[012]

[fortune_sought]

[when Sophie turns on her CAT, her expression is neutral--very carefully so. on the surface, she seems normal, but someone looking closely might notice that her eyes are a bit red and puffy. otherwise, she has a blue shawl wrapped around her shoulders and is seated on the sofa in her townhome. as soon as she begins to speak, that neutral expression goes out the window, and her bitterness is clear]

Since they've so graciously given us some time to ourselves, I think we should use it wisely. It's been cold all day, and--knowing this town--that means it'll be worse tomorrow. I suggest everyone visit the stores and prepare for that. Also, I am going to knit hats and gloves with protective charms in them for anyone who is interested. If you'd like some, please stop by my townhome so I can take measurements.

[she pauses] And...to everyone who... [but her voice catches in her throat, and she lets it trail off. she swallows hard before adding, quickly, her voice thick:] Oh, nevermind! [she quickly shuts off her CAT]

[filtered to Kanaya]

[she takes a moment to collect herself before sending out another message, keeping her tone as businesslike as she can do] I know we met under rather...false pretenses. But if you do know how to knit, and you wouldn't mind, I could use your help. Would you like to?

Comments

[fortune_sought]

[she considers them] The darker one, I think. [she takes a sip of tea, letting silence stretch for a moment. and then she sighs. after all, her desire not to think about her own current worries isn't an excuse for ignoring his, and it's rather obvious that Hawk is preoccupied] Mister--erm, Hawk? Is everything... [she stops, pursing her lips again] Well. I'm sure "all right" would be an overstatement, but...is there anything else I could do for you?

[desertdaggers]

Mm, that one's definitely nice. I'm sure they'll look fantastic. [he smiles and reaches out for his tea again, blowing on it before taking a sip.]

[He glances at her when she sighs, and sets the cup down again, tucking his hands in his lap.] Ah… well, you've done a lot already… [He presses his hands together, gaze going distant. He doesn't want to put too much on her, and she's undoubtedly got her own complications to deal with, but- He lets out a sigh, and slumps, focusing on Sophie again after a moment.] Do you- can I ask for a hug?

[fortune_sought]

Well, I'll certainly do my best. I have to admit, I'm better at sewing than knitting, but I'm sure I can do this much. [she takes a sip of tea]

[but that request catches her completely off-guard. she stares] You... [she pales a bit, worried what he might mean by that request, especially considering he just asked her to call him by his first name] As a friend, of course. As long as...that's what you mean.

[desertdaggers]

I have every confidence in you!

[he hunches in on himself a little, and offers her a small sheepish smile] Of course. I… didn't mean it any other way, I promise.

[fortune_sought]

[she smiles] Thank you.

Of course not. [she reddens and sets down her cup of tea. she quickly stands and moves over to him, feeling terribly awkward as she sits beside him so that she can wrap her arms around him. she intends to make it a quick hug--depending on how he responds, of course]

[desertdaggers]

[He stays still for a moment, and then raises his arms to wrap them around her, hiding his face against her shoulder and letting himself feel young enough to have this kind of comfort. He doesn't stay like that long, his own uncertainty and the sense that's she's not quite at ease with it pricking at him, and he pulls away after a little while, trying to smile at her.] …thank you. [he shifts a little, one hand going to his neck, and adds, by way of trying to explain a little] I… it's been a lot to deal with, since… well.

[fortune_sought]

[she's surprised by how young and uncertain he looks, and she finally realises why he asked her not to call him mister--and why he asked for the hug. it's something her sisters have done for years, not to mention Michael, even after she stopped appearing as an old woman. she nods at Hawk, giving him a warm smile in response to show that she's happy to do this now that she understands why] My door is always open, Hawk. But... [she frowns] What happened?

[desertdaggers]

…thank you. I promise I'll remember to knock before coming in. [he manages a bit of a proper laugh]

The things this place does to us… what else? [his expression drops, and he looks down at his hands, fingers pressed together.] I… they gave us that happiness, and then pulled it out from under us. It's… you were all important to me before, but now…

[fortune_sought]

[she smiles back} I certainly hope so!

[but at that, she's quiet for a moment, looking down at her own lap. eventually, she says softly:] It was one of the cruelest things this place has ever done.

[she takes a deep breath and raises her gaze. her voice is more firm as she adds:] But if this place thinks we'll stop trying to go home because of that, then it's in for a surprise.

[desertdaggers]

Yes. [it's an affirmation of both statements, and he sits up a little straighter, gaze focusing on Sophie's face] If we stop, we lose. And whatever else happens… this isn't right. It has to be stopped.

[fortune_sought]

[she nods firmly, meeting his gaze. despite her own pain, giving up isn't something she's even considered] I agree completely. We've been exploited far too much already. We will find whoever is behind this and stop them!

[desertdaggers]

Yeah. They'll regret even thinking about it.