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[altusimperius]

tell him how pretty he is

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[altusimperius]

[A pause. Then,]

it’s stupid to do it for me.

[bouchonne]

Oh, come now.

[ It’s not malicious, this teasing. It’s clearly well-intentioned. ]

Where’s that preening narcissist I know and love? Where did he go?

[altusimperius]

[Bene’s smile is genuine, even if there’s a bit of tension at its corners.]

Death by a thousand cuts, I think, [he says softly, uncertainly, like he’s not sure if he’s allowed to joke about it— you know, personal growth forced by bucketloads of trauma.]

I miss him a little. He always knew what to do. [ugh, principles]

[bouchonne]

Hmm.

[ From Byerly's smile, he certainly approves of that sort of joking. ]

Well, you'll get that back. It's like learning to speak a new language, you know - you start out clumsy at first.

[altusimperius]

I do know.

[But it has gotten easier, all told.]

...I'll miss you around the office. Assuming I'm permitted to stay.

[bouchonne]

[ It's a sweet sentiment. By relaxes just a bit, accepting that he does indeed have permission to do this selfish thing. ]

I'll be in, now and again. On the other side of the desk.

[altusimperius]

I'll still make you coffee.

...if you ask nicely. [he is being a little shit on purpose]