wallwalker

Ernest didn’t relax until he was back in his room at the inn. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to relax then either, but he’d do his best.

“Can’t you ever return Opera’s feelings??”

He didn’t mean to say he wasn’t grateful for Rena’s intervention, because he really was. He’d known Opera long enough to know how dangerous she could be when she wanted something. But that question was rattling around in his head now, and he didn’t know what to do about it.

He needed a drink. It was a good thing he had his own; Opera was still waiting at the bar, and as much as he liked her - respected her, even, because she was the best damn student he’d ever had - he didn’t know what he was feeling. Last thing he wanted was for either of them to end up stuck in a relationship that neither of them would end up being happy with, and honestly, that’s what he saw happening if Opera kept chasing him down. He just wasn’t sure he could be what she wanted.

He sipped his Bloody Mary - say what you want about Earthings, but they knew how to make good drinks - and looked out the little room’s window. Rena was still there, chatting with Bowman as the two of them looked over some musical instruments. She’d been shaken up before, after Opera had talked to her, but she seemed better now. He definitely owed her one.

What worried him the most, though, is the thought that he might already be stuck in this crazy cycle. He’d thought that getting away would clear his head, but... well. He hadn’t thought Opera could follow him that time. Obviously, he’d underestimated her.

The two of them were long overdue for a frank conversation. But it was easier to put it off for later than it was to deal with it, and just because he was fearless didn’t mean he wasn’t afraid. Especially of this.