#earthrunes

"See, now i don't know... it's been crazy arranging this graduation" he might be joking

August lets it go, as he has other things to think about.

"I have an idea, though. I mean.... " A sigh ".... I have to talk to Coradel."

"Okay... sure. if you want someone to bounce it off of, I'm here. In the short term? Maybe think of what sort of jewelry she likes to wear when you go out among mortals. It might give you hints on whether she prefers gold, white gold, silver or platinum... for example"

"It should be something that is -us-, not our Houses...." Absently, as he pulls in at the ER parking court.

"Agreed" He says "That's why I mentioned 'among mortals'" A nod "Anyone else knows her preferences?"

A helpless shrug. "Maybe?"

"Delores might. Vashti MAYBE as she's doing the dressmaking but.. pooka"

August shrugs, nods. "Maybe."

"Sorry" A shrug

"But....I -should- know."

"August, I should have known the boggans were going to gossip but I didn't think of it... Sometimes we miss things"

"I tried to keep quiet! I even, ah, got tea and tried to distract her and then... ah, left."

"Am I blaming you? I'm not blam..wait, how long did you leave for?"

"Ah. Well, no, I mean, I left the library to get tea and when it got to a point her questions were... ah, pointed.... I, ah, left."

"Masters of intrigue we are not" He says with a sigh, "I mentioned that maybe I should let her handle holiday plans and the like...because I just seemed to suck at it and the like..andd she took that wrong."

A SIGH.

A nod "For a moment I was afraid she was going to dump me because she worried she 'hurt me ' or 'frustrated me' too much. Geez I was nearly paralyzed with... Scary moment to say the least"

August swallows, puts a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Earl. I've been there."

"Yeah... sometimes I don't think the women in our lives realize how even the worst day with them is preferable to our best day without them. I just wish I knew how to tell her that and her believe it"

A wry smile. "Coradel believes me. Zara.........."

A curious look, slightly troubled.

"I mean, Zara would be more difficult to convince, yes."

A nod "She..she has a very romantic soul, but she's always accused me of having looked put her on a pedestal. Well... duh. She fits."

A grin. "She does." As they sit in the Prius.

A nod "She totally does. SOmetimes I worry I...well, that's not important now."

"You want to tell?" Gently.

"She had a crush on you... she picked me. I know what, but sometimes I worry that if you had seen her the way I'd seen her back in the day.. I never would have had a chance" A hapless shrug

Quietly. "I was too late."

"And I am so glad you were" He says

A look at him, "To this day I'm not sure how you missed it. Missed her, but I'm glad you did. And.. I hope, given Coradel, you're glad you did too."

"I love Coradel, she's... she's more than I ever dreamed of. In so many ways. But if I hurt Zara......."

"You never would intend harm to anyone, August...not anyone you cared for expecially"

"Never her." Sadly.

A nod "Yet we've both hurt her in our own way..then made amends. And here's the thing, you are her BEST Friend. I'm her love, but you are the friend she counts on.. I envy that a little..maybe even a lot. Whatever regrets yhou have with her, don't forget she values your friendship. You can't have messed up too badly then mmM?" a slight smile

A faint smile. "Earl... I am honored to have that title but I also know what I know. Anything I share with her, you do too, except perhaps our previous shared experiences, from before the two of you knew each other." He swallows and turns to face Earl. "If I could, Earl, I would. But I can't. So.... I am content."

"Could ..what?" Cautious now despite the attempted assurance

A sigh. "Never thought we'd have this conversation.... suffice to say.... I can't without violating our honor. Mine, yours, ours, hers. So... I missed my chance. It's over."

"THAT does not give me as much comfort as you seem to think it does.." A frown

"What would?"

"Not sure, but hearing you would love to get into her pants sure aint' it... which is what it sounded like you were saying"

August frowns, looking away. "Not as cheap as that, Earl, thank you."

"No I suppose not. But however much you mix it with romance I still can't see how I'd be thrilled by.." A sigh "Maybe I'm just being insecure. I forget sometime you're in a Fiona hold now"

"It's like living in a tribe of Bonobos....."

Okay, that makes him snort with laughter

"Please, -PLEASE- Earl, don't.... don't repeat that." Ashamed "It's been a big change for me, please...."

"I wouldn't and I won't" he assures the man "Dude? I'm from a family that thinks little house on the prarie is a bit too progressive in some ways. I thought I was worldly, you know, compared to them here I am this artist gone urban blah blah... but somethings city folks and other kithain holds go with? Freaks me the hell out" A confession

August nods complete understanding.

"Look, Earl.... If I knew then what I knew now? I wouldn't have..... Earl, I'm glad Zara has you. And you have her. Believe that."

A nod, "I do... And I appreicate all you do for us as a friend. Belive that back." A look at the hold before them as they stay parked, "But some things in Earth Runes I'm not sure I'll ever ah.. join in on and I'm good with that. "