lucastheoclarington:
Luke pressed his lips. He didn’t really expect to get away with it, but one had to try, right? At her blunt question though, he tensed almost imperceptibly around his shoulders, and quickly glanced around, but they were alone. “Come now, cordiality isn’t dead, is it?” He joked, though his tone was more flat, then shook his head, “not really a question for a school hall.” He pointed out, though he didn’t try to move past her, “what are the chances you let me go?”
Zoie caught the purse in Lucas lips, but wasn’t phased by it. In her daily life as well as in her job, she found herself in the position to take in details while showing no outward reaction. “Cordiality?” Zoie parroted, shifting her head from side-to-side as if in contemplation. “No, it’s not. But, that’s also not what is really called for here, is it?” She asked, ensuring the question came out as rhetorical. Shrugging, she glanced in the direction of her office. “Maybe not, but if being somewhere more private is what you’d prefer that could easily be arranged.” Giving the other time to respond she took in the question. “I mean, I can’t exactly force you to say anything. But, I would appreciate it if you would.”
lucastheoclarington:
“Depends on who you ask,” he noted, answering the question regardless, “in my circles cordiality is number one even if a murder takes place,” he half joked. He ran his hurt fingers through his hair and arched his brow, “want and need might be different concepts in this context.” He breathed then, weighing his options, “how about, we do go somewhere private with something hot to drink. You can ask me your questions, and I’ll make no promises to answer all of them, but I’ll answer what I can,” he offered, as a compromise, since Zoie had helped him before, and he felt he owed her respect.
The corners of Zoie’s lips turned down a bit in contemplation before she gave a slight shrug. “That applies to most things situations, honestly. But, I get what you’re saying. Not necessarily from experience, I guess, unless you count in the professional sense.” She added with a small smile. “Same goes for that. Is there really even a choice to be had if want and need are in agreement?” She posited. After listening to Lucas suggestion Zoie nodded. “Let’s head to my office, then. I need to get situated for the day, but I’ve also got coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. You’ll have your pick of warm beverage.” Stepping around Lucas she headed in the direction of her office. “I’ll try to keep the questions tamed, I’m just looking to make sure you’re really okay. It is my job, after all. Or so I’ve heard.”















