Look! Social! (open, needless to say)

[jarndyceheir]

After being exhorted by Tom and the embarrassment of having no one able to identify his corpse, Richard decided to give his friend's advice an honest try.

So here he was, on the front porch of the Mansion. He'd managed to find a comic book laying about, and was rather fascinated, but really, he's there for bothering.

Comments

[hunt_theheart]

*and here's Curio, cautiously approaching--especially after the unpleasantness of their last meeting* Good day--I thank thee for the message gi'en.

[jarndyceheir]

Richard smiles, as much to show he bears no ill will as anything. "I am glad the message gave you pleasure, sir. Did you meet with the lady?"

[hunt_theheart]

*sits before him, smiling back* I did; her company is ever fair, and yet more radiance attends the maid with every time she smiles through her veil.

[jarndyceheir]

"I will have to be sure and ask Mr. Ganymede for the honor of her acquaintance, then. And it will be an occasion for spending more time with the gentleman himself, to which I would certainly not protest."

[hunt_theheart]

*laughs* Ay, Ganymede's a fine, lighthearted youth; his friendship would bring thee a better joy.

[jarndyceheir]

"I believe it. I felt in better cheer with him than I had since..." Well, saying 'since I was murdered' is rather awkward, so Richard substitutes, "since poor Mr Jones was so abused."

[hunt_theheart]

*a quiet smile* He did the same for me, when I had lost my gladness for the world in which I lived. 'Tis rare such youth should have such sympathy.

[jarndyceheir]

"Indeed. But it seems a measure of your own good cheer has since been restored, if you will permit me the observation."

[hunt_theheart]

*laughs* My cheer hath been returned, and multiplied! My friends are fair and joyful, and my loves permit me hold them in a rapt esteem; the cart of Phoebus hath been caught, and made to plough the land, to sow the earth with sun. Wherefore should I be anything but glad?

[jarndyceheir]

He smiles. "Indeed." He hesitates, then adds, "About our last conversation..."

[hunt_theheart]

*tilts his head* I hope thou wilt forgive my mazy speech; I knew not then what our friend wished to say.

[jarndyceheir]

Richard sighs. "Nor I. But I fear I made everything worse. May I be plain with you, sir?"

[hunt_theheart]

*nods; sitting back, the better to listen*

[jarndyceheir]

"Mr Jones and I are very close friends. I would never wish to cause him undue pain. But the fact is that my tenderest passions are all engaged, quite fully, with a young lady back home. Even were they not, I..." He valiantly tries not to squirm, at having to speak of such private matters, and mostly succeeds. "I do not feel such a pull for any man, Tom among the rest."

[hunt_theheart]

*oh--just smiles, lightly; willing to let this issue go* I will not press thee more--but I am glad thou hast a friend more dear than any love. 'Tis gladder still, that thy dear friend is Tom.

[jarndyceheir]

No, really, I am straight, even though no one will ever believe it again... "I simply wished to tell you this to explain that my awkwardness was due to surprise. If you and Tom are... well... I simply wished to say that your friendship with Tom is your own, and neither of you has a responsibility or an obligation to me, in any case."