Arthur Starling

[rosebleed]

👻🥀

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[expiries]

[...]

Miss Du Prix, if I may - it is a strength to cry over people you may not know well, not a weakness.

[rosebleed]

Really? [There's a sniff. How inelegant. She pats at her nose, but now tears fall anew, even if she's keeping her voice even and her eyes on him.] You don't think I'm being selfish?

[expiries]

[shaking his head after a moment]

I'm not certain how it could be selfish. Rather, I think... most people would hope someone would care, if they should pass away. Wouldn't you?

[rosebleed]

[She quiets, still watching him tearfully as her thoughts sift and settle.]

Yes. I think so. [A lump rises in her throat and she only just batters it down.] Dying is a very lonely thing. Even when you're in a place you know. I just didn't want him...I didn't want them to feel alone when they left us.

[expiries]

[quietly, after another moment:]

You were... remarkably strong. But you should not have been forced to be. I'm sorry, Miss Du Prix.

[rosebleed]

[It's a rather kind apology. A nice sentiment.]

Nobody should be. [She offers him a smile.] But sometimes, we don't get to choose our fates.

[He has such kind eyes. Very much the brooding type, he is, and so keen to keep a tight lip. She didn't imagine it would be him sitting next to her now, willingly or otherwise.

Her hand finds his and gives it a soft squeeze.]

Thank you, Arthur. For talking to me. And for staying.

[expiries]

[there's a notable pause, because he wasn't expecting her to take his hand. it's been - how long has it been since someone did that...?

well, regardless.]

It's nothing.

[rosebleed]

Not nothing. Not to me.

[Whether he likes it or not, this is a true kindness he has paid her. Something she hopes to repay one day.

She only hopes there'll be enough time to do so.]