ic contact;

[psycholawgy]

You've reached Athena Cykes. I'm currently unavailable, but leave a message and I'll get back to you pronto. Danke! (voice/call → text → video → action)

Comments

[shacklebreaker]

[Blackquill opens the door, expression already one of exasperation.]

What is it, Officer Cykes? I hope you're not placing me under arrest.

[psycholawgy]

I'm just about to leave for work! [ She greets him with a big smile, bright and chipper as ever. ] I thought I'd wear the necklace, too. What do you think?

[ True enough, what's hanging around her neck is not Widget, but the necklace that she's just been given. ]

[shacklebreaker]

[He looks it over for a moment, then smiles.]

Hmph. It suits you well.

[psycholawgy]

Who knew you had an eye for pretty things! This is really nice, so thank you so much!

[shacklebreaker]

Is it really so surprising? An appreciation of beauty and aesthetics was integral to the samurai of yore.

[AS IF THAT EXPLAINS ANYTHING...]

But you are welcome. It could even protect you should there be any trouble in future, so I expect you to take good care of it. [Not that he expects there to be a repeat of what happened before new years any time soon, but who knows.]

[psycholawgy]

[ Was it really, though?! ]

It would be bad if it broke if something bad happened... I'll try to get a box for it.

[ But that's enough dilly-dallying. She checks her CereVice for the time. ] Anyway, I can take care of that later in the afternoon. I'll see you around!

[shacklebreaker]

All right. I'll drop by the cafe for lunch later, if I have time... Take care until then.

[psycholawgy]

This one's for good luck.

[ And she gives him a quick hug before running down the hallway and into an elevator. ]

Bye!

[shacklebreaker]

[He returns the hug with warmth, then when she reaches the elevator, he offers a lazy wave of goodbye, returning to his room only when the doors close and she disappears out of sight.

Hopefully this morning puts Athena in better spirits than she seems to have been of late.]