♕ |[55]| two blushing pilgrims ready stand

[had_not_lived]

[Even if he had noticed today's curse-- which he hasn't, not yet-- Neil would still be out and about, because really it isn't so bad to have a little Christmas cheer and a peck on the cheek is hardly the end of the world. But Neil hasn't been a victim yet, as he leaves his building and heads for the bookstore, and he's too preoccupied and sulky to

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[adamantined]

[Leaving Christmas shopping until the very last minute usually means that Claire has little to no say in finding herself on the streets when this particular curse hits. It's no different than it was last year around this time, but fortunately she's managed to make it into the bookstore without having to risk contracting herpes - so to speak - from some random passerby. If there is a bell, it chimes when she steps in, and before Claire can get to browsing, she spots Neil at the counter just across the floor.]

Hey - [The enthusiastic greeting becomes decidedly less so as she gets close enough to realize bruises are not shadows, and Claire's face falls into concern rather than enthusiasm.] Oh my God, what happened?

[adamantined]

[Claire doesn't laugh, but she does look resigned to her horrible fate.]

Great. If you catch me trying to neck with someone in the stacks, could you throw a book at me to stop it from happening?

[had_not_lived]

I'm not sure if it'd make a difference, but I'll try.

[adamantined]

It could make all the difference in the world.

[She gives him a small smile before turning to slip off between shelves.]

Thanks in advance.

[had_not_lived]

Good luck.