AnOTP: Phedre/FitzChivalry

[chivsbastard]

Fitz is in the room he's adopted as his own, writing a letter that will never, likely, be sent, the door open and pen scrawling rapidly across the paper. It's to Molly, so he knows he will never send it, but he writes anyway, telling her of what has happened and where he is, what he knows and what he guesses and what he fears. He's written many

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[phedre_25]

Phedre will be coming down the stairs, then, very quietly, because she is never very loud, and she will sit halfway through her descent, and look at him from where she is.

He is intriguing, and so she will remain where she is, observing him, both because he is handsome and mysterious, and because he seems very taken in his own thoughts.

[chivsbastard]

He sets the paper to the flames and holds it until it almost burns his fingers, dropping the last corner. Then becomes aware of Phedre, turns and bows quickly. "My Lady."

[phedre_25]

“Messire Bradgelock.” She smiles, charming. “Have I not requested, time and time again, that you call me Phedre, only?”

She gives him a curtsy, though, graceful and elegant.

[chivsbastard]

A slight tinge of a blush. "T'would not be proper, lady," he says, humbly.

[phedre_25]

"Nay, t'would be improper not to grant a lady her wish. Or do you wish to remain distant?"

But she doesn't think so.

[chivsbastard]

"Nay, lady, never. Phedre. Pardon me."

[phedre_25]

She takes a step in his direction, then, and smiles softly.

"Thank you. Did I interrupt you in your thoughts?"

[chivsbastard]

"No, not at all. Merely writing letters." Casually, though there's a hint of something old in his eyes.

[phedre_25]

She sees it, but doesn't ask. She writes letters too.

"It is difficult, not to wish for those we left behind, is it not?"

There is a hint of understanding in her tone. She suspects he did just what she does - the difference being that in her case, she can't bring herself to burning the letters.

[chivsbastard]

"Indeed," softly.

Though of course, he left Molly behind long ago. She's no longer his, in any way.

[phedre_25]

She will take a small step in his direction, then, and extend a hand to him, just to offer a human touch.

Because in those moments, talking doesn't really help, but loneliness can be cut, sometimes, with just a simple gesture such as the one she just made.

[chivsbastard]

He blinks, seeming to come back to himself, then offers her a bit of a smile and takes her hand, without really thinking about how Tom Badgerlock would never dare. FitzChivalry would, and it's him standing here, and it shows in the subtle difference in his bearing.

[phedre_25]

She doesn't mind. She knew him for a lord in hiding all along, and opted not to call him on it, because he was so charming and gentle with her.

She squeezes his hand, then, and says, softly, "Would you walk with me, perhaps, Tom?"

An invitation to rescind his lie, but a gentle one.

[chivsbastard]

Oh, but he can't. Because that would be acknowledging a life that he refuses to admit exists any more. FitzChivalry is dead, dammit. "If you wish it, Lady."

[phedre_25]

"Phedre," she corrects softly. "And I wish it, Lord."

[chivsbastard]

"Tom only," he says, quietly. "Beg pardon, Phedre." He stands, offers his arm.