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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:07 pm
“Oh, if you like playing in groups, then you definitely need a second chair,” he pointed out, and clearly that was more inspiration for him to get over his reservations. He wasn’t even sure if he was using that term right, but Dering hadn’t corrected him, so he was either too polite to say something or he was at least close. Besides, if he just did it while he was with Dering as Reims, then there was nothing anyone could say.
Well, there was plenty others could say, but if it was just the two of them…
“I’m sorry about your wrist,” he said with a small frown, once again glancing down at it. It was hard for him to not offer to try and massage it for him, but… Reims would be lying if he said he didn’t just want to see how soft Dering’s hands were. He knew nothing about trying to help wrists with physical therapy. Although, he really just wanted Dering to know he had support.
“I don’t know. After those arm wrestling matches, my wrist is pretty tight,” he sighed somewhat dramatically and made a show of rolling his own wrist. Not in a way to mock Dering or anything like that, but he seemed to get nervous about attention being on him, so if it took some away from him, then Reims would be happy to offer it.
“Maybe you could show me some physical therapy the next time we meet up,” he suggested in a way that clearly sounded like he thought he was being clever.
Except… why would he need it? His wrist didn’t even hurt. And he doubted Dering would need to do more than show him exactly what he’d already shown him.
Once again Reims’s ears burned, and he forced an awkward laugh and placed his hand back into his pocket.
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:03 pm
Dering didn’t seem to recognize the laugh as awkward; instead, it brought a fresh smile to his face. “Oh, I could do that! It’s probably good to know, just in case. I mean, if you’re playing an instrument, or arm wrestling, or just have a really long essay to write–it’s a lot of strain on your wrists! Not to mention if we have to get into any fights or anything.”
Reims seemed practical, like he was looking ahead and trying to take care of himself and be prepared. Dering thought that was very admirable.
“But, um. It’s okay, about my wrist? I don’t bring it up a lot. It was just an accident,” he spoke quickly when he mentioned it, “And it might still get better. I’m working on it.” He rolled his wrist carefully, like he might be able to emphasize the effort he was putting into it. Instead, he might have hurt himself; though his expression didn’t change, he moved his lute so he could gently massage his wrist.
“But you tell me when you’re free and we can figure it all out. I’m at school most of the time but I have a pretty free schedule outside of that. And I’ve gotten really good at sneaking out, no one’s ever caught me. Well, except for my roommate, but that’s not a big deal. He does it too.”
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:17 pm
Reims couldn’t help but notice what a sweet, pure smile Dering had when he was actually smiling. It hadn’t escaped him that there were some times that Dering would smile, likely out of social expectation, but when he actually smiled, well, it was probably pretty cheesy to say something like how it took his breath away. Momentarily! And that was because, well, people being happy was a good thing! Not that Dering’s smile and pink cheeks made a cute combination! Because he was a guy. And guys weren’t supposed to be cute or something like that.
He watched Dering move his lute away, a little sad that there wasn’t anything he could offer or suggest for him to try playing. He didn’t want to seem like he was too enthusiastic about it and making Dering feel pressured, but he also wanted to encourage him. It was a difficult line to walk when he didn’t know Dering very well yet.
“A lute is kinda like a guitar, right? Oh… probably not. But if you wanted, we could try practicing with that, too.” He would just have to look up how to play a lute. That was fine. He would have to research violins too. How was he suddenly playing instruments?? Or… wanting to play at least, and actually probably going to be doing it and not just think about it.
“Yeah, I’ll send you a message, if that works?” he suggested, holding up his hand to show off the signet ring again. “Thanks for checking up on me. I’ll eventually get over being beat by a little girl.”
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:39 pm
Dering smiled again and shook his head. “I think you could have won.” His mind wasn’t going to change on that matter, he still thought Reims threw the match. No shame to Eupheme! She seemed like a bundle of energy. He just believed in Reims.
“I think a lute is kind of like a guitar. I mean, you strum them both. But I haven’t met anyone who has played the lute so I can’t say for sure. But we can try and compare them.” He’d been eager to learn more about his lute but he hadn’t really had a drive to make it a priority. There was just a lot going on! As soon as he’d gotten it, he immediately started worrying about Brooklyn, and he’d had so many tests recently, and–
It was just a lot. He pushed the thoughts from his mind so he didn’t get overwhelmed.
“You can send me a message any time. I’ll be looking forward to it!”
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