ic inbox part 2 electric boogaloo

[originallutece]

Rosalind Lutece

Professor of physics at Recolle University.

"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood."

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION
 

Comments

[originallutece]

About my nanny? Yes. A horrible woman, like I said, though I was admittedly fairly willful as a child.

She disliked how often I read books, so when she shooed me out of the library, I used to run and hide on our estate. I'd climb trees, if only because there were so many it wasn't easy to find me, and settle in to read for an afternoon.

I was thirteen or so when I fell out of a tree and broke my arm. She viewed it as a comeuppance for both being disobedient and indulging in what she viewed as 'masculine activities'.

[tarotcards]

[ his reply comes a minute later as he reads over her text and wonders if this is something that rosalind would talk about openly. they have gotten closer lately, being able to talk about their less than stellar mothers and other personal issues, things that souji would never share with anyone else asides from a very selected few. he has grown rather fond of her and she has earned a large amount of his trust, and he wonders if the reverse is also the same... ]

I'm sorry. That truly is terrible. I apologize for asking.

[originallutece]

It's nothing you need to apologize for. It's not a story that I mind telling, frankly; it's not as if it has much emotional impact on me now.

[Or, well. The woman herself Rosalind has long since come to terms with. Some of the issues contained within the story are a little more present in her current life than she'd like to admit, but.]

My mother dismissed her within six months, both because I complained and because I was growing too old to need one. The arm healed, I continued to read, and she's likely long since passed.

[tarotcards]

That still must have been difficult. I can't imagine that made for a pleasant six months.

My mother never once thought of hiring a nanny for me so I suppose I should be lucky.

[originallutece]

No? I'm surprised, meaning no offense. But it seems a tactic most wealthy mothers use.

[tarotcards]

No offense taken.

I believe my mother wanted me to become independent and to stay alone on my own, or perhaps she thought I was already grown old enough to take care of myself. She was never too clear as to the reason why but she did often tell me that I had to be "strong" and that big boys didn't cry. I didn't really question it after that, to be honest.

[originallutece]

Ah. She sounds more charming each time you tell me about her. Though I think she and my mother would get on quite well.

[tarotcards]

I think you're right and that is why I am now determined to ensure that they never meet for our sakes.

Luckily, my mother is never in town so it will be easy enough on my end.

[originallutece]

And mine shan't ever leave England, frankly, so I think we're safe. Though I'd still advise you to be on your guard.

When can you come by, by the way?

[tarotcards]

I'm actually free right now if you want me to come that early.

[originallutece]

Come along. You'll be in time for supper.

[ros it's like ten at night why . . . are you having supper now . . .]

[tarotcards]

A little late to be having supper, don't you think?

[originallutece]

I don't have to save you any, you know, I can eat it all on my own. I go to sleep at two, Souji, this is what works for me.

[tarotcards]

No no, just ignore me. I'd love to have share supper with you.

I can be over in approximately fifteen minutes?

[originallutece]

Fifteen minutes, then. You have a key.

[Though in fifteen minutes, he'll find he won't need it, because the door is open. Kawaii-san is, naturally, waiting for him; the moment he opens the door the cat yowls in pleasure, throwing himself forward and towards Souji, eager to be given all the love he so clearly deserves (as though Rosalind doesn't let him sleep in her bed; as though there aren't cat towers and toys scattered throughout the house).

There's a delightful scent filling the air; Rosalind emerges from the kitchen, her hair tied back and her skirt a little floured.]

Come give me a hand--

[Apparently supper isn't entirely ready yet! ... at ten at night.]

[tarotcards]

[ souji arrives fifteen minutes on the dot, almost as if he timed it perfectly and actually waited out her door for two minutes so he can be exact (he's strange like that). when he enters, kawaii-san gets his wish and souji immediately scoops him up, giving him all the love and affection that he deserves. once he sees rosalind, he follows her into the kitchen ]

What are we making?

[originallutece]

[Yes, good. This is where he belongs: basking in Souji's arms, his bulging eyes half-closed, his clammy bare skin working against his hands. Truly, he is blessed.

He being Souji, obviously. It's a blessing he gets to hold Kawaii-san at all.]

Meat pies. Four, to be precise, because I didn't want to try halving the recipe on top of everything.

[The dough is already made and neatly laid out; the filling is being worked on now. Vegetables and potatoes cook on the stove; Rosalind is busy cutting meat.]

[tarotcards]

[ souji narukami, god to all cats. the only reason why kawaii-san will allow himself to be picked up. but souji takes a look at all the stuff laid out out the counter ]

We can give on to Kawaii-san. I'm sure he'd appreciate it.

[ spoil the cat, ros ]

Where should I help?

[originallutece]

He's had too much already. Don't let him fool you.

But frankly, simply keeping him occupied and me company would be the best help right now. In a few minutes you can drain the vegetables and check the potatoes, though.

[She glances over at him, then adds:]

I used to live on these when I was in university. It's high time I learnt how to make them myself.

[tarotcards]

[ he can definitely do what she asks him to do. he'll just watch over her until he has to drain the veggies and potatoes though ]

I've never had these before, actually. Perhaps this is the moment I will begin my dark descent into living off these for the rest of my university days?

[originallutece]

You'll have a tricky time doing it in America, but I commend your attempts and dedication. Though you may find it a bit trickier: I was sixteen at the time. My metabolism was considerably faster than I suspect yours is right now; you may want to rethink that.

[tarotcards]

I don’t know. Maybe I should take a lesson from the bears and eat as much as I can before I pass out to hibernate for an entire season.