[ic] cerevice inbox

[unionjackoff]

[there is a pause that has been recorded, unintentionally, followed by the sound of someone clearing his throat]

Uh. Hullo. This is Arthur Kirkland. Please leave a message. Or text. Or whatever...

[beep]

Comments

[unionjackoff]

[ah...]

It's quite all right. It's... something you should learn, anyway. Everyone should.

[sortileges]

I just... Never really thought about it until... You know.

[ Until he was here and ended up with one of the thirstiest people in Cerealia... Ah. ]

[unionjackoff]

Until... it actually happened. [England scratches his cheek] I understand. But if you were in my world, in this day and age, you would have at least had classes on it, and would have been able to talk to peers.

[sortileges]

Well... [ He runs a hand through his hair. ] I might have left this too long but. I appreciate the help.

[unionjackoff]

[England smiles faintly, taking up his cup again]

How are other things going with this lady?

[sortileges]

I... [ It isn't more embarrassing to talk about this side of things, but with anyone else it would have been a lot more awkward and complicated. Instead, he starts slowly, quietly. ]

We went through a problem. Mostly because of me, but I ... wasn't being honest with her about some things. I told her everything so...

[ Well, almost. ]

[unionjackoff]

[the nation nods, remembering when Merlin had told him this before] Is everything squared away now?

[sortileges]

Yeah. [ He plays with his cup a bit, half leaning forward to touch it on the table. ] I don't know if she's being completely honest with me, but I trust her. There's a lot of things I've done that... [ He clears his throat. ] I wouldn't have blamed her if she decided to leave, but I feel like it's made things stronger over all.

[unionjackoff]

That's good. I'm glad. [England finishes off that first cup. the awkwardness from their earlier conversation seems to have faded away. which is fine, because England trusts there will be plenty more awkward conversations to come]

[sortileges]

Did you want another cup or...? [ He made enough for two cups each, so... ]

[unionjackoff]

I think I am good for now, thank you. [he sighs, considering going to the library now, after all. England doesn't want to rush Merlin along, but he also doesn't want to make him wait] I think. I am going to see what books they have to offer here.

[sortileges]

[ He almost chokes on his tea then. ]

Now?

[unionjackoff]

Yes, now. I actually haven't been to Cerealia's library in a while. [and he's certainly never checked the, ah, section on reproduction] It could be a dead-end, and if that's the case, I want to know if I'll have to start looking elsewhere.

[sortileges]

R-right... [ What is he supposed to say to that? ] Then I'll see you some other time?

[unionjackoff]

[England nods, feeling... what is he feeling... like he has a job to do? like he's being useful? like this is going to lead to one of the most embarrassing conversations in his life? yes, all that!] I'll see you soon!

[sortileges]

I'll see you soon. [ He's polite though and makes sure he walks him to the door, giving him a slightly awkward smile before he leaves.





Then bangs his head lightly against it once it closes.

Well. It didn't go as badly as it could have done????? ]