Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

Comments

[soulus]

[Personal matters are better off being kept private.]

No more than it should.

[The scratches have already begun to heal. They should be gone in a few days' time. More than anything, they itch.]

[misstrust]

As much as they make you look rugged, I'm glad they look like they're healing.

[ Okay, Dorothy can switch back to teasing. He can bolt now. ]

[soulus]

[He won't—not yet.]

It doesn't matter if they scar. A handful of scratches will not hinder my performance.

[misstrust]

[ Wow. ]

Yes, I'm aware. But consider, perhaps, that I might not like to see you look hurt.

[ Even if they heal. ]

[soulus]

[He makes a face.]

Why? It doesn't concern you.

[misstrust]

[ She makes a face right back. ]

Because I like you.

[soulus]

. . . Please refrain from making ridiculous claims.

[misstrust]

Would you like me to repeat that under oath?

[soulus]

I would rather that you not repeat it at all.

[misstrust]

[ A pause. And she opens her mouth. ]

I l--

[soulus]

[He is walking away. He does not see her lips moving to form that l-word. He does not hear her speak. He is aborting this conversation.]

[misstrust]

[ You may run from the battle but the war has yet to be won.

Sir. ]