#kc_necropolis

"Oh? That could be dangerous.. bored or?"

"No. Just Escapism I guess. At the time I wasn't sure about... stuff." A game grin.

"Stuff is good with the right person" He grins back a bit "And..yeah, I have been very unsure. Sometimes.. even when you care, especially when you care, you don't even know how you stepped wrong or if you did...and then you learned you did and you feel so bad for everything you did, and the fact you missed it and... it's like.." Trying to find the words "Like you were put on this world for one thing, and you blew it."

"YEAH." August's heartfelt agreement. "Earl... you're an artist and a poet." He grabs some fries. "I wish I had half your talent."

"You have your own talents. I envy a lot of them. I consider myself bright, but I'm learning Yiddish and Hebrew..got one, half the other, and I still feel like a klutz. I don't know all the historical things Zara knows...so I struggle to keep up unless it's arts. You? You can match her pace for pace. That and books. You might envy my gift for expression, I envy your knack for learning."

He laughs softly. "Zara gave me all my Hebrew and Yiddish, you'll do fine. I just started earlier than you. How is she?"

"Perfect" he says then clarifies "She's still tense on some matters , same as before. I know she feels caged when she has to stay anywhere and it's not her idea. She and her mom, Hannah, had a bonding time together. We traveled to one of her favorite parts upstate, saw the Chimera...her eyes glittered, the way they do." He says recalling her reaction to the headless horsemen "And she loves the library at Earth Runes, and spoiles both 1122 and Bronte even as she keeps them in line"

He eats, and grins. "I love having her there, and Bronte is a treasure. Sometimes I wish I could have visited up in the Poconos. It always sounded.... well, magical, when she tells it." Wistful.

"It is, some on it's own, but mostly because she makes it so" Earl says

Fondly, "Yes."

A nod "You and Coradel should find a place for the two of you to visit that sings to one or both of you, one outside the fief. it's.. a refuge to restore"

A deep sigh, this time. "Yes, we should." A few bites, some chewing. "There are other things that come first."

"Always are, but don't wait for the 'perfect time' that never arrives" He sighs "Sorry, don't mean it to be Preachy"

"It's ok, Earl, and I know." He finishes his burger. "I want... Earl, I want the whole thing but... well, work in progress, right?" He swallows and grins. "Coradel is amazing... and Fiona."

"She's a force" He nods

"Yes." Softly, Reverently.

"Does she ever do things you like?"

A shy grin, he ducks his head. "Ah. Yes."

Ahem a blush "Sorry I meant.. ah, nevermind. I'm glad for you then. I know she and Zara don't always like each other, but I think they're learning."

"They don't? I think you're wrong there but.... I do hope they grow closer."

"mmm not sure I'm wrong, but I hope I am... they're both great gals." He sighs wistfully "Sometimes I want to do everything for Zara, and it feels like I can't do anything for Zara... but... well, as long as she loves me."

"Yes." Agreement, benediction, brotherhood.

"Earl.... yes."

"Right, Not alone. Comforting , selfish as that is," A nod as he finsihes up his meal "Tell you what, why don't we head to my apartment or your place and talk some more... share moere tea. I want to get into a few details"

"Sure. I have a few hours." And they do.

(end scene)