[ jealousy isn't the right identifier for the clench of emotion that comes in response to this confirmation. envy is closer, wound like a vise around his ribs. ]
[ Not that he thinks there could be a direct answer from Alina. Or that there is much value in putting the question to her; it's the kind of thing that could create fractures. ]
She's not stupid, Nikolai. The moment she asks me if we've fucked and my response to her isn't an answer but some version of "let's go find him first", she's going to know. And she's going to react poorly. Not because we've fucked, but because she's going to assume we don't think she can handle it, like she's some kind of child.
[Hang on there. Drunken wheels were turning. Almost there.]
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Then why didn't you fucking say that in the first place. Like Hey, Yanth, let's go together and tell her we've fucked? So much clearer than If she asks, I want to be there and not learn if she likes the idea or not.
No. I've laid claim to the basement, since Terry Silver has left it for better accommodations. We could speak there, provided we do so before the time I usually invite the card players down.
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Ask me what you really want to ask.
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[ It. The bones. The would-be amplifier. Aleksander's death. ]
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And you gave her what she needed?
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[ Not that he thinks there could be a direct answer from Alina. Or that there is much value in putting the question to her; it's the kind of thing that could create fractures. ]
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Does she know we've been together?
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If she asks, and you're inclined to tell, I'd like to be invited to that conversation.
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It may not matter to her. But if it does, I'd like to know.
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[ "it" ]
But I don't know that it'll be the first thing that comes to her mind.
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We might make certain we're all in the same place when the topic comes up.
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Then why didn't you fucking say that in the first place. Like Hey, Yanth, let's go together and tell her we've fucked? So much clearer than If she asks, I want to be there and not learn if she likes the idea or not.
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[ the next time they have to decide how to tell alina they've fucked. ]
Critique on my method of proposal aside, how does the idea strike you?
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Maybe the tavern, in a few weeks time. Assuming the scrutiny from the villagers has passed.
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I've laid claim to the basement, since Terry Silver has left it for better accommodations. We could speak there, provided we do so before the time I usually invite the card players down.
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I like the pitch, now answer me a question: why do you want to share her? With me, nonetheless.
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[ a flippant consideration on the way to something more fraught— ]
I don't, truth be told. But that has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with my own sentimentality. And here, I think it is impractical.
I've no desire to force her into a choice. It would make her unhappy, whatever she decided.
Besides all of that, I like you, Ianthe. And so does she.
Would you answer me the same, while we're asking questions.
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