06-16-2026, 12:59 AM
Near's supposition would be correct in almost any other circumstance: that some sort of masked sex was involved, perhaps some level of molestation. Luckily, mercifully, he is incorrect. Jude and Juliet have lived a sheltered life, but not an abused one. Their sometimes coerced, often sheltered life has been relatively comfortable. It helps that they are not completely human, if to be completely human requires a life begun at infancy, impressing such a creature with the neuroses necessary to make one legible to one's species. Jude was very directable, until the day he up and ran away.
He hears what he thinks is the absolute closest he is going to get to an invitation, or acceptance of his own. Near would find a way to argue water isn't wet, but if he takes his umbrella in hand, Jude will count his blessings.
"Maybe your kind of wizard is lucky," he says. "I think I'm the person best qualified to observe and judge." His tone is joking when he says it, but after the words come out, Jude sincerely wonders. The lightness in his eyes falters. He really doesn't know what Near can do at all, other than slap down a Reverse Uno card on Jude.
LN DYER
3420 SAN LESMES
LAS VEGAS, NV 89193
"Do you have to work tomorrow?" He came here for Near. His whole schedule is open to Near. Which, now, means Las Vegas.
Driving to Las Vegas with Near.
No drinking and driving this time, Jude tells himself.
He hears what he thinks is the absolute closest he is going to get to an invitation, or acceptance of his own. Near would find a way to argue water isn't wet, but if he takes his umbrella in hand, Jude will count his blessings.
"Maybe your kind of wizard is lucky," he says. "I think I'm the person best qualified to observe and judge." His tone is joking when he says it, but after the words come out, Jude sincerely wonders. The lightness in his eyes falters. He really doesn't know what Near can do at all, other than slap down a Reverse Uno card on Jude.
LN DYER
3420 SAN LESMES
LAS VEGAS, NV 89193
"Do you have to work tomorrow?" He came here for Near. His whole schedule is open to Near. Which, now, means Las Vegas.
Driving to Las Vegas with Near.
No drinking and driving this time, Jude tells himself.