fandomhigh | The Library is open [2/27]

"I try," she remarked dryly. "How are you? I heard about, um, you and Jaye...."

Archie did his best to keep his expression blank. "Oh," he replied in a tone that was mostly flat, with just a hint of annoyance. "Yes. That. Give me a day or two more, and I'm sure I'll be fine."

Rory nodded with a slight smile. "Yeah, I don't know what happened between you guys, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm around." She gave a little shrug. "I might understand a little better than most people, anyway. And I'm good at the listening thing."

Archie shrugged. "I'm not sure what happened either, nor am I sure how to react. I thought things were going well enough, and I was teasing her about what happened at the brothel last weekend, and it didn't appear to be a concern. But evidently it was, for her, and I suppose I can't fault her for that." He smiled faintly. "Still, I wasn't expecting it, and I don't react too well to being blindsided. As, er, my behavior last night might attest."

"Um, yes," Rory said, blushing a bit at the memory. And possibly scowling a little. "But yeah, being blindsided is horrible. I think Jaye's just kind of...capricious? Or, at least, I don't know what she wants. And I don't think she does, either."

Archie nodded. "Yes, I understand that a little too well, and that's why I can't fault her. Which is a completely different thing from being comfortable around her at the moment, of course." He looked annoyed at this circumstance. "To be honest I hadn't exactly given much thought to where things were going between her and I in the first place, either."

He fiddled with the edges of the piece of paper in his hands and muttered, "I almost envy . . . never mind."

Rory raised an eyebrow. "You almost envy...?" She shrugged, not pushing it. "I think that's kind of typical of people our age, personally. Which, naturally, doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt or feel weird or confusing."

"It just seems so uncomplicated for some people, but that could just be appearances." Archie shook his head. "The whole thing is a damned nuisance, if you ask me."

"I don't think any good relationship is completely without its complications. I mean, we might not see the problems, but they're probably there," Rory offered. "And yeah, it's kind of a bother a lot of the time, but with the right person? All those complications are so worth it."

"So the saying goes," Archie conceded. "The question remains of whether it's even worth the trouble. Or some other such soul-searching rubbish."

He shrugged again. "Don't mind me. I'll be fine in a day or two, honestly."

"It's natural," Rory said quietly. "Do whatever you have to to feel normal again, right? I mean, I trekked off for a summer when I was going through this last time. And this time I'm just repressing."

She flushed a bit. "Um, not that what's happening to me is at all the same. A very good friend of mine left very suddenly a few days ago, but it's not a big deal or anything, really."

Archie studied her face for a moment and took advantage of the opportunity to change the subject. "I spent a great deal of time hanging about the theaters before I joined the navy," he said slowly. "And Rory, I mean no offense, but . . . you are not, at least at the moment, the most convincing actress."

Rory actually laughed at that. "No, I guess not, huh? I've never been a good liar. So, okay, it is a huge deal, but it doesn't have to affect anyone but me. The way I'm feeling, I mean, not Anakin leaving."

"It does. We care about you. And I shouldn't be subjecting you to a tale of my own woes when you have your own to deal with, Rory. I'm sorry."

Rory waved a hand dismissively. "Welcome distraction, honestly. I'm trying to keep from moping all over everything, and listening to other people's issues actually helps. I am sorry you're going through the weirdness, though."

"So am I," Archie told her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "At least the company is pleasant. If there's anything I can do to help, do let me know?"

"Thanks," Rory said with a smile. "I appreciate it. And likewise - if there's anything you need, let me know."

"I will. Thank you again, Rory," Archie said with a small smile, before he headed off into the stacks to search out his books.

The Library is open [2/27]

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