PSL for Renart

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Comments

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[Damn it.

He had hoped she wouldn’t take that as an insult, but apparently he hoped for too much. He sighs and leans over a bit to look at her back, weighing up whether the risk of flirtation outweighs wanting to ease her hurt. This time, because of her loss, providing some comfort wins out.]

Your eyes.

[He sounds a bit embarrassed as he continues.]

I’d never seen golden eyes before I met you. They’re... warm, remind me hot days and days where things hurt less.

[aigue]

[She remains quiet, even after he's spoken, but upon hearing the compliment she'll lower the bottle.

It should feel nice to have won that battle, and a little part of her does, but mostly what's taking over her is a sinking regret for pushing him into admitting that aloud. She looks down at the wine, frowning.]

Thanks.

[And after a beat:]

Sorry.

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[It feels like exposing something raw to give that sort of compliment, even to someone he trusts as much as Renart, and he appreciates that doing so has made Renart reflect a bit on her own behaviour.

He shrugs, even though she still has her back to him and can’t see it.]

It’s fine. You lost someone, something like that makes a person act out, get angry or— whatever, mostly at whoever’s closest.

[He pushes up and moves to sit next to her, to rest a hand on her shoulder.]

Besides, you do have nice eyes.

[aigue]

[She doesn't like reflecting on her behaviour. She likes being petty and getting drunk, not feeling bad for hurting a friend. A soft, mildly frustrated exhalation leaves her, and she slumps when she feels his hand on her shoulder.]

... For the record, you have nice eyes, too.

[She gives him a small glance.]

And that isn't just me trying to wind you up.

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[He appreciates the apology, he knows self reflection isn't easy for her, and so he'll attempt to lighten the mood.]

I know, I'm real handsome.

[Or he used to be, anyway.]

Listen... I'm sorry I pulled your tail, I won't do it again. Not now I know.

[aigue]

[She inhales deeply.]

It's fine. You're allowed to pull it sometimes, just not when I'm upset. Alright?

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[There's a beat of hesitation, before he leans in to wrap his arm around her shoulders companionably. He's not going to pull it again no matter what she says.]

Why didn't you tell me before?

[aigue]

[When he touches her she glances over, eyebrows raised - with her behaviour lately she's shocked he's being his close - but she isn't going to complain. After a moment she leans against him.]

You had good intentions. I appreciate that you cared.

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Idiot.

[It's soft and fond, though there is a slight thread of exasperation running through it too.]

I want you to tell me this stuff. It doesn't matter what my intentions are, if what I'm doing is wrong.

[aigue]

[She huffs quietly.]

I can try to be more honest, I suppose.

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Good, because I think we've had enough lies between us.

[It's an old wound, the lies, but it still sticks sometimes.]

So how about you start being honest about how you're feeling with Monty gone?

[aigue]

....

[She goes quiet, and looks away.]

I don't want to.

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I know.

[Soft, but firm.]

But I think you need to.

[aigue]

[She purses her lips.]

Can I finish my wine first?

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Depends. How much wine did you bring?

[Finish the glass, fine. Finish several bottles, not so much.]

[aigue]

A couple of bottles.

[Yeahhhh she knows he isn't going to let her drink all of them and get totally plastered.]

... Finish this one with me, at least?

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You know it's pointless giving me a drink, right?

[But he holds out his hand for it all the same, because it'll stop her drinking the whole thing.]

The serum stops me from getting drunk.

[aigue]

I don't care. It's better than drinking alone.

[She hands him the bottle.]

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[He obediently takes a swig from it, wiping off the neck before offering it back to her.]

How easy is it for you to get drunk?

[He knows that she can, but she's got more fortitude than a regular human too.]

[aigue]

It depends on how much and how fast I drink.

[She takes the bottle back, taking a long sip.]

Hard liquor obviously makes it easier than wine.

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Sure, but can you do it by accident or do you have to be trying to get drunk?

[Because then he knows how worried he should be about her if he sees her drunk.]

[aigue]

Well... it isn't easy to drink an enormous amount of liquor accidentally.

[She didn't bring enough wine for it, unfortunately.]

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Suppose you could always wish for more potent stuff.

[He shrugs, taking another drink of his own.]

But I prefer you sober.

[aigue]

I prefer me sober, most of the time.

[Easier to stay in control that way.]

What were you like when you were drunk? Do you remember?

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[He shrugs, though there's no bitterness behind it as there sometimes is when he thinks of what he's forgotten.]

I kind of remember being cocky, like really cocky, and thinking I was hilarious. I was probably just really dumb.