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]

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.

[heloise]

Never. Joshua enjoys your company.

[gottaknockhard]

I wonder how that happened.

[heloise]

So do I. [ And not only in his case. ]

Why, do you think?

[gottaknockhard]

Associations, maybe.

[heloise]

His sister?

[gottaknockhard]

I don't think I ever met her.

[heloise]

She was never here.

[gottaknockhard]

They must have an interesting family.

[heloise]

[ She thinks better of speaking about his family, when he was so upset over her sharing details about their little family comprised of the magical child. ]

More interesting than mine?

[gottaknockhard]

[That works out for Spike. He likes to keep the details he knows to a minimum.]

I haven't met yours either.