#earthrunes

a day after Pennons and August notices that Coradel is away. Very busy.

August himself is... if not busy,.certainly preoccupied. And, school to attend to.

School is busy. Pre Law is no joke. Yet August might enjoy the challenge. History and logic both are big components, both areas where August can excell

He does tend to use study as a distraction.

Eventually, however, he does get a break between classes with no study group.

He remembers to eat, and seeks a quiet spot.

"Always a nose in the book" It's Leonora, "But then, that's kind of needed. You got a moment?"

He looks up, surprised. "Yes, of course...." he glances behind her, then makes room.

"Hey. Okay " She sits down, "Can I ask why you're punishing me?"

"I wasn't aware that I was."

"Okay, some time ago.. I mentioned to you and Coradel that I was worried i might be falling in love iwht Coradel. You remember that?"

"Emphasis, MIGHT"

He nods.

"Right. Then you remember when I came and told you guys I was working on it, but I was doing better?"

He nods.

"Then, I came back to both of you and said I was ready to come back, that It wasn't love.. not like that. It was good. Remember THAT? "

He shakes his head.

"I've done it three times, August. how the..." A deep breath

"Okay. I take it you do not remember Coradel saying I was welcome back?"

"I remember that I wanted, still want, the three of us to sit down and talk together." Gently, carefully.

"But we did... I said hi, it's good. You guys said we love you... and... then I talk to you alone and suddenly it's like that never happened. So... why are you punishing me?"

He shakes his head. "I am sorry that I haven't been clearer. We have not met and sat and talked. A discussion. I'm still not clear on what has happened. I need that."

"I think I remember a discussion you don't. Like.. twice. What you're describing sounds like some weird interrogation or negotiation.. like a job interview at the least."

"I was told that when I was okay ..when I sorted it out, I could come back. I wasn't told there were would be an interview for my return"

"I want it to be a conversation between intimate friends." Quietly.

"I want to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. I know I am prone to both."

"What's to misunderstand? I am not in love with Coradel. I am not in love with you. Not in that way. Do you understand that?"

He nods.

"Well, Coradel understands that. You understand that. I understand that, so what the hell is there to discuss?"

"I need all of us, together, to look each other in the eyes, and agree." Simply.

"BUT WE DID!"

A few folks walking by look toward them but keep walking.

Lowering her voice, "We did, August. I told the two of you in front of your bedroom door. The garden. AND sparring ring. "

"And other times with just you... and EACH time you act like nothing was settled and I'm in some sort of que."

August flinched a little when she shouts.

"So again, in the name of all that is glamour filled, what do we need to discuss? Do I need to sign some odd non disclosure? Some pre nup for lovers? "

He sits quiet for a moment. "I don't remember a conversation.... of the sort I imagined. Maybe that's unfair. "

"Damn straight it's unfair. You guys told me one thing, now I have hoops to jump through. My only thought is that some how, subconciously, you don't trust me any more . You know, if I've destroyed the trust, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to beg, and I sure as hell am not going to under go some demeaning interview. Do you want me for a lover or not? If you can't answer yes or no, then I'll take it as a no and be on my way. "

He is quiet a long moment, clearly thinking, and struggling with those thoughts.

Finally he looks into her eyes and says quietly. "No." With tender regret.

She looks stung, as if he slapped her, "Well. Okay. I asked for that. I'm... sorry I hurt your trust."

"I'll leave you two alone." She rises.

"I trust you, Leonora."

"And I do not speak for Coradel in this No."

"But you don't want me as a lover. I respect your choice"

He stands as well.

He presses his lips together.

She gives him a brief hug, "Be well, August."

August holds her, just a moment, and gives her cheek a kiss. "And you, Leonora. Thank you for everything."

"Yeah, good look with your studies. " And she slips away.