xxiii. dictated

[heloise]

Spike
He came home.

What terrible months we have seen, before even the dog days arrive!

I say we put an end to it, at once. The Castle drinks our joys as greedily as it feeds on our sorrows; we might show it that happiness is what we seek. Happiness beyond bound, which we would gladly offer as payment for our borrowed time, and no more tears.

Summer brings music and merriment to the streets of Rome, gypsies and pilgrims alike dancing together. We can do similarly here.

Comments

[gottaknockhard]

[There could be reasons.]

I seem to remember a steak getting involved somewhere.

[heloise]

[ Times less happy. She is quiet for a few minutes. ]

I was a terrible host then.

[gottaknockhard]

[Well, maybe not as fun as dressing him up while he was dead.]

You're lucky then, someone like me wouldn't be able to tell.

[heloise]

I would not underestimate you so easily.

You knew my intentions.

Still filtered!! Gosh slip ups.

[gottaknockhard]

You had intentions?

forever!

[heloise]

Would you claim to have none?

[gottaknockhard]

Mine were pretty obvious from the beginning.

[heloise]

Repaying your debt?

[gottaknockhard]

More or less.

[heloise]

Would you see your debt erased?

[gottaknockhard]

You'd think I was getting close.

[heloise]

You could ask me.

[gottaknockhard]

Ask you?

[Never mind that his debts are his cover story for checking in on her; he hadn't considered her influence.]

[heloise]

I have a debt to repay as well.

[gottaknockhard]

... [He could take advantage of that, but any debt she thinks she has to him is voided by Joshua as far as Spike is concerned.]

I wouldn't worry about it.

[heloise]

Are you to declare it null?

[gottaknockhard]

It factors in there somewhere.

[heloise]

Are you sure?

[ One last chance, Spike! ]

[gottaknockhard]

You make that sound like it'd be a bad suggestion.

[heloise]

Turning down an offer for help might be indeed.

[gottaknockhard]

[Possibly putting him in the hole here, but.]

I guess people who need it have an excuse to be less selfless.

[heloise]

Is that what stays your hand, Spike?

[gottaknockhard]

I've been told I sometimes waste opportunities.

[heloise]

[ That he does, and as much as she doesn't mind humoring him, she is growing irritated by all his dodging. ]

Will you come to visit me?

[gottaknockhard]

[And he thinks this is opening up.]

I'm surprised I haven't worn out my welcome yet.