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[cache_coeur]

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”Allô, mon amie! Je ne suis pas disponible pour le moment, mais laissez-moi un message et je vous rapellerai dès que possible! À bientôt!”

CODING

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[cache_coeur]

You're fine. [She wipes a hand off on the dishtowel, just so she doesn't touch Maelle with a wet hand; her palm settles on the back of her neck, gives her a gentle squeeze.] It's hard for me but you can ask me whatever you like.

[maellum]

[An incoming wet hand would be a good excuse to duck away, but Maelle stays, giving Sciel a small smile. She believes what she says, but that doesn't mean she'll take her up on it.]

I'll remember you said that the next time you go out.

[cache_coeur]

[That pulls a laugh from her that's allllmost a groan.]

And I'll tell you if I find love.

[maellum]

[Maelle laughs, pleased with that reaction.]

You'd better. I should be no more than fourth to know.

[Anyway!]

I mentioned a surprise, didn't I?

[cache_coeur]

Fourth at latest, understood and promised.

[And wow, she’d completely forgotten.]

You did. What is it?

[maellum]

Something to wear.

[It's not a dress that gives Maelle anxiety or a tiny skirt, but when Maelle ducks out of the kitchen for a moment and returns, she has something held behind her back.]

Eyes closed, hands out.

[cache_coeur]

[Oh, that’s sweet of her. Sciel wraps up washing the utensils and puts her hand out when Maelle is ready, eyes closed.]

Alright!

[maellum]

You have a lot already, but you also have two arms.

[Maelle puts a stack of bracelets into Sciel's hands.]

[cache_coeur]

[Sweet and thoughtful. Sciel’s expression is transparently touched, and she slips a couple on immediately before pulling Maelle into a hug.]

They’re so lovely, thank you. I can never have enough, and it’s only fitting that I have my students on one arm and you on the other.

[maellum]

[Gustave's not the only one she thinks about when shopping. Maelle laughs on an exhale, Sciel's hugs always sure and sincere. They're nice.]

I am technically your student of the cards.

[cache_coeur]

[It’s so good to squeeze Maelle in her arms. She kisses the girl on the temple when she finally pulls back a little.]

You are my student of the cards, and affairs of the heart!

[maellum]

[The kiss makes her smile bashful, and she laughs and is suddenly very interested in examining the new bracelets on Sciel's wrist as if she hasn't seen them before.]

Uh huh. Just for today.

[cache_coeur]

[Sciel grins.]

Oh, really? So I’m expected to milk this for today only?

[maellum]

Milk this? Milk this how, exactly?

[That determines whether she renews her contract!]

[cache_coeur]

[Her embrace tightens again.]

I haven’t decided yet.

[maellum]

Oof.

[She's being crushed!!! Except not really.]

That's so threatening.

[cache_coeur]

Threatening? [There’s some very mild mock-offence there, as she clasps an hand to the back of Maelle’s head and holds it to her shoulder like she’s a baby.] What if I just hugged you until I figured it out?

[maellum]

[Maelle scoffs. What a terrible fate. Her cheek is smooshed against Sciel's shoulder and she feels no shame in letting it stay there. For now.]

You're smart. I don't think you'd take all that long...

[cache_coeur]

[Sciel just chuckles, resolving to hold her there.]

You’re right, I’m very smart. That is why you should take my advice very seriously.

[But she does ease off a tiny bit to ask:]

Do you want to read for anything else?

[maellum]

I do, I do!

[Said with a laugh as she realizes Sciel would be perfectly content holding her in Hug Jail for however long.]

... I don't know. It kinda feels like I shouldn't.

[Or, you know, she doesn't want an awful pull.]

[cache_coeur]

[She hums under her breath.]

Oh? Why not?

[maellum]

Have you ever done a really bad reading? Like... ooh, sorry. Looks like you're going to break both legs tomorrow?

[It feels like a strange invitation.]

[cache_coeur]

[Sciel does ease up on her then, because that is a particularly nervous question.]

I’ve done readings where people weren’t ready to hear that kind of insight into their lives or troubles, but never something like a broken leg or a death omen. It can’t tell you an exact circumstance, Maelle.

[maellum]

That's a relief.

[She pauses, and maybe she should just let her curiosity remain in a little box somewhere. But she can't help it, and she doubts Sciel will tell Gustave. Probably.]

Can you... do a reading about Verso?

[Totally unrelated.]

[cache_coeur]

[She’s a little surprised, but then again, why should she be? She knows Verso has weighed heavily on Maelle’s mind, and she’d be lying if she said he hadn’t been on hers.

(Something about getting under someone to get over someone else, maybe?)

She nods, and she lets Maelle go entirely so she can pick up her deck.]

Of course. Let’s go sit.