.third.quarter.

[lumenrelegandus]

- Voice -
Locked to Shirley and (not knowing he's back; just on faith) ArthurI scarcely know how to express these thoughts, but by repression I do not wish them to be involuntarily broadcast. Perhaps by deliberate recording I can keep them private only to you. At least for now. Though this is not part of my agreement

Comments

text | private

[supercilious]

[ A response comes about eighteen hours after the initial broadcast. This is the first time Arthur has been seen on the network. Well, for a definition of "seen". ]

You're a good man, that's all. And perhaps a selfish one. Both excusable flaws.

Video | private

[lumenrelegandus]

By Merlyn's-

[first time he's made that slip to either of them. Too bad.

The familiar thoughtwhirl. Arthur's never used the text function. So it could be someone else using his forge-but Lupin doesn't believe that for a minute.

Returning has side effects.

First assumption: Arthur doesn't want to be seen.

With gentleness wasted on a forge, Lupin switches from the voice setting that had been left as default to video, to send, at least, a smile]

I shall be very selfish indeed, to believe a happy turn of events. Can I have a look at you?

Video with Text | private

[supercilious]

[ Lupin won't be the only person to ask this, he's sure of it. He will simply be the first. As much as Arthur, his pride tender right now, wants to spit back a no, he's going to have to get used to the reactions. ]

[ The video flicks on. He's not exactly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but it's Arthur all right, and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him. But still he types. Painstakingly slowly, he pecks out a response to appear along with the video, his brow furrowed in concentration. ]

Must we?

Video with Text | private

[lumenrelegandus]

[Drinks in Arthur's face-much as he'd believed Arthur would be back, thank God, thank all gods

Even better than seeing him is seeing, even under exhaustion and hauntedness and tortured pride, the same stubbornness in his face.

When Arthur begins to type, momentary headtilt on Lupin's side, but then immediately seems to understand.

Lupin switches on the text function himself.]

Had to check. Your presence is not required at the Clinic. Though of course welcomed.

[slight smile that says no, we mustn't. Adds verbally, for words inadequate enough without being stripped of tonality:]

It's so good to see you.

video;

[thenobledie]

[ when shirley's feed clicks on, she looks...tired! her hair is a little tangled, and her eyes, bleary. it's dark, but lupin may recognize the room by the same stack of books, if organized differently this time. there is a considering pause. then: ]

One must wonder when honor becomes foolishness - or perhaps foolishness, honor.

video;

[lumenrelegandus]

I've never been certain what any person means by the word "honour".

[if he asks will she answer…?

Doesn't matter; job of a friend is to ask.]

Are you all right?

video;

[thenobledie]

[ oh. she furrows her eyebrows and tilts her head. ]

I was sleeping.

video;

[lumenrelegandus]

Oh, I'm sorry if I woke you.