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[pratentious]

[This time, the recording starts with a long, drawn out sigh. Then, surprisingly, it's still Merlin's voice that rattles off the voicemail in tones of long-suffering.]

Hello, you've reached King Arthur Pr--Pendragon. He isn't here to answer your call because he's incredibly important and busy. If you leave a message here with me, I'll make sure he gets it because I am a good servant--and friend-- [he adds the last bit in a rush, accompanied with a thwap!, an 'ow!' and an 'I heard that,' then forces the rest of the words out through gritted teeth] and will do anything my master asks of me.

[A couple seconds pass, then Merlin speaks again, this time sounding a bit further away, like he isn't speaking into the bracelet anymore.] There, happy now? If you ask me, the other one is still better-- Shut up, Merlin. It's time to do yours next. Wait, what --

[ click! ]

Comments

I do try. ♥

[pratentious]

[ A small bit of that warmth falters, just in the slightest, though he knows her words are tongue in cheek at most. ]

Would that I could say the same of Asgard in your absence.

[ Death would seem a dear friend by this point, with how often Arthur has found himself surrounded by bodies - many belonging to those he loves. But she doesn't need to hear of that any more than does he need to hear of the details of her career path. He shakes his head simply and effects his smile once more - if not a little strained, this time. ]

But so it has always been, and so it will always be. It is foul speak, when congratulations are in order. Would I be mistaken in presuming Richard Castle your betrothed?

[ They only spoke a rare few times before his departure, but Arthur does remember them together. ]

<3333333333333333333333

[extraordinarie]

[ it's not all that difficult to read the strain in that smile, especially with regard to what all asgard has to offer for its inhabitants. she was in the city long enough last time to notice, and knows better than to expect sunshine and roses upon her return. but for now she is finding herself focusing on the good, on the fact she can have this conversation at all.

it's something of a new thing, for kate. being able to be this optimistic. it probably has a lot to do with that ring, and her state of affairs back home, but she won't notice it quite yet. ]

Was it that obvious? [ the smile isn't as wide as it could be, mostly because the writer in question isn't actually in the city yet (give it another day or two). ]

[pratentious]

[ Full-on grinning, this time. ]

Perhaps less obvious and more hopeful. The two of you never did stray far. I'm happy for you, Kate.

[extraordinarie]

[ okay, now she just rolls her eyes. in the most fond way she can, of course. ]

You mean he followed me around, right? [ except not. with what they lived through, she didn't let him very far out of her sight. engaged then or no. ] But thanks. Though I guess the detour back here kind of puts plans on hold for a while.

[ she's so totally beaming right now. can't even help it. ]

[pratentious]

[ He scoffs lightly, rolling his eyes. ]

Please. You know full well I'm familiar with the sort.

[ The whole, being followed everywhere and secretly rather preferring it that way. Some things have changed since your disappearance, Kate, don't ask too many questions. ]

I will be the selfish one between us to hope he might find his way here soon.

[extraordinarie]

[ that has her laughing. obviously this means they need to go have a pub night so arthur can tell her all of his dirty secrets but for now, just laughs. ]

I guess we're just stuck, now. [ kate shakes her head, then. ] You're not the only selfish one, don't worry.