SUMMER TIME.

... almost. Spring anyway. It's funny, I still look forward to it like I did when I was a kid, even though... well, it's not like I get to go off work and ride bicycles around the village and sit in my pants eating ice cream on the front lawn. Not that I ever did. And I mean, not ruling all that out, but there's still work and that. There's still everything. Being a grown up's rubbish.

And pissssss I was so happy last spring. Loopy happy. I mean not so afraid and generally awful. I didn't dread getting out of bed. I didn't hate the reek smell of Mungo's. I didn't feel like I was always messing everything up.

It'll be fine, I've just got t RAWRGH blarh buh

I'm going to change that this summer. I've got trips planned. I'll see my brother. I am going to have one kiss I don't feel guilty about, whoever it's with.

When it's bright again, I'll feel brighter.

[Warded to Gideon]

You know him better than I do: would Bilius prefer rabbits or bears? If you select "a combo of both", should it be the head of rabbit with the body of a bear, or a bear with the body of a rabbit?

Or an elephant.

[Warded to Nora]

Want to eat pudding with me at lunch?

Oh, and how's Emmeline? I wanted to write her, but didn't want to look like a nosy-parker.

Added later: [Warded to Emmeline]

Emmeline! Do you have any plans for Saturday?

[Warded to Nora]

And you should name it.

I'm coming by again tomorrow by the way!

Want to go shopping this weekend? I don't have any dresses that'd suit a wedding, especially not Emmeline's froo-la-la one. I bet we're expected to wear hats. With diamond studded feathers.

[Warded to Gideon]

I've
I really
Just wanted to check in, see how your shoulder's doing. ... how is it doing?

[Warded to Fabian Prewett]

Hi
I know I
Gideon's with me, here, at my flat. I don't know if you're looking for him, or what he tol I've protective wards in place, it's safe. He's safe too. I'm sure he'll be in touch when he wakes up, but... wanted you to know sooner rather than later.

But bollocks to practising it tonight. I don't suppose there's any tickets left for your match tonight, Nora? Possibly two, for some ol' chums who would like to cheer you on? I sort of asked Ed, but

And if so -- Bertha, I have a hat you can wear. FEAR NOT.

By the way Nora, when do I get your old bed? I've already tossed mine and I've been sleeping on a pile of laundry and tears.

This is a little depre
Do you ever wond
Can I ask you something? I mean I know I can, just are you in the mood to answer something that might be a bit... you know, Not The Greatest to think about? I can wait. It's nothing real, I should probably just be sleeping.

But I'm not.

Are either of you doing anything for Ed already? Or have you spoken to him or his sisters today? I mean, I know most people are probably making them all food, but I guess we could too? I could have a word with my landlady and commandeer the kitchen for awhile, but we wouldn't be able to use magic in case she's about.

How's your mum doing?

Arrrrrrgh I'm having second thoughts about this dress.

Are you okay? Of course you are, I didn't see you at M I need to stop asking people such a bloody stupid qu I really don't want to be at the flat alone tonight and if I go back to my parents' it's just going to remind me of the Masquerade all over again and I swear to God I'll vomit.

Could I stay with you? Until If I'm not called in again? Or you could stay here in the city with me -- Ed did the wards, everything's probably safe.

Everything all right where you are? Your family? I know it wasn't in your area, but... I don't know. I'm just worried all over.