#earthrunes

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There is a soft knock on Captain Leonora's door.

The door opens

The captain looks ravishing. "Hi"

There , with a shy smile, August. And a bouquet. "Hello."

"You are so sweet" She takes the flowers with one hand, and kisses him

He accepts it on his cheek. "I wanted to check in with you." He takes her hand.

"I've missed you. A LOT."

A gentle smile. "I am glad to see you." Then, carefully, "Cordel and I... we wondered if you would feel comfortable having dinner together. And talking."

"I wish I could," She apologizes, "I have a date."

"Of course." August nods, "The offer stands, though. When you are ready. " he releases her hand and offers a small bow.

"Hey?" A look at him, "August? I can't help but notice you took the kiss on the cheek?"

A wistful smile. "You wanted space."

"Yes but when I go for your mouth and you redirect for the cheek, it's more like you think I need a breath mint" a smile

August looks chagrined. "I didn't intend for that, Leonora....."

"I figured or I wouldn't be smiling. I'm over the baroness."

His expression falters. "You... ah... over?"

"Right. Done. I love her, but not THAT way" She says

August blinks. "Just.... like that?"

"You were gone for a bit, August." She reminds "A nocker helped me. Shock therapy.. wires hooked up to the girls ," She gestures to her cleavage, "And a good jolt every time I saw a picture of Coradel and looked turned on. It would either 'cure' me or have me go maso"

His jaw drops as he grows alarmed. "Leonora!!!!"

".... wait....."

"Though to be fair, lately I've been getting a little turned on by the sight of thunderstorms"

August appears to be growing suspicious.

"Saw an empty light socket the other day and wondered what kind of tongue work I could get going..." She ponders

"Leonora......" on the edge of credulity.

Finally she has the decency to look sheepish

or at least mischevious openly

August chuckles, then laughs.

"You, ah.... you got me." He admits, shaking his head.

She gives hi ma kiss on the lips if she can, and quite deep, "Dork. I HAVE missed you. I was worried!"

"Mmph...." She gets the kiss but he withdraws gently. "I'm sorry you were worried. Ah. So. I'm sorry but..... how far back did that gag go? I mean, about being over Coradel?"

"Actually I think it's true. I'm.. SEEING someone... and.. ah, I think it's going somewhere"

A light blush. Sex she can joke about. This is more....serious?

"Leonora... that's -wonderful-." August glows slightly. "I'm happy to hear that. Look... I know you have someone to see tonight but please make time for Coradel and I when you can? I'd like the three of us to talk this out. Is that ok?"

"Well, yes, but don't you have more important things to ah, deal with?"

August shakes his head. "No." Firmly.

She blushes "You are so sweet"

August takes her hand again. "I feel the three of us owe it to each other to talk this out. That's important."

"Okay. Okay. I think you might be trying to 'fix' things that just need to unwind at their own pace, but I can see it bothers you. Yes, soon."

"No, that's not my intent. I just... -we- just wanted to know where things stood. And you will let us know, when you're ready." He nods, accepting, and loosens her hand. "I'm glad you're happy." A soft smile.

"Well, happier now that you're back' she strokes his face, "I was worried. Cordy? was going abit out of her mind"

A sigh. "I .... I'm not surprised, but... I wish she'd... found, used, outlets."

"Oh AUgust... it's not about frustration..." A shake of her head "The man she loved was gone. Don't you see how a simple screw, a cup of brew, and a dance or two would hardly fix that?"

"Yes." Soberly. "I can."

And she remembers the long runs, early in the morning; so early, in fact, it was the middle of the night......

"Then don't talk nonsense." A pat on his shoulder "She LOVES you. Of course she was going to worry and hope you returned."

He nods. "Missing each other is part of the price."

"Well, I am overjoyed you're back. Shoo now. I have a date to get ready for but I will catch up with you and the Baroness later"

August nods, and squeezes her hand. And then departs.

Leonora turns around but as he's not quite out of ear shot.. gives a soft pseudo-moan "Oh zap me, sparkypoo, zap me"