Isle of Avalon - IC Inbox

[standvastig]

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4/27

[leitstern]

[Late afternoon, a package awaits Hendrik upon the couch he has taken as a bed. One case of watercolours, a collection of different sized waterpads with an assortment of brush pens - and a pair of stretched canvas prepared with gesso and ground.

Jasper acknowledges nothing about it and continues working upstairs. .]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik isn't around most of the afternoon, working some odd jobs around the city that require a strong arm or an extended reach. Returning to the house with steak, soup, and strawberry shortcake (a "fun" challenge he gave himself), he's already setting dinner on the kitchen counter before he notices the impressive set of ... painting supplies?

Well. Time to find out what's going on there.]

Did you buy paint supplies?

[leitstern]

Oh, they arrived? I thought to test the delivery service. It seems remarkably convenient.

[standvastig]

It appears so. I suppose one of the familiars must have brought them inside.

[He's just going to carefully look over everything. He knows what a canvas and paintbrushes are, of course, and he thinks he recognizes paints in that case over there...]

[leitstern]

[Ah. That would explain why the Iron Maiden floated downstairs some time ago.]

Excellent. Does it look like anything is damaged?

[standvastig]

I do not believe so. Everything looks well packed against the rain.

[After looking everything over a little longer...]

Shall I bring them upstairs?

[leitstern]

Thank you but no. Everything there is for you, after all.

[A little gesture, a little gift. What is he trying to say? Even he isn't sure.]

[standvastig]

[...Um. What?]

I did not request for paints?

[He's. Puzzled.]

[leitstern]

[Of course. The man is a dunce.

Perhaps this needs blunt honesty.]

How can you be so tiresome, Hendrik? Do you not know a gift when it is staring you in the face?

[standvastig]

[Uhhh. Considering where they were not even two months ago, the idea of receiving a gift from Jasper is rather strange. To say the least.

But he should ... at least acknowledge the effort.]

I was not aware we were giving each other gifts.

[Acknowledge the effort.]

I know nothing about painting, unfortunately. Apologies.

[leitstern]

[This idea has certainly prompted them into talking. It occurs to him that it might be inappropriate, a personal gift for an impersonal life. He scarcely knows how to talk about what has happened between them. Perhaps this gesture will make amends without either of them needing to breathe a word.

He doesn't even know if there is anything to make amends for, but whilst he is here best keep the peace.]

I thought it should help you relax.

And stretch that unimaginative mind of yours, I suppose. But should you want me to take everything back...

[standvastig]

[Well, it sounds like the gift was coming from good intentions, even if the fact remains that Hendrik doesn't know anything about painting. That just makes it all the more alarming when Jasper starts suggesting that he will take the supplies back.]

No, I will not burden you in such a way. I will have to learn how to use all of these items.

[More books to put on the shelf.]

[leitstern]

[Acceptance. Hendrik's welcome of his gift offers its own relief.]

With them costing an arm and a leg I should certainly hope so!

Now, what have you brought for supper?

[standvastig]

I will be sure to keep that in mind as I learn more about painting.

[He's not sure what to make of the fact that he has so much time to dedicate to such ... hobbies now, but it is very, very different from the majority of his life thus far.

The question about supper is a familiar and welcome topic.]

Today the theme was the letter S. I have steak, soup, and shortcake.

[He might be a little proud of his "themes."]

[leitstern]

[Now Hendrik jokes? Oh dear. He could comment about that. He could, or...]

Shortcake?

[Dessert! That's the important question, here.]

[standvastig]

Strawberry shortcake. There are extra strawberries as well.

[It seemed someone had a lot more luck with redirecting all the rain into something profitable. Like more berries to sell.]

[leitstern]

My, my. You are a good soul.

Next thing you know, you shall be trying to convince me to stay.

[standvastig]

[That... That particular reply gives Hendrik pause.]

I thought you intended to stay?

[leitstern]

Of course I do! But surely there is a difference between one's presence being tolerated or accepted?

[Perhaps this is not the time.]

[standvastig]

I was not aware that discussion was needed.

[Then again, Hendrik isn't always aware certain conversations need to be had. They generally need to smack him in the face.

And he certainly has spent the majority of his time renting this house and not occupying one of its bedrooms.]

You are here now. You are staying here.

[So he can keep an eye on him. But he doesn't think that needs to be said.]

[leitstern]

[No response comes for a few minutes.

There is something deep and indescribable in having those words in written form. A little look here, a little peek there. That he can take his phone out his pocket and read them anytime he likes - and feel those strange emotions anew? It leaves him more than a little shook up.]

I shall endeavour to return home at midnight in a state of high spirits, then.

[He is staying here under scrutiny, yes. But he remembers a time when he went completely unnoticed. And this compared to that is heaven.]

[standvastig]

[He reads and rereads the reply from Jasper, tilting his head. Jasper is alluding to something, but he isn't quite sure what.]

You are giving yourself a curfew?

[Truth be told, if that is what is being said, it would be a weight off his shoulders. Not that he generally considered Jasper the type to stay out all night.]

[leitstern]

Not if I can help it. But should it ascribe you some level of comfort...

[He will at least make an effort. For a week.]

[standvastig]

I never took you to be the type to stay out terribly late. So I suppose it does not matter.

[...He says that, not quite taking into consideration that Jasper may very well prove him wrong. He needs to be better about this.]

[leitstern]

Goodness! Now you are simply asking me to prove you wrong.

[That is warning enough.]

Hendrik, I hope you should know me better than that.

[There had been a connection. It's too late in the day to think it might still be here.]