erebonia | 🗱 Sara/Barnham

[Sara's pride and willingness to introduce him is almost too much for him... he hesitates for a moment as she does so, before he straightens his shoulders and greets everyone with all of the poise he has. It's the least he can do, when Sara is so willing to welcome him into her home.

(But also it's a lot.

And emotionally, kind of overwhelming in a good way, to know that that' show much she truly does care about him.)]

Sorry, I know that was a lot of people for me to throw at you so soon. [ And she says this as she unlocks the doors to the dorm and pushes them open. For a moment, the sight of an empty lobby darkens her eyes-- but she continues. ]

But nobody would forgive me if I didn't introduce them to my boyfriend, and they're all good people.

Do not apologize.

[He shakes his head, and simply and easily:]

I am honored to meet them, and honored as well that you would introduce me to them.

[As ever, he's stupidly sincere.

And he can see that melancholy--so as he steps in, he gently brushes shoulders with her.]

[ Sara shoots him an easy, sidelong grin; she's grateful, really. There's no point in getting sentimental now, anyway. ]

It's a lot more spacious here now, and for the most part the kids kept to their rooms-- but each floor belonged to a different gender. Hardly any scandals, you know.

[... Okay, he's quirking an eyebrow at that.]

"Hardly"?

[That doesn't sound super solid there]

I mean, I don't think anyone went further than makeouts! Very rare makeouts, might I add, that I didn't even witness, but Rean's an open book.

[ What a good teacher. ]

[And, thoughtfully:]

I suppose at that age, they would have much curiosity...

Like I said, they've also been through a lot together. And I think you and I can make a good case for what being put through tons of stress and supporting someone during that time can do for you.

... [A-ahem]

I cannot deny that.

[Obviously.]

I hope...they are also happy together.

... Yeah. I hope so too.

[ She'll take the stairs up now to show him the rooms, though with everything cleared out, it's nothing too fascinating-- and then she flops on one of the couches in the main area with a heavy sigh. ]

I knew it'd be weird with no one here, but I never thought it'd bother me.

... Indeed.

[he knows that Sara's the independent sort, but...]

You grew used to having your students here with you, and now they are not. They have begun work on their own future paths.

[He sits next to her, shaking his head.]

Tis to be expected that it would feel strange, however.

I did everything I could, as their teacher and I'm sure they'll be fine... I guess what comes next is taking charge of my own future now.

[ As a bracer. With Russell and Barnham, both of whom made this choice on their own. ]

I cannot say that is incorrect.

[Though she's clearly gotten used to worrying about other people...now Sara has to worry about herself.]

Knowing you, I am certain you shall find a way to keep your hands entirely full.

You're not wrong! [ with a laugh, she flaps a hand. ]

I guess I just never really thought beyond the present until they put me in charge of a bunch of kids. You know, there's a difference between looking ahead and looking forward. And as a bracer, I'll need to incorporate both now.

I suppose I have a great deal to learn from you as well.

[A nod, and simply:]

So do not think that you have entirely escaped being an instructor.

... If that means you're calling me Lady Instructor or Miss Valestein again--

[ Pass. ]

I believe Sara should be just fine.

Don't you?

Calling me anything else at this point would probably get you punched. I had to work incredibly hard for that status, you know!

[ So very hard!! ]

[He snorts vaguely at that, more amused than anything.]

If I had known it bothered you so much to be referred to by your title, I would have avoided it sooner.

It's not like it bothered me... but you were using it out of formality, right? It meant we weren't all that close, so using it after we kissed...

[ Well. She couldn't blame him for "Miss Valestein" after that trial, but it had still hurt almost more than anything else that had happened then. ]

... I understand.

I never was able to apologize for that. I am sorry, Sara.

[He runs his fingers through his hair uncertainly.]

It was...not a lie that I was upset. But nonetheless, I was a hypocrite.

... Hey.

[ She'll just nudge him lightly, with her elbow. ]

Maybe you were. But I can't say I didn't deserve that, either. I wasn't mad at you for it.

[ Even now, knowing what she does. It had hurt, yes, but Barnham learning that she had been the one to kill Russell? That had to have hurt him so much more. ]

And at any rate, I think we've both addressed it properly by now.

Of course...you are correct. I simply believed that I should apologize to you as well.

[It had to be said, okay.]

But now...we are able to move on. Properly.

And where would you like to move to next, Zach? Pet names?

[ Said completely not seriously. ]

Absolutely not.

[IMMEDIATELY.]

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