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Arthur opens the door to the office, walks immediately over to the kettle, and sets about collaboratively making tea with John.
'The bags are on your left. Other left. Careful not to spill. No, here. Good. God, how do you drink it that strong?'
'Are you done?'
He places his cup on the side table and slumps back into the couch with a huff. He moves his shoulders, repositioning himself into a more comfortable position within the cushions and something sticks into his leg. He feels to pull it out. It reads:
Maria Kelly - XXXX XXX
He sighs.
'Are you going to call her?' John's voice echoes within his head, curiosity lacing his voice.
'I don't know… I… Probably not,' he finishes definitively.
'I see. Is… there a reason?'
'Nosy, huh?'
'Of course.'
Arthur sighs. 'I don't know… It's…'
'Arthur we don't have to talk about it.'
'No, no, it's fine. I've been thinking, lately, perhaps I'm not… a normal person.'
'You had to think about that?'
'Haha.'
'Go on.'
'Well,' he sighs again. 'I've been thinking about Bella, and how I felt, back then.'
'Mhm?'
'Or rather, didn't feel. I've said before that I didn't love her, I know that much at least. But I cannot think of a single time I have loved someone. Or even, I don't know, liked them.'
'I see… Well, is that so strange?'
'I'm sorry?' he sputters.
'I mean, I'm not versed in this subject, but, humans seem to have quite a lot of variety. Is it so strange some of them don't experience things the same as others?'
'You make it sound so simple.'
'Isn't it?'
'I… suppose?' he makes a confused hand gesture.
'I don't think you're any less of an annoying prick sometimes, if that helps.'
'Oh great, I feel much better.'
'So, we don't call her.'
'Are you disappointed?'
'…No, I was just intrigued on how this works with humans. It's not something I've ever experienced.'
'Well. I guess I can't help you,' he sips his tea, trying not to sound bitter.
'I am perfectly fine with that. Arthur, it's fine. You, are fine, as you are.'
'…Thanks. You know, some people would consider our friendship… different.'
'How do you mean?'
'Well, certainly at this time, it's not normal for two men to, I don't know, go out to dinner together? Dance? Say they love one another?'
'Oh. I see. Do you, want to stop? Doing those things?' worry seeps into his voice.
'What?? No! No, I just mean… I like how we are. Odd friends.'
'Odd friends?'
'Shut up.'
'…I like it too.'
'Well. That's settled then,' he leans back with a satisfied smile, his nervous heart calming. 'Now,' he dims the lamp slowly. 'What book are we reading tonight?'