paris est une fête

[ Oh no. Oh no. ] 

Th…that was a different time, wasn’t it? I was very young and I had a head full of silly ideas– [ He pauses. ] I mean, silly in that they were– yes, I suppose it was all very pitiful. Marriage doesn’t ever seem to– to work, for us, not us as in you and I specifically, you now what I mean, uh– I just. You don’t want to be married and that’s alright.

B-but! My feelings are still the same. You are still my moon and sun. And my stars. You forgot to mention the stars. Heh.

[She gives him a wistful sigh, patting his cheek affectionately.] Petit lapin...there is no poetry in fulfillment. Married men make terrible artists and even worse party guests...if I married you I wouldn’t be able to stand you.

Right now? I’m not quite ready to sleep just yet, I’m afraid. 

[ He’s purposely playing coy at this point because honestly it’s just part of this weird game they’ve been playing for the past two centuries. ]

Although, I suppose it would be nice to lie down. My head is starting to ache a bit. It’s the humidity, you know, like I said. 

[A noise of disapproval escapes from the back of her throat.]

Yes, lying down. I suppose that was part of what I had in mind. I’m sure it will help you take your mind off the humidity, too.

[ He kind of notices this, but he’s smart enough not to say anything. ]

It’s, you know, I think– I think it’s the weather, when it gets humid like this, I start feeling just dreadful. 

[ He leans over to cup her face in his hands. ]

But–but of course I have time for you. I would give you an eternity, if you asked for it. [ Ahem. ] I, uh. Well! If you…err…if there’s something that you…had in mind, all you need do is, uh. Tell me. 

[She nuzzles his hand with her cheek, making sure to pout for extra effect.]

[She ignores the bit about being ‘official.’]

Oh, it would simply leave a hole in my heart the size of Île-de-France. [He pinches one of her cheeks, mockingly sarcastic.]

I have not been without a beard since the forties, why do you think I would change that now? Mutton chops are fortunately something that I will keep in the past, thank you very much.

[She’s visibly dissatisfied with this reaction, but she decides against saying anything for now. Instead she looks him up and down, pursing her lips.]

[He throws his hands up and rolls his eyes at her dramatics as the book tumbles down onto the couch beside him.]

I suppose it is time for you to go as well then, hm? If life is unbearable with him. [She only gets a dignified “hmph” at the comment about his moustache.]