✖ IC CONTACT #3

I don't want to talk about it. I just want somewhere to sleep that isn't going to cost me a ridiculous amount of ivories. Are you going to be helpful, or am I going to have to ask someone else?

[...]

For how long do you require a room?

I don't know.

[You've got to be kidding.]

The attic is not properly made up and Lelouch may be using the spare periodically. He was permitted to occupy the room while repairs were being made to his home after Themis rose...and I've been too preoccupied to follow up since.

But, as I do not actually require my personal quarters, you can use it for the time being.

Don't make a mess.

[ Hilarious, given Lelouch would have been next on his list. ]

You have my thanks. I'll keep it neat.

Would it be too much to ask you not tell anyone? I mean, I don't expect you to keep it from Priscilla, or your household, but. Anybody else who might ask.

[Pointedly...]

Merlin, perhaps?

Yes, all right, Merlin. Or...

[ A breath. The first name is the hardest. ]

Morgana. Guinevere. Lancelot.

[Isley sighs.]

Very well.

[He's curious now, more than he was before, about what happened to you when you returned home. But he won't pry. Right this moment, at least.]

I'll not be home until quite late tomorrow as I will be heading to Themis.

Christ, Themis.

[ That seems like something from so long ago. He huffs out a humourless little laugh. ]

All right. I'm heading to your house... right now, actually. But I shall see you tomorrow.

[ He's incredibly, inexpressibly grateful; for the lack of questions more than the bed. ]

[Right now?]

[Have another sigh.]

Very well. Although I may see you this evening if that's the case. It's fine, however. I will likely spend the night in the training hall or the library.

Do try not to irritate Rigaldo too much while you're here, though?

I think Rigaldo and I get on just fine.

[ All forced jollity. But he'll do his best to avoid him anyway. And Isley, if he can manage it. ]

...Thank you.

[ Those words are a lot more grudging when he's not enchanted. ]

Why thank me?

You'll be expected to earn your keep the same as anyone else under my roof. No servants will wait on you there.

I'm quite capable of looking after myself, you know.

...Even if it's, perhaps, been a while.

I shall look forward to seeing you do so.

[...]

Why did you come to me?

You own your own house, I can rely on you not to ask me inane questions about my wellbeing, and you didn't mock me for acting like the village idiot in front of the entire city.

[ And because... he knew Isley'd say yes. ]

I was very tempted.

[Isley's amusement sounds subdued, however.]

I'll know by tomorrow evening whether or not Lelouch will be making use of the spare room. If not, you'll have it to yourself. It is the room on the second floor nearest the stairs and beside Jon's. Although it is smaller than the others, it is private and well away from the noise that sometimes befalls the main floor during the daytime.

[ Very quiet, now. ]

Your generosity is appreciated, Isley.

I'm certain it is.

And that you won't mind being equally cooperative if ever I need something from you in the future, yes?

Obviously.

Edited 2012-01-30 09:32 (UTC)

I'm very pleased to hear that.

...why did you ask Yachiru to stop calling you by that name?

Err, I don't mean that to be a complaint or anything. But she... asked me.

And I don't know what to say.

There is no reason she should continue to call me by such a name. What relationship existed before between us is no more.

Therefore my tolerance for such juvenile behavior is also no more.

Hmm. I'm not sure I should really tell her that.

[But she doesn't object, or argue, or defend the relationship, such as it... was?]

Then tell her she has forfeit her right to such a privilege by neglecting to continue her training with me on a regular basis, then.

Either way, the use of the name is no longer acceptable.

...maybe I should just tell her to ask you.

✖ IC CONTACT #3

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