014 || rl; give anything to get what's fair || backdated

[askedtobe]

[ Peter'd gone to some out of the way location in the gardens. Mostly so that it was unlikely for anyone to interrupt, and so that if Claire wanted to, she could tell him off at all volumes without anyone else hearing

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[autophoenix]

[ It was a ways away from the rest of the palace, which was good and bad. It meant there'd be no distractions -- no people for Peter to run off and swoop in to save before he managed to finish explaining himself and talk to her, but it also meant it was quite a walk to get there to meet him. She came across a small decorative wooden bridge and the sound of her feet on it made her presence apparent. Still, she hesitated before speaking as she approached.

She wasn't entirely enthusiastic about talking to Peter, either. She could feel -- or had perceived -- a rift growing between them, like had been apparent after her visit with Elle to Pinehearst, but worse, because this time she didn't know the reason. But Peter was obviously keeping things from her, and that stung. Her pride didn't respond well to it. ]

Hey.

[askedtobe]

[ It's not as if he enjoyed keeping things from Claire. Especially when she was one of the few people he trusted the most. And it only made it worse that he couldn't protect her, couldn't keep her safe every time he wanted to. So he'd been stuck between a rock and a hard place, not knowing how to save Claire when he was trying to save everyone else. Him included.

Looking up when he heard someone approaching on the bridge, Peter waited silently, not wanting to make this any more awkward than it really needed to be. But when Claire did finally come into view, he stood, slipping his hands into his pockets and offering her a hesitant smile. ]

Hey, Claire.

[autophoenix]

[ She returns the smile with an equal hesitance. This shouldn't be so awkward, but it is. The tension's evident and she hates it. ]

You look good. [ ... ] All things considered, I mean. I feel like it's been forever since I actually got to see you -- even in my time. [ After all, being on the run didn't usually treat people all that well. She takes a moment before she explains the issue in her time in a half assed way. ] Do me a favor? Never become a workaholic. I see more of Nathan than I see of you.

[askedtobe]

I'll try. Can't guarantee anything, though... but thanks. [ It's an all encompassing thank you, though Peter's not sure that it comes across the way he wants it to.

He thinks for a moment that he should have rehearsed this a little more, that he should have had all the things that he wanted to say ready and waiting. That maybe it would be easier that way. But he sighs, conceding to the fact that he should probably just get the hard part out of the way. ] ... I'm sorry. For keeping things from you. When I barely get the chance to talk to you to begin with.