[Another snicker, and this time, it's hard to hide the laughter in his voice.]
Just think about it. I mean, you have the right personality for it -strong but not overbearing, commanding but not controlling, strict but not rigid... [...and all parts hot as hell.]
[...]
...what do you think we should do? I want to hear your thoughts first.
[She's glad this isn't video, though it probably wouldn't take much for him to imagine her irritated blush.]
I'm not sure. Considering our last few arguments, I'm not sure if we really can carry on and pretend that we don't... want more. Than to just be friends. But I'm not really sure how to be more. And I don't want you to think differently of me if it... doesn't go well.
[She's just going to frown at the Forge for a second and let that one go because she really has no useful comeback aside from bringing up his nightmare again and she won't do that because she needs him to be useful at least until the end of this conversation.]
If you think that it won't ruin what we have, then... I think... maybe we should try.
[Dammit, he really hadn't planned on going to any parties or whatnot, but if that's what she wants... and it sure beats the incredibly overdone oh-god-make-it-stop dinner and a movie.]
Yes, sir. You suggested to her that I might be of help to her. I ended up working with her, as one of her Turks. I've provided her some assistance in organizing the party, but I believe it would be wrong of me not to go.
I know you did, but there's somebody I really don't want to cut out of everything... and I promise to pat him down and make sure there aren't any cameras in his possession...
I promise to make sure that there isn't a camera on him before he sets foot outside his place, because I don't want to be harassed for wedding dates when we don't even know how any of this is going to go.
I'll leave it up to you whether or not to tell him. He is your friend. Though I think it may be pertinent to remember he was in Intelligence. But in any case, if he starts talking to me about bridemaids' dresses or something else equally ridiculous, I can't be held accountable for my reaction.
[Voice - still knox-like]
Just think about it. I mean, you have the right personality for it -strong but not overbearing, commanding but not controlling, strict but not rigid... [...and all parts hot as hell.]
[...]
...what do you think we should do? I want to hear your thoughts first.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[She's glad this isn't video, though it probably wouldn't take much for him to imagine her irritated blush.]
I'm not sure. Considering our last few arguments, I'm not sure if we really can carry on and pretend that we don't... want more. Than to just be friends. But I'm not really sure how to be more. And I don't want you to think differently of me if it... doesn't go well.
What do you think, sir?
[Voice - still knox-like]
[And he's not going to think about it anymore because he's not really interested in a cold shower]
I don't think anything would really change my opinion of you... but I don't want to try if you don't.
[Voice - still knox-like]
If you think that it won't ruin what we have, then... I think... maybe we should try.
[Voice - still knox-like]
...take it slow and see where it goes?
[Voice - still knox-like]
[She pauses and the Forge feels a little heavy in her hand.]
For example... we could go to Elena's party. Together.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Dammit, he really hadn't planned on going to any parties or whatnot, but if that's what she wants... and it sure beats the incredibly overdone oh-god-make-it-stop dinner and a movie.]
...o-okay.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Who..? Oh!]
You mean the girl with the carpet and drapes?
[Voice - still knox-like]
Yes, sir. You suggested to her that I might be of help to her. I ended up working with her, as one of her Turks. I've provided her some assistance in organizing the party, but I believe it would be wrong of me not to go.
[Voice - still knox-like]
You're right, it would probably be bad form for you not to make an appearance.
[Voice - still knox-like]
So, will you go?
[Voice - still knox-like]
[I'd rather not.]
[I don't want to risk running into Iolanthe should she choose to attend.]
[I'm not feeling well? The dog ate my underwear? Hairball?]
[...]
I guess I could...
Re: [Voice - still knox-like]
You can say no, sir. I won't be upset.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Voice - still knox-like]
[But he'd better not mope around and act like he doesn't want to be there or she's going to kick him out.]
Then I'll see you there.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[...]
D-do I have to go alone?
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Pause, and then that sinks in. She's afraid she may never hear the end of it when Hughes hears about this.]
If you swear he isn't going to take any pictures. Then I have no problems.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Yeah, she's still mad about that.]
... he really is going to make a big deal about this, isn't he?
[Voice - still knox-like]
...then again, there's also the possibility that he won't even notice unless we say something.
[Voice - still knox-like]
I'll leave it up to you whether or not to tell him. He is your friend. Though I think it may be pertinent to remember he was in Intelligence. But in any case, if he starts talking to me about bridemaids' dresses or something else equally ridiculous, I can't be held accountable for my reaction.
[Voice - still knox-like]
[Voice - still knox-like]