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Ella Claire Gainsborough {Beauty} ([info]bookshelved) wrote in [info]bellumlogs,
@ 2010-02-25 12:36:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:beauty, javert

Who: Ella and Luther
What: Coffee
Where: Outside Bellum to start
When: The day after this
Warnings: None


Ella had only met Luther once, and she would hardly call them friends. Still, the man had been memorable, and she was trying to focus on the world again, instead of on the roof and missing sisters.

Their prior meeting had been two years ago, in a bar after Ella's relationship with William had come to a screeching halt. It was a dark time for Ella, one in which she'd lost herself in too many bottles to care to recall, before remembering how much she hated seeing her father drunk, how much she hated cleaning up after him and holding his hair as he vomited.

The night she'd med Luther, she'd found herself in the same predicament - kneeling over a porcelain toilet in a public bathroom with someone she barely knew holding back her hair. It had been the last time it had happened.

But even with all that, she remembered Luther and his search. She remembered arguing with him that it was personal, despite his repeated insistence that it wasn't. And when he'd popped up on the forums after all this time, she was saddened to see his life was still being consumed by the need for revenge.

She left work a few minutes early, and she made her way to Bellum Letale. It was warmer out today, and she looked up at the cloudless dusk sky as she waited for Luther to appear.


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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-25 06:48 pm UTC (link)
Luther had settled into his apartment an hour after his arrival. Long term stays weren't foreign as much as unusual to him. The source for Jean Valjean's location being in New York was reliable and knowing the man's patterns he should be there for awhile. He trusted in predictability to an extent; it was a place where people made mistakes.

He only took one suitcase with him, his belongings remaining in there no matter where he travelled. The apartment came furnished and things were unpacked shortly after. The rest of the day was spent paging through the unusual forum, putting together the infrastructure of the building. He had always believed in knowing the local dangers.

Miss Gainsborough was a strangely pleasant surprise. He remembered her of course - names and faces were his specialty, after criminal records - and unlike all those he'd questioned over the years, she'd inquired after his own inquiry leading to a discussion. She was smart, perhaps too much so. Regardless, he'd continued with his pursuit as he was supposed to. Some things could only be explained by personal experience.

He came down the stairs at five past, pushing the doors open to see her there. "Miss Gainsborough," he called. "It's good to see you." He extended a hand, as was his custom.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-25 11:20 pm UTC (link)
Ella looked at him carefully for a second, then she took his hand warmly in hers and shook it. Her handshake was firm, if a little too much so for a woman, as if she was trying too hard. Her smile, however, was completely authentic.

"Luther, how small the world is, for your search to lead you here," she said easily, a motion of her head indicating that he should follow her along the sidewalk. "Please, call me Ella. It's been too long since we first met for the formality of surnames."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 12:47 am UTC (link)
Luther returned with a firm pump of the hand. Any other greeting would have seemed odd to him - he'd have stiffened away or moved on. The simple routine of it, which had lasted centuries as manners soothed him.

"The building itself is chanced," he said, moving to her side as they walked along. He clasped his hands behind his back, one hand holding the other wrist. There was no move to offer his first name - he never did, unless absolutely necessary. "How long have you been here?" He had an idea after glancing through the forums, but it was polite after all.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 12:59 am UTC (link)
She glanced over at his stance, thinking it formal and very novelesque, and she remembered having a similar thought the last time they'd met. In fact, his demeanor accounted for the memory of him being as clear as it was. He seemed a man out of time, she'd thought at the then. That impression had not, as of yet, changed.

She fell into step easily beside him, and she wrapped her scarf more loosely as the sun touched her cheeks. "Around three months now," she answered. "It's a unique building, I think you'll find, and not always in the best way." She squinted at him slightly as the sun hit her eyes. "Why do you believe he's here, your white whale, Ahab?"

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 01:07 am UTC (link)
“I believe the key word was ‘interesting’,” he said, looking towards her with a raised brow. “Every place has their rumors and secrets though. I’m not too concerned.” He was of the law – even not officially, he still stood for it. It gave him an immunity to it and his own danger wasn’t thought of. He as the law would take care of things. “I’ll admit to being curious about the absent landlord. Have you heard anything of that?”

He was silent for a moment, pondering the reference. Literature had never been his strong suit, but he remembered reading an article about a film adaption a few years ago. “A reliable source has told me he’s here. Incredibly trustworthy – this time, things should come into place.” This was Luther’s opinion on each lead he got, but he knew the man. This man would not lie with so much at stake.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 01:19 am UTC (link)
"It depends on what interests Ahab," she said with a smile that said she would not be thwarted by his assertion that every building had its idiosyncrasies. "Oh, this building offers many more mysteries than most, you'll find. Unexplained blackouts with strange threats in the dark and locked doors and windows, deaths that go unsolved, people that disappear like so much shadow. Your search, inspector, might become the easiest thing you have to undertake under this roof," she said, motioning back toward the building.

"It will be nice to have someone trustworthy in the building, though, who knows the intricacies of the law," she said, touching a hand to the healing bruises on her jaw. "Someone to turn to, if you would, when things occur."

Her gaze turned curious again, and she pushed open the door to Le Croquembouche. "Remind me about him, the man you seek. I may be able to assist."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 03:46 am UTC (link)
He was silent, musing for a moment. Unsolved mysteries – of any sort, so long as they were real – called to him as an sideways jar of milk would. It needed to be righted, the spilled milk cleaned up before it soured. Otherwise the putrid smell would remain to contaminate what arrived afterwards. “Are you saying someone is in need of my services?”

His eyes rested on the bruises and he said, pointedly, “You perhaps?” Subtlety wasn’t truly necessary, but he could afford it here.

Moving inside, he glanced over the architectures – eyes immediately going to men and women of certain ages – older, near his age and barely adult. An automatic movement for anywhere he was. None suited his description and he turned towards her, reciting a description of the two he searched for.

Over the years it was routine, changing only with what bits of information he could have. Recently he bought a blue dress for the girl, it is of the same fabric as this – see or he keeps his face clean shaven. This time the only thing different, as he described the two, from when he had a few years ago was the simple, “The ‘daughter’ is an adult now, yet I hear she is still living with him.” He couldn’t say he was too surprised.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 04:07 am UTC (link)
She remained quiet while he scoped the room, because she knew that's what he'd been doing. She'd seen him do it in the past, check a room first thing upon entering, and she was not surprised to see him do it in the present. Once he was done, she motioned to a table and sat down, waiting for him to take his seat before continuing the conversation.

"I was attacked in an alleyway, outside of the building she explained, and I was not the intended target," she explained. "It's of no importance," she added truthfully. "There are others that are going to need your expertise much more that I, with my scrapes."

She ordered a tea, and she waited for the waitress to step away before continuing. "I don't know anyone in the building with children," she admitted. "But that doesn't mean much, as I haven't been there long. How old would the girl be now?"

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 04:33 am UTC (link)
He followed her to the table, shedding his coat to put it on the chair behind him. Resting his hands on the table, he listened to her explanation. His eyes never left her; he was of all the things he was good at, a very attentive listener.

"Do you know who was?" Luther asked. "When and where was this?"

Turning to the waitress, he asked for a black coffee. Attention back on Ella, he said evenly, "Eighteen or nineteen. Not that young, but if she's still with her 'father'..." He gave a small shrug.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 04:43 am UTC (link)
"They said something about a local mafia family," she explained, then smiled at him warmly. "You really don't need to concern yourself with that, Luther. There are other things that-" she paused, played with the string on the tea when the cup was put in front of her. She looked down, then looked up at him again. "My sister has been threatening people in the building, but she can't be found anywhere," she explained with a sad look in her eyes. "It isn't your problem, I know, but it will become all too evident to you shortly enough, so it may as well be said."

She took a sip of the tea, then warmed her hands on the mug. "A man died recently, suicide they say, on the tenth floor. And a woman and a man before him, unknown causes, I believe. Most recently, a woman on the penthouse level went missing and foul play is suspected." She paused, obviously torn about continuing. "A month ago, the lights went out. During the blackout, all the exterior doors and windows to the building jammed shut, while all the interior doors flew open. It was impossible to leave the building for hours."

Her gaze said she wasn't lying about any of it, and she took a deep breath before focusing on the subject of his search. "There are quite a few young women in that age range living in the building, and I do not know if they live alone. Your whale might be here yet, Ahab."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 05:19 am UTC (link)
Mentioning the mafia caused a certain grimace. They weren't his usual source of trouble, but he knew enough to avoid it at all costs. Or at least know to place blame on them. "Any disruption of the law is my business, if it's in the area I'm living in," he said. He took the coffee, a nod to the waitress before turning back towards Ella. "And I do attempt to make it so that it's safe for those around me as well."

He wouldn't be a fit man of the law otherwise.

"Is your sister a resident of the building?" There was no move to drink his coffee or even sweeten it with sugar. Instead he listened carefully, memorizing each detail. He'd read a bit on the blackout and heard it mentioned - but otherwise everything was new. Dangerous. Needing to be fixed.

He reached for a notepad, simply writing floornumbers to keep an eye on. Perhaps with the few contacts he had that didn't think insane, he could find out what the department though of these things. He had no reason to doubt her and drummed his fingers on the table after writing things down. "Thank you."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 05:45 am UTC (link)
She nodded, glad to be of any help to him. "If you need to know anything specific, let me know. I've done a bit of research, though not much. My energy has mainly been focused on-" she paused, shook her head, dark hair tumbling over her shoulders. "On someone who isn't interested in my company."

She looked down at her tea again at the mention of Vaughn, and she nodded. "She lived in 1002, though she isn't staying there now. Her name is Vaughn Davis," she offered, because she was absolutely sure that they hadn't seen or heard the last of her sister. "She's not well, Luther. She needs help - do you understand?"

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 05:55 am UTC (link)
"I will," Luther said. The mention of where her interest had been recently, his face became more composed. He reached for the sugar, taking two packets and pouring the contents in. Stirring he looked up - romantic issues were a failing from his past. Unless it came to a motive for a crime, he was admittedly lost on how to proceed. "It happens."

At the number he paused. "On the forums today, I spoke with 1002. She claimed to be a teacher."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 06:03 am UTC (link)
Ella looked surprised that Vaughn had reached out to anyone.

"She is. She spoke to you? Did she tell you where she was?" she asked, then lowered her voice. "She had a woman beaten up recently; Rosalie, she lives in 701. And she attacked a young woman with a knife; Boyd, she lives in 601."

She lowered her voice even more. "Please, do be careful around her."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 04:34 pm UTC (link)
"She commented on the liars in the building," Luther said, musing slightly. Commenting on herself then? He wasn't surprised. "Do you know her reasons for doing so?"

Once more he reached for the notepad, marking the two room numbers. There would be no need to approach; for now, he'd simply look into things. "There's no need to worry about me." He didn't think it was what she meant, but there was a small smile, stopping at his canines.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 04:47 pm UTC (link)
"I cannot imagine what she would hope to gain by speaking to you. She is in hiding, and a full half of the building is looking for her. At least a quarter of those people want her dead. It seems a foolhardy thing to do, but she is hardly logical, Luther. It's best not to look for the reason behind her actions," she explained.

She smiled at his assurance that she need not worry. "I will worry over who I please, thank you. You shall simply have to deal with my concern and accept it gallantly, I'm afraid," she teased.

She looked out the window, where the sky was now dark, then back at him. "I hope you do not recognize your decision to move here, sir. I having a feeling you're going to have your hands full."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 04:55 pm UTC (link)
Want her dead? Luther frowned. "How many would actually kill her given the chance?" The problem with criminals was that like attracted like. He could hardly let someone kill Davis, even if she threatened others.

"Unlike others, I can take care of myself," Luther said. It wasn't an insult as much as a simple fact. He reached for the coffee, the first time he'd truly done so over the course of the meeting, raising it to his lips. "I thank you though."

Again, the wry smile crossed his face. "I can deal with being busy so long as the outcome is worth it." Another drink and he added. "And the safety of the public always is is."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 05:07 pm UTC (link)
"At least two people, without question," she replied honestly, though she did not name names. Luther was a man of the law, in the truest sense of the word, she suspected. He would find the concept of taking justice into one's own hands reprehensible. She understood Vlad and Shane, understood their motivations, but she did not want her sister dead, not if it could be helped.

After a few days of quiet and thought, she wondered if Daniel had been right about her priorities, but she shook her head. No. She wouldn't want anyone dead, regardless of who it was. She would want them apprehended, helped, but not dead - not if there was anyway around it.

She smiled at his last comment. "Luther," she said softly, tone a touch chastising, "what of your happiness? Do you even think of such things?"

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 05:35 pm UTC (link)
He looked steadily at her. "Do you know who?" Luther of course suspected; Ella had never hidden knowledge before. It was her sister's life on the line. She should want to keep her alive, especially from her phrasing earlier. "I would like to keep tabs, to ensure her safety." As well as anyone else, if they were the sort to have intentions often. Percentages and past experiences pointed the other way - few were repeat offenders - but it never hurt to keep safe. "Your name will be kept out of things of course."

Her question caught him off-guard and a frown settled. The truth of the matter was no - he didn't. But he wasn't bothered by it; he knew where his priorities were. "Ella, I'll be happy when every criminal is behind bars where they belong. For now - working towards it - I'm content."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 06:22 pm UTC (link)
"I know that many people in this building have secrets, Luther, and it would be wrong of me to assume what they would and wouldn't do if given the chance. You cannot hold a crime that has yet to be committed against a person, can you?" she asked, her eyes clear and hopeful.

"There is more to life than the pursuit of justice," she added, voice soft and caring.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-26 08:27 pm UTC (link)
He paused, deliberating. Unfortunately she did have a case - but it still bothered him. "Do you play chess? Life is like it, Ella. We have to anticipate the other player's moves before they take a pawn or queen."

"For some perhaps," Luther said. He inclined his head. "But it's my decision, not yours." People were rarely grateful for what he did. He didn't expect it anymore, though couldn't help feel slightly bothered by it.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-26 09:35 pm UTC (link)
"Then you think our actions fated, predetermined?" she asked. "Something we cannot change at the last moment? Is the person who considers evil always going to do it, or can they be redeemed at the last? Should you punish the criminal before they commit the crime" she asked, leaning forward on her elbows and looking at him intently. "And it is your decision, yes, but it's mine to disapprove of it, if I wish."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 01:07 am UTC (link)
"People have habits," Luther said simply. "If one knows of another's habits, they can make an educated guess of what they'll do next. Everyone can change their mind, but people are prone to certain things." He kept his eyes on Ella, unwavering. "I'm merely speaking of prepearation."

He sighed and shrugged. "That it is, just be warned you'll not be able to change it." His mouth twisted, ever so slightly. "No matter how much you'll pry."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 01:13 am UTC (link)
"I suspect far greater people than I have tried to sway you in the past, Luther," she said truthfully with a sad smile. "I have no illusions about changing the way you live your life, even if I have very decided opinions about your need to do so."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 01:23 am UTC (link)
His mind strayed briefly to those people he considered 'great'. His foster father had always supported him, over the years. Of course he'd been 'let go' from the office. And then, not all that long ago was her, who became so frustrated she left...

Luther blinked once, to return to the present, and shook his head. "Then we should respect each other's then and leave it as that." He raised his coffee once more.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 02:38 am UTC (link)
She smiled and she reached across the table and touched the back of his hand in a gesture of friendship. "I cannot help but try," she admitted, because it was the truth, and she could be honest with him, she felt.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 02:45 am UTC (link)
He moved his hand to place it on hers. "We all must," he said, a bit wry again.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 03:11 am UTC (link)
She turned her palm over and squeezed his hand firmly. "I am glad you have come to Bellum, Ahab. You are most welcome here."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 03:21 am UTC (link)
"Even if you thought I'd be overwhelmed earlier?" Luther squeezed her hand back before removing it. "The move was good, but I'll let you know I'm happy to be here."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 03:24 am UTC (link)
She smiled warmly. "I believe Ahab can handle being slightly overwhelmed, and I'll sleep better with you in the building. I admit to that out of pure selfishness." She handed the waitress her empty tea cup a moment later. "I'll be paying for both of our items," she told them woman, then smiled at Luther. "You may return the favor another time, if you like."

See, she could do just fine talking to men.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 03:27 am UTC (link)
He gave a tighter smile, one that was less violent than the one that showed his teeth. "I'll look into things as soon as I can." In other words, once he returned - unless there was news of Jean Valjean. He took one large drink of his coffee cup before handing to the waitress, sending a sideways glance towards Ella. "I'd have to, simply to make us even."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 03:34 am UTC (link)
Her smile was inviting, even a little playful. "I'm out of practice with men, I fear." She lowered her voice a touch. "I hope you don't take it personally if I practice on you, since I know you couldn't possibly be swayed by me."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 03:53 am UTC (link)
"Of course not," Luther said, teeth flashing. "I'm far too busy." He stood and moved to offer an arm to her. "Time always helps," he mentioned, recalling the earlier point. Or at least, that was what he'd been told and had seen.

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 03:56 am UTC (link)
She took the offered arm, and she looked up at him. "Far too busy to ever notice a mere woman during your hunt," she said with a smile that said she was teasing. "And what does time help with, inspector?" she asked, intentionally pretending not to understand what he was alluding to.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 04:03 am UTC (link)
"Far too busy to have one keep up with me," he corrected. Leading the way out, he shook his head at her false-innocence. "Any sort of chase."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 04:05 am UTC (link)
"Ah, but what if a person wants to be the one chased for a change?" she asked, merging the two conversations and giving him a smile that said she knew the conversation was one he would not care for, but with a touch of delight because she knew he would not deny her a response.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 04:09 am UTC (link)
His brow furrowed and he looked down at her. Admitting he didn't know or wasn't sure was an impossibility. In his position, being who he was, he was supposed to have answers. "Turn around and head in the other direction."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 04:15 am UTC (link)
"You're going to tell me that if they don't chase, they aren't worth having, aren't you?" she asked, looking up at him with an open expression. She trusted his opinion, this man of few words. He didn't seem the sort to play with anyone's emotions or hedge around the truth. She liked that about him.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 04:18 am UTC (link)
"No," Luther said. His mouth twisted slightly. "Turn around again and keep at it." There was a small, honest smile there. "There's no giving up."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 04:24 am UTC (link)
That was a surprising response, and it showed on her face, and she slowed her step. "Wait a moment. You mean I should keep trying to make him follow?" she asked with open interest.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 04:40 am UTC (link)
Her slowness was an anchor and he moved to a stop in order to accomadate her. Looking down, with eye-contact he said evenly, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well. It's an old phrase - but it works. If he matters to you, then you should continue. Giving up is..." he trailed off, breaking the contact for a moment to consider. Saying that the other one didn't fit, but it was what meant. "Giving up is a sign of weakness."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 04:46 am UTC (link)
"Luther, darling," she said, rubbing her hand over his forearm, "there is a point where fighting becomes futile, don't you think? A point where one has to accept the fact that they are not interesting to the object of their pursuit," she finished, looking up at him with a gaze that was open and earnest.

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 05:08 am UTC (link)
He blinked at her once. Her word choices and movements were enough to confuse him - simply by what she was aiming at. But he shook his head, regardless. "It's never futile, if it's what you believe in. So long as you want to keep 'chasing'...and are ready to accept setbacks to the greater goal, why not?"

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-27 05:11 am UTC (link)
Her voice softened, because he really didn't understand, and she could tell. "If he doesn't want me, it doesn't matter how long I chase, Luther."

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[info]sentinelstar
2010-02-27 11:31 pm UTC (link)
Luther began to move forward again; the time to be listented to was done. "Then give up."

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[info]bookshelved
2010-02-28 04:50 am UTC (link)
She laughed just a little, because talking about this was definitely something he was not good at. She stopped, and she smiled at him, and she squeezed his hand warmly, the dismissal noted. "Go on, Ahab. Find out about the building and see if your whale is under its roof. Then contact me about returning the favor of the coffee."

Her parting smile was warm, and she squeezed his hand once more before slipping away from him into the darkening night. It was a lovely evening. Maybe a walk in the park would help her think.

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