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[fatalis]

Jayce Talis

defender

---

COURT

DAWN

DORM

Room 205 / His cabin + workshop

Message @defender

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[fatalis]

We worked together for years and I didn't think he was obvious.

[ Or he was, and Jayce was always just missing the hints, but—]

What do you mean until today?

[kirammans]

He left no room for doubt.

[fatalis]

What did he say?

[kirammans]

Nothing he hasn't said to you, I'm sure.

I'd hope, anyway.

[fatalis]

I guess that depends on what he told you.

[kirammans]

It was sweet.

[It broke her heart. These feelings weren't new, so to know now that during all the killing and fighting and fear and uncertainty there was one more layer of hurt for Jayce--]

And you're being nosy.

[fatalis]

He's a lot sweeter than people realize. You just have to get past the sarcasm.

I'm being nosy?

Cait.

[kirammans]

He volunteered the information. I didn't pry. Ask him.

[fatalis]

Now I'm just curious how it came up.

[kirammans]

Is it that surprising? He and I both love you.

It was bound to come up.

[fatalis]

Should I be worried about the two of you talking about me where I can't see it?

[kirammans]

You tell me, Jayce.

[fatalis]

If that's your answer, yeah. I'm feeling worried, Cait.

[kirammans]

I don't think there's anything Viktor or I could say to one another about you that we don't already know.

[fatalis]

Was that supposed to make me feel better?

[kirammans]

Don't be dramatic. Be glad.

[fatalis]

Why can't I be both?

[kirammans]

Ha ha.

I am happy for you, Jayce. I hope you know I'm sincere when I say that.

[fatalis]

I know, Cait. It just means a lot to me, the two of you talking, even if it's gossiping about me. It's just nice.

And I wasn't... not telling you about it. Just so you know.

[kirammans]

I'm trying. It's just difficult given what I remember happening just a few weeks ago.

I know. You're entitled some privacy.

[fatalis]

I know. But even then? He was still the person I loved. Viktor was still there under all of it. It doesn't change what happened, but right now, Cait, it just means a lot to me that you're trying.

Yeah, maybe, but I was going to tell you. He just beat me to it.

[kirammans]

I trust in you, Jayce. I follow your lead.

[... within reason. She hopes to never have to really go against him.]

It's all right. My feelings aren't hurt. And now I know.

[fatalis]

Thanks, Cait.

And next time, I'll fight him to get to tell you big news first.

[kirammans]

[Fight him? Too soon, Jayce.]

He probably assumed I'd figure it out sooner or later.

[fatalis]

[ Cait. ]

Did you?