(no subject)

[merry_heart]

It's a long, long way to the very, very top of the Northwest Tower, but that's where Francis has been staying lately.

(Susan named him Francis. She thinks it suits him.)

She tugs a little on X's hand as they make their way down corridors and up stairs and down more corridors.

"When we get there," she says, as they turn a corner and are almost to the bottom of the stairs, "you have to pretend to be scared. Otherwise, you'll hurt his feelings.

"He's trying to be scary.

"He's just not very good at it yet."

Comments

[merry_heart]

"Don't worry," Susan says soothingly.

"We'll take care of it.

"It'll be fine."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes," X agrees.

"And then you will have company."

Beat.

"It will be -- "

It takes her a moment to find the appropriate innocuous word.

" -- good."

[ordinary_sorts]

"Well, if you're sure."

He might not mean to give them a beseeching look, but that is what happens.

Company really would be lovely.

And anything he does not have to arrange himself is probably for the best.

"But that doesn't mean you'll stop visiting me, does it? Only you're lovely company. When you can be spared, of course. From your -- do you have duties?"

[merry_heart]

"Of course," Susan says. "I'm the Princess Royal."

She hears a lot about duty, so she must have some.

"But I make time for my friends. Just like Mama.

"We'll visit," she says, blithely committing X to this course.

. . . X doesn't mind, right?

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes," X agrees, hard on the heels of Susan's comment.

"We will."

Maybe X will even learn how to successfully feign fear when she is not on a mission.

Eventually.








Probably not.

[ordinary_sorts]

"Oh good."

Francis sounds unutterably relieved.

And then, somewhat stymied for what to do next, he gets back to pacing.

At least he seems somewhat less frenetic, this time?

[merry_heart]

"I think it is time for tea now," Susan says grandly.

"X and I will send for it."

[cutting_edgex23]

"I do not think it will take long," X confirms.

And maybe, in deference to Francis' incorporeality, they can forgo the feather boas.

This time.

[ordinary_sorts]

"Oh, that will be lovely," Francis says, clasping his hand together in what, for him, are paroxysms of joy.

He has missed tea, so very much.

And maybe they will let him keep the cup and saucer for a while.

It will be a comfort.