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[rockypath]

 

 

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[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.

[rockypath]

[Now it's Faith's turn to be the blushing one where it was usually Benton, ducking her head.] Yeah, pretty fond. This place has... not been kind to her.

[Not to anyone, really, but she's had a particularly bad time of it in Faith's estimation. She grabs her tea, takes a sip, and bumps him with her shoulder.] Pretty fond of you too for the record.

[As much as could allow herself to be in this place. With Dinah at least it was free of concerns of who might see.]

[understood]

The feeling is mutual, I assure you.

[ He nudges into that shoulder bump, a normal friendly gesture for any watching eyes, even if the intent behind it is more. ]

But I'm glad she's found her way to you, in that case. You can be kind to her even if circumstance is not.

[rockypath]

Good. I don't let just anyone make me pancakes, after all.

[Mainly because she didn't spend the night with most people, which is a far more meaningful thing than the pancakes themselves.]

I'm glad too. Although it drives me a little crazy that I can't protect her from everything, you know?

[understood]

Yes, I understand perfectly. So often in Duplicity, there are forces that simply can't be fought, or dealt with in any lasting way. If I'm honest, I find it incredibly frustrating, too.

[ Dief is trying to steal his sandwich, so he starts to eat it out of self preservation. ]