Coming to grips

[librariansheart]

[In several specific places in the city, tonight, doorbells ring and footsteps flee the scene. It's not those stupid teenagers who prank you every few weeks when things get too boring... Left on Minato, Aziraphale and Finland's doorsteps, at the hospital desk for Caprice to receive in the morning, and with the staff at the di Angelis mansion are

Comments

[letter delivered by the Nascosto Court butler, along with the gift box of cookies]

[devilmustdie]

[Old-fashioned in style but not a very neat handwriting; rather a quick scrawl]

If you came out of that thinking you mistreated me I guess I really messed up showing my enjoyment.

[box is back, with a new note]

[librariansheart]

It's not that you didn't enjoy it - that was very clear - but that I took advantage of the situation which did not allow you to choose your actions with a clear mind, which I feel wasn't fair to you. These are also meant as a thanks for your help and patience with my fumbling inexperience. Please, keep them.

[no box, new note]

[devilmustdie]

If it wasn't fair to me, what about fair to you?

[new note]

[librariansheart]

As to that, to me it seems that while the city wasn't fair in forcing the sensations, none of what transpired was your fault. You asked, I consented. I should not have given in to the desire while at work and thus tempted you. Particularly since you had to teach me to some extent. I'm sure I was not up to your usual standards for these sorts of liaisons. I enjoyed myself without really giving you an option, given the circumstances.

[action!]

[devilmustdie]

[Footsteps coming closer outside of the Library, and here's Dante poking his head in through the side door. he's wearing a casual white shirt and an extremely dull/dry-looking face. Holding onto the door frame he leans around it and waves the note she sent him in the air for attention.]

For the record Miss Librarian, nuthin' would've happened if I hadn't asked. That makes us equally responsible. Your logic is weirder than usual.

Also, girl you reeeally need to shape up some self-confidence an' stop apologizing about everything. No good fer your health.

[action!]

[librariansheart]

[Dante's voice startles Sheska enough that she nearly falls off her step stool. She manages to get down and set the book on the table, casting a nervous sideways glance at her visitor.]

Ah... I'm s-sorry?

[action!]

[devilmustdie]

[Silent LOOK that lasts a seemingly long moment. Then he just... turns around slowly to leave.]

[action!]

[librariansheart]

[Her face falls and she steps a couple of hurried paces toward him, reaching out without exactly knowing what she was going to say.]

Wait, Dante-san--

[action!]

[devilmustdie]

[he stops and turns around to look at her; remaining aloof (as usual) and silent.]

[action!]

[librariansheart]

[She halts as well, confused and worried and... She bites her lip, screws up her courage and makes her way over to within a few yards of him.]

You have every right to be angry with me, but... I don't... I don't want this to...

[She loses the words for a moment. She doesn't want this to cause bad feelings to grow and fester between the two of them. But how to say it?]

You've never been anything but kind to me, and I've repaid that badly. Um... I'd like another chance, but I'm not sure how to go about that, which is perhaps a sign of how poor a friend I've been. I don't want to have ruined your return. You've only been back a few weeks.

[action!]

[devilmustdie]

[Dante listens calmly but raises his eyebrows mid-through as if in slight disbelief. He removes one hand from his pockets and rubs his face before speaking.]

Y'know, I'm kind of offended to be apologized to for having been sexually abused or something. I'm not fifteen y'know . If anything' I'm the one to apologize if it bothered you this much.

[He shrugs]

You've been nothin' but nice to me so don't worry 'bout it.

[action!]

[librariansheart]

[Offended? She's offended him? By apologizing? Oh no! She should apologize! But wait, she shouldn't apologize - she doesn't want to keep offending him. But that really wasn't her intention! She recognizes the mental spiral and smacks herself out of it. Hopefully she's only spent a few moments staring at him and changing color, but she can't quite stop herself from speaking quickly and in something of a jumble.]

N-no, really, you've nothing to apologize for! It was really very enjoyable, and helpful and it's really the circumstances which are so problematic - if it had been some other time, really any other time, I wouldn't be-- Er! Ah! I mean!

[So much for spending any time not matching his coat...]

[action!]

[devilmustdie]

[He chuckles and smiles]

Good. No problem then, don't worry about it.

[action!]

[librariansheart]

[Her voice comes out muffled from behind the shelter of her hands.]

I can't promise anything, but I'll certainly try.