there is, to be sure, no evil without something good ;

I hate it. 

Sometimes I just feel like getting you a card that says ‘Christmas is a thing’ would be a good enough Christmas card. What kind of Christmas cards do you like, anyway?

For what?

You’d make a good Alfred, I think. Much better looking one, at least. [ he chuckles ] I look forward to getting the list, then. I expect it in the batcave by Monday.

[ he shakes his head ] Closest you or I have ever gotten, so I think it is. It’s a monumental day; I’m going to mark it on the calendar, make it a national holiday. [ he nods ] Yeah, they are. You know I love them to pieces. Yeah, me too. We could both use it, I think. [ he chuckles ] Me? Ask for help? What giggle juice have you been drinking, Emms?

If I’m your Alfred, I’m fully committing. Like, full-on black eyebrows, bald head with grey hair at the sides, with a pocket watch. Oh, and forever in a suit with a tiny mustache. [ she grins, nodding dutifully with a glint in her eye ] Of course, sir. 9AM sharp. [ she motions a little, trying to faux curtsy from her position ] 

Everyone in the Wizarding world shall celebrate it until the end of time. The day that Eddie Bones and Emms Vance were philosophical. What do you think they’ll name it? Edline Philosophy day? That sounds about right. [ she grins ] Yeah, of course. Definitely. [ she snorts lightly, absentmindedly running her thumb across kira’s back. her eyes are trained on the fine hairs on her head, feeling her heart beating through the fabrics separating their chests ] Haha. All the giggle juice, mate. I’m positively trashed on the stuff. [ her sarcastic grin softens into a genuine smile, careful as she drags her index finger up kira’s back, touch light and hesitant. the softness in her motions sets off a distant alarm bell in her own head, which she stuffs down, as she stoops to her most vulnerable with two of the most important people in her life ] But, seriously, ‘Gar. Just... Just think about it. It’s not shameful to ask for help. It’s brave.

She is, but I still feel bad for taking advantage of that. I don’t want to stay where I’m not… I mean I know that I’m wanted, but I don’t want to overstay. [ she shakes her head ] Edge of London, near the dodgy end, but I can’t afford more.

[ she raises a brow, a light smile twisting on her lips ] Don’t I know that feeling. I’m sure you’d hear about it if you were overstaying her welcome, Fal. You aren’t taking advantage of her in any way, I’m sure you know that; she’d have told you if she thought you were. [ she nods ] How much’ve you got to spend, anyway? 

I like to think of it as being dedicated to my work to not notice, rather than being unobservant. [ she smiles, shaking her head as she stands and grabs her bag. she hooks it over her shoulder and leads the way out of her office ] Where do you want to get food, then? Or random objects, if that’s what we’re doing.

Dedication’s a good thing. Being too dedicated, however, isn’t good. [ she laughs quietly, thumb brushing the fabric of her own bags straps. she grins and follows her out of the office ] The usual place? Or we can go try that new cafe that everyone’s been on about for the past week. I wouldn’t be too upset if we went for random objects, but, I think my stomach’s calling for some sustenance.

“Of course,” James answered with a nod. “I saw Lily first.” That went without saying but James did anyways. He was never good at keeping quiet. “So what does it take to make it up to you now that my skinny arse is here?”

“Same here, actually. Rem and Lil both attached themselves to me.” Emmeline shifted quietly, a grin on her face. They both trusted Lily with their everything. She hummed, clicking her fingers and watching Leia bound back to her side. “A hug, Chinese food and your company.” It’d been a while since they’d done this: just Emmeline and James, bonded via a mutual love of Lily Evans and everything that came along with her, hanging out on someone’s couch.

[ he absolutely beams under those words. he’s the one glowing, now, rocking back and forth from his toes to his heels. like a kid getting told his drawing is excellent. ] Thank you. For both of those things. [ he’s still bouncing ] If you’re lying about it, I’d prefer you just continue to lie about it. You could, yeah? There’s nothing stopping you.

James crouches to pet Leia as Emmeline speaks, laughing as she does before he answers. “I had to make some amends before coming. Me just up and disappearing hasn’t been taken too kindly but, here I am!”

Emme grins at him, never once wavering. She’d been promptly told off earlier that week for being too cheeky and a few other things, but she hadn’t taken much notice of it. “Did those amends include one red haired angel? Here you are, is right. Been waiting for you to get your skinny arse over here.” 

[ he chuckles and loops arms with her ] Yes, yes, I’ve had everything for forty-five minutes now. Let’s go, shall we?

[ she feels as if she’s vibrating out of excitement ] Yes, we shall. Allons-y, Rem! [ she grins at him and starts walking ]

[ ze bounces ] Ah! Slightly skuzzy place of muggle downtown.

[ she laughs ] Sounds perfect. Shall we be off, my darling? [ she, rather dramatically, offers zir her hand with a boisterous grin ]

“My favorite time.”  She crossed to the couch, dropping down next to Emmeline and pillowing her head in her friend’s lap.  “Did Remus tell you what we were doing this month?  What was happening?  Since Sirius couldn’t run?”

“Coincidentally, it's also mine.” She grinned, shifting and humming as Lily placed her head in the usual position. “Sorta. Mentioned it in passing, didn’t get the chance to talk about it much before we fell asleep on the couch. Enrich me with your knowledge.”

[ she stops when they round the corner and leans back against the wall of the building with a small sigh ] I’m more a caught in the cross-hairs kind of girl, myself. Not on purpose, just… I don’t know, my own stupidity, I guess. Fighting those guys won’t change their minds about anything they said, though. It never does. [ she shakes her head ] No. But I’m going to hear it the rest of my life. People are always gonna’ have a problem with one thing or another about me.

[ her teeth grit and slide apart suddenly, her feet working on automatic before she found herself standing next to tilden ] You’re not stupid. [ the reaction is visceral. her words burn and her throat is drier than before ] I know it won’t, but, I have to try, at least. Least then they’ll back down when I come swinging. [ she shifts slightly, sighing under her breath ] It fucking sucks. [ she’s not so much uncomfortable as slightly overwhelmed. she gets a more determined look in her eye ] That’s right. It’s why you shouldn’t give a damn what anybody else thinks. Well, other than Daise, but, she’s your exception. 

I’m very proud of my proud nerd. [ he chuckles ] Please, I’m growing old  waiting around for you here.

Thanks, Rem. [ she grins, jumping up on the balls of her feet and sliding her arm into his ] Keep your socks on, old man, let’s go. Have you got everything?