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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[altusimperius]

We’re roommates.

[And because Edgard is on his shit list at the moment,]

...and he’s nosy.

[bouchonne]

You're not angry with him?

[altusimperius]

Well. Yes, a little bit.

[Byerly's meaning is, at present, eclipsed by petty disagreements.]

I wish he'd mind his own business.

[bouchonne]

You don't like having someone pay attention to you?

[altusimperius]

[That question, phrased as it is, is briefly enough to break Benedict's brain, if his silence is any indication.

After a few moments:]

...depends?

[bouchonne]

On?

[altusimperius]

What kind of attention it is.

[bouchonne]

So what do you like?

[altusimperius]

[It's one of these moments where it's impossible to tell if Byerly is fucking with him or not. Or rather, it's obvious that he is, but it's impossible to tell from exactly what angle.]

...um,

[hesitantly, as though there's a wrong answer,]

...compl..iments?

[bouchonne]

From anyone? Even Edgard?

[altusimperius]

When he's not being a piece of shit, sure?

[bouchonne]

Hm.

[ A bit of judgment. ]

[altusimperius]

What?

[bouchonne]

Nothing. Just seems a bit incautious.

[altusimperius]

How so?

[That actually stops him in his tracks.]

...Edgard's not a bad person.

[bouchonne]

[ A Look. Isn't he? ]

[altusimperius]

[A Look right back, eyebrows raised, requesting elaboration.]

[bouchonne]

[ A shrug. ]

Fine. As you will.

[altusimperius]

Is this about the dream again?

[bouchonne]

Aye.

[altusimperius]

I can't take it that literally. It just... doesn't match up.

[He sighs faintly.]

He felt awful, the next day. He could barely look me in the eye. If there'd been any truth behind what happened...

[Pausing, he considers what he wants to say. If it came out that Edgard would turn him back over to his family, regardless of the anguish it would cause?]

...I feel like I'd know.

[He furrows his brow down at his desk.]

He's a pain in the arse sometimes. But I trust him. ...he looks out for me, in his way.

[bouchonne]

Hm.

[ Byerly's smile is unreadable. ]

That's nice.

[altusimperius]

[This yields a suspicious look, but Benedict's danger alarms have gotten a bit more reactive since working with Byerly. He's not going to push him.

That doesn't mean it's settled.]

[bouchonne]

So when are you leaving?

[altusimperius]

Oh. Um.

In a couple days, probably.