[She smiles a little, then takes a breath and lets it out slowly.]
We have been at one another's throats since we both arrived. He's completely unpredictable. Mercurial. Intelligent to the point that blurs with madness. Profoundly annoying. If a truce meant I'd have nothing further to do with him, I'd agree heartily. However, the impetus for our quarrel is a weapon. A pair of gauntlets that he created using an art not far off from my own.
He just so happened to create it with a shard of Soul Edge. The demonic blade that I-- my-- [She glances at him, hoping that's enough to make him realize her objection.]
[The way his expression shifts to something darker shows that he understands quite well. He's quiet while listening and thinking. It's an unpleasant situation with death here being apparently impermanent. His preferred method for dealing with such impasses is off the table.]
It also sounds as though, beyond the obvious complication of the weapon, you'd have no guarantee that any agreement will be kept. If he's as mercurial as you say, or worse mad, what would stop him from rescinding his conditions the moment the whim dictated it?
That's exactly it. And that's even without him having proven thoroughly deceitful in the past. [She sighs irritably. Lest it be forgotten that this is the second time they have had to deal with Azwel's stupid gauntlets.]
All that I want is to destroy that shard of Soul Edge. Even the smallest piece is capable of untold destruction. But due to the way he built his weapon, his body has become dependent on the gauntlets' energies. Being without it drains him and could kill him. An unfortunate consequence of his fooling around with it in the first place, in my eyes, but understandably something he wants to avoid.
[Maybe that sounds a bit heartless, but faking concern about Azwel's life and health is... definitely beyond her. Sorry not sorry.]
He desires to undo whatever he did to bind himself to the gauntlets which, in theory, would permit me to destroy the shard. But he has lost the memories of how he did it. The repair shop in Insincerity offered to return them to him -- if he makes a truce with me.
I am so cruel and disagreeable that this is some great quest, apparently.
[He doesn't interrupt her, letting her get through the entirety of the explanation. He can't be of much help without the whole picture. Inwardly, he winces a bit at the concept of the man dependent on it through something he did to himself.
He can relate, even if he doesn't want to.
But it's one particular turn of phrasing that catches the lion's share of his attention and holds it.]
Could kill him, but he doesn't know? He hasn't tried to do without?
It seems to me that if anywhere is low risk for such a venture it's here. If it kills him, he comes back. You both then know for certain that's the consequence and can proceed from there. Why is he not willing to take the risk?
He did try, once before. Said it was killing him and driving him mad. I have only his word to go on, of course.
[She sighs again, rather tremendously.]
This is the second time we have had to deal with this, by the way. Before, Jonathan tried to help us negotiate peacefully. It was decided by a neutral third party that the gauntlets were too dangerous for him to keep. I destroyed the Soul Edge shard, then, and used the other to help create my serum.
[So it was a blessing, in the long run.]
He could not depend on them, then. But somehow, he reacquired the gauntlets intact. And as he told me, the moment he had them back he stopped trying to go without.
He claims to be sincere this time. Says he wants to be rid of the gauntlets, and that my cooperation will allow me to destroy the shard, as I wish. But it requires me to place quite a bit of faith in him that I do not have whatsoever.
I'm sure it probably did feel very unpleasant, possibly to the point he believed it to be true. However, that doesn't mean it is true. It doesn't necessarily mean he was lying, only that he could be wrong.
[He makes an unpleasant noise at the mention of Jonathan. Of course that piker had something to do with things being complicated now. He seemed to have a weakness for destructive maniacs.]
It sounds rather like an addiction. Do you think the serum you designed could have a positive effect on it?
I'm not sure I understand how or why this time it is different. What evidence does he have to back this up?
Right. I'm afraid I have only his word to go on, on the matter of his health. Though from what I know of Soul Edge and its counterpart, I do not doubt that he could suffer some negative effects from total withdrawal from it. [She just, y'know. Doesn't give a damn.
She can't help but smirk, a little, at that disdainful noise. Jonathan was a nosy meddler of the highest order, but he really had meant well. And he'd since sided decisively with Ivy in this little feud by banning Azwel from the premises at Haven. After Azwel kidnapped her the one time.]
I... frankly have never thought to offer him any of it. [Because the serum has thus far been to protect people from contact with Ivy's curse. Generally, when they are sleeping with her. And she wouldn't touch Azwel if they were the last two humans alive and the survival of the species depended on them.] He said that the Calibur shard did help, but he abandoned it once the pair were available to him again.
[She rolls onto her side to face him, hugging her chest.] This time, his friends are on his case. He swears he intends to remove himself from the gauntlets entirely. He promised that he was serious, and even to show me the method he intended to withdraw himself.
But that's all there is. There is no other evidence.
[He strokes a hand over her shoulder and down her arm, a little light up and down affection, slow and thoughtful while he gives it the consideration she has asked for.]
I fail to see what you get out of this in any way, and furthermore, he hasn't made the case that it's even actually necessary.
[After the torture he went through in his lyrium withdrawals, this man's so-called efforts to do without don't sound as though they amounted to much.]
What, if anything, could satisfy you or give you reason to extend the trust?
[She closes her eyes, concentrating on his touch to calm the anger that even the subject of Soul Edge brings to her heart.]
I get what I wanted from the beginning. I get that shard of Soul Edge out of his hands. I get to destroy it [again] and sleep easier knowing that this place is safe from it. Free of it, apart from... [Her. She doesn't say that, though.]
I'm really not sure what he could offer me. I offered the idea of collateral, something I could keep until he keeps his word and hands over the gauntlets. But even then, I cannot help but worry I'm being played for a fool. I have not had the luxury of many people to trust, in my life.
But if I can cooperate, enough to see the shard destroyed, to remove its vile presence from this city for good -- should I not do whatever I must?
He can't obtain it again without gaining your agreement? What's to stop you from making this bargain yourself? Getting them for yourself?
[The thrust of her argument makes perfect sense to him. Yes, she absolutely should want to destroy something so evil. It's the framing of this as the "only way" that has him highly suspicious.]
Why could you not be the one to hold them until the disentanglement method is ready? If he's truly serious about this, that shouldn't be an unreasonable request.
I'm not sure where it is now. The last time I saw it was the day-- the day I killed him. One of his stupid little companions ran off with them. I don't know if he still has them, or if Azwel has them back...
But they all know what I want with the gauntlets. They aren't going to give them to me for fear I'll simply destroy them without any care for Azwel's safety.
[Which... let's be fair, she probably would. But as with the rest of this, she doesn't give a damn about Azwel's safety. It's the safety of the rest of Duplicity that she's worried about.]
Frankly, I can't promise them that I won't. I don't think it's wise for me to keep them any longer than it takes me to destroy the shard. [She gives him a significant look. She's been able to resist the pull of her blood thus far, but she has no desire to test it.]
Is there anyone you do know that you would trust to keep them? Must they be worn to be dangerous, or is it merely proximity?
[For now it's as close as he'll come to making the offer, himself. If they're too dangerous even in proximity, then he would be quite dangerous possessed, and that's an unacceptable risk.]
Right. I understand.
[It would be like playing directly into the plan laid out for her she had told him about that first night she confided in him.]
[She understands what he's getting at almost immediately. Her eyes widen.]
Oh, no. No. I won't allow it. Absolutely not. [She reaches up to cup his face in her hands.] I don't want you anywhere near that thing. I don't want anybody getting near it. It's bad enough that Azwel and his companions have been exposed to it. It will not have you.
[She can picture all too well what insidious things even a shard of Soul Edge might try with Cullen, how it might try to appeal to him-- or use him, on its way to her.]
He won't offer the gauntlets until he's through removing them from himself. Not to me, or to anyone connected to me. I'm quite certain of that. And if I force the issue, one of his little friends will take off with them, just like before. I don't want this to escalate any further, or involve anyone else.
[Her fingertips rub softly against his stubble, a little fretful look pinching her brow.]
And he can't remove them unless he regains his memories. I know what I should do. But I will never forgive myself if I botch this. If I'm made a fool of. If that blasted thing hurts someone.
[He nods. He won't suggest it again. It's obvious how much it agitates her, and he truly believes she best knows how it could affect him or others.]
Then I shan't.
[He leans forward, lips brushing her cheek gently.]
Consider this. You can kill him a hundred different times. He'll be back along with this same problem. In the end, that's not a viable option. You've already tried it.
There's a chance that if he regains his memories he'll become more dangerous, yes, but if his friends are serious about him freeing himself of this influence, they'll also put their thumbs on that scale. There are more people aware of the problem, and you won't be facing this alone.
[He takes one of her hands between his.]
If this thing puts us all at risk, then your allies are a strength and have a vested interest in combating this threat. And possibly his allies will be in the same position. I understand the instinct to go it alone and protect others. It's not always the right instinct.
[She closes her eyes when his lips brush her cheek, and she listens. Really, listens. Slowly, she nods as his words sink in. Everything he says makes perfect sense.
Peacefully negotiating didn't work. Killing him didn't work. What is this but another tack to try? If it works as it's meant to, then everyone wins. That unpredictable shard will be obliterated, and she and her sword will be the only things here tainted by its evil aura. Under control. Her control.
And worst case scenario, she feels tricked and stupid, and then she brings down unholy vengeance on Azwel that'll make him wish he'd stayed dead.]
I know you're right. It's good to hear someone else voice it.
[She presses her hand to his, sandwiching them together and tightens her fingers.]
Will you come with me? When I meet him. I truly don't-- want to get you involved, and I don't anticipate a fight. But I would feel much safer if you were there.
If you want me there, then nothing will keep me away.
[He trusts himself to be a clear head and steadying influence but also to be able to handle himself and not be a liability to her if the whole thing goes tits up.
He reaches to draw her in against him, a hand lifting to the back of her head.]
I'm grateful you trust me enough to bring this to me and want my help.
[It has given him much to think about in his own situation. The timing at the moment is wrong with her preoccupation with this. Perhaps soon...]
Of course. I know you'll keep your cool, and think before you act. And if worse comes to worst, wiping all the magic in the area can't hurt.
[God. They'll all drop on their faces if it comes to that.
She curls in close and sighs, shaky, the butterflies that have been swarming in her stomach finally starting to dissipate. Her hand grips his shoulder and she holds herself in tight.]
Thank you for listening. For not judging. I'm not proud of much of this but with you... I know I'm safe.
[He's content to gather her as close as close can be. It's sad that such a lovely woman, a lovely person inside and out has to deal with something so complicated, but he supposes that's life. Easy answers are few and far between.
He considers for a bit before speaking again, listening to the sound of their breath in the darkness.]
[She's pleased enough to hold him in silence until he speaks again. Her eyes open, a bit surprised.
Perhaps someone of a more modern persuasion would have noticed before now. But they've never stayed together overnight before, have they? (Not in person, anyway.) Ivy's always been amenable to one of them excusing themselves. They both have to work, and she would never think to impose. But the idea of not having to get up from here, staying with him all night...
Her reply is soft, where only he could ever hear it.]
I would. Very much.
[She'll text Jester to let her know, and ask her to feed the cat. But that's as far from this bed as she's willing to move until the morning, now.]
[Doesn't he know it, too. He smiles at her answer, not having expected a rejection, but it's nice to have it decided and out there. He cups her cheek in a gentle hand, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.]
I'm glad. Don't be too alarmed if Blade joins us some time in the night. He's good about not kicking.
[If the Maker smiles on him, he won't kick much, either. He doesn't awaken crying out every night. It's worth the risk to have her here, especially after the conversation. She shouldn't have to walk home after something like that.]
[Her smile show her gratitude for his graciousness, and she happily leans in to kiss him. It's starting to dawn on her that she really, really doesn't have to get up. Get dressed. Walk home in the cold. Her earlier uneasiness is replaced by giddy delight.
She giggles at the mention of Blade.The rooms here don't get nearly as cold as they did back home, but Ivy hoards warmth regardless. Especially in a cozy bed.
She cuddles in close and glances up at him, still positively gleeful.]
It depends on if we're eating with Rhys or not. He doesn't eat meat. I try to be respectful of that when we eat together. In that case we make porridge with dried fruit and nuts, a drizzle of honey and cream. It's quite nice.
If he's already gone for the day, sausages and eggs with toast and jam.
I am going to cook for you, in case there's any question.
[He's smiling in the darkness, nuzzling against her throat.]
So if you have any requests, do put them in.
[The less he thinks about this, the less chance there is he'll trip himself up overthinking or getting too nervous. The breakfast talk is a perfect distraction from overarching concerns.]
That's thoughtful of you. I hope we didn't disturb him earlier.
[Even if Ivy is boggling at the mere concept of not eating meat. (What else is there?)
Either of the options he describes make her stomach rumble with anticipation. She turns her face enough to drag her lips along his temple, then buries her nose in his hair.]
I'm looking forward to it. Anything you make will be wonderful.
I have absolutely no room to complain about amateur cooking, darling. [Frankly, she considers it a miracle she's gotten as good at it as she has. Fortunately, she's always been good at following written directions. Too good, once or twice.]
It'll be wonderful. You're wonderful. [Her smile softens, and she closes her eyes and relaxes.] And warm.
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[She smiles a little, then takes a breath and lets it out slowly.]
We have been at one another's throats since we both arrived. He's completely unpredictable. Mercurial. Intelligent to the point that blurs with madness. Profoundly annoying. If a truce meant I'd have nothing further to do with him, I'd agree heartily. However, the impetus for our quarrel is a weapon. A pair of gauntlets that he created using an art not far off from my own.
He just so happened to create it with a shard of Soul Edge. The demonic blade that I-- my-- [She glances at him, hoping that's enough to make him realize her objection.]
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It also sounds as though, beyond the obvious complication of the weapon, you'd have no guarantee that any agreement will be kept. If he's as mercurial as you say, or worse mad, what would stop him from rescinding his conditions the moment the whim dictated it?
What sort of truce is he asking for? To what end?
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All that I want is to destroy that shard of Soul Edge. Even the smallest piece is capable of untold destruction. But due to the way he built his weapon, his body has become dependent on the gauntlets' energies. Being without it drains him and could kill him. An unfortunate consequence of his fooling around with it in the first place, in my eyes, but understandably something he wants to avoid.
[Maybe that sounds a bit heartless, but faking concern about Azwel's life and health is... definitely beyond her. Sorry not sorry.]
He desires to undo whatever he did to bind himself to the gauntlets which, in theory, would permit me to destroy the shard. But he has lost the memories of how he did it. The repair shop in Insincerity offered to return them to him -- if he makes a truce with me.
I am so cruel and disagreeable that this is some great quest, apparently.
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He can relate, even if he doesn't want to.
But it's one particular turn of phrasing that catches the lion's share of his attention and holds it.]
Could kill him, but he doesn't know? He hasn't tried to do without?
It seems to me that if anywhere is low risk for such a venture it's here. If it kills him, he comes back. You both then know for certain that's the consequence and can proceed from there. Why is he not willing to take the risk?
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[She sighs again, rather tremendously.]
This is the second time we have had to deal with this, by the way. Before, Jonathan tried to help us negotiate peacefully. It was decided by a neutral third party that the gauntlets were too dangerous for him to keep. I destroyed the Soul Edge shard, then, and used the other to help create my serum.
[So it was a blessing, in the long run.]
He could not depend on them, then. But somehow, he reacquired the gauntlets intact. And as he told me, the moment he had them back he stopped trying to go without.
He claims to be sincere this time. Says he wants to be rid of the gauntlets, and that my cooperation will allow me to destroy the shard, as I wish. But it requires me to place quite a bit of faith in him that I do not have whatsoever.
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[He makes an unpleasant noise at the mention of Jonathan. Of course that piker had something to do with things being complicated now. He seemed to have a weakness for destructive maniacs.]
It sounds rather like an addiction. Do you think the serum you designed could have a positive effect on it?
I'm not sure I understand how or why this time it is different. What evidence does he have to back this up?
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She can't help but smirk, a little, at that disdainful noise. Jonathan was a nosy meddler of the highest order, but he really had meant well. And he'd since sided decisively with Ivy in this little feud by banning Azwel from the premises at Haven. After Azwel kidnapped her the one time.]
I... frankly have never thought to offer him any of it. [Because the serum has thus far been to protect people from contact with Ivy's curse. Generally, when they are sleeping with her. And she wouldn't touch Azwel if they were the last two humans alive and the survival of the species depended on them.] He said that the Calibur shard did help, but he abandoned it once the pair were available to him again.
[She rolls onto her side to face him, hugging her chest.] This time, his friends are on his case. He swears he intends to remove himself from the gauntlets entirely. He promised that he was serious, and even to show me the method he intended to withdraw himself.
But that's all there is. There is no other evidence.
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I fail to see what you get out of this in any way, and furthermore, he hasn't made the case that it's even actually necessary.
[After the torture he went through in his lyrium withdrawals, this man's so-called efforts to do without don't sound as though they amounted to much.]
What, if anything, could satisfy you or give you reason to extend the trust?
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I get what I wanted from the beginning. I get that shard of Soul Edge out of his hands. I get to destroy it [again] and sleep easier knowing that this place is safe from it. Free of it, apart from... [Her. She doesn't say that, though.]
I'm really not sure what he could offer me. I offered the idea of collateral, something I could keep until he keeps his word and hands over the gauntlets. But even then, I cannot help but worry I'm being played for a fool. I have not had the luxury of many people to trust, in my life.
But if I can cooperate, enough to see the shard destroyed, to remove its vile presence from this city for good -- should I not do whatever I must?
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[Unless he's missing something here.]
He can't obtain it again without gaining your agreement? What's to stop you from making this bargain yourself? Getting them for yourself?
[The thrust of her argument makes perfect sense to him. Yes, she absolutely should want to destroy something so evil. It's the framing of this as the "only way" that has him highly suspicious.]
Why could you not be the one to hold them until the disentanglement method is ready? If he's truly serious about this, that shouldn't be an unreasonable request.
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But they all know what I want with the gauntlets. They aren't going to give them to me for fear I'll simply destroy them without any care for Azwel's safety.
[Which... let's be fair, she probably would. But as with the rest of this, she doesn't give a damn about Azwel's safety. It's the safety of the rest of Duplicity that she's worried about.]
Frankly, I can't promise them that I won't. I don't think it's wise for me to keep them any longer than it takes me to destroy the shard. [She gives him a significant look. She's been able to resist the pull of her blood thus far, but she has no desire to test it.]
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[For now it's as close as he'll come to making the offer, himself. If they're too dangerous even in proximity, then he would be quite dangerous possessed, and that's an unacceptable risk.]
Right. I understand.
[It would be like playing directly into the plan laid out for her she had told him about that first night she confided in him.]
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Oh, no. No. I won't allow it. Absolutely not. [She reaches up to cup his face in her hands.] I don't want you anywhere near that thing. I don't want anybody getting near it. It's bad enough that Azwel and his companions have been exposed to it. It will not have you.
[She can picture all too well what insidious things even a shard of Soul Edge might try with Cullen, how it might try to appeal to him-- or use him, on its way to her.]
He won't offer the gauntlets until he's through removing them from himself. Not to me, or to anyone connected to me. I'm quite certain of that. And if I force the issue, one of his little friends will take off with them, just like before. I don't want this to escalate any further, or involve anyone else.
[Her fingertips rub softly against his stubble, a little fretful look pinching her brow.]
And he can't remove them unless he regains his memories. I know what I should do. But I will never forgive myself if I botch this. If I'm made a fool of. If that blasted thing hurts someone.
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Then I shan't.
[He leans forward, lips brushing her cheek gently.]
Consider this. You can kill him a hundred different times. He'll be back along with this same problem. In the end, that's not a viable option. You've already tried it.
There's a chance that if he regains his memories he'll become more dangerous, yes, but if his friends are serious about him freeing himself of this influence, they'll also put their thumbs on that scale. There are more people aware of the problem, and you won't be facing this alone.
[He takes one of her hands between his.]
If this thing puts us all at risk, then your allies are a strength and have a vested interest in combating this threat. And possibly his allies will be in the same position. I understand the instinct to go it alone and protect others. It's not always the right instinct.
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Peacefully negotiating didn't work. Killing him didn't work. What is this but another tack to try? If it works as it's meant to, then everyone wins. That unpredictable shard will be obliterated, and she and her sword will be the only things here tainted by its evil aura. Under control. Her control.
And worst case scenario, she feels tricked and stupid, and then she brings down unholy vengeance on Azwel that'll make him wish he'd stayed dead.]
I know you're right. It's good to hear someone else voice it.
[She presses her hand to his, sandwiching them together and tightens her fingers.]
Will you come with me? When I meet him. I truly don't-- want to get you involved, and I don't anticipate a fight. But I would feel much safer if you were there.
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[He trusts himself to be a clear head and steadying influence but also to be able to handle himself and not be a liability to her if the whole thing goes tits up.
He reaches to draw her in against him, a hand lifting to the back of her head.]
I'm grateful you trust me enough to bring this to me and want my help.
[It has given him much to think about in his own situation. The timing at the moment is wrong with her preoccupation with this. Perhaps soon...]
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[God. They'll all drop on their faces if it comes to that.
She curls in close and sighs, shaky, the butterflies that have been swarming in her stomach finally starting to dissipate. Her hand grips his shoulder and she holds herself in tight.]
Thank you for listening. For not judging. I'm not proud of much of this but with you... I know I'm safe.
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[He's content to gather her as close as close can be. It's sad that such a lovely woman, a lovely person inside and out has to deal with something so complicated, but he supposes that's life. Easy answers are few and far between.
He considers for a bit before speaking again, listening to the sound of their breath in the darkness.]
Would you like to stay the night?
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[She's pleased enough to hold him in silence until he speaks again. Her eyes open, a bit surprised.
Perhaps someone of a more modern persuasion would have noticed before now. But they've never stayed together overnight before, have they? (Not in person, anyway.) Ivy's always been amenable to one of them excusing themselves. They both have to work, and she would never think to impose. But the idea of not having to get up from here, staying with him all night...
Her reply is soft, where only he could ever hear it.]
I would. Very much.
[She'll text Jester to let her know, and ask her to feed the cat. But that's as far from this bed as she's willing to move until the morning, now.]
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[Doesn't he know it, too. He smiles at her answer, not having expected a rejection, but it's nice to have it decided and out there. He cups her cheek in a gentle hand, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.]
I'm glad. Don't be too alarmed if Blade joins us some time in the night. He's good about not kicking.
[If the Maker smiles on him, he won't kick much, either. He doesn't awaken crying out every night. It's worth the risk to have her here, especially after the conversation. She shouldn't have to walk home after something like that.]
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[Her smile show her gratitude for his graciousness, and she happily leans in to kiss him. It's starting to dawn on her that she really, really doesn't have to get up. Get dressed. Walk home in the cold. Her earlier uneasiness is replaced by giddy delight.
She giggles at the mention of Blade.The rooms here don't get nearly as cold as they did back home, but Ivy hoards warmth regardless. Especially in a cozy bed.
She cuddles in close and glances up at him, still positively gleeful.]
What do you like for breakfast?
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If he's already gone for the day, sausages and eggs with toast and jam.
I am going to cook for you, in case there's any question.
[He's smiling in the darkness, nuzzling against her throat.]
So if you have any requests, do put them in.
[The less he thinks about this, the less chance there is he'll trip himself up overthinking or getting too nervous. The breakfast talk is a perfect distraction from overarching concerns.]
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[Even if Ivy is boggling at the mere concept of not eating meat. (What else is there?)
Either of the options he describes make her stomach rumble with anticipation. She turns her face enough to drag her lips along his temple, then buries her nose in his hair.]
I'm looking forward to it. Anything you make will be wonderful.
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[One has to consider such things in this place, especially since none of the walls are stone.
Maker, it's different lying like this when he knows neither of them is going anywhere. It's unbelievably luxurious. He can't help his rueful chuckle.]
You say that now...
[He has been known to burn the odd egg. And perhaps undercook the sausage.]
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I have absolutely no room to complain about amateur cooking, darling. [Frankly, she considers it a miracle she's gotten as good at it as she has. Fortunately, she's always been good at following written directions.
Too good, once or twice.]It'll be wonderful. You're wonderful. [Her smile softens, and she closes her eyes and relaxes.] And warm.
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