contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

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[bouchonne]

The longer you wait, the worse it will be.

[ Hm. ]

Well, maybe. Maybe he'll never figure it out. He doesn't seem like - hm - like the brightest fellow.

[altusimperius]

I did tell him we're estranged.

It's hard to know what he's thinking. I don't think he's stupid, just...

...different?

[bouchonne]

Oh, come on, I count on you for one thing. Cattiness.

[altusimperius]

[Benedict laughs, a genuine sound with an accompanying smile.]

Right, I know, but--

look, I think I'm done biting the hand that feeds me.

[bouchonne]

Hmm.

[ A skeptical look. ]

[altusimperius]

I can try, can't I?

[He arches his eyebrows.]

I'll still gossip about you, of course.

[bouchonne]

I'd be furious if you didn't. Make it mean.

[altusimperius]

A layabout and a scoundrel.

[He mimes writing.]

Abuses me daily. Derives enjoyment from it. Terrible taste in hats.

[bouchonne]

No one will believe that last one.

[altusimperius]

I believe it.

[bouchonne]

Still, even if you believe something, you must take care not to spread rumors that won't be believed by others. Even gossip-mongers can lose credibility.

[altusimperius]

...fine.

[This feels like a life lesson disguised as a joke, and he makes a mental note accordingly.]

Terrible taste in company.

[bouchonne]

Case in point.

[ A nod to Benedict. ]

[altusimperius]

Case in point.

[bouchonne]

[ A cluck of his tongue. ]

No, no. You can't be rude to yourself. That takes the joy out of it for me.

[altusimperius]

You like that sandcastle to be built before you kick it down.

[bouchonne]

Just so. It's no fun to wreck something if it's not beautiful.

[altusimperius]

You think I'm beautiful?

[bouchonne]

Do you think you aren't?

[altusimperius]

...no,

[bouchonne]

Oooh, how confident you are!

[ A grin - not of a hungry predator. But perhaps of a well-fed predator. ]

Do other people know how egotistical you are?

[altusimperius]

[This got turned back on him in a way he wasn’t prepared for.
And really should have been, by now.]

Well—

I mean— I think so, some of them?

[bouchonne]

Like who?

[altusimperius]

...Colin. Athessa. Edgard.

[He quirks his lips to one side.]

I don’t hide it, really.

[bouchonne]

Edgard?