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[rockypath]

 

 

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[understood]

Thank you kindly. You're very charming, yourself.

>action

[rockypath]

[Faith shows up outside of Honestea the next day, leaning up against the wall by the door. She's not in anything particularly fancy, just her usual tank top, blue this time, and jeans. It's been far too long since she's seen Benton so when he approaches she's got a broad smile on her face.] Hey, you.

[understood]

[ As soon as he sees her, he breaks out in a goofy, crooked grin, apparently struck speechless for a moment by her mere presence. He waves, though, and by the time he's got close, he's managed to pull together at least two syllables. ]

Faith. Hi.

[ He's dressed a little differently, thanks to Huaisang and Andy's suggestions, in a fitted v-neck and a utility kilt. He's still wearing his riding boots, though. The outfit comes together well, but it's probably a surprising look. ]

[rockypath]

[His reaction sends a warmth down to her belly. Why did he have to be so goddamn adorable? She pushes off from her spot on the wall, taking a moment to take him in. It's quite the look to be sure. She invites herself to his arm, hooking hers into his.]

Love the kilt. [It actually works pretty damn well on him.]

[understood]

Thank you kindly. You look— you look lovely, as always.

[ He was a little worried she'd think he looked silly, so while he doesn't exactly slump, his shoulders do relax a bit in relief. ]

Shall we go in and order?

[rockypath]

[Sure, he kind of looked like he just stepped off the Scottish Highlander or a Ren Faire, but he looks good all the same. Faith tugs his arms closer.] Let's. Don't want to keep Dief waiting too long.

[understood]

Just so.

[ He lets them in to the cafe so they can grab some takeout sandwiches and pastries. ]

[rockypath]

[Faith grabs their drinks too, and once they have all the food, she follows him out the door, but not before giving her iced tea a sip.]

So, this new sub of yours. Tell me about him? You said he was young?

[understood]

[ Fraser likes Honestea because they offer a bark tea option. Just the best. ]

Yes. I think he's seventeen or so, but—a young seventeen. I'm a little worried about him.

[rockypath]

Is it just because he's young? Buffy is seventeen. I worry about her too. I know she can handle herself...

[Or at least she hopes so. She's strong.] But still.

[understood]

It's not really about chronological age, no. But he's... used to having a certain amount of safety that he lacks, here, I think, and inexperienced in a number of ways.

[ Fraser doesn't think he's weak, and wouldn't exactly call him sheltered, but he's just a normal, nerdy, kind of anxious kid. He shouldn't be in a place like Duplicity. ]

[rockypath]

I hate this place more every day. [Because yeah, someone like that sounded like the sort to be chewed up and spat out here. Faith's not even sure she's can handle it all herself.] I could ask Buffy if she knows him? Maybe she can keep an eye out for him too.

She's been trying to form some kind of group or regular get-together with all the teenagers. Give them a space and time that's just about hanging out and not about... Duplicity shit.

[understood]

That's a good idea. It's important for them to have time to socialize with their peers.

[ Sometimes Fraser really sounds like some kind of walking manual. ]

[rockypath]

Ah, yes. Of course. [Faith nods rubbing her chin thoughtfully. And teasingly him with a bump of her hip gainst his thigh.] Very important. Socializing with their peers. Yes, yes.

[understood]

Well, it is, isn't it?

[ It's honestly difficult to tell whether that wide-eyed look is him subtly messing with her, or if he genuinely does not know how ridiculous he is. ]

[rockypath]

It may be true, but you don't have to say it like that. Just say it's good for them to hang out with people their own age for a bit. Or something. You don't have to be so clinical about it, Benny. [She pats his cheek, grinning up at him. Whether he's teasing or genuine didn't make it any less cute.]

[understood]

I suppose it is a bad habit of mine.

[ That much, at least, is true. Also, she touches his face and he looks at her so mesmerized that he trips over a sidewalk crack. He easily corrects the stumble, but it's still very embarrassing. ]

[rockypath]

[She can't help the laugh at his trip, reaching to help catch him and nearly spilling the drinks but he doesn't seem to need the help luckily.] Real smooth. You're lucky you're cute, babe.

[Faith winks, enjoying teasing him further, as they start to come up on the park.]

[understood]

Sorry.

[ He's not really apologizing for anything, it's just kind of an all-purpose Canadian reflex in the face of being flustered. ]

... shall we go sit by the fish pond?

[rockypath]

Sounds great. And I can feed some of my crust to the fish.

[Faith tugs him along to find a spot on the grass to sit, settling the drinks into the ground and leaning plopping down and patting the grass beside her.]

Other than the new Submissive, how's everything else? Good?

[understood]

I can't complain, really. I know it's been quite awhile, but I'm still not used to the novelty of having a place a little ways out of the city. I'm almost embarrassed by what a difference it makes.

[ Meaning, although he would not and cannot admit that he was secretly completely miserable before, he isn't anymore. ]

[rockypath]

Your place is very nice. I'm a ways off from getting a house. Although I don't hate my apartment. Whether I'm there or in a house, I'd still be in this city.

[That wouldn't change regardless of location. She grabs her sandwich and starts to unwrap it.]

I was actually thinking I might try to start a business. Start something from the ground up.

[understood]

[ Fraser cocks his head in polite but very genuine interest. ]

Really? What sort of business did you have in mind?

[rockypath]

I guess it would just be another club, kinda. Which I guess it's boring, maybe? [She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.] I know there's a bunch already. But it would be a space for open mics for any bands, musicians, anyone to play or whatever. And there'd be a dance floor.

[Faith loved dancing she there would have to be.] I just want a simple place. Nothing fancy. I found an abandoned building in the down. Thought I might buy it.

[She shifts awkwardly.] And I want to give my sub, Dinah, a place to sing. Was thinking I might surprise her with it when I got it done.

[understood]

I don't think it sounds boring. It sounds like something that would fill a particular niche.

[ The smile he gives her when she mentions Dinah is soft, and maybe a little curious. ]

Dinah... I think we've met, briefly, at one of Huaisang's parties. You must be very fond of her.