What kind of question is that? You've been my partner and we've stopped each other from losing control due to the forces in this world. Isn't that what's required?
[your pancakes are going to get cold at this rate.]
Never, but if you didn't have me, you would have. Magic bursting you apart at the seams, and everything else Witches are supposed to go through should they not have a proper outlet.
[homemade, fluffy, flavored with vanilla. it seems Dantes has more cooking talents than he's let on. thanks, Dumas, for making a protagonist.]
Beyond that, we maintain our mutual home, we conduct investigations, we've made financial strides - yes, even though it came at the cost of you nearly severing your leg - we have productive discussions, and you've even seen fit to outfit me for special occasions. None of that is what I would consider lacking in a partnership, particularly since you do not attempt to order me around as though you were my commander.
... hmph. How can I argue when you present such an airtight list?
[And with delicious food, to boot. Andersen isn't accustomed to being treated so kindly - and it's apparent by how his sharp tongue is dulled during this conversation. He cuts more pancakes for himself, chewing each piece slowly to savor the flavor.]
I'll remember that the next time you call me a sulking housecat.
[truth be told, none of it would stop how Dantes ordinarily was. he did it exactly because he wished to, and if Andersen was so stunned by his moments of magnanimity, then he had forgotten some key details.]
Hold on, this exchange isn't finished yet. Wait here, why don't you?
[And, without waiting for Dantes's response, Andersen has hopped off his seat and jumped up the stairs. He's back in a minute with an envelope in hand, which he slaps onto the table with enough force to make the tableware jump and clatter.]
[Andersen's haste surprises him, and he takes the envelope with his free hand, swallowing his bite of food before he'll set the fork down to open it up. an exchange? this had been something he didn't expect anything in return for.]
[Inside are two tickets. They're to a show titled The Duke of the Cwyld - likely illegal, gauging by the poor packaging they've come in. Andersen begins to scoop more pancakes into his mouth.]
Entertainment, [he says, mouth half-full] for you and any person of your choosing. From what I remember, you enjoy the arts, don't you? They perform the show each night at eight. It's a small gathering, so it shouldn't attract any unwanted attention. Consider it a well-deserved break.
[tickets to the illegal theatre. Dantes actually laughs, sharp in the air, but the grin on his face says it's not so cruelly meant.]
You've struck at my heart, to pick such a thing. It's true that I've been quite a poor patron of the arts here, with how rare it is - I thank you sincerely for these.
[he tucks them back into the envelope, setting it down on the table before resuming breakfast.]
You said this was meant to be a break. Meaning, something outside of work. Going to the opera with an ally would be work. If you refuse to go, I'm going to anonymously gift these to someone else entirely and feel satisfied that they might be happy.
Are you sure? No carefully laid Christmas plans you must attend to? I would wait so that I could be graced by the presence of the newest best selling author.
[is he teasing? maybe. but with such a pessimist, he has to occasionally do so. it's part of their typical eighty arguments per month.]
Don't remind me. The last thing I want to see is another scantily-clad Santa riding a giraffe or dog or whatever bizarre animal they've roped into their shenanigans!
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[He likes it. Andersen sets down the watch.]
Have I really acted as a proper Witch?
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[your pancakes are going to get cold at this rate.]
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Hold on, when did I ever lose control?
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[homemade, fluffy, flavored with vanilla. it seems Dantes has more cooking talents than he's let on. thanks, Dumas, for making a protagonist.]
Beyond that, we maintain our mutual home, we conduct investigations, we've made financial strides - yes, even though it came at the cost of you nearly severing your leg - we have productive discussions, and you've even seen fit to outfit me for special occasions. None of that is what I would consider lacking in a partnership, particularly since you do not attempt to order me around as though you were my commander.
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[And with delicious food, to boot. Andersen isn't accustomed to being treated so kindly - and it's apparent by how his sharp tongue is dulled during this conversation. He cuts more pancakes for himself, chewing each piece slowly to savor the flavor.]
Thank you. You're not a bad partner, either.
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[truth be told, none of it would stop how Dantes ordinarily was. he did it exactly because he wished to, and if Andersen was so stunned by his moments of magnanimity, then he had forgotten some key details.]
Merry Christmas, Caster.
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[And, without waiting for Dantes's response, Andersen has hopped off his seat and jumped up the stairs. He's back in a minute with an envelope in hand, which he slaps onto the table with enough force to make the tableware jump and clatter.]
Take this.
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What's this, then?
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Entertainment, [he says, mouth half-full] for you and any person of your choosing. From what I remember, you enjoy the arts, don't you? They perform the show each night at eight. It's a small gathering, so it shouldn't attract any unwanted attention. Consider it a well-deserved break.
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You've struck at my heart, to pick such a thing. It's true that I've been quite a poor patron of the arts here, with how rare it is - I thank you sincerely for these.
[he tucks them back into the envelope, setting it down on the table before resuming breakfast.]
So, which upcoming nights are you free?
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An opera is a chance for you to strengthen your bond with one of your important friends, perhaps even a much-needed ally. You'll squander it on me?
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[truly....his circle of friends is very small.]
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If you insist on my coming, I guess I can clear tonight for you.
[baka]
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[is he teasing? maybe. but with such a pessimist, he has to occasionally do so. it's part of their typical eighty arguments per month.]
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[Nobody would enjoy his company.]
I've no friends in this city.
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[it doesn't matter. they have breakfast, and each other's company, solitary creatures they are.]
We shall make merry of our own accord, and be glad it is not somehow under siege like Chaldea happens to be every holiday.
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[don't speak a curse into existence Dantes...]