#elsewhere

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Adam and Alanza walk on Imbolc.

"Alanza....." reluctantly.

"Yes, Adam?"

"I'm not... going to be good for much for a while. I mean, with other people. Weird as it is, I honestly can't imagine dating, or sex, right now. Maybe someday."

"Right there with you" She says

"Yeah?" cautious relief "You too?"

"Adam... I realize in my head I didn't KILL a friend, but even now, my heart .. it's hurting for her loss. And I didn't know her as well as you"

Adam nods. "A lot of people are. And...." he swallows "Anyway, I just wanted to say. If I don't call, if we don't go out, it's not 'cause of you. I know it's been weeks but I'm just not there yet. I...." he stops, then says "I know you're gonna move around, move on. Are we cool?"

"I move, and then I move back" She says "Eshu are allowed to return" A smile "Some of us make a habit of it. Boomerang Eshu some of us call them" A sigh "I am thinking of a long walk for a week or so"

"Yeah, of course. I know Sir Sergi will be glad to have you in the kennel. A long walk might help you figure things out."

"Yeah." A sigh "You? I mean.. you're not going to close off entirely are you?"

Adam shrugs, looking away. "Probably not? I mean.... I'd like to... you know, have someone special. Or someoneS." a sad grin "Someday. And I hope for that. But at the same time I can't imagine it? If that makes sense."

"Of course, it's ..raw, it's open and it's hurting. It needs air to heal, bu it's not the time to... " She sighs "You need to live, but some things in your life you want to approach slow. I'm reckless, you're fearless, but we both HURT and are no heartless"

Adam nods. "Every time I think I'm starting to get a handle on it something happens and..."

A deep breath. "Anyway. I wanted to check in, make sure you weren't expecting something I can't give right now. And, for what it's worth? Zane's hurting too, I think."

"I know.. but .. I can't give him what he wants either" She says "I think he'll forgive me. " She says "Hugs are okay though? "

"Course he will, and of course they are." Adam offers a hug.

And they hug , drawing strength from each other

Adam even gives her a kiss on the cheek.

And then releases her. "You going back to the party?"

"Not alone. I think I'd... no I wouldn't be good alone"

"Go with Zane." he suggest "He'll understand."

"Adam... you can't tell girls who they should be with" She sighs

He holds up his hands. "Not trying to. Just a suggestion. Go with anyone you want, or not at all." mildly.

"And you?"

Adam looks back at the light and laughter. "I don't want to bring everyone else down; just.... can't get into the mood. Yet."

"I hear you. Me neither. " A look and a smikle "Well, yo udo have SOME company"

"I'm gonna pack it in." gently.

"I'll walk you back inside, if you like."

"No. I mean.. your dog" She points to DUmas. Once more by his side

Adam looks down, and there's a little grin. "Yeah, probably let him come with me."

A soft laugh "yes. he's a good boy" A nod and a look at Adam "And his owner is a good man"

"Thank you."

And Alanza gives him one more hug and goes

Adam watches her depart, and takes a breath.

"C'mon, Dumas." he heads outside into the cold night air.

And off they go

Adam pulls his cloak around him and settles on a bench, looking up at the night sky.

His breath frosty in the dark.