you have my heart, always and forever

[losthunter]

Hunter walks cautiously towards Verity's apartment door, balancing a few gifts in his arm for one of his closest friends in the world.

He had wanted to do something special for her. He had thought about a surprise party, but wasn't sure if that would cause any issues considering Verity's abilities. Plus, there he didn't want to accidentally not invite someone who was important to Verity.

She was very important to him. And Hunter wanted to show her that, the best way he could. And so, Hunter had worked a few weeks on a few special gifts, that were currently wrapped up in pretty, glittery boxes.

Approaching the door, Hunter delicately balanced the boxes for a moment, so he could knock and let Verity know that she had a guest.

Comments

[brave_heart_verity]

"Is he?" Color her surprised. Schön gives off such an air of professionalism. "I'm sorry to hear that. Will you be going with him to visit when he goes back?"

[losthunter]

"Maybe. I do want to meet his host. And there are many things about his world that sound interesting." Even though Hunter does want Faris to find his way back home, at the same time it would be a little strange not to have Faris around.

[brave_heart_verity]

She's still wondering what's taking Schön so long. He has all kinds of magic after all. And no, she doesn't believe magic will fix everything, but damn it, she started having faith in the man at some point.

"Could be a fun vacation. Sometimes going somewhere new lets us learn all sorts of things about ourselves."

[losthunter]

"I always enjoy learning new things. Finding new inspirations."

[brave_heart_verity]

"You might pick up a whole new kind of art there. That'd be exciting."

Oh, cake, why are you so delicious and yet so fleeting?

"You could probably teach them things, too. A sort of cultural exchange."

[losthunter]

"That would be wonderful. Faris is so wonderful with telling his stories. And is so creative in deciphering riddles."

Hunter has finished his cake too. He licks the fork to get that last part of icing.

[brave_heart_verity]

"It sounds like you two make a good team." Her smile is a little less sad now than it would have been once. Having a team of her own helps. And distance.

Cake done, she wraps her arms around her tea and leans back in her chair. Yes, she could have another piece, but Samus would just make her run it off. "Have you painted any scenes from Faris' stories yet?"

[losthunter]

"No. But that is a good idea. And it might be a nice surprise for Schön, for me to paint something inspired by Faris' stories."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yes, I think he'd like that. He does love stories. Almost as much as I do. You want another slice of cake?"

[losthunter]

"Definitely. Thank you." Hunter held out his empty plate.

[brave_heart_verity]

He gets another slice of cake, and then she considers it before remarking, "I'm sure I've got some ice cream if you want some?"

[losthunter]

"Ice cream sounds perfect with the cake. Please."

[brave_heart_verity]

She nods and goes to get some, taking a moment at the freezer to decide on a flavor before coming back with a maple-sweetened vanilla. Of which he will, of course, get a nice big scoop. "Here you go. You like maple syrup, right?"

She'll be having a smaller scoop. And Bobbi gets a little spoonful, too, because she's a good dog.

"Work at the museum's coming along nicely. The work downstairs should be finished in time for the ball. I mean, I'm going to make sure it is, but it's good to hedge bets sometimes."

[losthunter]

"Love maple syrup."

He smiles when she gives him an update on the museum. "I am so glad to hear that. It will be amazing to see the downstairs all decorated and ready to shine."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Excellent. What're your feelings on maple syrup and bacon, for future knowledge?"

She nods, smiling as well with the pleasure of a job well-done. "You can come 'round for a sneak preview some time if you'd like. There's still most of the upstairs to do, but one thing at a time, right?"

[losthunter]

"No better combination, in my mind."

"I would love a sneak preview. And I know you will get it done. And it will be an awesome memorial."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Hmm, I'll remember that." Somebody is getting maple-candied bacon soon.

"I hope so." Bittersweet, more likely, for her at least. But she knows logically she can't expect other people to care so much. Logic can get stuffed. "D'you think I might be able to pry you away from your studio to get some fresh air and sunshine soon?"

[losthunter]

"Taking breaks away from my pieces are a good idea, I am told." Hunter chuckled slightly. "I know I have gotten a little wrapped up in my recent project."

[brave_heart_verity]

Ver tries to look serious but that's not lasting long. "I think that's an artist's job, isn't it? Which is why artists need friends who remember things like the existence of food and sunlight."

[losthunter]

"The sculpture that I am working on is especially... time-consuming. It seems to occupy my mind, all the time."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Well, there's something to be said for a strong work ethic... but that's sounding to me like a cry for help. Or food delivery at regular intervals." There's teasing note in her voice, but she's 100% definitely going to be showing up to feed him more often now.

[losthunter]

Hunter nods slightly. He knows that he has been a little obsessive about the marble sculpture. And needs to take steps to take more breaks.

"I am here now."

[brave_heart_verity]

"You are, but I've only got the one birthday a year. So unless I start inventing holidays..." She shrugs, then thinks for a bit before admitting, "Which I am totally willing to do."

[losthunter]

"I am sure I can think of reasons to show up more frequently, without the need to invent holidays."

"I forget sometimes that I now have people who miss me and want to see me." Hunter explains softly. "But I will work harder not to forget those who are important to me."

[brave_heart_verity]

Verity sets down her fork and pushes her plate aside to reach across the table. Her hands rest gently on the backs of Hunter's. "You're my friend, Hunter, and I love you. So we're both going to do better about checking in with each other, yeah?"