[L's laughter is rarely natural, usually complicated. Just as often as amusement motivates it, nerves or fear cut their way in, coax it out of him, or make it tense behind his teeth like a caged and trapped thing.]
I can't help but look forward to it.
[Is his smile, at least, uncomplicated? Safe and easy, the way hers is even when it's sad behind the eyes?]
Have you chosen a day for your own birthday? That's customary, I've heard, in the cases where people aren't quite sure.
[He's sure, and it's actually kind of a miracle that he knows. While memory can play tricks and be cruel and unreliable, his mother had been superstitious and resentful enough to always let him know the day and what she believed it meant.]
[ That Linden isn’t brushing off her attempts is good enough for her. Trying to understand her teacher was often like finding your way around a maze. There were no shortcuts, no way to climb over hedges, and it could be long and winding. But at times, not overthinking all the twists and turns and just appreciating the simply beauty of its intricacies made it worth it. If that came in the form of a small smile over birthday cake, that was a win.
He redirects the subject to her, as he normally does, but it dawns on Alex that she hadn’t considered that yet, nor has anyone asked her. She looks down at her fingers as they press against one another, fiddling as usual. ]
Not…I mean, it’s crossed my mind, but I never really thought about it. I’d already gone so long without one, so…
[ Has she watched friends and families celebrate birthdays together at the places she’s worked? Children excitedly blowing out candles and opening up presents? Yes, sometimes longingly. But it was hard to miss something she didn’t remember. ]
[There's a sudden, childlike intensity to the declaration.]
You should pick a time of year you like the most, and feel the most alive, and choose a birthday. If you're going to value others', it would be hypocritical not to.
[ His sudden enthusiasm was unexpected, and somehow rather touching. Whether she realized it or not, Linden had always seemed to advocate for her well being and happiness, something she didn’t have much of in life. And he was right, why couldn’t she have ine herself? ]
I’ll…I’ll think about it. Suddenly I can’t decide what my favorite time of year is.
[ It was exciting in a way that made her heart beat faster. To declare that a certain day was her day. ]
When I do decide on one…will you celebrate with me?
You don't have to decide immediately. But... yes, of course I will.
[In the moment, he can promise as much. The complications that might arise also don't have to be considered, immediately. All the things that can happen between now and then are infinite and intimidating, but this, at least, is nice.]
[ It’s been a while since she’d done that kind of work, a part of her missing it and the people she had worked with. Alex was certain she’d like it just as much with Linden. ]
[He laughs lightly, a little sadly. That's par for the course with L, in fairness; his reactions are typically tinged with a bit of melancholy, even when he's glad.]
Make sure you fill out a time card and punch in, OK? It goes without saying that you're not going to be working for free.
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I can't help but look forward to it.
[Is his smile, at least, uncomplicated? Safe and easy, the way hers is even when it's sad behind the eyes?]
Have you chosen a day for your own birthday? That's customary, I've heard, in the cases where people aren't quite sure.
[He's sure, and it's actually kind of a miracle that he knows. While memory can play tricks and be cruel and unreliable, his mother had been superstitious and resentful enough to always let him know the day and what she believed it meant.]
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He redirects the subject to her, as he normally does, but it dawns on Alex that she hadn’t considered that yet, nor has anyone asked her. She looks down at her fingers as they press against one another, fiddling as usual. ]
Not…I mean, it’s crossed my mind, but I never really thought about it. I’d already gone so long without one, so…
[ Has she watched friends and families celebrate birthdays together at the places she’s worked? Children excitedly blowing out candles and opening up presents? Yes, sometimes longingly. But it was hard to miss something she didn’t remember. ]
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[There's a sudden, childlike intensity to the declaration.]
You should pick a time of year you like the most, and feel the most alive, and choose a birthday. If you're going to value others', it would be hypocritical not to.
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I’ll…I’ll think about it. Suddenly I can’t decide what my favorite time of year is.
[ It was exciting in a way that made her heart beat faster. To declare that a certain day was her day. ]
When I do decide on one…will you celebrate with me?
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[In the moment, he can promise as much. The complications that might arise also don't have to be considered, immediately. All the things that can happen between now and then are infinite and intimidating, but this, at least, is nice.]
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I’m really glad you’re here, Linden.
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[Today at least. It does vary, at times, but she's so kind.]
The feeling is reciprocal, of course. I hope that's always clear.
[He's not the best at communicating feelings, after all. He's often misunderstood.]
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Do you um…need help with anything today?
[ Meaning, can she tag along?]
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[He sounds surprised.]
A few errands, maybe. Are you sure you have nothing better to do?
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[ It’s been a while since she’d done that kind of work, a part of her missing it and the people she had worked with. Alex was certain she’d like it just as much with Linden. ]
I’m pretty good with following direction!
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Make sure you fill out a time card and punch in, OK? It goes without saying that you're not going to be working for free.
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She might be making a bit of a face. ]
Alriiiight, I will.