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[capturedevotion]

"You've reached Dave Finch. I'm unavailable at the moment, but leave me your name and number, and I'll return your call. Thank you."

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[capturedevotion]

I suppose the lake will have to do. Give me just a few minutes to find a coat and I shall be out there, okay?

[onlyhisdreams]

All right. I will be waiting.

[And soon, outside by the lake, was Lorna. She was in one of her flowing silk nightgowns, an indication she was having trouble sleeping. Her green boots matched her long, hooded cloak. Standing there in the moonlight, she really did look like she just stepped out of a fairy tale. The only thing missing was her majestic unicorn. Too bad all she had was a gilded douche.]

[capturedevotion]

[If she had ever asked nicely, the gilded douche could illusion her up a unicorn. Dur.

Dave is there not too long after, a long peacoat thrown over his burgundy (yes, burgundy) silk pajamas. He wore actual shoes since it was still cold out at night, but thankfully the weather was getting warmer. Spring is finally on its way.

He clears his throat to announce his presence before wrapping her in a quick hug. Something is bothering her or she'd be asleep right now, that's for certain.]

What's on your mind, m'dear?

[onlyhisdreams]

[Did he say quick hug? Because she turned around to look at him and embraced the guy like they hadn't seen each other in months. It was still brief, but not all that casual.]

Let us just walk for a bit, shall we?

[With that question avoided, she starts down the unlit path around the lake.]

[capturedevotion]

Of course. [Once they pull away and begin walking, he reaches to hold one of her hands. He opts for silence; she'll tell him what's up when she's ready.]

[onlyhisdreams]

[He took her hand. That alone helped get her mind off of things. After they had been walking quietly for a few minutes, she turned her palm to lace their fingers together. A gentle smile pulled at her lips, which were presently devoid of makeup.]

Dave...will you tell me something?

[capturedevotion]

[He gently squeezes her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. It's helping to keep his mind off the muck he's getting on his nice shoes by being outside.]

Of course, ma bichette. Anything.

[onlyhisdreams]

Why are you here?

[She keeps walking, slowly, around the lake. From the glow of the moon, she can see his face as she looks over at him.]

Answer me honestly now.

[capturedevotion]

[Well crap.]

I've told you already -- to help my parents.

[onlyhisdreams]

Dave.

[That tone in her voice? Is her not at all believing him.]

[capturedevotion]

[He knows she doesn't believe him, but like he's going into the real reason with her.]

Anything beyond that stays between myself and the good Professor, I'm sorry. It is, frankly, no one else's business.

[onlyhisdreams]

[She pulls her hand away from his.]

Then you do not trust me.

[capturedevotion]

[His shoulders slump a little as he puts his hands in his pockets.]

No. It is only because it is not something you should worry yourself over.

[onlyhisdreams]

[She stops walking forward and steps in front of him, so she can get a better look at her friend.]

Darling, now that I know there is something to worry about, I will frankly fret more about the unknown.

[capturedevotion]

[He looks away, clearly uncomfortable. Maybe he can run back to the school and get away... Oh, who is Dave kidding? He can't even run without getting winded now. Damn those cookies.]

It's best if you don't get involved. Charles and I have it under control, I promise.

[onlyhisdreams]

[Lorna hesitates, pursing her lips and wrinkling her forehead. Then she decides to push forward. One of her hands goes to his shoulder, the other up to his cheek.]

Why do you refuse to let me in?

[capturedevotion]

[He makes no move to reciprocate or flee from her touches. His gaze is still fixed on a distance point beyond the lake, face darkening.]

You have other things to concern yourself with, not with my petty life.

[onlyhisdreams]

[Those words hit her, right in the gut. Recently, Emily had spoken that way to her. Such a young, beautiful, innocent girl thinking she was below everyone else. Seeing the same behavior from Dave? Well, it hurts. She brings her other hand to his face as well, trying to get him to look at her.]

Enough. [She speaks it like an order.] These burdens should not be yours alone. I am your friend. I care for you so deeply. Allow me to discover you.

Please.

[capturedevotion]

[It takes him a moment, but he finally tears his eyes away from that faraway spot and looks down at her, at dear, sweet Lorna. Lorna who has so many burdens to shoulder and shouldn't have to shoulder one more.

Thinking about she must be going through makes his own problems feel so petty, but they're still his. He sighs, resigned.]

If I tell you, you must swear never to tell anyone else.

[onlyhisdreams]

[He was going to open up to her. It takes all of her will power not to look happy about that. Even still, she looks almost relieved. She removes her hands from his face.]

First, you must come with me. [She takes his hand and tugs at it, becoming him to follow.] I know where there are no cameras.

[What cameras? All that new security Xavier's been installing. They're hard to spot, but she can feel every one.]

[capturedevotion]

[Dave's been sussing out the new security as well (part of his job, after all,) but he's sure she would know better with her powers. Really, she'd make a wonderful asset if he didn't prefer working solo.

With a nod, he follows after her, choosing not to ask where they're going. If the cameras have mics? Eh. Not something he wants to deal with.]

[onlyhisdreams]

[With her cloak flowing behind her as she walks, Lorna leads Dave away from their path and directly into the woods. She navigates through the night like she's done it a thousand times. It probably has something to do with that internal compass of hers, among other things.

They come out of the trees and onto another path. Like magic, she still looks absolutely pristine. A big further down the path, they come upon a familiar place: the lake house. Remember that party of hers? As she takes Dave up the steps, the front door opens itself.]

Voilà. There are no cameras here, and we can get warm.

[capturedevotion]

[There's a part of Dave that wonders if he's dreaming. Her cloak, the moonlight... None of these things help to dissuade him from that. It almost makes him feel like a kid again, hearing a story from his mother.

As he climbs the steps after her, he laughs a little.]

You would think this would be the first place the cameras would be installed, considering that party you had thrown.

[onlyhisdreams]

[That gets a giggle out of her. She steps inside and removes her hood. It's another few seconds before a dim light comes on and she leads him to the parlor.]

I beg your pardon, my shindig was not a security risk, Mason.

[It's about as cold inside as it is outside, so she goes to the fireplace.]

[capturedevotion]

Oh, it was a very clever disguise. Do not give me that.

[He draws his coat tighter around himself and takes a seat on the couch, wondering if he should be more concerned that there is no cloud of dust that rises as he sits.

Who knows how many countless teenagers have snuck out to this very spot to make out. Gross.]