INBOX

[redencion]

"Luis Serra! Leave a message and I'll call you back. Ciao!"

Comments

action;

[destinymaker]

[ One cannot remain holed up in the labs and library forever and ever. Durandal could shake himself a little that he hadn't made space for networking sooner than this lunch date, but hey... better late than never.

His first impression is that Dr. Serra does not look much like a either a scientist or an academic. He won't let that surprise show on his face, of course. His smile is pleasant, even delighted, and he holds out a hand for shaking. ]

Pleasure to meet you properly, rather than just scurrying past one another in the halls. Gilbert Durandal, geneticist.

[ He's also good at pharmacological stuff, but genetics are his bread and butter and the only thing truly worth mentioning here. ]

[redencion]

[Not an inaccurate impression. Maybe it's the leather jacket, or the rakish mop of hair, or the generally slick demeanor with which he grins and shakes Durandal's hand.]

Luis Serra, biologist. Good to finally meet you, amigo!

[He's into pharmacology too, and a few other odd applications, but they're definitely not first meeting appropriate to bring up. Or ever, actually, if he can help it.]

I'm easy as far as lunch goes. Anywhere they've got coffee- but this is a campus, of course... [Meaning everywhere serves coffee.]

[destinymaker]

[ Academia needs coffee like a car needs fuel. It's understandable. ]

In that case, let me guide us to the small cafeteria that does not routinely escape me in... architectural mishaps.

[ He's gotten pretty good at working out patterns in the ever-changing layout of Atropos, but the place loves throwing him curveballs every time he feels secure in his shortcuts. Keeping him on his toes, a challenge that is as stimulating as it is irritating. ]

It's been quite a long time since I was at home on a campus back in life, and I must say I enjoy my return. Did you teach, before coming here?

PARDON ME

[redencion]

[He gestures theatrically.] After you. [ Then he follows, walking alongside him in a casual, friendly gait.]

Teach, no... I moved onto research after I graduated. But I'm finding I like it a lot. Perhaps I've always been a bit too outgoing to stay cooped up in a lab. Yourself?

val-o-gram

[noburden]

[Along with a chocolate bar and a single pale pink rose is a note:]

They say this is the season of love. How easily you came to mind, and how easy it is to say that I love you. You have made me smile and laugh in times when I thought such happiness lost to me. You have inspired and encouraged me. Thank you for giving me the honor of being your sister. I will never take it for granted.

Yours,
Jill

[TOTALLY meant for Luis.]

un: caballero

[redencion]

[Okay. Okay. Okay. This was a roller coaster but...]

Thank you for the message, nena!

I'm a little confused by a few things, do you think we ought to talk?

[noburden]

[Oh. Maybe her note was a little too much. She's already embarrassed.]

Please, forgive me if I overstepped.

[redencion]

[Reel it in, reel it in-]

Not at all querida! I was just a little surprised you think of me as a brother, considering.

[noburden]

[There is a very long pause here.








And then she's calling. Pick up, Luis!]

text 💀

[noburden]

You did not tell me you met Clive.

[redencion]

[Wuh oh. It would be inaccurate to say he has to rack his brain to figure out what she's talking about.]

"Met" is a strong word, I think. ["Encountered," that's a good one.] I ran into him in the kitchen for about 30 seconds.

Why?

[noburden]

You should have told me.

[redencion]

I'm sorry. I didn't think it was worth mentioning. We didn't even exchange names.

[noburden]

It was unpleasant to hear from him before you.

[Especially while being fucked!!!

But Luis did apologize.]

No harm done, ultimately.

text | un: j.warrick

[noburden]

I think your smoking is doing more harm than good.

[She looked it up! It's bad. And yes, this is her checking in a day or so after The Event.]

un: elcaballero

[redencion]

Of course it's not doing any good, baby, that's why it's a vice.

Are you okay?

[noburden]

Something to work on, then.

I'm fine. Are you?

[redencion]

I happen to need a vice, thank you. Helps me deal with stress.

I'm fine. Wounded pride about the only lasting problem.

[noburden]

There are kinder things to do to your body.

Of course. At least it was not worse than it was.

[AKA thank every god in the cathedral you were not in the middle of fucking.]

text after the nuke

[noburden]

Please go to Dion. He is at his cottage and he is injured.

un: elcaballero

[redencion]

[uhhhhhhh.......???]

Sorry? What the hell happened? Is he alright?

[noburden]

No. Please see he gets help. Do not leave him alone, I beg you.

[Very vague, Jill.]

[redencion]

I will. But why aren't you with him? Is something wrong?

You're not hurt too, are you?

[noburden]

We will speak later, Luis.

Delivered to Luis's office at Atropos University

[onlyforgiveness]

[ A bouquet arrives a little over a week after Dion was able to return home from the hospital. It's a healthy size with a sunset's palette, sunflowers and marigolds and sprigs of lavender slipped in between. There's a bottle of Spanish wine along with the vase, and a folded piece of parchment slipped among the flowers, sealed in teal wax with a wyvern's insignia. The letter is handwritten in flowing, bold script. ]

To a rare friend,

Once more, the wisdom and generosity you have shown me is humbling, Luis. Ever am I grateful to have met you and have the honor of calling you friend. There are times I even wish we had known one another in life rather than only the after. Yet I will consider it a blessing for this time we have been granted.

If ever you have need of me, be it for my halberd or simply an ear or aught else, you need only ask. My cause is yours, without question. Never shall there be a debt between us.

With fond regards,
Dion