(no subject)

[detectivewonder]

 Steph's been released.  Yes, I'm sure.

Comments

[detectivewonder]

I wouldn't turn them down.

[arachnologist]

I take it that's the most ringing endorsement I'm going to get.

Be there in 10.

[detectivewonder]

I do appreciate it. I just...

It's a little hard to get enthusiastic about anything at the moment.

See you soon.

[arachnologist]

[ Gwen doesn't text him back. She just shows up roughly ten minutes later with a cute, patterned paper bag hanging off one arm. ]

Hey. I know it's not really any consolation, but...

[ She takes the bag off her arm, reaches into it, and pulls out a small tray of cupcakes, which she then sets on the counter in front of him. ]

... they are really good cupcakes.

[ Her smile is sympathetic. ] How are you holding up?

[detectivewonder]

They look pretty good...

[After a moment of hesitation, he snags one, and gestures at the tray with his free hand -- she brought them, she should take one too.

Besides, a cupcake in his mouth is a good stalling technique while he fidgets in his newly-fitted leg braces, leaning against the counter and trying to think how to answer that question.]

I've had too many good friends released to fall apart when it happens. A year ago, maybe I would have. But now... I've got too many responsibilities.

[arachnologist]

[ She does take a cupcake, slowly peeling back the wrapper as she watches him. ]

Responsibilities?

[detectivewonder]

Running the shop, starting up with a heavy class-load at school... I'm overseeing renovations on another property I bought and doing some work as a server administrator, too.

[All true, if incomplete.]

[arachnologist]

[ Arches a brow. ]

You're how old?

[detectivewonder]

I turned twenty in July.