IC Contact

[cantwalkwithoutit]

You've reached the office of Mr. Gold. I cannot answer you at this moment. Please leave a detailed message, and I will return your call at my earliest convenience.

Comments

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Oh, once or twice even voluntarily.

[unhappilyeverafter]

That's an improvement, I suppose.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

It's not exactly at the top of my priorities.

[unhappilyeverafter]

You do remember why we're here, don't you? I think avoiding people at all costs might prove difficult for your incentive.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I came here to interact with OTHER people.

[unhappilyeverafter]

Oh, you mean the ones that don't know about you being the Dark One.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[ Nice try, Regina. ]

The ones that by association wouldn't be wildly inappropriate for me to pass time with in this way.

[unhappilyeverafter]

[She'll hold back the sarcastic retort she has in mind.]

Does it matter? I doubt any of us will remember this.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Yes. It does.

[unhappilyeverafter]

Never had you down as the cuddling type, I must admit.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Only on special occasions.

[unhappilyeverafter]

[Ok, that made her laugh, and not even unkindly.]

Can't say I'm fond of the idea myself.

[She's also a special occasions kind of person. Rare, special occasions.]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[ Specific birthdays. Bank holidays. Thursdays. But rather than joke he just keeps that to himself. ]

But it's really such a small price, isn't it?

[unhappilyeverafter]

You would know. But I suppose you're right.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[ He's not even sure if his remark was sarcastic or not. It should be simple, shouldn't it? ]

No desire to be warm with anyone?

[unhappilyeverafter]

[If only you could see her face right now.]

Not particularly. This situation hardly sets the mood.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Which situation in particular?

[unhappilyeverafter]

The situation which involves my son's lost memories in exchange for whatever intimacy I can subject myself in this wretched place. It rather changes the tone, don't you think?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Yes. I tend not to engage simply because I have to, because it never feels right -- not past a certain point.

[unhappilyeverafter]

It might not feel right, but do we really have any choice?

[Of course, they do have a choice. Consent is important here, after all. But when it comes to choosing whether or not puts herself through this, to get Henry back in her life - there's no question.]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I'm not usually one for dispensing advice without some manner of payment, so consider it a one-time discount for frequent business: Look at the prize as going home, and leave it at that. Because if you're anything like I am, you don't intend to leave until you are finished anyhow.

[unhappilyeverafter]

[That there is the problem. Regina has no intention of failing, he's right. But this still isn't easy, and it frustrates her when this is all that stands between her and her son.]

Is that the advice you keep giving yourself?