[Open] I'm not alive. I'm not dead. I'm just...

[maps4dead]

Boyle has been keeping to himself as much as possible since he's arrival here. Sticking to only going out at night and more or less haunting the less populated places of the Mansion. Old habits are hard to break after all and he's still not quite used to not being seen as less than dirt by the livebloods

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[eight_livesleft]

Carol shows up on time, in the library. She picked up something for Frank, because she feels he's such a good friend, and she supposes he doesn't get presents very often. The book is wrapped up in newspaper, there's a bow made of slight rope.

It's not much, but it's something.

She'll be happy to find him.

[maps4dead]

Boyle is waiting in their meeting spot for her to show, flipping through a thick book of war in the Roman era when Carol shows up.

He glances up, eyes flashing briefly in even the low light, but his voice is warm. "Good evening Carol," he says, pleased to see her, and sets his book aside.

[eight_livesleft]

"Good evening, Frank," she replies with similar warm.

As usual, she slides into the seat across from him.

Contrary to usual, she puts a package on the table between them.

"How have you been?"

[maps4dead]

Boyle glances at the package, but doesn't connect it as a gift to himself and ignores it for now. He nods.

"Not much difference, though I am taking ... your advice into account and attempting to be more ... sociable. How are you?"

[eight_livesleft]

"I'm fine, mostly," Carol replies. "Sophia is blooming, it's... good to see."

Though there was some drama.

[maps4dead]

Boyle's mouth twitches in a brief smile that is no less honest for it's flicker.

"I am very glad to hear that. I do worry about you both here."

[eight_livesleft]

"She was awake last time I stayed out late," Carol says.

"I had to justify myself to her."

A bit of a face, there. Her adaptation of the truth feels a bit wrong.

[maps4dead]

"I'm sorry for having put you in that position Carol," Boyle offers, honestly apologetic. "Was she alright with your explanation?" A part of him wonders if this will be a more long term goodbye, as he understands that family comes above quiet meetings in a dim library.

[eight_livesleft]

"It was a convoluted version of the truth," Carol replies. "I don't know how long it will last."

She hates having to choose between her friend and her daughter - she'll try to juggle.

A pause, a little smile. "And don't apologize. It's not your doing."

[maps4dead]

"Still. I feel a bit selfish... to want to be able to speak with you." He smiles slightly again. "But I would rather you spend time with your family."

Boyle makes a small gesture to Carol. "Having her here has brightened you up quite a bit."

[eight_livesleft]

"She is my life," Carol agrees.

She colors a little, though, and there's a moment of pause in which she fiddles with the hem of her shirt.

"... but I really like you."

[maps4dead]

Boyle smiles slightly, though not enough to really flex the ruined side of his face. The warmth is in his tone though.

"I like you as well Carol. You're ... quite possibly the first real friend I've had since I came back. I couldn't want to take time from you when you could be with your daughter though."

[eight_livesleft]

"She'll grow to have her own life," Carol says soothingly. She would reach for his hand if he weren't, well.

One day maybe that repulsion will die enough. She's done more terrifying things than hold hands with an undead friend.

[maps4dead]

"She will," Frank agrees, nodding. "But that doesn't mean she will leave you behind. You are her mother and always going to be there for her. No matter what."

[eight_livesleft]

"I'm not afraid of that, so long as she's safe," Carol replies with a little smile.

This is so very old and I dunno where we were going with this - shall we fade?

[maps4dead]

Fade is good!