How very dramatic. I feel as though...what is the English term? You are appropriating my culture. Yes. That is it. It is my job to be dramatic.
[ The teasing dies when Root apologizes for leaving her behind, the smile fading from Clea's face to be replaced by a mask of careful neutrality. She crosses her arms over her chest. Once upon a time, she would have loved for someone to apologize to her for leaving her, even if Root hadn't been high on the list of people whose words she wanted to hear. Her parents should have been there for her. Her 'friends'. Root is - was - an assassin.
In many ways, Clea appreciates the straight-forward nature of her interactions with the sketchier side of the 'business' world. Root disappeared because she had a life to live. She'd always been clear about what she was. No promises had been made, and therefore none had been broken. ]
You have a life to live.
[ She waves a hand dismissively, though Root's quotation does bring a smile back to her face, even if it's strained. ]
People believe 'friendship' to be merely gossiping over coffee, but it should be more than that. Unfortunately, I question whether the modern world has room for such depth. Many days, I feel we do not.
Human existence is a facile caricature devoid of real meaning, [ Root agrees scornfully, as cynical as ever. But now there's something lacking from her derision, a kind of softened edge like a blunted blade. ]
... But it doesn't have to be.
[ She'd apologized because Clea was owed an apology and Root felt sincerely sorry, and that was all; she isn't looking for a particular reaction, and certainly not forgiveness. If relationships are a give and take, then Root is capable of immense patience and astonishing openness in waiting to see what she'll be given. She can tell Clea was affected by what she'd said, but isn't totally sure in what way yet.
The interest in her gaze is not blunted at all, Root's focused attention acute enough to prick the skin. ]
If you're interested, that is. I didn't just drop in for a social call -- though maybe I should have, [ she says to herself as a thoughtful aside. ] I think you can help me somehow.
[ Or Root can help her, but she thinks Clea is more likely to be engaged if it goes the other way. Showing up on someone you haven't seen in years only to insist you can ambiguously help them with something tends not to go over well. ]
Oh, now I understand. You're trying to recruit me into a cult.
[ Clea smiles in fondness, her eyes glittering as she makes the joke. Just because it is pleasant to see Root with a bit of optimism in her, and just because Clea is happy that her friend seems more at peace with herself, does not mean that she will not mock her mercilessly for sounding ridiculous.
Arching her neck to draw attention to its length, and to the collarbone that can be seen through the unbuttoned section of her linen shirt, Clea returns Root's look of interest with one of her own, looking at her with piercing eyes, as though she wants to memorize everything about the other woman. ]
Perhaps if the cult members are all so interesting.
But absolutely not if it's some manner of rural idiocy. Even you are not cute enough for that.
[ But apparently, Root is here on business. Clea raises an eyebrow at her and leans back in her chair. ]
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no subject
[ The teasing dies when Root apologizes for leaving her behind, the smile fading from Clea's face to be replaced by a mask of careful neutrality. She crosses her arms over her chest. Once upon a time, she would have loved for someone to apologize to her for leaving her, even if Root hadn't been high on the list of people whose words she wanted to hear. Her parents should have been there for her. Her 'friends'. Root is - was - an assassin.
In many ways, Clea appreciates the straight-forward nature of her interactions with the sketchier side of the 'business' world. Root disappeared because she had a life to live. She'd always been clear about what she was. No promises had been made, and therefore none had been broken. ]
You have a life to live.
[ She waves a hand dismissively, though Root's quotation does bring a smile back to her face, even if it's strained. ]
People believe 'friendship' to be merely gossiping over coffee, but it should be more than that. Unfortunately, I question whether the modern world has room for such depth. Many days, I feel we do not.
no subject
... But it doesn't have to be.
[ She'd apologized because Clea was owed an apology and Root felt sincerely sorry, and that was all; she isn't looking for a particular reaction, and certainly not forgiveness. If relationships are a give and take, then Root is capable of immense patience and astonishing openness in waiting to see what she'll be given. She can tell Clea was affected by what she'd said, but isn't totally sure in what way yet.
The interest in her gaze is not blunted at all, Root's focused attention acute enough to prick the skin. ]
If you're interested, that is. I didn't just drop in for a social call -- though maybe I should have, [ she says to herself as a thoughtful aside. ] I think you can help me somehow.
[ Or Root can help her, but she thinks Clea is more likely to be engaged if it goes the other way. Showing up on someone you haven't seen in years only to insist you can ambiguously help them with something tends not to go over well. ]
no subject
[ Clea smiles in fondness, her eyes glittering as she makes the joke. Just because it is pleasant to see Root with a bit of optimism in her, and just because Clea is happy that her friend seems more at peace with herself, does not mean that she will not mock her mercilessly for sounding ridiculous.
Arching her neck to draw attention to its length, and to the collarbone that can be seen through the unbuttoned section of her linen shirt, Clea returns Root's look of interest with one of her own, looking at her with piercing eyes, as though she wants to memorize everything about the other woman. ]
Perhaps if the cult members are all so interesting.
But absolutely not if it's some manner of rural idiocy. Even you are not cute enough for that.
[ But apparently, Root is here on business. Clea raises an eyebrow at her and leans back in her chair. ]
And what would that be?