Sacris Solemniis

[collector]

[Teapot before him, a plate of pastries beside it, Braxiatel sits at the kitchen table with Strindberg's Ett drömspel open in front of him. Braxiatel stirs sugar into his tea, and a faint smile crosses his face as his eyes flicker to something in the seat to his left.]

[He leans forwards and pours a second cup of tea, then lifts it up to hand it over, the smile widening.] I don't know what you mean by 'ulterior motives,' Comman—

[Braxiatel's fingers tighten on the cup before he can let it go. For a moment, it hangs there, hoping for a hand that cannot take it.]

Ah.

[It is a quiet realization.]

[Braxiatel sets the cup down, away from him. He leans back in his chair and picks up a scone to eat.]

Comments

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[Benny doesn't like to lose. More than that though, Brax's hands are incredibly expressive, and right now she doesn't like that glimpse of pain she sees when he needs to comfort himself]

Un-bloody-likely...[she pauses, as if she's just swallowed bile, before speaking pleasantly again, almost too pleasantly] Daddy.

[her tone is for the most part flirtatious, but she is struggling not to make herself ill] I just...I didn't think you would ever feel that way. I have always been desperate for a father figure, [she leans over the back of his chair once more, arms snaking around his neck, as she nuzzles into his neck as her voice gets lower] Daddy.

[She's not losing and she's not watching him get caught up in the past either]

[collector]

[This is incredibly uncomfortable, but he forces his muscles not to express that. The very disturbing combination of his hallucinations, the flirting, and her actually saying 'Daddy' help him keep his mind focused.] What would Isaac say?

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[The mention of her father doesn't help with how disturbing this situation is. She is doing her best to keep up the flirty vibe though, and is forcing down any sick feelings. She is winning this one, dammit] Isaac isn't here, and I'm in dire need of a father figure, [she can do this, that's what she tells herself, as the name comes out sounding way too sugary sweet] Daddy.

[collector]

[Braxiatel touches her wrist.] Bernice. I appreciate it, truly. But our biology is too different for you to be the mother of my child.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[And THIS is what makes Benny break character finally]

[indignant] Mother of your child?!

[collector]

[looking at her as if surprised by her outburst] Yes. Why else would I want you to call me 'Daddy'? I want a little girl. I thought we'd name her Héloise.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[she takes a breath, and then back to cheerful, because she does will not accept defeat. She snuggles against Brax again.]

We could always adopt.

[collector]

[Braxiatel briefly considers the curve balls he can throw her way, then selects one that is perhaps a little dangerous for him as well. He lifts his chin.] I don't intend on raising a child of one of the younger races as my own.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[she's taken aback by that, and her grip loosens, as she stands up to her full height]

That would be a problem. [she can't think of anything to say beyond that as the game feels like it took an odd turn]

[collector]

[It's game over, in Braxiatel's opinion. Drawing his legs in, Irving gets to his feet. He turns to half-smile at Benny, dispassionate and warm at once. His voice is quieter than it was while he was playing.] I appreciate this, Benny. But I will be fine, no matter how long this lasts. I won't be overcome by past, present, or future.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[She half smiles back, and she's almost tempted to hug him, but then she furrows her eyebrows in confusion] Future?

[collector]

What happiness has passed, what dreams that are passing, what hopes you have for what is yet to come. A perfect parallel to bad memories, nightmares, and fears.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[she's quiet and then smiles at him sadly] Who would have imagined good memories could be just as terrible?

[collector]

Bernard Shaw. "There are two tragedies in life."

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[with an odd affection] You really do enjoy acting like you're smartest man in the room, don't you?

[collector]

My dear Professor Summerfield, that is not acting.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

You wish.

[collector]

[smiling] That isn't necessary.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

How very healthy of you, giving up on wishful thinking. I believe you deserve another piece of pie for that.

[collector]

How kind of you. And I think Renee, Jason, and Skutloid will be needing pie as well.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

Keep that up and you'll need to start letting out your suits to fit in all your friends.

[collector]

Oh, don't worry. We all jazzercise together.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[and she can't help but laugh] You have no idea how much I wish I could see that.

[collector]

Oh, you can't, Skutloid gets shy.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

Well, that's something new. He never was shy before. Far, far from it, in fact.