Work Text:
“You’re going to help me by sleeping with me?”
“To protect you and Lettie.”
“Ah. Not because you are afraid of what might have come down the chimney, or what might slip into your lonely room so far down the hall?”
“Just because that last bit is true does not mean the first bit isn’t also true.”
“And none of it’s because you missed me?”
“None. Whatsoever.”
“While you’re here, you could give me an early solstice present. Or two.”
“I thought Lettie was a light sleeper.”
“We just have to be quiet.”
“You never are.”
“Oh, sister. That sounds like a challenge.”
“I haven’t seen this gown before.”
“It’s new. Do you like it? I thought the blue was quite striking.”
“It’s very flattering.”
“I’m glad you approve. I can’t say I feel the same way about this sweater you are wearing.”
“This is my Yule sweater.”
“How well I know.”
“I’ll take it off if it offends you so much.”
“If you’re of that mind, I’m not much fonder of that dress.”
“It’s the whole outfit you have a problem with?”
“Now you understand.”
******************
“Mmmm. I have missed this.”
“I’ve missed you.”
. . .
“ I’ve missed you too, Hilda. There’s been such a void in my life since you moved down the hall and have been so busy with work. ”
“Shut up or I’ll make you sleep in that room of your own you wanted so badly. You know very well I’ve missed you.”
“I do actually. Still be nice to hear.”
“Hilda, I have missed you. I’ve missed hearing you giggling for hours over those ridiculous novels. I’ve missed your clothes being strewn about the room. But most of all, I’ve missed your snoring.”
“You’re an ass sometimes.”
“I’ve also missed that and your breasts. But now that I’m thinking about it, I’ve mostly missed your—”
“Ugh. Don’t be vulgar.”
“Why do you assume what I was going to say would be vulgar?”
“What were you going to say then? No . You’re not going to trick me into asking you to say it.”
“I have missed you terribly, Hilda.”