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"i've dabbled here and there in intel, espionage, and toxicology. but there is always a strong need for recruitment."[break][break]

and it is where he fits best. it is where his many years in the organization work best in making sure the future generation stay alive.[break][break]

in a way, he's proud to have that responsibility.[break][break]

"are you now? that's nice. does that mean you two are close beause of it?"

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“Those all sound so exciting in comparison,” he remarks with a laugh. Theo in espionage— Fern would have very much liked to see it. [break][break]

Though something told him he’d be much better at it than Fern would.[break][break]

He blinks a few times in response to the question, pondering how best to answer that. He doubts jayden cross would care for him gabbing about their personal life to one of their underbosses.[break][break]

But he probably also gives himself away with the delayed “…yes,” that follows. “I would say that it has helped.”

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it takes theo a second but he eventually puts it together, realizing seconds after fern responds.[break][break]

"oh."[break][break]

not that he particularly minds or cares but he is curious.[break][break]

"how close?"

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Of course Theo picks up on it. Fern can’t say that they expect much less.[break][break]

A short nod follows. “Mhmm.”[break][break]

Their brow lifts, not necessarily expecting to be prodded further.[break][break]

They let out a short laugh, smile crooked and small as they look down at their glass again. “Awfully close, I suppose.” To put it simply. Still pitifully failing at the concept of subtlety.

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"i see."[break][break]

there are no official rules or regulations on dating a coworker so he has no ground to stand on. it would be hypocritical of him to do so regardless.[break][break]

but he doesn't care.[break][break]

"is it love?"

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Fern doesn't really consider the fact that it could be a HR violation. As far as they're concerned, this all began when Jayden still thought they were no more than a civilian.[break][break]

They chew their lip, considering. Mulling over the question before they take a long, slow sip from their glass. Heat licks up the back of their neck. Idly, they pat the frigibax that has long fallen asleep in their lap.[break][break]

"Well, it's not something that's been said in words."[break][break]

But could it be? They think maybe it might.[break][break]

Is that a weakness?

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weakness or otherwise, theo asks:[break][break]

"but do you feel it?"[break][break]

whatever love feels like. perhaps he's asking to get a better insight into it.

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The question sets them back. Fern pauses, looking over at the underboss anew. They blink a few times, slow and placid from their drinking. Mellowed, though far from tipsy.[break][break]

A small smile creeps into their countenance. One that they cannot seem to help. It settles there, unbidden and persistent. Warm, fond. "Yes, I suppose I do feel it."[break][break]

They would know - it's not something they've allowed themself for quite some time. An indulgence that had been put away in favor of keeping most at bay underneath the brighter, more sociable personality.[break][break]

Their hand cradles their chin as they eye Theo, brows lifting as curiosity flits through their demeanor. "Why do you ask?"

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he responds to the question with one of his own.[break][break]

"what does it feel like?"[break][break]

his question leaves him curiously, aired with slight caution as though venturing toward unfamiliar territories.[break][break]

"love."

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One brow arches slightly as they survey him, teasingly. “Someone’s terribly curious.”[break][break]

Fern ponders the question regardless. What does it feel like? How is it that jayden cross make them feel?[break][break]

“It feels…a lot like coming home, I think. Comforting. The whole unconditional devotion is a bit new and unexpected for me, but a bit exciting too.”[break][break]

They sigh, shrugging. “I’m not sure I can put it fully in words. I suppose I thought you had…a sense, though?”

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"myself?"[break][break]

he shakes his head.[break][break]

"i thought i had as well but it might have been false, something i only felt because i had told myself to feel it. that i should be feeling it, if that makes sense."[break][break]

and after a pause, he adds with the same stoic demeanor he always has.[break][break]

"i'm glad you and jayden cross have found love."

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Fern drifts into a contemplative look, mouth turning downward for no more than a moment.[break][break]

“Ah, I misunderstood, then.” They pause, mulling over his words. “Why do you think it was false? I suppose it makes sense, though. It’s all finicky, isn’t it?”[break][break]

Their head tips back as they laugh at the deadpan delivery of his words a beat later. They shake their head, still smiling somewhat, “I won’t put the cart before the horse, Theo.”[break][break]

“For that to be true, it involves a level of reciprocity, no? I won’t make an assumption, just because of what I feel.”[break][break]

Not that they doubt jayden cross , but with no ardent declarations uttered, they’ll play it safe without presuming.

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"because i find little comfort in them. it feels almost...fleeting."[break][break]

as though they are on a timer, which in a way they were with the end of the world. perhaps that added to the allure of it all. the appeal that drew them together.[break][break]

he lets out a soft chuckle.[break][break]

"well, isn't there only one way to find out for certain?"[break][break]