You don’t know what you were expecting, but this was a bit of a relief. Neglected fingernails tap at the marble desk as the heavy silence stretches out, and you part your lips to speak.

You grin at the package holding his thoughtful gift before actually saying a word.

LE: That isn’t the best way to get boys to notice you, Feferi, I hope you realize that.

LE: But, yes.

LE: I’ll see what I can do.

One glance at the clock hanging above the desk tells you that you definitely won’t be making it home on time tonight. 

LE: Don’t stay up too late tonight, dear. 

You hang up the phone and grab the package, then step out into the cold Texan streets for the second time that night.

As much as you would love to do that, a number of things stop you from walking out of the building at 10:50 pm on a Thursday night. 

You can hear the ring of the landline even as you step out to face the cool Texan air, but you feel a different sort of chill run down your back. You know it’s for you. You also have an idea as to who it might be. Who else would call the office after hours, and almost exactly as you were about to leave? 

Aside from pesky telemarketers and maybe wrong numbers, you could only think of one.

Okay, maybe two. You are pretty sure you’re right on the mark this time. Meaning you won’t be making it home before eleven, and you won’t be able to catch whatever stupid rerun was on tonight.

> It can wait.

Even before the receptionist can call you back in, you are already turned on your heel and have removed your scarf, slightly relieved to be out of the cold. You don’t even have time to take in her confused expression and you can only imagine what might be going on in her head. From what you can see of her face, you can tell that you were right about your previous suspicions. 

You clear your throat and set down the brown package you were holding onto, then the phone up to your ear.

Just for good measure, you clear your throat again.

LE: Yes?

LE: Ah. Hello darling.

LE: Long time since you last rang mama.

LE: How are the fish?

Gift box contents:

• 1 x strapless padded push up bra (Victoria’s Secret, patterned, D-cup) 
• 1 x short note (handwritten) 

Sn0wman,

Ah, this is rather late, apologies. The internet is truly a stunning place. I do not have to embarrass myself purchasing gifts, you know. I am sure this will come in handy, especially with its lack of straps. Merry Christmas.

- Diamonds. 

….

> Snaps Cigarette holder in half.

savoycorpsereviver:

ladyoftheeighth:

You will live, Droog.

I believe this is a deep cut, stabbed straight in the mental connections. It may well be terminal.

And you think I’m embarrassing to be around.

(Source: one-eyed-royal)

savoycorpsereviver:

You have an older sister and she married young. I am frequently left to care for you, because no one else in the family can be bothered to deal with your and your somewhat scandalous - at times - behavior. Brother, brother, I am not that old. My hair may look white in some lights but that is merely a combination of genetics and having to put up with you, and Slick. Boxcars is less taxing. Most of the time.

They are that, I will admit - it just feels a little strange, if not unwanted, for you to be complimenting me. Are you after something in particular?

Is this the story you tell everyone who gives you the  eye when we are out? Could have clued me in. I might have been willing to play along.

Ten years. I would assume you are at least that much younger than me, physically. It’s possible. 

The white hair always was a bit charming, I’ll admit. I find it a bit silly that you feel the need to babysit him and myself. Speaking of, where is he? Have you heard from him? 

Why would you assume that I must be after something to show a bit of gratitude? Is that really all you think I am capable of? 

Now I am the one who is wounded.  

(Source: ladyoftheeighth)

savoycorpsereviver:

ladyoftheeighth:

one-eyed-royal:

ladyoftheeighth:

Oh, where do I begin. If I were to begin at all, which I doubt I will. Each name is reserved for people who will know me as just that, and nothing more.

There’s nothing really special about them, but I’m flattered that you would take interest.

Nicknames? How boring. Never mind, then. I was hoping for something less real. Secret identities and the such.

No, not nicknames. You’ve got the second part right.

They wouldn’t be very secret if I told you about them, would they.

You also lack a few things that would even make me consider sharing this undisclosed information, such as partnership and that strange human concept called ‘trust’. Then again, no one has gotten that far yet.

I am wounded, Sn0wman.

You will live, Droog.

one-eyed-royal:

ladyoftheeighth:

No, not nicknames. You’ve got the second part right. 

They wouldn’t be very secret if I told you about them, would they.

You also lack a few things that would even make me consider sharing this undisclosed information, such as partnership and that strange human concept called ‘trust’. Then again, no one has gotten that far yet. 

I almost pinned you as too charming to mistrust your elders.

One never knows what to expect when dealing with me.

savoycorpsereviver:

ladyoftheeighth:

savoycorpsereviver:

My “wilder side” will remain in the same glass display case that it has done since I first knew you. I have guts fine enough, just neither the desire nor the near to bring said exhibition to life again. This is not the place, nor the time of my life.

I somewhat doubt age has anything to do with it. I have no reputation, beyond the well dressed man only ever seen in the company of occasionally slightly embarrassing women, older or younger. Your - unknown - age has nothing to do with it.

So you say.

I feel as if we should both be grateful that demolition aren’t my specialty. Even if there is nothing complex about swinging around a hammer.

Really? That is almost sad to hear. Although I know not to pity you.

Unknown or not, anyone could tell that I am well past my prime.

Perhaps I can put your gifts to good use.

Also, you would be mad to even try.

Oh, of course they will. People are not stupid. Perhaps that will be a deterrent for any errant thoughts, and people will not assume we are anything other than business partners (or perhaps an aunt forcing a most reluctant nephew out with her on a day trip, mainly to carry her shopping. Which is what usually happens regardless.)

“Gifts”, is it now. That is a new one.

You also underestimate me.

> Crosses legs and simpers.

That might as well be true; minus the part about being the nephew. I don’t look that old.

> Scoffs.

A brother, maybe, but the very thought of being related by blood doesn’t seem too appealing.

 And you are all too willing, or appear to be. 

> Rolls eyes.

What would you prefer I call them? It is what it is, despite being a complete insult. 

one-eyed-royal:

ladyoftheeighth:

Oh, where do I begin. If I were to begin at all, which I doubt I will. Each name is reserved for people who will know me as just that, and nothing more.

There’s nothing really special about them, but I’m flattered that you would take interest. 

Nicknames? How boring. Never mind, then. I was hoping for something less real. Secret identities and the such.

No, not nicknames. You’ve got the second part right. 

They wouldn’t be very secret if I told you about them, would they.

You also lack a few things that would even make me consider sharing this undisclosed information, such as partnership and that strange human concept called ‘trust’. Then again, no one has gotten that far yet. 

one-eyed-royal:

ladyoftheeighth:

one-eyed-royal:

Snowman. Who could recognize you as anything less?

With an ego as large as your’s, perhaps it would be less effective to hang a neon sign above your head.

Truth be told, I go by several names. I’m almost surprised you are familiar with that one.

But I’ve seen and heard stranger things in my days.

A neon sign might give me away a little too early. Where’s the fun in that?

Yes, yes, it’s all the same song and dance, Queenie. What other names do you have, though? Names have always caught my interest.

Oh, where do I begin. If I were to begin at all, which I doubt I will. Each name is reserved for people who will know me as just that, and nothing more.

There’s nothing really special about them, but I’m flattered that you would take interest.