AU BLARHBLARH

[havesomedecency]

[So after the better part of a day and a half, someone still has a cheerful bubble over his head that simply reads "Masturbation."

Suffice to say it's a miracle that he hasn't shouted himself hoarse by now, but it's all the more clear that something needs to be done about it. That might be why he's making a surreptitious attempt at tracking down a certain Pawn in Clubs...]

Comments

[softariel]

[On the seventh floor of Clubs, he'll find someone home -- seated among several neat stacks of books on the floor, meticulously checking off a list as he sorts through the titles. His shirtsleeves are rolled up and he's a bit dusty, but he seems to be pretty content with his work, engrossed to the point where he doesn't immediately notice someone approaching.]

[havesomedecency]

[making a quick check to make sure there's no one else in the area before speaking up]

Ah—Winter, are you busy?

[softariel]

[There is no sign of Nikolas, no. Winter starts a little, looking up.]

Elliot? Ah, no, it's not anything that can be put on hold for the moment -- is something the matter?

[I see you still have that bubble, too.]

[havesomedecency]

[as if it isn't obvious!1 he flushes a little more, glancing at Winter then away]

I need your assistance—for a little while . . .

[softariel]

My assistance?

[He closes the notebook he had and sets it aside, tilting his head.]

What is it?

[havesomedecency]

It's something—I'd rather discuss it in privacy—so if you'd just come to my room—!

[softariel]

[That's only a little alarming. But he nods, getting to his feet and brushing himself off a bit.]

All right; if you'd lead the way?

Day 40, noon

[softariel]

[now kiss -- wait we already did that. NOW CONTINUE.]

Re: Day 40, noon

[havesomedecency]

[Elliot holds his hand to Winter's cheek still, brushing his thumb over it, watching him]

Would you wish to . . . [he drops the thought after a moment, just gazing intently at Winter]

[softariel]

To--?

[His breath stutters a little at that, awkwardly, but he doesn't pull away.]

[havesomedecency]

[he flushes more, licking his lips in a nervous gesture]

Ah—I only meant, if you wished to, I wouldn't object . . .

[softariel]

You ... will have to be a bit more precise than that, I'm afraid, with what you mean.

[havesomedecency]

[he huffs a rough sigh out, curling his fingers against Winter's cheek to hold more tightly]

I'd like to kiss you again, that's all.

Day 44, late afternoon/evening

[softariel]

[So those new flyers have been handed out, challenges have been given and received, and there is a young lady(?) wobbling her way to the dining hall for something to eat.]

Re: Day 44, late afternoon/evening

[havesomedecency]

[huh, there's something really familiar about that girl . . . maybe that's why Elliot stops to watch her for a moment before speaking up]

Did something happen to you?

[softariel]

Ah! Elliot--

[Up close, it's pretty obvious what "her" identity is; the face is almost exactly the same, and the clothes are familiar -- even the voice isn't that changed, maybe a few degrees higher and softer than normal.]

[havesomedecency]

[oh oh—]

Winter—?!

[softariel]

[He shifts his weight a bit, awkwardly, lacing his fingers together.]

G-- good afternoon, Elliot ...

[havesomedecency]

[openly staring now maybe blushing a little]

You—you took that challenge—??

Day 55ish

[havesomedecency]

[today someone's tucked away in a quiet corner of the library, a book open in his hands. but for as long as he's been looking at it, it doesn't seem like he's actually reading . . .]

[softariel]

[It might be around noon, then, when there's the sound of soft footsteps approaching -- deliberate, despite their lightness, the sort of thing to catch someone's attention on purpose.]

--Elliot? I was wondering if you'd have lunch with me.

[havesomedecency]

[he jerks a little, not quite startled, looking up at him]

Ah—Winter. Is it that late already?

[softariel]

[His brow furrows a little at that, parsing the reaction, and then he just cocks his head.]

Just about, yes; if we go now, we could likely beat the crowd.

[havesomedecency]

That would be better—it gets busiest around lunch.

[closing his book and standing, holding his free hand out to Winter]

[softariel]

[/// he takes it, lacing their fingers together with a small squeeze.]

Busy and noisy both, so let's go see what's even available.