(closed) back at it again at fantasy krispy kreme

[spellslots]

who: ipre squad
what: shenanigans, mostly soulmate shenanigans
when: september
where: ya mom's bed
warnings: #drama, also smooches and ~references~ to boning i guess


[It doesn't really matter that much, who drinks the potion first, the end result is the same: six white threads, the colour of bonds, stretching out between them. There are three that go nowhere in particular, for Merle, Davenport, and Barry, but the other three have definite ends.

Maybe there are others, too. I'm not your dad.]

Comments

[scholiast]

(She exhales sharply and folds her arms defensively across her chest. They hadn't, sure, but then: she hadn't given them much of a chance to be there for her, either. When she had made it quite clear that she didn't want to talk about what happened during that solitary year of hers, the others had understood and backed off, and they'd never really come back to it.

She still doesn't want to talk about it. Maybe some day– maybe after she stops waking up occassionally at night full of panic to check that she isn't alone, she'll be able to revist that year of her life.)

Is it? (She looks at him then, and her expression is stubborn.) I had a plan– I had the shield, Magnus, and I knew that if I could just take a year, maybe two, I could set things right again, for all of us.

(This explanation is in the past tense for a reason. Her gaze drops to consider the floor.) I don't know if Taako told you but it won't work out like that. Not the way that I want. And now I don't know what to do.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[He knows he doesn't need to scold her for her failed plan. The sharp tone he'd taken neutralizes.]

Yeah, he did.

[A thoughtful pause.]

Did I ever talk to you about my training with the Power Bear in the Animal Kingdom?

[scholiast]

(Maybe it's because she's been having these kinds of conversations mostly with Taako- who is still justifiably angry at her over what happened- but she had been expecting him to yell at her. When he doesn't, she relaxes a little, arms unfolding.)

Briefly. But that was a long time ago.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[He actually approaches Lucretia now, with some sympathy. He's beginning to realize what drove her actions, because he's all too familiar with it.]

See, Creesh, I know where you're coming from. You wanna be strong for everybody so we don't have to. And I get, that, for real. Why do you think I dive headfirst into every dangerous situation?

[He lets out a small laugh in spite of himself.]

I thought I had to take all the big hits for everyone—because I'm the strong guy, y'know? I mean, I still do that. I'm not too bright. But the Power Bear taught me how to depend on my friends. Lucretia, what strength really is, is—it's knowing how much you can take. It's knowing when to ask for help. Nobody's supposed to take all the big hits alone. When you do that you just get hurt. [He's covered in the scars to prove it.] You find strength in teamwork—in your friends.

[scholiast]

(For a long moment, she looks at him, mulling his words over in her mind.

It's surprisingly wise, coming from Magnus. She had pulled together everything she had, and then the moment her plan had come into question she had panicked and doubled down– or at least, she's assuming that's what happens. That, and by that point there had been nobody left to ask. It's like watching slowly as she paints herself into a corner, knowing what she's doing isn't right but still hoping, wishing for everything to come together in the eleventh hour.)

I... (her voice is a little tremulous. She's touched by this speech, more than she cares to admit. She swallows, and tries again.)

You're right. But I didn't. And I regret that, Magnus, I really– I have no idea how I'm ever going to be able to make it up to you, to any of you, but I want to try. I'm so sorry.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[It would be a lie to say that, in the back of his mind, there wasn't a part of him that thought she never would be able to make it up to them. But—he is Magnus, and he wouldn't be who he is if there wasn't an even bigger, louder part of him saying You don't need to.

Once again, he pulls her into a hug. This time, one of forgiveness.

He surprises himself by saying next:]

I'm sorry, Luce. We all shot you down and the things we did to Faerun were... [He doesn't need to get into that.

He'd always felt guilty turning against Lucretia at the last moment. Part of him had wanted to be on her side, but something, whether it be lack of faith or maybe peer pressure from the others, had convinced him otherwise. He knew Lucretia's plan wouldn't work, but maybe, if they'd at least heard her out and reworked her plan...]

[scholiast]

(Lucretia hadn't been able to look at him as she spoke earlier for fear of seeing something in his expression she wouldn't like, so the second hug comes as a complete surprise. Even so, she immediately lifts her arms to link tight around his middle, pressing her face into his shoulder to hide the way she immediately tears up.

She wants to say 'it's okay', but it isn't okay. And it probably isn't going to be okay for a long, long time. Lucretia knows this doesn't mean that she's off the hook, but Magnus' kindness does carve a sliver off the leaden weight of guilt inside of her, and for that she is more than grateful.)

Thank you. (Her voice is a low, muffled mumble. She sniffs.)

[ohhmrburnsides]

[As they stand there, embracing, he sighs. All he can muster in response is,]

Mhm.

[The truth is that they were all to blame, for something, in some way. Lucretia took away so much from all of them, but they'd taken so much from Faerun. Whose crime was worse, really?

He plants a kiss on her forehead, then rests his chin on her head, and lets this embrace ride itself out.]

[scholiast]

(It's a real good embrace. Lucretia sighs, shoulders sagging as she leans into him and lets him hold her for a long time. Eventually, she leans back, wiping her face hurriedly with both hands.)

Sorry, (she says thickly, and then Junior takes that moment to dive bomb the top of Magnus' head from the kitchen ceiling with a playful hum, knocking into his forehead and giving Lucretia a moment to collect herself a little better.)

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Assuming this is an apology for the tears and not for—everything else, he starts,] No need to—

[The collision startles him at first, just because it's been a while, but he soon recognizes the feeling. He turns to the voidfish, delighted.]

Fisher! [No, wait.

Even if the two are near identical, he knows Fisher well enough that this is different to him.]

Not Fisher. Junior? [He's asking Lucretia if he's correct. He's never met Junior before, but has heard of him.]

[scholiast]

(Lucretia nods, giving her eyes a final wipe with her thumbs as Junior turns neat circles above Magnus' head. She wonders if Junior is being familiar with him because it recognises Magnus from the stories she's been telling it; that, or perhaps a wider connection to the other voidfish, and to Fisher? Regardless of what it is exactly, it's so sweet to watch them interact.)

It came through the portal, not too long ago.

[ohhmrburnsides]

Wow. So Fisher had a baby, huh.

[He gives the voidfish an affectionate rub on its cap.] Nice to meet you, Junior. I'm your grandpa!

[To Lucretia:] He's adorable.

[scholiast]

(magnus YOU'RE adorable

Junior seems pleased; Lucretia watches it float, and settle to rest on Magnus' shoulder, in the little crook between neck and collarbone.)

Right? It's been nice, having it around. Somebody to talk to.

(Oh, that sounds so sad Lucretia.)

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Magnus gladly lets the little creature rest on him. He and Fisher have done this a lot. Maybe Junior can sense this somehow?

Oh, Creesh, that is sad. Magnus looks at her for a moment, thoughtfully (and maybe just the tiniest bit pitifully), and then swivels two chairs from the kitchen table and takes a seat, motioning for Lucretia to take the other one.]

How about we talk? How's Riverview been treating you? [Now that he feels satisfied with his answers, they can actually catch up.]

[scholiast]

(That, and Magnus is shaped like a friend.)

Well. (Aside from the in-fighting, obviously. Lucretia crosses to sit at her table, shifting aside some papers to make room for Magnus if he wants to come and sit too.)

Work is good and I've made lovely friends. And... I'm seeing somebody. Sort of. (She smiles hesitantly. Her eyes are still red from crying.)

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Now they're sitting down to gossip with each other like two ladies at brunch, just like old times. Hearing Lucretia is seeing someone is a surprising relief, what with Magnus knowing what he does about her love life.]

That's great! What's she like? Tell me everything.

[He's wants to know about the happy things in her life. She's so tired.]

[scholiast]

(God she is, Magnus. Thank you. Lucretia props her elbows up on the table; this is just like old times, now.)

She's– amazing, Magnus. (She's aware that she is being so sappy right now, but she can't help it. She's ridiculously fond of Beverly.)

She from a ship– the Enterprise, and they travel intergalactically. She's a doctor.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[This is adorable. He loves seeing her so happy.]

Ooh, a doctor, huh? [He waggles his eyebrows.] That's impressive. And she's from space, just like us! Obviously you were meant for each other.

[scholiast]

(She laughs, pleased.)

I don't– I wouldn't go that far. But I enjoy her company, and she's... she's been so kind to me, what with everything that's been happening.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Of course he was just teasing when he'd made the comment earlier, but he is very excited for her.]

I'm glad. You deserve something nice, Luce.

[...And then he leans forward in his chair, teasing again.]

Ssoooooooo have ya kissed her yet?

[scholiast]

(Lucretia, who hasn't thought of herself as deserving of 'something nice' in a very long time, is a little thrown by this kindness. Thankfully, she doesn't have time to get overly emotional about it because Magnus leaps straight into teasing her and she's actually grateful for it.)

I– (is there any point in lying? It's probably written all over her face. This is ridiculous, she is an adult.) Yes. I have.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[That was the point, Luc!! He'd changed the subject quickly so she wouldn't have time to argue against his kindness.

Also, Magnus is a child.]

Ooooooooh, get it, Creesh! Up top! [He raises both his hands for a double high-five.]

[scholiast]

(She cracks a sudden smile, then starts laughing as she reaches up to slap both his hands. Can't leave a guy hanging!)

You're ridiculous. (She has missed this so much.)

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Yes! His plot to cheer her up is working! ... Though it usually does.]

I know I am. But you love me.

[scholiast]

I do.

(Very, very much.)

It's really good to have you back, Magnus.