No junk mail

[miss-gretax]

closed starter for: @franklongbttom​ location: a cafe in diagon alley

Greta was stopping in one of her favourite cafes for a quick pastry because she felt like it had been well deserved.  There had been a lot going on, and she felt like she finally had a moment to herself to breathe and process it all.  She hadn’t written anything in weeks, and was hoping that she could use some much needed time to continue working on one of her many projects.  It was relatively early, so she didn’t expect to see anyone else, let alone a familiar face, and was pleasantly surprised when she did.  Unable to stop herself from smiling as she saw Frank sitting by himself, she waved to get his attention, and then all but hopped over to his table.  She liked Frank from the moment he stepped into the bookshop.  Others may have described him as surly, but Greta thought that he was deep and layered, and she’d had a lot of fun exploring at the Masquerade ball with him.  It wouldn’t hurt to say hello, in any case.  Really, it would have been rude not to.

Standing in front of Frank’s table, clutching her takeaway pastry bag, Greta beamed.  “Frank!  Hi!  What are you doing up so early?”  She realized that might have sounded really intrusive, and added quickly, “I hope that’s not a personal question.”

[franklongbttom]

Frank’s new routine consisted of him starting his day early. There was method to the madness, one very stand out point was that there were less people about. The work rush still had about 15 minutes before it would start, and another 15 until it was truly in fruition. Frank was sitting in a corner of the cafe, as far from the windows as he could get, when someone caught his eye. He felt relief flood through him when he registered the face, not so much the bright smile. Merlin, of course Greta was a morning person, a happy one at that. He returned her smile nonetheless.

He held up his coffee. “I’m substituting whiskey for coffee, making the healthy choices,” he told her. He watched her for a moment and then realised she wasn’t just passing through, he ought to tell her to sit. “Uh, you can sit if you want, saves you hanging about.”

[franklongbttom]

withering-lilypotter​:

∞ • ∞

When the forced cheery environment of the flat she shared with Mary became too stifling, Lily tended to wander Muggle London. It was less likely that she would run into someone from their world there, and it had the added bonus of making her feel like just a number in a crowd. To the muggles that noticed her, she could be just any young woman, maybe a university student taking a break or a young professional out for lunch. Out here, even Lily could pretend that that’s all she was — that no Hogwarts letter had come for her, no war had torn her life apart, no prophecy had ripped her newborn son from this world. This is what her life would be if it weren’t for magic.

Hyde Park was one of Lily’s favorite places to haunt. From the duck pond to the rose walk to the Kensington Palace gardens, there was peace to be found in the nature, peace that Lily couldn’t find anywhere else. So when she found herself near to losing her tempter with Mary one afternoon, she put on some comfortable muggle clothes and made her way there via muggle transport, losing herself in the ordinary. Making her way down the green, Lily found herself watching everyone she passed, wondering about their lives and whether they were carefree and happy. She glanced at a man laying on the grass and she walked past him and started. “Frank?”

It was moments like this that he almost forgot. Forgot who he was, what he’d been through. Her laugh, the dream of cradling a small bub in his arms. He forget himself for a moment and actually believe that all was as it ought to be. Someone uttering his name brought him out of his fog. He hadn’t been asleep, but he’d certainly been in an odd dreamlike state. His eyes snapped open, he saw the blue sky first, then remembered where he was. Frank sat up quickly, his eyes taking a moment to register the face through the instant blinding light that assaulted his eyes. 

Lily Potter stood before him. Hell. He hadn’t seen the witch since- well, since everything. “Lily?” It was stupid for him to have posed her name like a question, as if she really wasn’t there. Frank sometimes wondered what he’d say if he were to ever come across the witch again. It was both her fault but equally not her fault that his family was gone. There would have been no prophecy. Lily however, was the one person who might just understand how he felt. “What are you doing here?”

[franklongbttom]

Status: Closed for @lucetalkalot​

Location: The Three Broomsticks

Frank made his daily pilgrimage to The Three Broomsticks. There was one particular stool he usually took up which was a little away from all the other chairs and tables at the pub and that is where he was currently sitting nursing a whiskey. He stared into the depths of his glass, rotating his wrist to swirl the liquid around and around. The liquid gold glinting in the dim light of the tavern.

He was several drinks in and comfortably numb by now. His usually racing thoughts and emotions slowed and pushed to the very back of his mind. Frank was doing a fine job of thinking about nothing when he felt the presence of someone by him. If he ignored them long enough perhaps they would go away.

[freshmoviequotes]

Zoe (2018)

[franklongbttom]

miss-gretax​:

*

Greta couldn’t help but laugh, she was pretty sure that’s what people said when they weren’t having any fun at all, but they didn’t want to appear rude or like they were complaining.  “It’s not horrible”, she agreed, nodding a little.  It wasn’t horrible at all, it just wasn’t the most comfortable she’d ever felt.  “I hope that you’re able to have a little bit of fun before the night is over.  Is there anything that you like doing that you can do while you’re here?”  Not that she could come up with much other than drinking and dancing, but she assumed that Frank, much like herself, would not want to be pulled onto the dance floor.

Mulling over Frank’s observation, she continued to nod.  “That’s … deep.”  He had a point, though.  “I think people like to follow the herd.  It feels safer than sticking yourself out, you know?”

-

Frank observed Greta for a moment and found that he envied her. There had been a time when he’d been optimistic, had an attitude of ‘make the best out of the situation you’re in’. It hadn’t been too long ago either. While Frank had never been the life of the party, he could definitely be coerced to dance or play a drinking game or two. Not long ago, but those days sure felt like a lifetime ago.

Frank thought for a moment, it wasn’t as though he had come here with a list of things he wanted to do, but what had he expected to gain from tonight? He let his eyes run over the room. “Surely this can’t be the best that the Black’s have to offer, right? I’m sure they have other impressive rooms too,” he said with an aimed side glance at the witch. Was he insinuating that they should explore the Black’s house? Quite possibly. “Safety,” Frank tested the word out, she wasn’t wrong. Wasn’t that what he did these days? Stick to the flow and stay safe, “I suppose you’re right.”

[alectoxcarrcw]

Alecto had her fun earlier that evening. The gown had done the job well and angered those she wanted to piss off and drew in those she wanted to play with. Alecto had spent most of the evening drinking, snogging, and doing petty little jobs to further piss off those who angered her. Now though, she was utterly tired of the crowd. She had seen almost all she wanted to, and others she saw from afar to satisfy her curiosity. She had noted Frank from across the room, of course he had been drinking steadily the entire night. 

She was not on the clock tonight and didn’t have to watch him, but old habits died hard and she kept glancing at him as the night wore on. But even he was on his best behavior and did little except have a brief interaction with Bellatrix, which she’d have to question the other woman about later. Now, she was ready to go home, or perhaps to a real party. Alecto was on one of the many balconies, perched on the railing. The table next to the railing was full of the many champagne glasses she had put down recently and collected from couples making out in the garden. Spying another happy couple she deftly lobbed one of the glasses down below, hearing a shriek of surprise. Alecto laughed, thriving off the chaos she was creating from her boredom. Hearing the door open behind her, Alecto didn’t even give the person a glance. “Balcony’s taken. Go find your own.” 

@franklongbttom​

[franklongbttom]

All throughout the night Frank had found that his attention constantly kept going back to Alecto Carrow. Bellatrix had pointed her out specifically, he knew that she was dangerous and he hadn’t forgotten that night not too long ago when she had literally picked him off of the floor and helped him back to his flat. He was almost certain that the gesture hadn’t been out of the kindness of her heart, so what had been her angle? Was he just being paranoid but had Bellatrix also been hinting at something?

He watched as she exited the ballroom onto a small balcony. Frank took too drinks form a nearby server and followed. He didn’t quite know what he would say to her. It wasn’t like he could outright ask if there was something fishy going on. He couldn’t remember too much of that night which didn’t help, even if he still had some tenderness around his ribs to remind him of how it had all started. Had Alecto stuck around for long? Gone snooping about his place? He was fairly certain that he had passed out before she had left. Had she even set some of his injuries? He opened the door to the balcony just as his witnessed the witch lop an empty champagne glass over the edge, a shriek or surprise answering her cackle. Merlin, this was most definitely a bad idea. He braced himself as he stepped onto the balcony, ignoring her words he walked over to her side. “Looks like you’re going to need some more ammo,” Frank told her, holding out one of the drinks in his hands to her.

[franklongbttom]

miss-gretax​:

*

As soon as the man spoke, Greta recognized the voice.  The last time they had spoken, she came to realize that Frank was a difficult man to read - not that reading people came easily to her in general.  He obviously had his reasons, and she didn’t blame him.  She just hoped that he had somebody that he could open up to.  Greta nodded, never having thought of it like that before.  “You’re probably right, we can’t be the only two people feeling out of place.  I just wish that nobody had to feel out of place at all.  I’m glad I came, though.  Are you enjoying yourself, at least?”

Though she wasn’t entirely sure what no rules meant.  There had to be some rules, as unspoken as they were.  “How do you mean?  Because of the anonymity of the masks?”  Greta smiled, “Thank you.  You do too.  I guess it’s one of those fake it until you make it situations, right?”

-

Greta had only been kind and unassuming of Frank the last time they had met. And for that he had been thankful, she wasn’t pushy or overly concerned with his current state of mind. They would have been great friends in his past life, he was sure of it. Perhaps they could even be friends still. He couldn’t very well say that he wasn’t enjoying himself, he wasn’t about to be an absolute buzzkill. And then he’d have to go on and explain just why he wasn’t having the time of his life. “I guess it’s not absolutely horrible,” he conceded.

Frank shrugged, “The rules of society I guess. I mean, you only feel like you need to act a certain way because they say so,” he said, nodding to the crowd of people before him. He had to admit, he was feeling a little buzzed from the several beers he had consumed earlier, he could definitely do with another one. But he was almost sure that Greta wouldn’t appreciate it. 

[nblcck]

@franklongbttom​

There are plenty of places to hide from prying eyes in the Black family home, if one only knows where to look. After a lifetime of evading her parents’ watchful eyes to take a break, Narcissa knew all the best hiding spots. Some of her favorites were in the gardens. There’s a spot in particular that offers the best hiding when the night is dark; it’s concealed behind a pillar, and the bushes near it provide the perfect cover. Tucked up against the side of the house, you’re near impossible to spot from the entrance into the gardens, and the darkness often provides enough of a shroud that it’s difficult to perceive you at all.

When the buzz of the party begins to climb to a level Narcissa just can’t withstand, she slips from the house on the pretense of greeting those who may be in the garden that she hasn’t said hello to yet. However, as soon as she shimmies through the bushes to her hiding spot, she discovers another already there.

Her surprise is evident on her face, but only briefly. Narcissa is quick to school her expression into an easy, if a bit awkward, smile. “Ah – apologies. I had assumed this spot would be empty.”

[franklongbttom]

After being let go from Bellatrix, Frank only managed to give Antonin Dolohov a quick hello before he decided that it was enough for now.  He could deal with the rest of Bella’s short list later. He snuck out into the garden, already pulling a cigarette from a pocket. A habit, Alice had always hated but these days they helped him when breathing became a little too difficult. Frank looked for a good hiding spot, and found just the perfect place tucked against the side of the house, behind a column and between some bushed. Perfect, it was dark here and far away from the few snogging couples he’d seen on his way here. 

He lit up his cigarette with the tap on his wand and inhaled. Better, much better. He was watching the smoke curl up above his head when someone else shoved their way in beside him. He peered into the darkness his eyes not adjusting right away.

“Sorry? I guess I found this place first?” Frank said, just a little frustrated that someone else was here.

[franklongbttom]

bellatrixblackx​:

-

“A sense of humor emerges,” Bellatrix noted, though her expression was far from amused as she took another drink. Others might have admired his ability to still smart off while in her talons, but all it did was remind her of Sirius and that would do little to help Frank in the long run. “You can tell me jokes on the boat while I use your fingers for bait,” Now she did smile, all teeth. 

After a moment, she pointed out a few people in the crowd. “Narcissa,” The blonde stunning those around her in her greens and blacks, “Alecto,” Dripping like a diamond under the chandeliers, “Antonin,” His height and stature gave him away, as well as the embroidery on the robes, “And Amycus.” The hair, always the hair. “Make sure you say your hellos to them before you disappear.” At last, she removed her arm from his, a clear sign that she was done speaking with him.

-

Frank gave a huff, it was half way between a laugh and a sound of mild exasperation. Would she not leave him be? Ever since Frank had lost everything and resorted to a state of having nothing to lose, he’d taken a tendency to be ‘careless’. Frank angled a single eyebrow back at her, should he be concerned that she’d turned his joke into one of her own? “Suddenly I think I’m all out of jokes,” he said with the hint of the charm that he’d once possessed in buckets.

Frank’s eyes flitted between the witches and wizards she’d pointed out. Merlin, he’d heard stories about all of them and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be better acquainted with them. But was this Bellatrix doing him a favour? Was she helping him along the way? Because he read through the gesture, just make yourself known to them and then you can make your exit. Frank nodded, albeit a little perturbed by the fact that Bellatrix Black might actually be human. And then he was released, free. “I- thank you,” he said, turning away from her before she changed her mind.

[franklongbttom]

bellatrixblackx​:

-

Bellatrix wasn’t surprised by his answers, though she could admit she was fairly bored by them. She could easily set him loose with a bottle of liquor and be on her merry way, the man had seemingly given up all former goals. Still, she didn’t trust it nor him and wasn’t quite ready to let him out of her sight. 

“There’s plenty of that,” Bellatrix told him, raising her still full flute in reference before finally taking a sip. “However, as entertaining as I might find watching you stumble your way through the manor, I think you would do well to familiarize yourself with your new allies.” 

All Frank wanted was to have his arm back so he could make as much distance between himself and Bellatrix Black as possible. She, however, seemed to have an agenda of her own.

New allies. Now that was certainly a statement and a threat all boiled in one. “Oh?” he said in feigned surprise, his brows raised at the witch. “Well go on then, why don’t you tell me a fun fact about yourself? Maybe we can even go on a fishing trip together.” Frank didn’t know why he was being so bold with the woman who was easily, one of the scariest people he knew.

[miss-gretax]

who: @franklongbttom​ where: black family masquerade ball

Greta felt a little silly.  She wasn’t sure how she’d managed to be so overdressed and so underdressed at the same time.  Everyone around her looked so beautiful and extravagant and well put together, it was hard not to feel like she’d dressed like a toddler in comparison.  Not that she would have felt like she belonged even if she had been better dressed.  She hadn’t been planning on going to the party all, but eventually talked herself into it.  What was the worst that could happen?  If she really felt too awkward, she knew that she could always leave early.

She had been scanning the ballroom for a familiar face, a feat that was definitely made more challenging by the masquerade masks.  Noticing that there was someone who seemed to be keeping out of the thick of things, hovering on the periphery, Greta found herself gravitating towards them.  It would be nice to have someone to talk to, and it was a little too intimidating to think about approaching a group of people.  Holding her arms around herself, she caught the person’s eyes and smiled, noticing that they looked a little familiar.  “Do you feel a bit out of place, too?  I don’t know if that’s a really personal question - is that too personal?”  She paused, looking out onto the dance floor, hoping that it wasn’t an insulting question.  “I’ve never been to such a fancy party before.  I don’t really know what to do with myself”, Greta laughed lightly.

[franklongbttom]

Frank was doing his best to remain inconspicuous. A feat he’d already royally stuffed up following his run in with the eldest Black daughter, Bellatrix. Frank could only imagine if Alice were here, she’d chortle alongside him at the extravagance of it all. She would have secretly loved it though, would have made him twirl her across the dancefloor although neither of them knew how to waltz.

Frank was nursing a glass of whiskey and was tossing up his chances of making his grand escape when a witch sidled up towards him. Frank offered a small nod when she drew closer to him. There was no disguising Greta, although Frank was sure that she, like him, was trying her best to be under the radar. But he recognised her unsure tone immediately. Frank should his head at her to let her know that he wasn’t insulted, “Like a fish out of water,” he said, turning his gaze back to the party. “I bet most of the people out there are just trying to keep up appearances. There’s really no rules,” he turned his gaze back to her, “you definitely look the part.”

[franklongbttom]

bellatrixblackx​:

-

“Hmm, of course not,” She mused as they worked their way through the crowd and appeared in front of the bar. It was lined with delicate flutes of champagne and unfortunately any sign of a bartender was absent. Bellatrix simply opted for handing him a flute and then taking her own, spinning them back around so she could still keep tabs on those in the room. “Nor are they mine, really,” As if that wasn’t obvious. 

It was easy to read Frank’s discomfort, whether or not he tried to hide it. Bellatrix didn’t need to tell him that no matter his code, he wouldn’t ever be fully trusted. He may manage to skirt the edges the way that pathetic little Pettigrew did, but Bellatrix couldn’t imagine the man next to her sinking that low in his pride, even as he tolerated her arm in his. “No desire to mingle with any old friends?” She asked, genuinely curious.

-

Frank tried to hide his disappointment when Bellatrix handed him the champagne. Not his first choice of liquor, that was for sure. He had downed most of it before they had even turned back around. He let his own gaze roam over the room and it’s occupants. Too many people.

She was baiting him and he knew it. But he wasn’t about to give in, because truthfully? He had no desire to find out anyone from that life, friend or foe. It would hurt too much as well as be completely useless. It might unravel the one plan that he had too, lie low and keep away from any attention. He glanced at the witch beside him, not that he had even managed to do that. “No,” he said plainly, “I’m largely here for the booze,” he told her honestly.

[franklongbttom]

bellatrixblackx​:

- 

Her chin lifted automatically and she could tell by the shifting of bodies around them that the interaction hadn’t been missed by those nearby. People were taking delicate steps away from her, turning their heads away but not their eyes. Bellatrix took a slow breath, flexing her fingers at her sides and then made them still, looking him up and down.

Bellatrix seldom made nice, but even with his simple dress robes and mask she knew he was familiar. A bit of a smile appeared on her lips as she stepped to him, her heels adding to her height making them nearly eye level, “You’re Alecto’s little…” She searched for a word that wasn’t ‘toy’, “Friend, aren’t you?”

Without waiting for an answer, Bellatrix had snaked an arm through his and was leading him the way she assumed he’d been headed: the bar, and per usual the crowd parted for her and her reluctant new companion. There were certain rules about these things, but Alecto hadn’t even allowed her to speak with him yet and likely would get more possessive after this. “Enjoying yourself?”

-

Any sane person would be terrified out of their brains, there was a part of him that was yelling run run run. The old him would have his wand out by now, but he was one of them now. When would he finally get used to it? When would he ever feel as though he actually belonged amongst their ranks? Probably never.

Frank narrowed his eyes in thought when she called him ‘Alecto’s friend”. Why would she call him that? Sure, Alecto had helped him that one time...unless she hadn’t really been helping him out of her good heart. He sure was an idiot. 

He didn’t answer, not that it mattered anyway as Bellatrix wasn’t waiting for an answer. He actually jumped, his eyes growing wide when she reached for him. What in the hell? But she only laced her arm in his and led him through the throng. He let himself be led by the witch, glad that she’d at least read that it was the bar that he needed. At her question, Frank gave her a wry smile. He had to answer her question carefully, after all, he didn’t want to offend the family. “Parties aren’t really my thing,” he told her.

[bellatrixblackx-deactivated2021]

status: open @darkestdawnstarters​

location: Ballroom - Black Family Manor

-

Her family had spared little time and effort in preparing for this event. The several chandeliers spilled a glittery haze over everything and anything, the smooth hardwood floors had been shined until you could see your reflection in them, crystal lined the long tables supplying food and drink to the partygoers in their finery. 

Normally Bellatrix had little trouble shooing away any of the particularly stupid men hoping to gain her attentions but tonight with their shiny masks and identical dress robes it was proving more difficult to avoid. Lingering too close to any of the tables littered on the other side of the room meant her mother would track her down and chastise her lack of socializing, as if her eldest normally thrived in these situations. Bellatrix could dress up in an elegant dress and let Cissy tame her hair but it wouldn’t change her personality nor would it wipe away the stern expression her face often rested in. 

One thing about the party she was enjoying was the opportunity to observe the people around her. Some figures were more recognizable, like Amycus and Alecto - the former because of his hair and the latter the very air of confidence she exuded. Lower codes could also be spotted amongst the revelry with their flashy outfits and excessive jewelry, trying to glitter under the crystals that swayed above them. 

Bellatrix was watching one particularly tall woman spin her way to the edge of the dance floor when someone jostled her from behind and she felt her hackles rise, turning slowly to see who had bumped her, “Excuse you.”

[franklongbttom]

-

Frank would rather be anywhere else, literally anywhere. It felt so wrong for him to be here, he certainly had nothing to celebrate. No, Frank would certainly not be joining in on the revelries of tonight. There would be no dancing for him, nor would he be toasting to the ‘future’. As far as he was concerned, his future was gone forever and there was no way of getting them back. 

He wasn’t surprised that the Blacks had gone so far in making the event one that all would remember. It was a blatant show of power to non death eaters and he supposed, death eaters alike. This was them cementing the fact that they were the right hand of the dark lord. A power that no human would be able to touch. Well Frank had no desire to touch it, because power truly made people into insane monsters.

He hadn’t really had a choice in coming. He knew what optional really meant. You had the choice to either be with them or against them. So it was either this or distrust and he knew what it meant to have the ministry distrust you. The headache wasn’t worth it. There were a couple redeeming factors however, the masks and free booze.

Frank had every intention to yank a bottle of something dark from the bar and find a nice quiet room to hide in for the night. First, however, he would need to show face. Let it be known that Frank Longbottom had come to the ball tonight. He slowly began migrating towards the bar when he turned directly into someone. There was only one person this could be. She showed money in a way that was different to the other wealthy. Not in a showy way, more so in the way that she held it. The power. He’d stumbled right into one of the people he had hoped to avoid.

“Consider me excused,” he said, holding up his palms. He sure hoped this didn’t turn into a fight. He sent a wistful glance at the bar, he had gotten so close. 

[lindsayslohan]

[franklongbttom]

ritaskxxter​:

Rita could not believe her luck. A source, Frank Longbottom of all people, had practically fell into her lap. Sure, he didn’t want his name mentioned, but she could easily work around that. A source close to the person/place/thing yadda yadda yadda. She took out a clean sheet of parchment, mumbling a little to her enchanted quill, before waiting for him to start. Hell, even she didn’t know what to ask him at first. Rita was a little underprepared, but once he started talking, she’d get a better idea of what she was up against. 

When he said he wanted to start with the Order though, she tilted her head in a way to show that she was all ears. It was going to be gold, Rita was sure of that. As he started talking, her quill started transcribing immediately. She nodded along with him. “Clearly, there’s drama happening behind the scenes. Is there any more details you could provide about leadership or their ruthlessness?” 

-

Leadership. Frank wanted to snort, he wondered if she could work with a snort though. He imagined what she’d write, ‘my source then snorted at the mention of leadership’, perhaps not. Instead he paused. What could he say? Sure, he was no longer loyal to the purebloods, but did he really want to throw everything away? Throw in the towel completely. He knew the Death Eaters would know it was him giving the statement, hell, most of the Order members would probably work it out too.

“It’s hard to say...I don’t think they have any leadership left,” he gritted out, “not unless he’s holding meetings whilst clinging onto two beers. Not of the original leaders anyway, who knows, perhaps they’ve found some other sorry ass to take the reigns.”

[franklongbttom]

emme-vance​:

Frank and Emmeline || Of Pushing and of Pulling

There was certainly a particular sense of accomplishment that Frank let her in – that he didn’t give in to the desire to just shut the door in her face and opted instead to go through and let her into the flat. Even moreso there was a sense of relief that he at least wasn’t completely shutting people out like Emmeline had a feeling he would have done when he was immediately on the heels of his family’s deaths. Frank wasn’t completely shutting everyone out, at least not at this very moment.

To a degree, Emmeline took care of people as her job, albeit in a different way than coming to someone’s home and cooking them a meal – Emmeline spent her days mixing and cooking potions, casting charms on people, her nose in a book and looking for remedies that may not have been thought of in the past. It was seemingly engrained in her bones and certainly something that she was stubborn enough to take home with her.

“Well, it doesn’t look as much of a mess as what I figured it would,” she said with a shrug, shifting the bag in her arms and raising an eyebrow at him. “Care to loan me your kitchen and you can tell me what you’ve been up to lately? And don’t even start to say that you’ve been doing nothing, because your flat says something extraordinarily different.”

-

Much of Frank’s fight had left him the moment his life had left this world. That single instant had been the onset of wave upon wave of guilt, resentment and bitter bitter hate. It was an exhausting existence that had given him permanent lines beneath his eyes and a dullness to what had previously been a pair of sparkling pools.

Resigned, he’d allowed Emmeline into the flat. He didn’t know what she wanted, he only hoped she wouldn’t stay too long. He had a whole deal of nothing to do and he preferred to do it in silence. At her words, Frank couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. “You need a new set of eyes then,” he told her plainly before he wordlessly lead the way to his kitchen. 

He knew what she was doing, trying to be cheerful and optimistic in the hope that it would rub off on him. He could save her a whole heap of time and effort and simply tell her that it wouldn’t, but he had a feeling that she would try anyway. “Oh? Well, why don’t you tell me then. Since you’ve suddenly become Miss Nancy Drew.” Frank was rather proud of that reference, he knew that Alice would have been proud too. It was such small things that had always held meaning to her, the fact that he had always listened to her as she babbled on about the things she held dear to her.