Blood is thicker than water ( Part 9 )

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Blood is thicker than water ( Part 9 )

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The Fox

The Fox

@disqus_eqavLvmRDA 2 years ago

Richard is making friends! <:'DDDDD I never thought I'd see the day! There's hope for him yet!

Now we need to get him to talk with Utterson and not runaway, then we'll know for sure we've made progress. It'll make getting him off the drugs so much easier if he at least listens to them.

* blows trumpet*

Onwards! To Recovery!

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

When Richard and Lewis came back to Enfield's house, Weir was aware of Utterson's energy...and of someone else's.

The unexpected presence felt passing familiar, though Lewis couldn't say why. In any case, it made him a bit uneasy. It was with muted wariness he walked Richard to the door.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson's energy was awake and alarmed, hiding in the closet, while the energy below him was calm and unusually jovial, reading a newspaper while they waited for Richard.

Richard let go of Lewis and threw open the door with a yawn. He stepped inside and turned to go into the living room.

" } Ah, Richard. There you are. { "

In the reading room sat the same man from the park and the same man they had seen passing by on the street.

It was Peverell in all of his glory, blue eyes and all.

Out of his umber coat, he was dressed in a simple black and white combination, with his trousers a neutral grey and his cravat a pearly cream. A little silver pin made to look like a turtle's shell was nestled in the cravat.

He got up and took the astonished Richard by his arm. He smiled down at him like a grandfather would a child.

" } I'm so glad I caught you. I would imagine you run a busy schedule considering the state of your house. And let's not forget your doors!{ "

Peverell pat his back.

" } But worry not, I'm no robber.

I wanted to talk about your errand today. { "

Richard blanched. He had forgotten all about it. He went to explain himself when Peverell put a finger to his lips.

" } Let's not jump the gun shall we? { "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis followed Enfield in.

At Peverell's voice, Weir stopped in his tracks with a startle and turned to look.

"[Richard, you have company?]" Lewis asked in a surprised tone as his gaze flicked from Peverell to Enfield and back.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" } Ah, I assure you, I came here on short notice. { "

Peverell turned to Lewis with a jolly chuckle and offered his hand.

" } Peverell. Peverell Shepard. And I take it your a kind soul that helped him stumble back home? { "

" ][ I can explain everything sir. H-he-- ][ "

" } Richard, relax. I'm not mad. I just stopped by to inform you about something. { "

He smiled at Lewis.

" } I can take him from here. Thank you very much for bringing him back safe and sound. He's a very dear friend of mine if that makes sense. { "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

On the surface, Peverell's words might have been construed as passing polite. Yet their manner bespoke passive aggression.

Beneath the subtle sarcasm and condescension, Lewis sensed, lay cold calculation and...

Oh, thought Weir. A French Moriarty. Just bloody brilliant.

...

And naturally Richard's entangled with him. Perfect.

Internally, Weir did the mental equivalent of rolling his eyes.

Yet he gave no trace of his thoughts as he shook Peverell's hand.

"Louis de Vere," he returned.

Enfield wasn't looking to him for help, so Lewis decided to just let things play out.

"[And, yes. It does]," Weir agreed.

"[I'll leave you to it, then]," he said, sounding relieved.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" } Thank you. { "

Peverell turned back and lead Richard away into the living room. Enfield threw a confused glance at Lewis before looking away.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

You'll be fine, Lewis mouthed to Richard without a sound, before the latter turned away.

Weir let himself out the front door, but left it slightly ajar so he could hear the ensuing conversation between Shepard and Enfield.

Lewis silently removed his shoes in case he had to beat a hasty (and quiet) retreat.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" } Now then, about your errand. { "

Peverell took a seat on one of the sofas and bid Richard to do the same.

" } I was informed earlier today by one of your fellow couriers that you hadn't come to the river as arranged.

Now, I was in the middle of a wonderful luncheon when the news came to me. I was quite surprised to be honest. You're never one to miss an appointment and I thought perhaps something had happened to you.

So, as you could guess, I bid my host's farewell and made my way down to the river. Since you weren't there, I went ahead and did your job for you.{ "

He sighed, putting a hand on Enfield's shoulder.

" } Once I had done that, i came here to see if you're well, but you weren't here!

So I waited. You know the rest of the story from there. { "

A smile.

" } Now you can explain yourself. { "

Richard rubbed his nose as he stammered out a reply.

" ][ Well, you see...

I-I had gotten upset and left to go calm down at a bar, a-and, well, I drank... ][ "

" } I can see that. { "

" ][ Y-yes, about that. I had forgotten about going down, and then De Ver came and helped me back. ][ "

He rubbed his neck with a sniff.

" ][ I'm so sorry about the inconvenience. I got distracted. I promise it won't happen again. ][ "

Peverell chuckled warmly.

" } Don't look that way Richard! I'm not going to get rid of you or anything. I just wanted to make sure nothing happened to you.

Now that you've said that though, I can't help but wonder what made you so upset.

You don't have to answer if you don't want to. { "

He rubbed his back like a father would his son.

" ][ I...I don't know. I was just having a bad day I guess. ][ "

" } Is that so? Well I hope your feeling better. Feel free to come visit me if you ever feel upset. I'm always here for my couriers, especially you. { "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

Crouched on the steps, Lewis listened with interest.

He was on the proverbial edge of his seat as Peverell asked Richard what had upset him.

A wave of relief washed over Weir at Enfield's answer.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

" ][ Thank you sir. I'll be sure to visit you next time. ][ "

" } Good to hear. Now that that's cleared up, I'll be taking my leave. Your next assignment will be a week from now. { "

Peverell got up and fetched his coat from the other room. He looked back to Richard and bowed.

" } Till next time. { "

" ][ Till next time. ][ "

With that, he left through the front door.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

At "I'll be taking my leave," Lewis made his move, only just catching the bit about the "next assignment" as he slipped away without a sound. He slipped between buildings and turned a corner, putting a large edifice between himself and Peverell's possible path.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The older gentleman left with a spring in his step, whistling a jaunty tune. He was joined by another man significantly huskier than him, and they talked together as they vanished down the street.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Once the two energies felt far enough away to be out of visual range, Weir returned to the house and let himself in, closing the door behind him.

He wanted to see how Richard and Gabriel were doing.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson's energy was still thoroughly spooked while Richard's was more depressed, like a person who just lost a great treasure.

He lay his head in his lap, waving a sad hand at Lewis's arrival.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis waved back.

"I see you're still in one piece," he remarked, glad of the fact. He hoped Utterson would overhear him.

"This...Peverell Shepard seems a formidable man."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" `Not formidable. Just intense.` "

He looked up with a uncomfortable smile.

" `He's one person that you never want to disappoint.` "

Above them, the creak of the guest room door could be heard followed by limping footsteps. Richard closed his eyes and flopped over onto the couch.

" `I take it that isn't Desirae.` "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Not unless she walks with a limp," quipped Lewis.

"He shouldn't be out of bed," he muttered under his breath, more to himself.

"I had better go check on him, get him settled," he told Richard.

He ascended the stairs and walked over to help support Gabriel.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" OH LEWIS THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE! "

Gabriel practically threw himself on Weir. He was shaking like a leaf as he tried to explain what happened.

" That MAN Lewis! He!! HE!!!

He came and walked in like it was nothing! He was looking around and came upstairs! I hid in the closet just in time!

Oh Lewis! "

Utterson sucked in a breathe.

" We have to find a key for that door! We have to try and keep that door locked!

Ah! Did you bring back Richard? Was that him talking with that man? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"'Tis alright, Gabriel--he's gone now," Lewis reassured as he helped Utterson back to the guest bedroom.

"Yes, that was Richard--I found him at a pub and walked him home. He's rather inebriated right now. Rather a friendly drunk, though, thankfully."

He settled Utterson on the bed and shut the door.

"That man who came in... His name is Peverell Shepard. Apparently, Richard was supposed to deliver something down by the river but didn't, so Peverell paid a visit."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

" You mean that Peverell Shepard? "

Utterson furrowed his brow.

" As in 'Druglord Aristocrat Who Richard Is Working For' Peverell? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Weir nodded.

"The very same."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" Oh... "

A beat passed. He caught Weir's gaze intently.

" Did you hear what they said by chance? Anything that can be put to paper? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Because Richard missed the delivery, Peverell did it himself, then came to find him. He told Richard he'll have another assignment for him a week from today."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Quick as a whip, Utterson pulled out his pocket book and took notes.

" Is that all? Nothing more, nothing less? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"He said he wanted to talk to Richard about Enfield's 'errand today'. He claimed your cousin is 'a very dear friend' of his. Thanked me for bringing him back 'safe and sound' and that he could 'take it from here'.

"I exited the house, but hesitated on the doorstep as their conversation unfolded.

"Shepard said he'd been informed by one of Richard's 'fellow couriers' earlier today that Enfield 'hadn't come to the river as arranged', that he was in the middle of eating lunch when he got the news, and that he was 'quite surprised' since Richard was 'never one to miss an appointment'. He claimed he thought perhaps something had happened to Enfield. He said he bade farewell to his hosts and made his way down to the river, and that, as Richard wasn't there, he--Peverell--did his job 'for him', emphasis on the 'for'. Then he said he came here, didn't find Enfield home, and waited for him. Then he said Richard could explain himself.

"Richard said he'd gotten upset and left to go calm down at a bar, and that he drank while there. I can attest to that fact--he was drunk when I found him and finished a watered-down bottle of wine before I walked him home.

"Shepard said 'I can see that' regarding the fact Enfield drank. Richard said he'd forgotten about the errand and that 'de Ver'--that's the name I gave at the bar, and to Peverell--had helped him back home. Enfield apologized for the inconvenience, said he'd gotten 'distracted', and promised it wouldn't happen again.

"Now, bear in mind I couldn't actually see the two as I was listening, but Shepard said 'Don't look that way, Richard', followed by 'I'm not going to get rid of you or anything'. Peverell claimed he just wanted to make sure nothing had happened to him. He also wondered what had made Enfield so upset.

"Richard said he didn't know and that he was 'just having a bad day', he supposed.

"Peverell asked if that was so, then said he hoped Enfield felt better and that Richard was always free to come talk to him if he felt upset. He said, 'I'm always here for my couriers, especially you.'

"Richard thanked him and assured him he'd be sure to visit him next time.

"Peverell said that was 'good to hear', and that he'd take his leave.

"I took that as my cue to flee the doorstep, but did manage to catch Shepard saying, 'Your next assignment will be a week from now' as I left.

"All of this was spoken in French, naturally, but I'm fluent, and given as accurate a translation as possible. I can also write it down in French if that would be helpful."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Utterson wrote everything down, circling important phrases here and there. Lewis offered to transcribe the exchange in french.

" Yes! Please do! It would be most helpful. "

He offered his pencil and pocketbook to Lewis.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis did just that, handing the items back once he'd finished.

"Is there anything more I can do?" Weir asked. "Whether regarding this affair or Richard or fetching you anything you might need up here?"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" I'm fine for now, thank you. Though, perhaps you can fetch some water for Richard. Then maybe, if you can, get our stuff from the hotel.

I would've done it myself but I know you wouldn't want me too. "

He laughed.

" It's going to be rough for me resting all day. I don't like feeling so useless and unhelpful. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

"Will do," Lewis said with a nod.

"Thanks for staying, Gabriel," he acknowledged appreciatively. I'd have worried myself sick otherwise. "I know how frustrating it can be to be stuck in bed.

"Rest assured you're far from useless or unhelpful, though. You thought to write down Richard and Peverell's conversation while it was still fresh in mind. I'll naturally relay anything else I learn to you. You may spot patterns in the facts that I don't as you mull them over while I run about reacting to things," he confided.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Utterson smiled.

" I'm glad to be of help. It's not like I became a lawyer just for fun.

Likewise, I'll be sure to tell you anything I figure out. Perhaps, if we get enough material together, we can report him, or at least save Richard from the jailhouse. "

Beneath them, Desirae returned.

She called out hello.

" [ Oi! Is anyone here? ] "

She walked into the living room and caught sight of Richard.

" [ Jesus Christ...You can't just take a break can you? You just have to spend each day doing something. ] "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Fingers crossed," agreed Weir.

He heard Desirae downstairs.

"I'd better go," he said. "Pop down and say hello, then gather our things. See you soon."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" See you soon. "

He gave a small wave before moving to the stool next to the bed and looking over the transcription.

Richard looked up at Desirae with a goofy smile.

" ][ Ah Desirae, do you have to be so serious. I came home fine didn't I?

Besides, what's the harm in a little drinking? ][ "

" [ I'm not supposed to see a problem with you getting trashed right after you spent two days lying on a sofa? I'm not supposed to be worried that you went out, got high, came back sick, got better, and went back to do it all over again?

I don't think so. ] "

She knelt down and put a hand to his forehead. He went to pull her in for an embrace but she pushed him back.

" [ No. Not when you're like this. ] "

With a huff, she went to the kitchen and fetched a glass. She put it in front of Richard.

" [ Go get some water before become a grape. ] "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis descended the stairs after Desirae returned with the glass.

"Richard?" he asked. "[I take it this is Desirae, of whom you spoke so fondly.]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" [ Hmm? What do you... ] "

She caught Lewis at the edge of her gaze and froze.

" [ Who Are YOU?! ] "

Desirae came up and pushed him back, leaning into his face like she had in the dressing room. Obviously she was acting, but it was like she had never met him before in her life. With the aggression she displayed, the way her gaze burned, it was easy to see how skilled she was at performing.

Richard looked on with laugh.

" ][ Way to greet a gentleman sweetheart. ][ "

He pointed to Lewis with a smile.

" ][ This is De Ver. He's came with my cousin just this morning. ][ "

" [ Oh...

Is that so? ] "

Desirae backed up slowly, keeping an eye on Lewis.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

Good show, thought Lewis, impressed.

He went along with the act, putting his hands up as barrier the same way he had when they'd first met, as if to indicate he meant no offense.

Enfield and Desirae spoke.

"[Yes]," Weir answered, lowering his hands cautiously. "[Dr. Lewis Weir, though I go by Louis de Vere in France, as it's easier on the tongue. I'm a friend of Richard's cousin, Gabriel Utterson.]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" [ Gabriel Utterson? I've never heard him mentioned before. ] "

" ][ I never mentioned him by name, no. But he is my cousin. ][ "

Richard got up and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her on the check. Desirae gave a chaste kiss back.

" [ Richard. Your water. ] "

" ][ I can wait on my water. Especially since I have you. ][ "

Mischief filled his grin even as he was batted away by angry hands. He took his glass and went into the kitchen, all the while Desirae watched him.

She threw a brief glance at Lewis.

" [ So Lewis...

Would it be safe to assume you dragged him back here? ] "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

Weir nodded.

"[Found him in a bar and walked him home.]"

He lowered his voice to a whisper and continued at rapid pace.

"[The talk with Gabriel didn't go so well, which is why he ran off. Peverell was waiting when we returned. Claimed to be a good friend of his. I made as if I left, but listened in. Richard neglected a riverside 'errand' and has another assignment in a week. Utterson's upstairs, by the by--he hid when Peverell came.]"

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" [ Oh sh*t. ] "

A flash of fear crossed her eyes. She blinked and it was gone, hidden beneath a steely glare.

" [ That's quite the story. Maybe you wouldn't have had to bring him back if he didn't stick his head so far down the bottle. ] "

" ][ Well maybe I wouldn't have if I wasn't forced into a bad place. ][ "

He sipped his water with a smirk. For as playful as his tone was, there was a sense of resentment underlying it. Desirae stifled a sigh.

" [ Is this Gabriel here by chance? I'd like to meet him. ] "

"][ If you leave, I'll just go drink something from the cabinet. ][ "

" [ And I'll force some more water down when I get back. It's not like you can stop me. ] "

She arched her eyebrows with a smirk while he looked away with an almost rueful chuckle.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"[Gabriel's upstairs, settled in what I presume to be the guest suite]", Lewis answered Desirae. "[Please don't let him rise to greet you--he really ought to be in bed]," he added.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" [ Thank you. ] "

With a bow, she went upstairs, leaving Richard and Lewis by themselves.

Richard smiled to himself once she was out of sight. His silence was a mixture of drunkness and mild annoyance. It seemed as though he would've have stopped her from going up but wasn't one to step in her way, especially as he couldn't truly stand straight.

He sipped his water, contemplating how his cousin and Desirae would get along.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Lewis gave a slight bow in return.

He watched as Desirae went up, then turned his attention back to Richard.

"She seems a formidable woman," Weir remarked quietly after a moment. "Not in a bad way, mind," he was quick to add.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" `Yes, she is.` "

He looked up with a dreamy look in his eyes.

" `She's got the spine that most women don't have.` "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

This drew a knowing chuckle from Weir.

"Refreshing, that."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" `Yeah.` "

He took another sip.

" `It's people like her that make the world go 'round. Unfortunately, they're also taken for granted.` "

Richard scowled at the table.

" `I can't stand the way people look down on her. It's so despicable.

All those people, who go and watch her perform, who pay her to sing and dance. All those people who give her work and all she gets in return is shame and derision.

F*cking bastards. The lot of them.` "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Pearls before swine," agreed Lewis. "So many people are so caught up making surface judgments they never bother to check what lies beneath. Their loss."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" `I socked a man once for trying to shame her.

He was with his wife, some lethargic waif dressed to the nines.

We were having a nice time out when he spotted her and tried to draw attention to it. He did the whole routine, the fake gasp, 'My! Aren't you a CABARET GIRL???, the sneer.` "

Richard smirked with satisfaction.

" `I cut in before Desirae could bite him and tried to save him the trouble. There was a little argument, then I cuffed him right in his jaw.` "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

"Good show," commended Lewis with an approving nod. "He had no business making a scene."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

" `Well, it was a good show until he kicked me down and started a fight. Then we were kicked out of the establishment.` "

He shrugged nonchalantly.

" `I don't mind honestly. It wasn't the best place to be anyways.` "

His next words were cut off by an fearsome scream.

" [ rrRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIICHAAAARRRRRDDDDD!!!!!!! ] "

Desirae, fuming with violent outrage, stormed down the stairs and boxed his ears with a heavy hand. he sprang up with a yelp.

" [ How DARE you do THAT to your own COUSIN! You should've have KNOWN BETTER!! ] "

He stepped back, covering his head from further boxing. Despite the show of anger, he laughed out loud.

" ][ Sweetheart, darling, Please! Someone might hear you outside! ][ "

" [ To HELL with them! I couldn't care less what they think! You still shoved your cousin and broke his hip! ] "

" ][ It's not broke, it's a fracture. Everything will be fine~ ][ "

" [ FINE?! Six weeks stuck here is FINE!?! ] "

She threw her arms in the air.

" [ You're such a dumb*ss! I can't believe you! ] "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Desirae was right, of course. There had been no cause to shove Gabriel. Richard had simply...reacted.

Lewis stayed out of the spat as best he could, though he couldn't escape the feeling he might be dragged in any minute.

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