#fenixtj

"Oh. Just.... you know how Beltaine gets, later in the evening." just a light touch of lavender, on the ears.

"Oh yes.. mm" She says "Would you prefer we reverse it? Start all together, then encourage folks to part to the baronnies?"

"it.. doesn't send the same message, but there is still at least some sennse of unity"

"I like the message, though. It will be fine, I suppose."

"Yes, Beltaine is a time for romance and.. of course, no wonder they're pushing .." THEY obviously being the boggans "But I'm sure you could divert adult activities in the name of looking after the young ones? "

"I'll figure something out."

"Yes, Belaine does make it harder to ignore men" She looks thoughtful, troubled even

An eyebrow. "Problem?"

"Seelieness is fine, having the pressure turned up makes me want to hunt down the people who make hallmark romance movies and do terrible things to them. I guess at this time of year I do get a bit lonely" She confides "I'll lie if you tell anyone I admitted it"

"I'm sorry, Mitra." sincerely and without pity "No, um, options out there for you?"

"Oh, for a lover? Many.. for.. more ... serious.." Uncomfortable "None popping up no"

"There's one who comes by frequently but I ..don't know if that's all it is."

"Maybe Beltaine could be a time to find out." Jessica observes.

"I see. I.." A brow "I suppose I could be a distraction for you"

"I know, not what you meant, though at least it would be useful I.." A pause "What DO you mean?"

"No!" she hastens to clarify "Not that, no. No, just.... I mean, if there's a time to ask someone if they're interested in, you know, more than you have together.... Beltaine's the time, right? I'd think."

"I ..suppose" she says cautiously

"If you wanted to."

"I mean.... you might not want to know." she gives a small grin "Preserve the mystery, right?"

"Ah, well.. that's part of the problem. I am a bit torn. I don't know if this silly romantic urge will vanish after"

"How long have you had it?"

"This onne fellow? Over a year and a half on and off" A frown "He's not OF my hold so no conflict of interest"

"A year and a half!?!? Mitra... doesn't sound like it's going to vanish." she points out.

"Yes but we... we don't DATE exactly.." A sigh "And that's on me. I've kept it a secret annd now it's backfiring"

"Hey, if you're happy with the way things are, forget I said anything."

"I'm not sure I'm happy that's the situation.. good lord, no wonder I'm eating the ice cream. Have you even started on your bowl ?"

"I'm good. You want it?" she has not had any, no.

"I want you to eat some and share with me that love is confusingg, frustrating, and the Fiona should be flogged for their messaging by the rest of us"

Jessica dutifully picks up her bowl and has some ice cream.

"Thank you. " A bite of her own hough a smaller one since she's almost done with hers "What about you and Duff? Are you girlfriend boyfriend, paramours? What?"

A sigh. "Lovers. I guess."

"And , his latest bonehead move aside, that's how you like it?"

An awkward pause. "It seemed to be working. It was fine."

"Until he pulled a stupid and .. uggh. Men. " She sighs "Jack is.. decent"

"Jack... -Sir- Jack??"

A wince "yes."

Blink blink.

"Go ahead.. clearly some part of me WANTED to tell my best friend or I wouldn't have let it slip"

"No, I mean.... that's great. I'm glad. For both of you."

"Yes well, he... he's a liam so.. I've kept it hidden for a year and a half . I know, I know, some Liam are good people. But.. my HOUSE would ..ugh"

"My dad is Liam." quietly reminding her.

"I know. I know," She says "And you ofen have a half Gwydion half liam flag"

"But not everyone trusts Liam. So I told him it could only be physical.. annd now..afer a year and a half." She sighs

"Well. Nothing wrong with it being physical, if that's what you both want."

"I don't know what i want"

"Yeah." a sigh, and more ice cream.

"So you too huh?" Sympathetic

"Oh, pretty sure I know what I want."

"Oh? You're way ahead of me then"

"Didn't say I got it." she points out.