103

[impure_tale]

Once again, I convey my thanks to Doctor Jones, who was so kind as to look after my Renate whilst I was feeling under the weather.

In light of the recent health crisis, rehearsals are postponed.

[Private to Henry West]

I trust that if you can be so angry with the kitchen staff, you must be healthy.

[Warden Filter]

When you lose ground with your Inmate -- and nobody lie; I know most of you have had this happen -- how do you usually recover?

Comments

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He shrugs] I don't know; he won't tell me.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[The Marquis takes a sip of his own wine now.] Then am I only exacerbating the problem by keeping you here?

Re: ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He gets a dark expression] I don't care. I can spend my time with whoever I like.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Dearheart, I am in absolute agreement with you. [However he cannot help but remember that Henry was a good deal more understanding when the Marquis, himself, had done the same thing Billy was doing now. He chose not to say this immediately, however. He took a heavier gulp -- perhaps because he was thirsty, or even because that look was a little intimidating.]

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He takes a bigger drink, too, then lets out:] I just wish he'd trust me! But it's always been like this; he always used to make comments about how I'd gotten around or what have you.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[The Marquis swallows the words that arise on impulse right along with his wine: Well you did. As much as he has no problem with that, his guest is upset enough as it is.]

I cannot say that I know the good Doctor very well, Henry, so I cannot guarantee an understanding of his motivations.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

He's just behaving like a child now.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[The Marquis sighs, deciding he will want to say it until he finally does.] Henri, I don't recall you being half this incensed when I did this to you.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He snorts] That's because you weren't paying attention. I was. Sometimes, I spent time with him just to spite you. This was... [He shrugs a little] before we really started to care for each other.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[The Marquis frowned at that confession, not at all certain how to take it, or if it should even matter now.] So are you here now just to spite him?

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head] No. [Then, he sighs and runs a hand along his hair] I don't think so. I just wanted to get away.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[The Marquis nodded, looking down at the remaining contents of his glass.] I don't believe it is either fair or wise for me to advise you in this matter, I think. [He laughed a little to himself.] You know, I don't think I've ever been the 'other' in this sort of situation before.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He takes another drink] Funny, this isn't the first time I've been accused of infidelity. Do I seem the sort?

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[Somehow, defying all universal laws, the Marquis looked a little guilty.]

I think that given your desire to keep your sexual preferences secret, it surprises some people how comfortable you become, after a while. For people who are not as confident, perhaps, it can be intimidating, and lead too fears. Assumptions.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

I'm not going to be a neurotic mess every time I'm in the company of another man. [He pauses, then looks at the Marquis] Is that how you felt?

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

[The Marquis winced] I'm a jealous bedmate, sparrow. I'm an old man. I'm overweight. I'm stylistically archaic. If I don't hold onto what I have when there are finer choices to be made, what chance have I got? You saw me after you and Billy began your relationship. I went more than half a year without any sort of liason. For a man of my appetites, that's an eternity.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

Why did you do that?

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

You think I did that willingly?

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He looks away] Surely there were others who wanted to.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Not really. [He paused, considering.] In the last month or so before I befriended Paviche, I suspected Monsieur Foster was interested, but nothing came of it. He was not particularly assertive, and if I want a woman, I'll find a woman.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

[He laughs a little at the last comment, as there's no love lost between him and Tony, but then stops, feeling a bit guilty] I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh. [He looks at the Marquis] And I am sorry he's gone. [Much as he thinks Pavi's gross and weird]

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

I think it is for the better, sparrow. [He doesn't look at all like he believes it, and drinks down the last of the wine in his glass.] With the changes he has gone through, I do not think he has to rely on my macabre tastes any longer, oui?

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

What, do you believe that he was with you out of lack of other options? [He arches his brow] I thought you were supposed to be confident.

ACTION

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

I'm only human. [He chuckles.] I'll flirt with anyone, sparrow, but that doesn't mean I genuinely expect my attentions to always be returned. Those months reminded me of that. I grew too comfortable before then. I took much for granted.

ACTION

[major-west.livejournal.com]

I don't know how it was where you're from, but where I'm from... a man's love life doesn't end when he's passed forty. I wasn't your last, and he won't be, either.