hangingsentence:

“Certainly, if that is what you WISH… Know that whenever you are craving tea in company, you are certainly more than welcome to call upon ME.”

Sometimes it was difficult to tell when a normally stoic individual such as she playing host to the detective was joking, or attempting to tease. “Do you prefer to drink your tea in a certain SETTING? The garden, or the library, PERHAPS? Some change in SCENERY?”

That was quite the generous offer, really. Hakuba often craved tea and company. Multiple times per day, in fact. In the spirit of not being rude, he decided not to mention this fact, and instead nodded gratefully to the woman, and contemplated the answer to her question.

“Any is fine, so long as the company is agreeable – which it is. That said, it might be nice to see another section of this dream world.”

hangingsentence:

“I have not changed any since we last MET. I trust matters are pleasant on your side of THINGS?”

If the slight term of endearment was noticed, she didn’t bring attention to it. For once such an easy distraction was welcomed—she was hoping a certain warden was not the cause of this sudden load of work.

“They remain about the same; neither here nor there.” Which was Hakuba’s way of saying that life was, as always, difficult and painful, but he was pretending that everything was fine. But that is why he was there in the first place, wasn’t he?

“Have you eaten yet?”

hangingsentence:

“Ah… <Mr.> Hakuba. My apologies for not paying closer ATTENTION.”

Nothing but piles of stacks of paperwork neatly towering the area around her workspace—and who knew which stack was done and which ones were still in need of looking over? Honestly, it would have been a miracle indeed if the petite inquisitor spotted the man beforehand. “I can certainly manage the TIME. Quite truthfully, I have been needing the break from all this PAPERWORK.”

“Indeed, Miss Knox. Allow me to assist in distracting you from this endless sea of what appears to be bureaucratic busywork. How have you been, my dear?”

He hoped that the bit of verbal affection would not be taken the wrong way or considered too informal. Hakuba was honestly pleased to see her again. 

hangingsentence:

“HELLO. Do you have business with the Great Court of HEAVEN?”

“Miss Knox, a pleasure to see you this fine evening… I hope that I’m not interrupting anything too important?”

Hakuba inclined his head toward her, giving a smile and a nod in greeting, respectful and polite but with a hint of playful teasing. 

“I was wondering if you might have time for a spot of tea, or supper, perhaps?"