Retro: Rumpled in Spirit

PM

A long time ago, some time in Spring, Ari receives a text.

The text:

Text: Ariaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnaaaaaaaaa

 

Arianna

It's a small miracle when Ari's cell phone works.  But perhaps, by now, Robin and the others have gotten tired of this and 'fixed' it.  Or perhaps this is just one of the lucky lucky days when nothing has gone wrong, yet.

The reply: The one and only. Yes, Pen?

PM

Text: I dread the hour after we leave this place.

Text: Nick and me.

Text: You don't need be for anything Important right now do you? 

PM

Text: Oh! Forgive me!

Text: *me

Arianna

Reply: Um.

And more: I think I might be in dreadful need of you.

And more: It may be quite serious. I think I am... perhaps I have gotten stranded somewhere by my notoriously unreliable car.  

And yet more: Some place unsavoury. And Kestrel will not come save me. As he is not gallant like that.

Arianna

And then: It is quite serious. You must come. Post haste. And bring Nicholas. The night is dark and full of terrors.

PM

Text: You are a wonder, Ari!

Text: But you see, if I bring Nicholas, then we will be alone together in the car and saving you will have lost its luster.

Text: In this very particular instance.

Text: Saving you always has a luster. 

Text: Ari, woe! 

Text: No, I am fine, I am only "considerably rumpled in spirit."

Text: Forward, right?

Arianna

Reply: Rumpled in spirit? LET ME AT THEM! I shall rumple some spirits on your behalf and in your name. (angry face emoji)

Arianna

Reply: And should I ever be in truly dire straits, you have my permission to be distracted by the nearness of Nicholas... so long as you eventually remember to see to my timely rescue. ;)

PM

Text: The only 'them' to be at is found in the last two letters, only reverse them!

Text: I have been a 

Text: (spider emoji)

Text: fool. That was supposed to evoke a shudder.

Text: I'm sure I would get around to it eventually, regardless of nearness.

[long pause]

Text: ;)

 

Arianna

Reply: Pen, to me you are always bright and shining. I am grateful for your moments of foolishness; it makes it easier for the rest of us to stand so near to you. <3 Whatever was said or done will be soon forgo--

Next message: --tten. damned character limits.