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]

[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.

[collector]

Ah, yes. I recall him mentioning how unpleasant that was.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

You liar! It was fan-flipping-tastic. Just because you're jealous, doesn't mean you get to spread filthy untrue lies.

[even she finds her word choice dumb. But she finds Brax dumber, so there :|]

[collector]

What about relatively clean, false lies?

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[as if she's relenting] Yes, well those are...

[annoyed once more] Not all right. I'm sure if you asked him he would regale you with all kinds of very dirty and true and enjoyable stories.

[collector]

[Braxiatel glances over to Someone.] Well? What do you say?

[a pause, and a slight chuckle] Yes, I see. You're probably quite right.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

What is he quite right about?