huge in the way it made his chest tighten and yet right in the way this felt between them. He wanted Charles to know the truth. The man he'd been. Who he'd become not just with being turned but this place as well. How much he'd grown to be the man sitting there next to Charles, holding his hand, and working out their relationship.
Their relationship. He loves how that sounds in his head, and he can't wait to see how it turns out in action. With them actively working on it beyond all this city is. ]
Good. Because I don't plan to let it either. You started as my friend, and now you're so much more, and I will fight this place and others over what we have.
[ He leans in to tenderly kiss Charles' cheek. ]
So then... tell me, Charles. If I were to ask you out on a date, officially, as the first step of our new relationship... [ Yep, no matter the others in his life, saying that word to Charles sends a shiver up his spine. ] What would be the perfect date for you? What do you miss the most? And do you ride a motorcycle?
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just rediscovered this notif! apologies
never a worry. i've had it happen to
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delivery (1/20)
C.,
As promised. They don't explode, I tested them. If they work for your needs, we can discuss payment for the next batch. I'll hope for all our sakes you don't have to go through them quickly.
-N.
Return Letter (1/21)
Neve,
On behalf of Haven, its administrator, and myself, thank you. Once we have a chance to try them, I'll reach out to you again.
Best Regards,
- Charles
audio; un: dartagnan - first week of february
I should've told you before, I realise, but if you'd kindly come retrieve me from... the liberation centre.
[That's it, and he sighs sharply afterward, a shiver running through his spine, somehow hot even with the cold wall at his back, and he knows by the time McCoy arrives he'll be in an unfortunate state... Perhaps he should just take his chances, but, looking out the mouth of the alley at the dim street lights and darkness beyond, D'Artagnan knows he has little luck in these endeavours and he's trying to make better choices.]
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Things were damaged by the supernatural cold, and the fluctuating power's inability to sustain machinery and systems that require stability. Patients who suffered when the power went out, are now being supported back to stability in the ICU. Samples in the laboratory are spoiled, and need to be redrawn and tested again. People are all still recovering from the emergency that had, once again, made everyone in the city powerless in a way Charles still resents bitterly -- and resents himself for, too. He hadn't been prepared at all for any of it. A gross error on his part, particularly after the earthquake that had rocked the hospital a year ago. He's reeling from the arbitrary cruelty of all of it, and the non-stop frenetic activity of being on his feet for what now feels like over a week.
It's difficulty and weight that must continue to be pushed through and handled as it comes. He sees no other option in any of it. Kyle needs the time to process dying dragging back the trauma of his other deaths, and enough of Haven's staff are also still recovering from friends and loved ones having died, or from having died themselves. The people left standing on their feet, need to stay that way for the sake of everyone else.
So, when a call lights up the triage while the lone on-duty nurse is taking a break, Charles picks it up. He shifts his other hand to rub at the headache pulling tight behind his eyes.
There's no opportunity to offer a greeting.]
D'Artagnan? [An uncomfortable twist of dull, old, and grudging irritation hits his stomach as the caller registers to him. Charles takes it for granted that this man didn't mean to call him, and also quickly assumes D'Artagnan wouldn't have wanted to reach him, either.
But he knows immediately what the man means by 'liberation centre'. More than likely, D'Artagnan's not in a good state right now. Especially when this came after the difficulties of the storm. In light of that, there's a swell of sympathy, and Charles starts trying to marshal some of his less agreeable feelings about the other man aside.]
It's Charles Saville; I'll come, [his tone is completely willing, and determined] I only need ten minutes to leave things here in the right hands.
[It's not a question of whether he should. This man may need help, and he's in a position to offer it. Lingering confusion, and distaste for the man's assumed disrespectful and excessively prideful nature, aren't at all acceptable or good reasons to not reach out his hand.]
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un: valenti
[ He's certainly not sending this because of a recent post. It's truly because he wants to see him outside of work and with planning and forethought to treat him right... and to make sure Charles knows he's not a burden and that Kyle wants to be part of all of his life. All aspects of it. ]
voice; @C.Saville
I could do tonight, certainly. Where were you thinking?
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text → action
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text | user name : dangerousduck
They're kicking me from his house at the end of the week but do you want to come round and take some personal items.
text; @C.Saville
I do, thank you.
I don't know if this would be... appropriate, or wanted, or not, but would you be interested in doing something like that together? If you haven't already chosen what you'd like to keep. Kyle was important to both of us. [To many people in the city, he thinks.]
Re: text; @C.Saville
text; @C.Saville
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