#earthrunes

There it is. Coradel reaches to touch August's hand.

"Of course not," she reassures Leonora. "And I understand your need for some space to figure things out."

"You... you and Coradel...."

"And August, I have enjoyed you as a lover, you're amazing... I mean, we've tried it all... the Topeka Totem Pole, the Sticky Flapjack, the Missouri Milk Carton, the Two handed Zamboni.. oh wow, I love me some Zamboni... and you just got better and better. SO don't do the guy thing where you worry about performance okay?"

A gentle look to August as she holds his hand.

He blinks, going from worries to utterly baffled in the same space.

Then a bemused (and rather impressed look) at the list of August's accomplishments.

She looks back to Leonora, and sighs. "What doesn't help is the fact that I really want to kiss and comfort you right now."

"Well, both of you, really." Noting August's expression.

"Would you like me to leave?" Quietly.

"It doesn't help but it...sort of does help to know, thanks"

"No." Leonora says alarmed at August "I mean, not iwthout Coradel"

"Leonora...I care a great deal for you...but August is my trueheart. Just...to be clear."

Coradel squeezes August's hand. "No, Love...not now."

"Of COURSE it's clear, I'd resign before I ever... Coradel, you know I wouldn't ever..."

"Oh.... okay."

Aghast at the thought "BREAKING Love? It's... evil"

Coradel nods. "I know. I know you would never."

"I don't know if this is..waht it could be... but I do know it's been bothering me for awhile that it might be... and then when August showed me your new place, at first I was SO delighted. You two had each other, you had your own place... and then.. then that room and... I was suddenly feeling.. it all jumbled."

"I'm sorry, Leonora...." he is slowly putting it together.

"If there's one thing you should apologize about August, it sure isn't the weird leaps of MY heart" A smile though "Sweet of you to sympathize though. No, this is.. this is on me..with me"

Coradel looks worried. "It sounds like...Leonora, are you just needing some time away from our bed? Or are you leaving us entirely for a while?"

"First one I think... but I may ask for.. time for a quest or self reflection."

A bit relieved, but still concerned, she nods. "And...I feel I ought to apologize to you both. I didn't intend to...inspire..." She trails off and makes a vague gesture.

Leonora looks at Coradel "I've given you a swelled head?"

"Bah. Some would say I'd developed that already. But...August...I don't mean to get in the way of what you and Leonora have had..." Troubled.

"I... the physical does not matter as much to me as our friendship."

Leonora moves to August and takes his hands, "Really? Because I totally want to use you for sex. " A smile "but I value the frienship too. I just need... a step back. And I'm sorry about my timing. IT stinks"

"Ahhhh... " unsure ".... perhaps you should decide how you feel before we, ah...."

Coradel smiles. "I don't think she means right now, August," she murmurs gently, resting a hand on Leonora's shoulder.

Leonora looks to Coradel, "Thank you for translating"

She winks.

"I meant in general." He clarifies.

A deep breath. "Well, yes...and 'how you feel' is a moving target for anybody. Leonora, whatever you need to do, will you please at least stay in communication with us? Don't shut us out."

Leo looks at them both " I will let you know."

August looks.... sad. And nods.

Coradel seems conflicted, makes a half gesture to touch her Housesister's hair, but stops and pulls her hand back.

And Leonora leans forward and kisses August on the cheek

A weak smile, and he kisses her cheek back.

A sigh. "We...should go. Give you space to think."

August nods agreement.

"I appreciate it... " And she turns and gives Coradel a quick kiss on the cheek too, before backing up. "I'll be at the hold in time for my shift"

August moves to wait by the door.

The kiss is so quick that Coradel almost doesn't have time to respond before Leonora pulls away. She starts to speak, pauses, then nods, rising. "Good. We'll see you then." Another pause, but then she goes to join August out the door, and goes out into the hallway.

And Leonora is out of sight

He nods to Leonora, farewell, and departs with Coradel.

In the hallway, Coradel looks troubled, eyes on the floor as they go to the elevator.

August gravely says nothing, but calls the elevator for them and walks her to the car.

In the elevator ride down, Coradel reaches to twine her fingers with his, almost a...shy?...gesture. Still not looking at him.

She certainly can have his fingers, yes. He does not demand more, but will drive them.... well, it seems they are just driving.