ic inbox;

[madhatted]

[The voice that of the message is probably not the one you expect. And if you're Gilbert, probably causes traumatic flashbacks. It's certainly Break's voice, but a bit high pitched and more comical...]

Hello, this is Emily! You're obviously an idiot who can't even come see someone in person if it's important, but I'll take pity on you anyways. Leave a message and I'll tell the wonderful and charming Mr. Break about it if it's worth it!

[are you sure you even want to leave a message now]

Comments

[unicornered]

You don't befriend very many people, even the ones you do like, so I thought as much.

[madhatted]

[ Well... He can't deny that. He coughs into his hand, almost embarrassed at having it pointed out, but he nods. ]

Well, that's true enough... Though it was an interesting talk, I have to say.

[unicornered]

Would you care to divulge parts of it?

[madhatted]

[ He sighs heavily, but it's more exasperation at remember the conversation. ]

I would not, but it is... Not information, strictly. It's more a different perspective on Cecil, and not one I had expected. If you would still like to hear it, I will share, but it may not be anything useful.

[unicornered]

... I would. Truthfully, that person is hard to understand.

[ at least, for Sharon. ]

[madhatted]

I can't disagree with that in the slightest.

[ He shakes his head, and sorely wishes in this moment that they had more of the luxuries of home, since he would much prefer to give this information over tea, a casual interaction with Sharon, but oh well. ]

His reason for signing the contract was... more selfless than I thought. The reason that he gave was that he wanted nothing more than a line of communication between us and Yao. It was denied, but he signed anyways. But this wasn't as interesting as the fact that he was deeply concerned when I brought up the possibility that his foolish broadcast might get Miss Kuran killed. He seemingly hadn't thought of it, and was deeply troubled by the notion. I didn't expect that at all, considering...

[ He trails off with a difficult noise, because he can't bring himself to say it, though it's obvious that he's thinking of the situation with Sharon. ]

[unicornered]

How blasé he was concerning my own death? [ Then she'll say it for him. ] From how he'd worded all of that, I hadn't expected him to be truly concerned for her well-being.

[madhatted]

[ He grimaces slightly for her to say it so bluntly, but he nods. ]

That's correct. I was also surprised, but it seems he mostly just has a fantastic lack of foresight. [ He sighs, shaking his head. ] His surprise that Yao may target her was genuine, I'm certain. He does not lie very well at all.

[unicornered]

Perhaps I should ask Miss Yuuki about their connection... if there's anyone here he deems that precious, I should like to know.

[ JUST IN CASE. ]

[madhatted]

[ He nods ]

I agree. It would be a good idea to see more about this from her side. Are you two close enough for her to be honest with you?

[ Lady Sharon befriends everyone, so he assumes probably ]

[unicornered]

We've spoken more than once... I suppose I could see if that would be enough. Or I could continue to improve our relationship first.

[madhatted]

Whatever you feel is best. In this case, it would be better if I minimized contact with her, most likely.

[ He doesn't even know that Yuuki knows, but. ]

[unicornered]

... [ Haaaa. ] Yes, that would be for the best. I'll keep you informed.

[madhatted]

Thank you, milady.

[ He says it with a playful smile and tone, but then reaches out to gently grab one of those long locks of hair that frames her face. His expression softens, and he shakes his head. ]

Depending on how this goes... We will have to talk. If Cecil is punished for Yuuki having known, then there are plans that we should discuss should I be put in a similar position as him.

[unicornered]

I understand. [ with one lock of hair taken captive, even. She's too pensive to blush this time. ] Shall we continue this conversation at a later time, then?

[madhatted]

Yes. Until I have more information, it would be a bit early to start jumping to conclusions.

[ He withdraws his hand, drawing his fingers affectionately through her hair, because it's the only way he can perceive the detail he had once seen instead. ]

Please, try not to worry too much until then, however.

[unicornered]

[ He's probably the only one Sharon will ever permit to touch her like this anyway, grandmother excepted. It's fine, if it's Break. ]

You may be asking the impossible... but I'll attempt to focus my worries elsewhere.

[madhatted]

I know, it is more than likely the same for me, but...! I will simply have to do the same.

[ He laughs, shaking his head ]

Is there anything else, milady, while you're here?

[unicornered]

I believe this should suffice... thank you, Break.

[madhatted]

You're welcome, of course.

[ He nods, then gives a softer smile. ]

I promise you, if I am able to tell it without endangering you? You will be the first to know of anything like this, Sharon. I know I do not deserve to be able to ask this, but please, trust me.

[unicornered]

... That isn't something you should be asking of me, Break. [ she understands why he is, and she dislikes it, but not everything is so easily repaired once it's broken. Still, her sense of trust in him-- deep down, that hadn't been shattered at all. Her sense of protectiveness is really the one that's grown from all of this. ]

I'll make the decision to believe in you myself. See to it that you don't disappoint me.

[ He knows what she meas. ]

[madhatted]

[ He does understand, because they had learned to speak to each other in very particular ways. It makes his smile less apologetic and more playful once again, though it's muted by the serious nature if the conversation. Break bows his head respectfully. ]

I will take care not to. I could not survive the queen's wrath, could I~?

[ He straightens, then lifts a hand for a playful wave of his hand. ]

So, take care yourself.