Lets make some music (Ota, nudge to Esme)

[cantseethis]

Call it a spark of insanity, but Atticus had just about had it. The cold, the isolation, and lack of sleep had finally gotten to him. The star projector Hope had made him helped him sleep on more than one occasion, but for some odd reason his mind couldn't be put at ease enough to let him sleep. He'd read all his books over and over, played all the

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[a_soul_awake]

Frankly, Hope was having a rather terrible time lately. First there was tending to Jean, then the whole mess with Victor and Dr. Milbury and really it just made for a terrible time. When she was done with her shift she was exhausted emotionally and physically.

When she heard the somewhat tinny notes of an electric piano, she felt a little burst of... hope. Heading towards the recc room, she stopped just to watch Atticus play. He looked happy and she was happy to see it.

[cantseethis]

He thought he felt a presence in the room but continued to play for a short while before stopping. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled when he saw her. "Not being too loud I hope?"

[a_soul_awake]

She somehow managed to work up a smile in return. "No, not at all."

[cantseethis]

He noticed her tired facade and the effort it took for her to smile. Moving the piano off of his lap he held out a hand, motioning for her to come to him. "You seem drained."

[a_soul_awake]

"That's a good word for it." She felt a bit bad for interrupting his playing but went over to him. "I've had to do a lot of yelling lately. I don't much like raising my voice."

[cantseethis]

Atticus frowned and scooted closer, moving to pull her snugly into his arms. She was far more important to him than playing the piano. Or anything else, for that matter. "I'm sorry to hear that, dearest. Anything I can do?"

[a_soul_awake]

She settled against his side and let out a breath. "Remind me that not all people are idiots?"

Because that was how she felt about more than a few people recently.

[cantseethis]

He chuckled a bit at this and kissed her forehead. Though he didn't like to see her upset, it was amusing to see her in such a mood. "While people are severely exhausting to comprehend and get a grasp up, I believe, that there are a few decent ones out there...maybe."

[a_soul_awake]

She scowled a bit, since she knew he was chuckling at her but there was no real heat behind it. "If there aren't any, I am going to lose my patience rather quickly."

[cantseethis]

"Oh dear" He inclined his head and pursed his lips together. "I should hate to be the first unfortunate soul who comes across you once you've reached that point."

[a_soul_awake]

"I don't think I'm there yet," she said, reaching up to touch his cheek gently. "Just rather close. A little rest, a little break and I should be tolerant again."

[cantseethis]

He smiled, leaning against her touch. "Then a rest and a break you shall have. No intolerant Hopes allowed."

[a_soul_awake]

"It'd be a bit weird, intolerant hope." Just being around him was already helping. Her smile was a bit easier, more genuine now.

[cantseethis]

"Indeed it would. I do believe it would break my heart to see you like that as well." He was glad she seemed to be relaxing a little.

[a_soul_awake]

"It takes a great deal to bring me to that point." She sighed. "I usually handle things better."

[cantseethis]

"I know you do, which is why I'm surprised to see you so upset." He sat back against the couch and studied her. "What happened?"