[Text]

[freezespirited]

We're done, New Moore.

We're breaking up. Anything you want to call it. You've done enough.

Comments

[Private]

[freezespirited]

Sure thing, Arthur.

[Private]

[rule_britannia]

Just try not to do anything stupid, won't you.

[Private]

[freezespirited]

A very wise man once said...nevermind.

It would be stupid not to do anything, so by not doing anything stupid, I would be being stupid.

[Private]

[rule_britannia]

I don't suppose I can persuade you to pay me a brief visit before you go and do whatever not-stupid thing you're intending on doing.

[Private]

[freezespirited]

Visit? How come?

[Private]

[rule_britannia]

Because I understand, Jack. That's all.

[Private]

[freezespirited]

Sure. It's not like I'm going anywhere.

[Private]

[rule_britannia]

In your own time, then. I can leave the window open if you'd prefer.

[Private]

[freezespirited]

Yeah. Thanks.

[Private]

[rule_britannia]

You are quite welcome.

[And he will leave the window open, as promised, just putting on a thicker sweater when he starts to feel the chill from outside.]

[Action]

[freezespirited]

[Just as that chill seeps in, Jack peeks his head through the window, fingers gripping onto the edge, looking more as if he's been scolded then someone who's been invited there.]

[Action]

[rule_britannia]

[He rubs the back of his neck as the smaller hairs there prickle and glances to the window, smiling briefly.]

Don't stand on ceremony, lad. Come on in.

[Action]

[freezespirited]

[Toes perched on the sill, he drops in, spirals of frost circling in his wake.]

Nice sweater.

[Action]

[rule_britannia]

It was starting to feel a little chilly.

[He stands, moving to slide the window closed, then puts one hand gently on Jack's shoulder.]

[Action]

[freezespirited]

Bet you can't feel it now, underneath all that fabri--

[The words die on his tongue, eyebrows knit and the spidersilk lines below his eyes somehow deeper than usual. He looks lost. But he doesn't sound it.]

You look like a dork.

[rule_britannia]

Hmm.

[He's quite cozy, so doesn't mind either way. With the window shut but not locked he turns his full attention to the winter spirit and puts an arm around his shoulders.

Arthur's never really been the touching type, but sometimes it's needed.]

[freezespirited]

[His neck and shoulders tense, a fleeting look of confusion on his face, confusion and disbelief. But he otherwise doesn't react. This was what people did to comfort someone, wasn't it?]

[rule_britannia]

[Indeed it is, and it does occur to him that it may have been some time since anyone offered this kind of comfort to the wayward boy.]

You're alright, lad.

[Then he hugs him, because centuries old or not, sometimes a hug is just what you need.]

[freezespirited]

[Wow, he...was not expecting that but he thinks he likes these hugs. He also thinks he'll never take them for granted. His whole body freezes, and he awkwardly hugs him back before relaxing and letting out a breath he didn't know he had.]

[rule_britannia]

[He had wondered, at first, if he'd gone too far, but with that little exhale he gently tightens his grip and gives Jack's shoulder a squeeze before letting him go, hands still resting on his upper arms.]

Alright?