So... I need some books (Bella, Frederico, open) - Bella's Castle

He smiled quietly, though he didn't interrupt either of them.

She made a slight face, one that reflected regret, as she watched the blonde gingerly grab the book. "My compassion for people I don't care about has been virtually diminished by this change.. not my loyalty to my friends, Teddy." Honestly, she looked a bit hurt by the ordeal. "I'm sorry I shocked you, the first time you came over. I was just having trouble coping with.. you know."

Robert, obviously.

Trouble coping? She was torturing her ghouls for crying out loud!

The blond still looked skeptical as she held the book to her chest with both hands.
"You should've cared about your ghouls in the first place..." she said in a low mutter, turning her head slightly towards Frederico. "I've gotten what I need" which was pretty much Teddy saying "let's get the hell out of here".

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edit: code

He wrapped his arm around the blonde, giving Bella another smile.

"We all cope in different ways, darling Bella. I think I should take her home, though. Thank you, for your help."

Her eyes narrowed noticeably at Teddy before she gave a curt nod, expecting them to see themselves out as she turned and disappeared into the library.

Which was fine, she honestly just wanted out of there.

He showed Teddy back to the door, his smile never wavering.

She waited until they were on the other side of the door and the door had been shut behind them before exhaling a breath of air she hadn't needed to draw in the first place.

Uncomfortable and our of place, that's what she felt around Bella now.

"Thank you.." she offered the Rose with a faint smile. "Last time was less than pleasant.."

He smiled, finally letting his hand leave her back.

"It's no trouble, Madame Harpy."

Aaand she cringed.
"Teddy when not at the office. Bluuner or Theodora when I'm there" the blond said with a gentle smile at him. "I hate being called Madame... I feel so old.." and so utterly out of place.

He laughed.

"But it does not make you feel good to know that you have an honorable title?"

Honourable... she felt Bella had been, before well, all of this. But most Harpies? She wasn't so sure she felt honourable was a word that suited them.

"Still makes me feel old" she said apologetically. "Besides, I rather just be Teddy when not at the office anyways"

He laughed.

"Are you as cuddly as a teddy?"

She drew her breath, seemed to think about that for a moment and then let out a soft chuckle.
"Depends on who you ask I guess"

He laughed again.

"I'm sorry. I had to ask."

"It's okay" she smiled, seemingly relaxing a bit more once her feet touched the sidewalk and she was officially off Bella's property.
"Okay, so uhm, I'm gonna need to go through this" she said more to herself than to him really as she looked down at the book.

He nodded.

"There's time. Shall I drive you somewhere?"

"That's alright, I got my bike" she smiled, motioning towards the vintage motorcycle on the sidewalk. "I think I'll just go back to the Regency and get started on this.." oh she sounded so excited about that. Not. But hey, you did what you had to do.

He laughed softly.

"Rain check on that drink?"

"Oh!" damn it, this whole thing got her so distracted she'd spaced out.
"I uhm, I'd be happy to go with you for a drink now even. I just can't, you know, drink" she said apologetically.

He smiled.

"I have a bottle of merlot that is Kindred-friendly."

She didn't want to be rude, and while most of all she wanted to go home to Medwyn rather than sort through a ledger or do anything else, he was being kind and she did want to be on good terms with him seeing as they'd be working together.
"That sounds nice" the blond smiled and nodded.

He laughed.

"Then come. I will show you to my home and we shall have a drink. I may even be able to help you with those."

"Thanks, I'll just follow you on the bike if that's alright?" she said, fishing her keys out of her pockets. She really rather not just leave it there. "You just lead the way"

He nodded.

"Of course."

And he drove away, heading for his own house.