(Untitled)

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert steps out of the bar and walks toward the lake, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.

He's trying to figure out whether the fact that talking to three teenage girls just gave him such a headache is wrong, or only natural.

Comments

[sai_delgado]

It's not long before Susan follows after him-- but mayhap a lot more hesitantly than usual, say true.

She comes outside and stands near the door, looking after Cuthbert, and it's clear she's not certain whether or not to approach-- so she waits, for now.

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert sighs, his posture relaxing somewhat.

Withhout turning around, "Well. That was fun."

[sai_delgado]

It takes her a moment to answer him, but she's clear enough when she finally does.

"Thee had to find out, I know."

[key_youth_bert]

He smiles a bit crookedly.

"I'm glad I was wrong, this time. Just don't tell Meg I said so, or she'll never let me forget it."

[sai_delgado]

"I am too," she confesses. "I'd not-- I know she and sai Crowley didn't --" Susan sighs. "I'm glad it weren't from her."

"And I won't be telling Meg, never in life." Her tone hardens a little. "She and I don't agree on some things, say true."

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert's shoulders lift in a brief shrug. "I've found that tends to happen, where Anthy's involved."

His tone isn't quite curt--but if it weren't Susan he's speaking to, it might be.

[sai_delgado]

She says nothing at all in response, and looks away toward the greenhouse.

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert says nothing for a long moment.

He's sorry if it hurt her.

But not sorry he said it.

Finally he turns enough to see where Susan's gaze is directed.

Almost a mumble, "I wouldn't want to see her roses burn, either."

[sai_delgado]

Slowly she turns back to him, and a tiny smile appears-- and then grows.

(a rose of perfect beauty)

"Nay, thee wouldn't, say true."

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert returns her smile, briefly, and then looks out over the lake again.

He's not in the most talkative of moods.

[sai_delgado]

Neither is she, not after this evening, but there's something she has to know-- and so she asks, very quietly,

"'Bert? Did'ee know what were to be done with Barty Crouch?"

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert's brow furrows slightly, and he turns back toward her.

"I'd heard he was to be let out of the cells soon, but no more than that--why do you ask?"

[sai_delgado]

She doesn't answer him directly. Susan's looking away again-- toward the stables-- when she next speaks.

(horses of courses)

"I met sai Bigby tonight."

[key_youth_bert]

Cuthbert's eyebrows go up a bit. "And he said something to you that had to do with Barty Crouch?"

[sai_delgado]

She nods, still watching the stables, although there's nothing to be seen from this far off save the building itself.

"He's to be released soon, as ye said-- but he's still to be punished, do'ee ken?"

[key_youth_bert]

One eyebrow arches a bit higher. "Aye?"