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“Nah,” you said, though that midriff couldn’t help but make you consider it. “I forgot it when I gave you that jacket. Didn’t think you’d still be wearing it, but that Luftwaffe jacket’s got a bit of a flaw,” you touched Winnifred’s neck, “Leaves this out in the cold, doesn’t it?” You pulled out a scarf, somewhat faded, a white wool length dyed into bluish black, with stars embroidered along its length. “I gave this to Linda once, back when it was white as snow then she decorated it.”
“Dyed it dark?” Winnifred asked as she took an end in hand to examine it, “The additional needlework isn’t bad. Snow, or stars.”
“Linda said she accidentally stained it. She works with engines a lot, but she used to like more feminine stuff more.” You wrapped the scarf around Winnifred’s neck a few times, then tied it secure. “Hope you don’t mind the regift, but even if you’re going to be gone for good, I’ll sleep easier knowing you’re warm.”
Winnifred touched the scarf thoughtfully, though her expression remained rigidly stoic. “I hope that Miss Falkenstein doesn’t mind the warmth being cast to cold.”
“Don’t worry about that,” you rubbed Winnifred’s collar before letting your hands fall, “You’re going to be gone soon, after all.”
“…I suppose I will be, yes,” Winnifred paced across the room and sat on your bed. “I’ve had a pleasant Langenachtfest, Reinhold. Some people want silver and gold, some people want everything. I’m content with peace, talk, and endearing company. A chance to walk rather than needing to run or hide.”
“If you bore my son, then you’re certainly easy to please,” you joked, “But it’s my pleasure to serve.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Winnifred sniffed, “I <span class="mu-i">did</span> choose you. I have all I can care to ask for, right now. But there’s no need for you to settle for so little for my sake.” She turned half lidded eyes up to you, “I know you what you want. And it’s more than you can have, not without sacrifices I don’t want you to make. But I don’t care to leave you wanting if it’s for but a night.”
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