05 | Audio + Encrypted Audio

[implying]

It… seems to me that the lot of us have returned to ourselves, yes? No more five year olds wandering about, thank gods.

[ He clears his throat a little awkwardly. ]

I used to be somewhat… ah, forthright, I suppose, which is the age I've lately been entertaining. My apologies to anyone I've been untoward to.

[ To Equius: ] I'd like to see you, my dear, if you don't mind. As soon as you have the time.

[ To Collette: ] Are you available? I, ah, believe I'd left something with you.

[ To Aileen: ] You've… survived the trip back to your proper age, I hope? [ There's a weak smile in this. ] How are you doing?

[ To "Hadrian": ] I hope you know I meant none of it, yes? That was only — well, I didn't know you at the time, you see. [ A beat. ] I'm sorry.

[ To Stephanie: ] This is somewhat awkward, but— well, I do apologize for the excessive attention. Somewhat out of line, I feel.

[ To Bucky: ] You are, of course, welcome to take your belongings back. …Sorry about that.

[ To Calhoun: ] I believe I owe you an apology, yes? And a dinner too, I think.

[ To Nananea: ] My dear, are you free tonight? I wouldn't at all object to some company.

[ To Sharpe: ] [ Just a pause, then a sigh. ] I'll teach you about condoms now, if you like.

Comments

voice

[alwaysforhim]

[Despite himself, he chuckles.]

It's perfectly all right. I'm simply glad you're you again. Are you sure you're all right? Only you sound rather-- well-- down.

[implying]

I've been a bit rude to people I care quite a lot about. Aside from that, why, I'm perfectly fine.

[alwaysforhim]

Good.

[He's still worried, though, that's clear enough in his voice.]

What was it like? Being younger, I mean.

[implying]

Ah, well, you know— we all miss our youth, don't we? It was very— freeing. [ SO MUCH SHIRTLESSNESS JUST LIKE THE GOOD OLD DAYS ]

[alwaysforhim]

I don't quite know the feeling, I'm afraid. I'm only twenty-one.

[implying]

Well, as a sagely and wise twenty-three-year-old, allow me to say that your time will come.

[alwaysforhim]

Oh, come now! If you're only twenty-three, you can hardly be old. Worn, maybe, but not old.

[There's a cheery sort of smile in his voice-- but he adds a little more seriously:]

Is it truly that bad?

[implying]

No, of course not. [ YES ;~; ] It was only a two year difference, that's hardly anything at all.

[alwaysforhim]

Drastic enough that your personality changed entirely.

[implying]

I did some traveling. It's rather eye-opening, you know.

[alwaysforhim]

[A beat. Quietly:]

If you don't want to tell me, that's perfectly fine, you know.

[implying]

Mm. Have no fear, it isn't you.

[ cuz there ain't no one he's tellin about this stuff. which is as close as he'll get to honest here so APPRECIATE THAT ]

[alwaysforhim]

I know.

[A beat. He adds:]

I did mean my offer before, you know. If you need anything, let me know.

[implying]

I, ah... [ might need to take him up on that because he spent all his money?? ] ...Could arrange something with you, if you like. I'll cook any meal for two you buy the ingredients for, hmm?

[alwaysforhim]

The point is to help you, you know. But-- I certainly wouldn't turn down a chance to have a break from cooking for a night. What sort of food do you like to cook?

[implying]

Well, I can cook nearly anything. I've even got a fair number of human dishes down by now as well. It depends on what you're hungry for, really.

[alwaysforhim]

Oh! Well. Chicken is rather nice, I guess.

[implying]

[ a pause like he's... waiting for him to say more?? ]

What, just chicken?

[alwaysforhim]

Well-- er-- I mean-- potatoes as well?

[implying]

Ah ha.

Perhaps I'll simply get to you a list of ingredients, shall I?

[alwaysforhim]

That might be the better option, yes. Do you mind making enough for three portions? My Lord will need feeding.

[implying]

Oh, certainly! And... who is your Lord, then?

[alwaysforhim]

Prince Arthur. Blond, sort of a prat, terribly bossy?

[implying]

I don't know him, but he sounds really perfectly charming. My type, even!