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and yet , the question of ( why ) you chose to ask me , in particular , has not been answered .
however , miss journalist , i am a grown man , and i do not have time for games . to put it simply ; if you wanted a kiss , you should have just asked .
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.. you are correct with your statement. i could have asked either one of them, but frankly, i *𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙* to ask you.
and despite my reasoning sounding rather foolish , i ... suppose i'll stand by it. even if it does inevitably evolve into a scorning .
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foolish ; perhaps , if one considers that foolishness and boldness often go hand-in-hand .
however , then comes the curiosity ; you could have asked mr campbell , or perhaps mrs plinius instead . yet you are asking me . why ?
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. . . well, i was simply wondering if we could --
ahem . ( ///// )
i was ( wondering ) if we could partake in such a tradition — ? but now, i realize how foolish it sounds aloud .
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you're right ; perhaps my 'old age' is catching up to me .
. . . i see . than i shall ask .
( mistletoe in hand is raised , being held over both of their heads . an unsure smile tugs at his lips . )
mr valden ; would you fulfil this tradition with me ?
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( catching it in one hand , eyes cast downwards as thumb and index twist to observe . the whole concept is rather amusing to him . )
. . . foiled immediately , i see . try not to blame me ; traditions like these never made it into my family .
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i do believe i recall spotting a tall individual placing them around earlier . . . alas , i did not happen to catch their face .
( extending his hand . )
may i see it ?
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tense . . . yes ; clearly , there is no reason for it .
( a whisper of sarcasm is laced into his tone ; as much as he dares to let slip , when addressing her . )
i am fine , i assure you .
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( she’s not one for shying away——fingers curl in waistcoat, ‘fore reeling inwards, palm splayed against midriff in a feathery grip. ) you mustn’t be so tense, mister kreiburg.