rosebyanyother | duplicity inbox

I do have the occasional moment. As, I suppose, does Bashir.

Peter receives a small package, via a common courier service. It's not very well wrapped, and the little tag on says -- in very rough handwriting -- that it's from Jack. Inside, a very pretty knife. (That definitely doesn't cost as much in Duplicity as it does on this site, yeesh.)

There's a note!

Dearest Morrigan - I have no idea what sort of things you might celebrate, but marking the solstice and the turning of the season from dark to light is always a favorite of mine. Please accept these gifts, my gratitude, and my affection.

[There are a few gifts for Peter this year from Jon each has a little note attached:

A gift card to a fancy clothes boutique - 'To dress your best.'
A small compass - 'In case you lose your way.'
A set of paints and brushes that come packaged together and indicate they're non-toxic for body painting fun - 'For a good conversation starter.'
And a fridge magnet - 'Accurate, really.'

There's an additional brief note.]

Thank you for this year and a half.
Love Jon

Hello. My name's Alaric. Hawke suggested I get in touch, and that maybe we should talk. When are you free?

Edited 2020-12-29 23:47 (UTC)

[It's after the announcement airs about the ringing of the bells that Sally reaches out to Peter. They've already had their weekly chat, and it's the holidays, so she figures he probably has his own plans, but...]

Hi, sorry to bother you. I was wondering if you're interested in doing that thing with the bells, since we're being encouraged, and all. All in all, it sounds pretty normal by Duplicity's standards.

[Oh, sweet unknowing child. Her intentions are pure.]

No problem if you're too busy. Just thought I'd ask.

Hello. I don't have very much going on today, I could be free this afternoon if you'd like?

[He's curious about the subject of this talk they should have but he likes Hawke well enough.]

That would work well. Would you like to meet somewhere public, or more private? Have you been to Sanctuary?

Happy New Year, Morrigan.
Yrs, Bashir.

Along with the card, Bashir has sent along a navy pashmina shawl.

[Peter smiles a bit.]

No, I think it's a good idea. As you said, it's encouraged. [He considers a moment.] I do hope that 'deepening the bond' isn't euphemistic but... well. We do want to be seen to be good citizens, don't we?

[If it's something like that, well. They'll cross that bridge when they come to it. At least it isn't explicitly sexual like he's heard the ritual in the caves to be.]

I think there's a bell stand set up just outside of the Dominant apartments, isn't there? I can meet you there.

Whichever's most convenient. If Hawke sent you my way then I trust you.
Sanctuary...refresh my memory on what that is?

[He's not a magic user so it's not entirely on his radar.]

Sanctuary is Anders' attempt to give magic users a safe place to gather and learn in Duplicity. It's the most secure location that it technically public I can think of. I can send you an address if you're willing to meet there.

or i can come to where you are.

Oh, yes, that's right. I don't mind meeting you there at all.

[He's a little curious about it, honestly.]

Then if you are free, I will meet you outside and we can... talk.

[It's absolutely a possibility that Sally is choosing to ignore in this context. God, please, can anything here not involve sex? Sally gives a bit of an awkward laugh.]

Yeah...good citizens.

[Good citizens don't end up in realignment.]

That's perfect--I'll see you there!

[And Sally, for her part, will be hoping and praying the entire way that this is just a normal thing. It probably won't be normal. But if nobody around the bell is naked, that's going to be a good sign.]

It sounds like a plan. Shall we say around 2pm?

[...He really does wonder what they're supposed to be talking about.]

[ He lets Peter know when he's leaving, and then does so. He's waiting outside the place - in the black leather jacket with dark green suede panels, and his hair back - when the other man arrives.

he steps forward with a slight smile to offer his hand. ]

I'm Alaric. Let's go inside and I'll try to explain myself - or Hawke, as the case may be.

[Oh, he's rather handsome isn't he? It's an idle thought, but a thought nonetheless.

Peter smiles as well, shaking Alaric's hand and then nodding.]

It's a pleasure to meet you. I can't say that I'm not a bit curious as to what this is all about.

[ He catches the gist but he's not paying much attention and, anyway, he knows that he is very pretty. ]

Relationships - with multiple people. Hawke seemed to think I could be useful.

[After they disconnect and Peter gets ready, he heads for the bell. This time he isn't early although he's a little more prompt than usual.

He smiles when he sees Sally and approaches her. It's also different from the last time they saw each other and much more normal. Polite, not eager.]

Well then. Shall we be traditional?

[That's a little bit of a joke, considering both....Peter himself, and their arrangement. He isn't and they aren't.]

[Peter has this easy way about him that...well, it doesn't make her feel more confident, but it does help her lose some of the tension that she's generally always carrying around with her. Sally cracks a bit of a smile at the tongue-in-cheek question, and she nods. With luck, traditional won't be up to Duplicity code.]

I'm ready if you are.

[The line's free at the moment, so with a breath and praying for normalcy, Sally steps up to the bell and waits, timing it so they'll reach out to ring it together.]

Relationships with multiple... [Peter repeats the phrase - partially - in what seems like surprise, blinking a bit as well. That...is not what he expected.] Well. I suppose he's not wrong.

[He follows Alaric in to the building, still looking confused. And a bit thoughtful.]

I'm a bit surprised he's aware of my...situation.

[ There isn't much of a tour happening, but he is leading the way slowly enough to leave room for questions.

And headed for the 'library' which is relatively small - and quiet with good seating. ]

Why? Was it a secret?

[And ring it together they do. Internally, at least, Peter braces himself a bit for any potential foolishness of Duplicity's variety.

That doesn't come, at least. He glances over at Sally and feels no particular urge. Nothing stirring between his legs. Thank god....

But just as he's preparing to be relieved, something else wells up. Not attraction, although the feeling does cause him to take a step or two closer to her, wanting suddenly to be near. No. Not attraction. Devotion, though. A desire to have her be happy with him. It feels less desperate than the way he wanted her to like him last month.

For now.]

What were your plans for the rest of the day? I could...assist you?

[Peter wants to help but more importantly he wants to be close by.]

[As far as she can tell, everything seems...normal. Except for the sudden, abrupt idea that Peter has better things to do, and she'd really rather hang out with him longer. But how does she even go about bringing that up? They don't really have a lot in common, after all. And she's so, so...]

Really? I mean, er...of course! I don't have plans, though. I never have plans. I mean, except when I'm working? But I'm not working, on account of the holiday. I don't have holiday plans. Outside of this, I mean.

[Why is she getting so worked up? It's not like she has a crush on him, or anything. That's what this kind of panic is usually reserved for. Sally just feels suddenly, almost desperately, like...well, it would be nice if he approved of her. She'd like him to know that she cares. And the deluge of insecurities pours out of her, an internal barrage of self-loathing.

Listen to you, Oink. Could you possibly be more pathetic? Bad enough that you look the way that you do, but at least you could make yourself sound less intolerable. No one will ever want to spend time with you, really, who could blame them?]

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