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. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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?