IM / Action

[dandylicious]

[So, here's a familiar Aphrodite kid sitting outside his cabin...]

Hey, so... I know there's a lot on our minds and all... And I don't want to make it worse or anything? But the biggest way I know how to help is by distraction?

So... while we're all freaking out over the followers of Lyacon and everything, I want to offer one less thing for you to freak out over. If you need help wooing someone for Valentine's Day, I'm offering my help with that... Flower delivery and I'll even read your love letters to them.

[And, he promises NOT to flirt with your crush! Look at how sweet a deal you're getting!]

Comments

[lefthandedgenius]

[She knows you're being snarky, Al.]

You sound like Tybalt right now. I know how smart you are, so don't even try to tell me that you're completely unaware of the significance of morale in any war effort.

[unstinting]

[He closes his eyes, then sighs, shoulders slumping.]

I know, I know, I know. But I am going to choke on celebrating.

/private

[lefthandedgenius]

I'm not going to tell you to put on your big girl panties because I know you already have them on and you're doing the best you can.

I'm pretty sure Cour is scared and it's obvious he's feeling useless. If he can offer a morale boost then we should let him, and after this is all over, you and me can work out a plan to get him more combat training. Right?

You'll be okay, Al. I know it's hard. I'm sorry.

/private

[unstinting]

[And that hits him right in the guilt.]

I should be doing better than this. I've no right to be snappy about things to all of you, especially when I know how terrible it is to feel useless.

[Which is why he spent all these months training as hard as he can, but he doesn't want to mention that and sound like even more of an ass. He rubs his face.]

You're obviously a lot more capable than I am right now. If you wanted to challenge me for the counselor position, you could. You have the qualifications.

/private

[lefthandedgenius]

[There is a long pause.]

How about we talk about that once we're done fending off the werewolves? If you feel really strongly about it after we talk and the cabin approves...

[She leaves it at that.]

/private

[unstinting]

All right. But we will talk about it after.

[It's not that he doesn't love his cabinmates or being able to help them, but at this point it's all just too much.]