“Gossip”
by Justin McNeely
Story takes place in July around the Concordia game.
Story is narrated by Sir Jain.

* * *

I'm still groggy as I wake up. Taking a look around the room I find that I'm alone. That's interesting. This isn't the first time this has happened, though after everything that went on last night I'm really quite surprised. And a little hurt.

It occurs to me to look at the time.

It's already after one in the afternoon. I never sleep this late. Why has no one roused me? Just behind the alarm clock is a folded piece of paper with my name on it. Even without reading it I know it's from her.

“Come find me.”

That's all it says. Hmm, maybe this isn't quite as strange as I thought. I crawl out of bed, pull on some clothes and head out of my room.

I hear the voices as I near the kitchen. Well, rather I should say I hear one voice, BEE's. As there is no audible reply to her comments I can only imagine who is with her.

Sure enough, I come through the door to find BEE sitting with Claire, drinking coffee, chatting. She's wearing one of my shirts. Claire, that is. As I enter they both look up at me. Claire has nothing but a smile for me. BEE, on the other hand, has a knowing look. I've seen that look before. It's the look I get when I've done something good. I relax a little.

It seems as though they're just chatting. Not about anything in particular, just chatting. That's a good sign. At least Claire isn't telling BEE to go fuck herself.

I help myself to some breakfast despite the late hour. I've always liked breakfast. I've been known to eat cereal and drink coffee for dinner. There's something about breakfast food that feels right.

“Care to join us?” It's funny how I've become able to pick up her emotions even through the whisper.

“Yes, please, do have a seat. We've just been talking all about you.”

That's never a good thing to hear, especially before my coffee. I don't know if I'm ready to deal with both of them this soon after waking up. Though there's no way out of it, so I sit down.

“Talking about me eh? Nothing good, I'm sure.” Yeah, start it off light. Let them know I'm willing to play along. “And just what exactly have you been telling her, BEE?”

“Just reminiscing on old times. Claire here asked me about what you were like when you first came to Highground. We've been having quite a laugh.”

Great.

“Oh, so did you tell her the one about the time I got locked in the bell tower sans pants? I know how you love to try to embarrass me with that one.”

“No, actually, she didn't. But please, do tell.”

Damn, I could have sworn she would have told that story. BEE loves telling that story. Especially at the most inopportune times. Why does Claire look so surprised?

“I didn't think Sidhe could be embarrassed? But you're sure as hell blushing now.”

“Oh no dear, just not with magic. We can most assuredly be embarrassed in mundane ways.”

“Thanks BEE, now she won't stop until she finds other ways to make me blush.”

“Just trying to help, dear. Well, I have work to do. I'll see you two around later then?”

“Sure thing. I've got some things that I'll need to talk to you about later. Petra and I have been thinking about ways to deal with our long-necked friends that we want to hear your opinion on.”

“That's great Jain! You know where to find me when you need me. Bye you two.”

I can only imagine the damage that was done this morning. Though I'm sure I'll be hearing about it before too long.

Claire and I spend the rest of breakfast mostly staring at each other…