#scarsdale

August tilts his head, listening.

A vague gesture, a shrug. "Change is hard."

"It can be" He nods.

"I miss... I... I miss how things were."

August sighs, softly, and nods.

"I..guess I'm selfish. there are some changes that have been wonderful" He smiles fondly at Zara

She nods. "Some, aye."

A fond grin.

"I miss feeling like myself."

August nods sympathetically. "I understand."

"How can I help you feel like yourself?" Earl says

She shrugs. "Don't know."

"I hate... I hate having my business spread all over, picked at, peered at..."

August nods, agreeing.

"And my family doesn't help with that, despite their best intentions." He says nodding "i'm sorry, though I'd like ot think they're not the worst offenders. "

"Feh."

Fights a soft smile at the Feh.

August looks up, then glances from one to the other. "Oh. Ah. I... I should ... go." He stands. "I have resear.... I have some work to do." He clears his throat.

"I'm sorry, Aug."

"What? Why? Don't be." A shy grin. "Zara, I'm just glad you're talking to me and don't hate me."

"I don't hate you. Why would I hate you?"

The Sidhe shrugs helplessly. "I don't know. But... it felt like it, for a bit. But I'm glad you don't. You don't, right?"

Earl blinks, "I got it." he says to Zara , he skiffs the back of August's head lightly "Don't be dense." Mind you, August's hair looks fabulous afterwards.

"Ow?"

"I don't. I miss Hebrew."

August hesitates. "I do too. Would you... I mean, if you have time. I'm off on Friday mornings? Or other afternoons. We could meet at Firnost."

that same resigned shrug. "I know you're busy."

"And things can't go back."

"I think that's a great idea"

"It doesn't have to back to hold onto some good things..."

August nods, sober and .. disappointed. "Ok."

"I'll head out, then. See what I can find out, I'll let you know." Quietly.

"August, watch out for yourself okay? Zara and I both worry"

"Be safe, yes?"

"Careful."

"I will." He nods, and then nods to Earl; a wordless communication. And he turns to go.

A nod at that

"Earl, could you go, too? I'm tired."

August slips out of the room, leaving the couple to their own devices. He makes his charming and shy manners to Hannah, and is gone.

"You sure you don't want me to stay? I thought maybe we could read together, or Something? I came here for your take on something... I think my painting is somehow following Clem, but not sure how. But..it can wait and I can go if you like. " A pause "Though I do think you might like the Hebrew lessons offered."

"He's busy."

"And Firnost... no, not Firnost."

"Not so busy that he doesn't want to see a good friend now and then"

"Okay. Not Firnost" A nod "He'd meet you anywhere you know that," A concerned look.

She rubs at her face, looking tired and defeated. "Better not to... pretend, right? That it can be like it was?"

"I can't stand the Hollow anymore, either."

"I don't think I belong anywhere. Except here."

"It can't be like it was. It can have some good things last." He says gently "But I know better than to argue with a Schwartz when she's tired and her mind's made up." slight smile then she mentions she can't stand the hollow and he says "You are Zara. You belong seeking adventure, getting curious. And traveling the world probably with me following after nervous and enraptured by you both at the same time. You bring fear, you don't let it control and trap you. Please?"

"I can leave..."

"Yes, but if you lose your will too, then..." A sigh "I'm about to lecture, and I'm sorry. You just complained about folks prying and here I'm getting close to doing that. I love you. I am here for you when you need me" He gives her a quick peck on the lips, and then finishes "And we will be going out Valentine's Day"