time to take a break.

[timewardrums]

You know, I really think this work I've been doing lately is taking a toll. My back aches a little, my hands are tired...I could use a get-away. Life can't be all gadgets and tinkerings, as much fun as it is to do so. I need to stretch my legs, get back some of that exercise from my rugby days at the university, find some willing companions for a

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[cunningcleavage]

I need a hug.

Can we go somewhere?

[timewardrums]

There, there. What happened?

[cunningcleavage]

Dean died. One of the ghosts got to him.
He was going to help me ghost-proof my room and he never showed up.

[timewardrums]

I'm afraid I don't know this Dean. Sounds like a nice guy, though.

I'm sorry for the loss. Is there something I can do?

[cunningcleavage]

He was very nice.

A hug would be enough. And maybe a walk or something to get my mind off things.

[timewardrums]

I'm sure.

Gladly. Meet with me as soon as you're ready.

[cunningcleavage]

I'll be over soon.

[As promised, within about 3 minutes, Saffron knocks on Harry's door. She managed to find a skirt and a top that look flattering, but definitely isn't as perky and well-put-together as usual.] "Harry?"

[timewardrums]

[Harry answers wearing a collared polo shirt and khaki pants, looking very casual.] "Hello, Saffron." [He walks out of the door, closing it behind him and wraps an arm around Saffron.] "Ready to leave?"

[cunningcleavage]

[Saffron doesn't immediately start walking. Instead, she rests her head on his shoulder for a moment before she looks up and meets his eyes.] "So ready. I thought we could go walk on the beach or in the woods, if that's okay."

[timewardrums]

[Harry lets Saffron lay her head upon him, pressing a hand against the back of her neck to keep her there as long as she needed. His hand remained there even as she explained that she was ready.] "I do like a day on the beach."

[cunningcleavage]

[Saffron gives him a small smile in thanks for the comfort, although it is not as bright as her usual one. She leans in close for a brief kiss just beside his lips.] "Beach. Perfect. Let's go." [She takes his hand and turns to start off down the hall.]

[timewardrums]

[Harry smiles following the gentle kiss and looks into her eyes with as much of the charisma as he can muster.] I'll do what I can to make it perfect, Saffron. [He takes her hand, and squeezes it gently as they both progress to the exit.] What exactly has been going on since we were last together?

[cunningcleavage]

[Saffron walks along with him and can feel herself calming down just to be with him.] I've been keeping to myself mostly. Baking occasionally. Thinking a lot. This whole storming the castle thing everyone's plotting. It seems really stupid to me. It's not like they'll achieve anything. But I don't really want to talk about that much. It's too upsetting.[She cocks her head to the side slightly, as if debating something, then dives in.] Also I went on a date with Dean.

[timewardrums]

[Harold notices the calming effect as the conversation goes on, and holds her hand closer to him.] I doubt their success myself. It's just sad that I just arrived and have noticed this, yet they don't seem to understand what they're dealing with here.

[Harold stops talking upon realizing exactly what Saffron had said.]...a date?

[cunningcleavage]

[Saffron steps closer to Harry as they walk, and is tempted to put her arm around his waist, but his displeased reaction to her words makes her hesitate.] Yes, a date. He was very good to me. [She frowns just thinking about it.]

[timewardrums]

[Harry turns to her, stopping his walking directly in front of her with a face that is curious and a little upset.] What do you mean by "good to you"...because it sounds like you were a lot closer to him than you let on.