[ There's a minute of hesitation before he responds. He has some doubts, but she's not wrong. Security is important, especially with all his recent troubles. And besides, if he lived in the same building, he could help keep an eye on Mara's security as well. Certainly better than he could from across town. ]
Yeah, spacious isn't really the selling point you think it is, but the beds here are nicer. No doubt about that.
Good to know the beds in the penthouse are to your liking even if the style isn't.
It's entirely your choice, of course. I simply thought you might appreciate having a space that was fully your own while still being near.
[ She would prefer to keep him near, to see him safe, but she wouldn't force the matter. That he didn't immediately and firmly discard the idea is something, at least. ]
Didn't say I didn't like the style. Just meant that it's yours, and you have better taste than I do.
And yes, I'm a big fan of the beds in the penthouse.
[ The practical part of Miller's brain wonders how he'd be able to afford any place in this building, but the rest of him wants to accept her suggestion without any more discussion. ]
Well, I would prefer to stay near. Just in case, you know?
Just in case, yes. One can never be too careful in this realm. Particularly with winter coming up. The longer periods of darkness seem to embolden the creatures at times.
[ The slight focus shift is easy to lean into, though it's a genuine point to consider. She recalls the more harrowing parts of the prior winter here.
[ He pretty quickly agreed to her idea of moving, but in truth, he's not completely convinced. Because while he has grown more comfortable with large rooms and luxury while living in Mara's penthouse, that was while it was occupied with (at least) two people and a cat. Even the suites on the lower levels of the building seem like too much space for just Miller. Too much for just one person — a fact that gives him pause.... Well, the whole point is that he won't be going far. And he does need to give Mara her own space back. ]
It's that easy, huh? Just have to find a vacancy in a good location that's willing to let a guy like me move in.
It's that easy. Let me know which of the vacancies you would like and I'll take care of the rest.
I do wish you wouldn't be so disparaging of yourself, though. A 'guy like you' has been living here for months, this is extending the places you can occupy and roam.
[ Well, that answers one question. Two, really. Now's the time Miller has to check his pride and see if he can allow Mara to do him yet another big favor. He brings up the mental register of what he owes her already. She's not immune to him keeping a tally just because they're.... well... just because.
There's a bit of a pause before his response. ]
Guess I'm going apartment hunting.
[ another short pause ]
People tend to be more tolerant when a situation is temporary, but it looks like no one's getting rid of me so easily.
[ Mara's quiet and patient during the delay, but that doesn't mean her mind isn't turning over a few things too. Some related to Miller, some not. While they've spent a lot of time together — particularly in recent months — there is still plenty she doesn't know about him. It's always possible she may have overstepped or brushed against a button she's unaware of. Not that she's one to walk anything back. ]
I would hope my actions have shown I'm not merely tolerating you.
And you need not rush. I don't want you to feel forced into making a decision.
Don't worry. Your actions have been very clear about that.
[ But he wishes this part of the conversation was in person for a little physical reassurance between them. Miller's not needy, but he's become a bit greedy when it comes to her affection, cherishing every precious bit of it. ]
Nah, I don't feel forced. It probably is past time for me to get out of your space and back to my own.
This isn't me kicking you out. If that were the case I would be very clear about it, I promise.
I know people tend to feel more comfortable when they have a place that is distinctly theirs. I want you to be comfortable, to have that security, and not worry that something is temporary.
I trust that. Didn't take it as you kicking me out.
We were waiting for the heat to die down before I went back to my apartment. If I move into this building while no one's looking, that cuts short that wait with a little more safety and a little less ambiguity. And I won't be going far from you. It's a good plan.
[ brief pause ]
But I'll miss waking up just down the hall from you.
[ Since he said something first, it's easier for her to admit: ]
It has been nice, not being alone as often in this space. Back in my world there are generally always others around, for one reason or another. I suppose I became accustomed to it.
While I have spent a great deal of time in solitude during different periods of my life, it isn't always my preference. Being alone in this realm has been... a different beast.
[ It's her turn for a pause. Considering her words. Considering the twist of emotions. A year or two was a long time to many however it's a blink against her timescale, even if these strange realms stand out starkly compared to home. She's felt many things in this place, caused by those she had brought near to her, and some moments remained easier than others for her not to brush aside. It was easier before her venture back home, before newly gained knowledge in the present stirred up the past and poked at her heart.
Sometimes, just sometimes, she wonders how different it would have been if she hadn't loved Sjur. Not an ideal outcome, she always reasons. The same fire that provides warmth and light can turn destructive in an instant.
Her fingers hover over the letters before Mara finally sends a message back. ]
With all due respect, I get the final say if I let you interrupt me or not, and I answered and continued the conversation because I wanted to. Making time for you is better than anything else I'm doing right now.
Just let me know what you need. I'll pick them up on my way back.
[ He really needed to stop making her feel things. Though at least this day there's only the cat to witness her occasional moments of fluster. And the little smile pulling at her lips as she envisions Miller saying such in person. ]
I'm not sure if I have all that's necessary for those cookies of yours. We do still have butter and eggs at least.
[ Truth be told baking hadn't exactly been on her mind until she brought it up but it felt a safe topic shift — and an excuse to be near each other. ]
[ It sounds like an excuse to him, rather than just asking him to come back to the penthouse, but he'll take it. He chuckles to himself as he responds. ]
Yeah, I can pick up the rest.
We can talk about everything else when I get back.
Everything with the move, I mean.
[ Because God forbid they talk about their feelings. They know, and that's enough for now. ]
Edited ((edited for snark)) Date: 2024-10-27 04:32 pm (UTC)
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-10-23 03:19 pm (UTC)Yeah, spacious isn't really the selling point you think it is, but the beds here are nicer. No doubt about that.
For you, I'll think about it.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-23 03:57 pm (UTC)It's entirely your choice, of course. I simply thought you might appreciate having a space that was fully your own while still being near.
[ She would prefer to keep him near, to see him safe, but she wouldn't force the matter. That he didn't immediately and firmly discard the idea is something, at least. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-10-23 04:13 pm (UTC)And yes, I'm a big fan of the beds in the penthouse.
[ The practical part of Miller's brain wonders how he'd be able to afford any place in this building, but the rest of him wants to accept her suggestion without any more discussion. ]
Well, I would prefer to stay near. Just in case, you know?
no subject
Date: 2024-10-23 11:33 pm (UTC)[ The slight focus shift is easy to lean into, though it's a genuine point to consider. She recalls the more harrowing parts of the prior winter here.
It's tempting to leave it at that, but... ]
I would prefer it as well.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 12:08 am (UTC)Careful. Someone overhears you say that and they might start to think you're a little sweet on me.
[ She can probably see his smirk even through the text. ]
Guess if we both prefer staying close, the matter's pretty much decided.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 01:27 am (UTC)I guess it is. I'm glad I didn't have to employ my negotiation skills to convince you.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 02:20 am (UTC)[ Not like he's not having fun now. But he does wish he'd seen her reaction. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 10:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-25 04:03 am (UTC)[ He pretty quickly agreed to her idea of moving, but in truth, he's not completely convinced. Because while he has grown more comfortable with large rooms and luxury while living in Mara's penthouse, that was while it was occupied with (at least) two people and a cat. Even the suites on the lower levels of the building seem like too much space for just Miller. Too much for just one person — a fact that gives him pause.... Well, the whole point is that he won't be going far. And he does need to give Mara her own space back. ]
It's that easy, huh? Just have to find a vacancy in a good location that's willing to let a guy like me move in.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-25 12:40 pm (UTC)I do wish you wouldn't be so disparaging of yourself, though. A 'guy like you' has been living here for months, this is extending the places you can occupy and roam.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-25 03:20 pm (UTC)There's a bit of a pause before his response. ]
Guess I'm going apartment hunting.
[ another short pause ]
People tend to be more tolerant when a situation is temporary, but it looks like no one's getting rid of me so easily.
I'll try.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-26 12:15 am (UTC)I would hope my actions have shown I'm not merely tolerating you.
And you need not rush. I don't want you to feel forced into making a decision.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-26 03:30 am (UTC)[ But he wishes this part of the conversation was in person for a little physical reassurance between them. Miller's not needy, but he's become a bit greedy when it comes to her affection, cherishing every precious bit of it. ]
Nah, I don't feel forced. It probably is past time for me to get out of your space and back to my own.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-26 01:18 pm (UTC)I know people tend to feel more comfortable when they have a place that is distinctly theirs. I want you to be comfortable, to have that security, and not worry that something is temporary.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-26 04:53 pm (UTC)We were waiting for the heat to die down before I went back to my apartment. If I move into this building while no one's looking, that cuts short that wait with a little more safety and a little less ambiguity. And I won't be going far from you. It's a good plan.
[ brief pause ]
But I'll miss waking up just down the hall from you.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-26 05:56 pm (UTC)It has been nice, not being alone as often in this space. Back in my world there are generally always others around, for one reason or another. I suppose I became accustomed to it.
While I have spent a great deal of time in solitude during different periods of my life, it isn't always my preference. Being alone in this realm has been... a different beast.
I'm glad you haven't minded staying here with me.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 03:39 am (UTC)[ and without a doubt, she saved his life by taking him in. Twice. ]
You willing to make me a promise?
Come down to visit me or call me up to your penthouse if you don't want to be alone. Any time. I mean it.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 04:55 am (UTC)Careful, with an offer like that you might find me waking you up or interrupting something.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 12:52 pm (UTC)Wake me up anytime.
I
[ He sends the message too soon on accident but it serves to mirror the stutter step of his thoughts ]
I don't want you to feel alone here. Not while I can help it.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 02:49 pm (UTC)Sometimes, just sometimes, she wonders how different it would have been if she hadn't loved Sjur. Not an ideal outcome, she always reasons. The same fire that provides warmth and light can turn destructive in an instant.
Her fingers hover over the letters before Mara finally sends a message back. ]
Where are you now?
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 02:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 03:22 pm (UTC)If you happen by a grocery on your way back would you mind picking up a couple things? I believe we still have baking to try.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 03:37 pm (UTC)Just let me know what you need. I'll pick them up on my way back.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 03:56 pm (UTC)I'm not sure if I have all that's necessary for those cookies of yours. We do still have butter and eggs at least.
[ Truth be told baking hadn't exactly been on her mind until she brought it up but it felt a safe topic shift — and an excuse to be near each other. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 04:29 pm (UTC)Yeah, I can pick up the rest.
We can talk about everything else when I get back.
Everything with the move, I mean.
[ Because God forbid they talk about their feelings. They know, and that's enough for now. ]
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