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 Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:39 pm
Being treated by Dr. Eld was not unbearable, and despite his sour attitude he was effective in administering treatment. Devyn had not put up any fight and had been quite agreeable when it came to humoring him while he was being patched up. He was glad to have the bandages back on because it meant that he could finally lean back and relax for a bit. The rest of the checkup was fairly uneventful, with a bit of information exchanged just to make sure everyone was all right.
All in all, their damages had been minimal. It was one less thing to worry about.
Devyn didn’t bother redressing, and Lucien had been kind enough to get him and Percy a blanket to share.
Food was delivered very shortly after the last of the medical supplies had been put away, and despite how hungry Devyn was, he could only pick at the meal as he worked his way through it. Ordinarily, he could have just inhaled everything. Instead, he had to take small bites and pace himself.
He finished his plate, it just took him longer than expected.
Long enough that when there was another knock at the door, it was easy to assume it was someone coming to collect their plates. The room had fallen into a calm quiet–not unpleasant, but everyone was tired.
“Percy, can we come in? It’s Marius,” said the voice behind the door, before anyone could get up to answer or send them away.
The door opened without a response and Virgil stepped through. His eyes found Madison immediately, and then the other three. His shoulders had been squared but he relaxed almost immediately. He looked as put together as ever, but it was almost impossible to fluster Virgil or rile him up. He had the same stoic expression in nearly all situations, and yet it softened when he saw them all together.
Marius did not wait in the hallway. As soon as Virgil entered, he followed. He’d returned to a more normal color but he still looked like he should be sent to bed early, anyway.
Virgil said nothing but that wasn’t uncommon. Marius spoke for them. “Virgil’s just gotten in, he didn’t want to wait for you to head back. I offered to bring him. I’m sorry about bringing everyone through your rooms.”
Devyn tipped his head back to rest on the back of the couch and shrugged. He was too tired to care. Dr. Eld and Lucien had been to his room often enough, and Virgil was trusted in his circle. Celyn was the only one he didn’t know but he doubted there was much of a reason to be afraid of that. The path between Alastor and Sessrumnir was safeguarded, anyway.
Virgil moved to Madison and seemed like he expected answers despite not asking any questions. What he didn’t say was written all over his face, anyway. He wanted to know that he was okay.
Marius closed the door behind them. He had a small pack strapped over one shoulder and his hand rested over the bulge in the bag like he was intentionally holding it close to him and out of the way. He could see Percy there, alive. Bruised. Devyn had one arm around Percy and was holding an ice pack against his cheek for him. They were both still sitting on the couch so Marius could infer this wasn’t a reason to worry that they were in critical condition.
Two of his favorite people had been in harm’s way today, and he looked between Percy and Madison like his brain needed a few seconds to process that they were actually okay. “We were worried about you. We came to help. If you need anything. Oh, I brought fresh clothes for you all. And some other things. Just in case.”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:40 pm
Percy knew they had to get up at some point. They’d all picked at their food, and ate what they could, but mostly they were all just exhausted. He was almost dozing against Devyn’s shoulder when someone knocked.
For a moment Percy was confused. It wasn’t the hall door where anyone else in Sessrumnir would have tried getting their attention from, but instead his bedroom door that led into the office.
There was gratitude and relief that immediately made its way onto his face, and while he wanted to get up and hug Marius and promise that he was okay -- that they were all going to be okay -- he didn’t want to upset Devyn.
The tension between Marius and Devyn wasn’t as bad as it once was, but Percy was still cautious about making Devyn feel like he was picking Marius over him. He wasn’t! He just also wanted to make sure Marius was okay.
Besides, Devyn was so kindly holding an ice pack against his face so he didn’t have to. He didn’t want to mess that up.
“Marius. Virgil,” Percy let out a quiet sigh, clearly pleased to see them even if he wasn’t getting up from his spot.
“That’s very kind. Thank you. We’re okay. I’m sorry we worried you. I’m sorry you got caught up in all that.” Madison had been lounging somewhat uncomfortably in one of the armchairs in the office, his leg up on the coffee table so he could keep a pack of ice on his ankle. He’d had worse injuries before, but it was annoying to have to deal with being hurt at all. How was he supposed to get to his patients if he was stuck hobbling around? How was he supposed to get home? Sure, he would take a horse, but getting from the stables to the house was a pain. When Marius announced being at the door, of course Madison looked up. He was looking forward to seeing Marius and wanted to make sure he was doing okay, too. He hadn’t expected to see Virgil then. For a few moments he just stared, his face flushing as he struggled for something to say that was appropriate for being in the company of others, as opposed to being alone with Virgil. Finally he forced a scoff and shrugged, and casually draped his arms over the chair. “Worried? About what? We’re perfectly fine,” he insisted with a casual wave of his hand. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s just a little sore,” Madison huffed, knowing Virgil and Marius would see his ankle with the ice. “Go fuss over those two if you’re worried.” “It is good to see you again, although I wish the circumstances were better,” Lucien nodded in greeting to Virgil from where he sat at Percy’s desk, making notes on a piece of paper.
“We’d planned on heading back over to the Hall shortly, but with the extra help, I’m sure the trip will be made easier. Mr. Serge Martel arrived with his soldiers from Valhalla, and they are working on cleanup and ensuring the Wonder is secure. It was a fierce battle, but thanks to Percy’s resilience and Devyn’s tenacity, the threat was neutralized. Dr. Eld has been invaluable in ensuring everyone has been treated for injuries. All non-life threatening,” Lucien seemed pleased to report.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:49 pm
Marius immediately gave Madison a look but he didn’t press the matter. He didn’t really want to fuss over Percy while Devyn was there. Undoubtedly, his fussing would be inadequate comparatively, and he didn’t want to intrude.
Instead, he began to pull out clothes. A pair for Madison, nothing flashy but provided by Lukas.
He moved to Percy and Devyn and carefully pulled out two outfits for them, grabbed from their closets. They matched, but he had a much less flamboyant flair than Devyn. Even now, Marius liked to dress in mostly dark clothes. Part of it was habit, part of it was because he liked how much warmth he could soak up from the sun.
Virgil nodded to Lucien but moved to Madison’s side silently and gave him a look that said more than Marius’ did. He’d seen him hurt before. They’d gone into battle together. He knew Madison well enough not to be dramatic about things but it didn’t mean he could just not care. Especially with Atrius asking for updates in his ear. “You hurt your ankle again. How badly?”
Marius tried not to eavesdrop. He was used to the whispers between the two of them, and Atrius sometimes, and he didn’t take it personally even if he wanted to know how Madison was doing.
It was difficult to care so much and be useless. He was used to being the one doing all the fussing, running all the errands, fixing all the problems. He didn’t mind that the burden was off of his shoulders but here, he often felt like he struggled to have a purpose or value.
He’d brought clothes, he supposed that was good enough. Even if Virgil could have just done it himself. “You don’t have to apologize to me for anything,” he said to Percy, always surprised that he seemed so quick to forget and forgive what happened in Villefort. “Thank you for looking out for us. I’m sorry I wasn’t any help. I’m glad things worked out. If you need anything, please let me know.”
Which obviously was the same for Madison, and Lucien. Everyone he knew was tied up with someone else–which was okay, of course, but Marius didn’t want to intrude so he retreated to the desk to stand by Lucien. He couldn’t help but glance at the paper he was working on/
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:52 pm
“You were incredibly helpful, Marius. Thanks to your quick thinking, you made it possible for Devyn to know what was going on. I just wish he hadn’t been so far away in the first place,” Percy frowned, but didn’t seem to have any intention of moving from Devyn’s side now that Marius was moving over to see what Lucien was doing. He didn’t want to move, anyway, but he did want Marius to know he was okay.
“Celyn is okay too?” he asked, but could only assume that was the case. It hurt to talk, so he tried not to do too much. He at least took the clothes Marius got for them and pulled them closer to hold onto. With Virgil moving over to his side, Madison crossed his arms stubbornly across his chest. And maybe a little defensively. There were too many other people for him to say what he wanted. He knew nothing he said now was really useful, and he knew it was probably frustrating to deal with. “It’s fine, it’s just a sprain,” he grumbled and wiggled his foot as if to prove it was fine. It could have been a lot worse. He doubted the bones had ever truly healed, but at the time they hadn’t really had anything to correct it. Due to dire situations and lack of proper supplies, Madison just had to deal with occasionally twisting his ankle. At least these days he didn’t have to worry about someone deciding to ‘ take pity’ on him and put him out of his misery before the enemy could get to him. He was pretty certain that without Virgil and Tieran making sure that didn’t happen, and making sure someone didn’t decide he was an unnecessary burden on the battlefield, he likely wouldn’t be there today. “Tell Atrius to stop worrying. It’s fine,” he insisted, waving his hand dismissively and looking away so he didn’t have to look Virgil in the eye when he really just wanted to throw his arms around him. “It won’t stop me from getting to dinner.” With everyone fussing over everyone else, Lucien was more than happy to move over so that Marius could see what he was working on. It looked like a bunch of little drawings and numbers and letters. A mathematical equation that could have been mistaken for abstract art of some kind.
“Sessrumnir’s energy has been depleted. I’m working on figuring out a way for the Wonder to harness more than just Percy’s energy and lifeforce. There may be a device I can make that will enhance the flow between the Wonder and the people who live here,” Lucien explained, although he doubted Marius would be able to understand the Mauvian language and symbols they used.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:53 pm
Virgil shrugged and took a seat on Madison’s armrest. “Of course not. He sent me to make sure you got home in one piece. He can send a horse for us, I’ll ride up with you. Or he can just meet us at the Hall and we can spend the night, if you’d like to be close to everyone here. I assume you’ll be the only physician seeing them.”
He didn’t mind much wherever they were.
“Stop moving your foot, you don’t have to prove it’s a sprain. If that’s all it is, I trust you. Don’t agitate it or you’ll be off your feet for longer.”
It probably wasn’t much of a surprise that Marius did not recognize anything on Lucien’s page but he nodded along as it was explained, but his brows furrowed towards the end and he looked up at the Mauvian and then to Percy. “What do you mean Sessrumnir’s energy has been depleted?”
He looked a bit restless but managed to stay put. Devyn had sat up a little more, obviously interested in what Lucien was working on, too.
“I mean–Celyn is fine,” Marius said quickly, so Percy couldn’t be distracted with worry or think he was avoiding the question. “How much does this place rely on your energy and life force?”
And if Sessrumnir’s energy had been depleted, what did that mean for Percy? Could he just sleep it off and be good as new tomorrow, too?
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:55 pm
“The Springs aren’t healing very well,” he admitted, feeling like a failure for letting his Wonder get into such a state. “One of the students got hurt, so I transferred my energy to him. I didn’t know it would do more than maybe help him.”
He hadn’t even been sure it would work, but he’d hoped, and Sessrumnir answered. But he was still trying to figure out what the cost of that was. It was good to hear that Celyn was okay, though.“At least I’m not as reckless as these two,” he huffed as he gestured to Percy and Devyn, and if he happened to lean his shoulder against Virgil it was only because he was crowding him by sitting on the arm of the chair. He frowned a little at the options, not wanting Atrius to go out of his way, and he didn’t know what Virgil had with him. “I was just going to come back after dinner. That emergency in Arista. Is everything okay?” Because if something was stopping Atrius from leaving, then it must have been important. “For Senshi, their starseeds resonate with the Core of their Worlds. It’s a symbiotic existence, even if they are not in close contact all the time. The Core is as close to a Senshi’s starseed as the starseed itself,” Lucien explained, casually leaning back in the chair and thoughtfully crossing his arms over his chest.
“For Knights, I can only assume it’s something similar. They are not born with the connection, but it is something that is formed and grows. Much like my connection to Alastor. Senshi require the help of Mauvians to unlock their full potential, but Knights can access that power on their own, through their Wonder and the Code, which is a powerful entity that is many and one at the same time. It could be that the Code’s connection just needs to recharge. Alas, I am no expert on things pertaining to Knights. I may not fully understand,” he admitted, but hoped it was close enough.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:58 pm
Virgil scoffed, because Madison was as reckless as those two, in his own way. Once Madison leaned against him, he stayed rigid and unmoving, as if by even breathing too deeply he might scare the doctor away. “Everything’s fine. I’m sure he’ll tell you about it at dinner. There was a fire, it was just very close to his office. Only one building took damage. He’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t get to tell you about it himself. He might be glad for some fresh air, Arista still smells like smoke. So I don’t think he’ll mind if he gets an invitation to sleep at the Hall.”
Devyn was still eavesdropping, only it was hard to pick out which conversation he was more invested in. He must have noticed Virgil’s eyes on him because he nodded to approve the poorly concealed request.
Marius was equally torn because he heard something about a fire, but Virgil had said that things were fine. Lucien was discussing an ongoing problem, something that only had a hypothetical resolution. A problem not yet solved.
“How do you recharge a connection like that?” If Lucien wasn't an expert, he looked at Percy, but then realized that maybe he was asking too many questions. Percy was tired. Marius’ curiosity was not more important than his comfort. “Sorry–no. I’m sure you’re supposed to be resting and I didn’t come here to be a bother. I’d like to hear about Knight things someday, though. If it’s not too much trouble.”
Not that he thought he could help with any of that; he knew he had his limits and he doubted he was any sort of Knight material. He couldn’t help but be curious. He knew Percy far more than he knew Sessrumnir. And he’d already convinced Percy to let him help. He still wanted to make good on that offer. Now, more than ever.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:00 pm
“A fire?? Give me your earring!” Madison demanded in alarm, holding out his hand for Virgil to relinquish the earring that connected him to Atrius. “I’ll let him tell me about it when he gets here, just-- ********, I’ll ask him to come here,” he tried to explain, feeling flustered and unsettled knowing that there was something that happened so close to where Atrius was. “Could nothing else bad happen today? Please??” he growled and narrowed his eyes on everyone in the room. This was the first time Percy had heard about a fire in Arista. His eyebrows furrowed in concern, but he did his best not to ask too many questions since it sounded like Atrius was fine and would want to share things with Madison, himself.
“I don’t know,” he answered Marius instead, feeling guilty that he didn’t. “Maybe Serge knows…” But he wasn’t really looking forward to his brother scolding him about something else. Especially when that something else was Knight related. It was probably something he should know, but maybe it was kept from him for one reason or another.
“It’s not too much trouble. I don’t know if I’ll be the best person to ask about Knight things,” he mumbled, clearly still hurting from everything Serge had said and accused him of. But he showed Marius a small smile in the hopes it would reassure him. Lucien was also displeased to hear there had been a fire while they were working on trying to rescue Percy and help Sessrumnir. He tapped the pen to the page, scribbled a couple more notes, and then looked up at Marius once more.
“Lukas will be pleased to know that all of the armor and weapons are ready to be returned. Mostly unscathed, although it was a good thing we had them.” Which was why Lucien had insisted on wearing the pieces in the first place. Even if Dr. Eld was going to scoff about it after the fact.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:04 pm
“Do you want me to ask him?” Marius asked, tilting his head just slightly. Percy looked like he was barely navigating heartbreak and he didn’t know what he’d missed but he knew something was wrong. “I could always say it’s for my research. Maybe I want to be a Knight when I grow up.” He shrugged. He didn’t want to be a Knight, he just wanted answers. “And since you’re supposed to be resting…”
Virgil was already removing his earring, aware of what the others were saying but confident enough that Madison would fill him in later if needed.
Devyn moved the ice pack to another part of Percy’s cheek. “He told me it was under control when I passed through. They were siphoning water from the river.”
Nodding, Virgil brushed Madison’s hair away from his ear and fixed the earring.
‘–but really, tell him not to worry. There’s nothing we can’t repair and no one was hurt. But Arista smells like smoke and I don’t know if I’ll get it out of my clothes any time soon. Ah, my hair. I’ll have to use some oil, it’s so dried out.’
Virgil wore an amused look as he leaned back against the couch, wrapping one arm around Madison’s shoulders to better stabilize him where he sat.
Devyn hadn’t moved and was obviously taking his promise to ‘take it easy’ very seriously, but he was awake and alert enough to ask, “You’ve gotten them all?” He’d brought back his armor but last he knew, his sword was still planted in the wall. He hadn’t really been thinking about it, but of course Lukas would be on top of things in preparation for any audits. “I should have thanked you earlier, you picked a good set for me. And for yourselves. I regret that I didn’t get to watch you fight. Maybe you’ll spar with me some time. I was worried I was getting a bit rusty.”
In a way, he had. There was not so much grace in his movement, just brute strength, raw strength, and desperation. But then, he hadn’t been trying to spare lives, either.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:05 pm
Madison was strangely anxious about wearing the earring, but he held still for Virgil to put it on. He wasn’t going to wear it for long! Just long enough to make sure Atrius was really okay. For a few moments his mind was blank, and instead was content just listening to Atrius’s voice. ‘ If I didn’t know Virgil wasn’t much for talking already, I would guess he’s too distracted listening to you all day.’ Madison paused and made a face. ‘ I don’t mean that as a bad thing. Sorry, I bullied him into handing his earring over. You should come to the Hall for dinner. Stay the night. I would feel more comfortable staying close to Devyn and Percy to keep an eye on them.’ He audibly sighed and tipped his head against Virgil. ‘<********, Atrius is so cute.’ Oh… Maybe he didn’t mean to think that last part, but… he thought it so it was out there. Oh, and, well, since Virgil put his arm around his shoulders, he supposed leaning more heavily against him was okay. Percy smiled softly to himself, amused to see how quickly Madison could quiet down when he had the earring to share with Atrius, but his attention turned to Marius. He tried not to sigh. He didn’t have anything truly against his brother. He was a good Knight. Overprotective. A little overbearing. The potential to be cold and cruel, but was generally well mannered around him and those he cared about.
He didn’t have any reason to think that Serge would be mean to his nephew.
“He might appreciate someone taking an interest,” Percy reluctantly agreed. It was the truth, he just didn’t want Marius to have his hopes dashed by his brother being too harsh. “I retrieved it once you and Percy made it to the Springs,” Lucien shared.
“We shall spar when you have a moment available. Some worlds I visit are more hostile than you’d think, although many places only allow me to see the peaceful side,” he hummed thoughtfully as he leaned back in the chair. “The majority of the time they want their Senshi to be within their higher classes. Understandable since it’s more convenient for them than having to search the small villages and impoverished cities. Sometimes, people get aggressive in their need to defend against something unknown.”
Lucien couldn’t help but notice how Dr. Eld seemed to have no interest in talking about fighting, but he didn’t draw attention to it. Not that it was probably very hard for the others to notice.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:10 pm
The connection between the earring was silent for a few seconds, undoubtedly only because Atrius had been surprised by the sudden shift of wearer–even if Virgil had made his intention known. Atrius just hadn’t realized the transition would be so fast.
And then, he laughed. It was mirthful and light, and as if he hadn’t just spent the whole day dealing with emergencies from all over.
‘Oh, you’re precious. We should let you borrow an earring more often. I haven’t been called cute in a very long time, you make me feel young again.’
Virgil was obviously pleased with himself and relaxed, finally. His thumb rested on Madison’s shoulder and he absentmindedly brushed it over the fabric of his shirt.
Atrius continued, ‘I’ll be there, of course. I’m desperate to get some fresh air, anyway. It’s been ages since I spent the night there. I’ll pack us all a bag and be down in a bit. I hope you’re all okay? Virgil said you looked fine but his idea of ‘fine’ is very different from mine. I don’t care how strong the both of you are, you’re flesh and blood and when you hurt, I hurt. And that’s not an invitation to tell me you’re fine just so I don’t worry. Virgil’s not as good at hiding those things from me, and I suspect the same for you. I’ll find out one way or another. Best to tell me now so I know how big of a bouquet to bring.’
Marius was chewing on the inside of his cheek. Madison looked calm–peaceful, even. He didn’t dare interrupt him. Though he’d only heard a bit about Serge, Marius wasn’t intimidated by him, or anyone. He knew he could be a bit harsh, but was there really anything he could say that would upset Marius? That he was too skinny to be a Knight, that he was too sickly, that he was going to spend the rest of his life waiting for an ancient god to pick him apart? “I’ll ask him,” Marius decided. “And I’ll tell you what he says.”
Devyn hummed, but it sounded like it could have been a groan, too. No matter how tough Marius was, he wasn’t so sure it would be a good idea to encourage him to interact with Serge. Especially if he was so ready to lash out.
Well, it might be good for Marius. Let someone yell at him since he wasn’t allowed to.
Lucien knew what he was talking about; Devyn nodded understandingly. He’d been found, by chance, in a small village that could have been easily forgotten. And if he hadn’t been found as early as he had, he’d have been dead before he ever got the chance to be a senshi.
Devyn was not so easily upset about the loss of his village shortly after he’d been brought to the Hall, but it was a good reminder of how hostile Alastor was. To everyone.
“It’s been too long. You’ve missed a lot, tending to all of your other duties. But I’m glad you came when you did, that’s probably the best timing you’ve had yet. How long are you able to stay for, do you know yet?”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:11 pm
Madison snorted in amusement, even as pink colored his cheeks. He’d been so anxious earlier, but now he was feeling more at ease. It helped that they’d managed to get Percy back, and no one died. Well. No one they were trying to keep alive. ‘ Oh, I’m in so much pain. I’m gonna need a dozen-- no, two dozen roses,’ he teased and rolled his eyes. ‘ I’m joking. Don’t do that. I’m fine. Really. I stepped wrong and twisted my ankle a little, but I have ice and I’m taking it easy.' For the most part. ‘ You say that like you’re so old,’ he snorted again. ‘ Does that mean you’ll be retiring soon?’ Percy still wasn’t sure about Marius talking to Serge, but smiled and nodded. Now that everyone was settling down, he nuzzled closer to Devyn. He would have turned if it didn’t hurt his chest to do so.
“Thanks, Marius. And thank you, Lucien. I don’t think I’ve even said hello to you properly,” he gasped quietly, feeling guilty for that too.“It is a pleasure to see you as well, Percy. Maybe the next time I visit, it will be purely for leisure,” he hummed, but he already knew there was something going on that would prevent leisure, probably for a while.
“I apologize for my absence. If you’ll have me, I intend to stay for a while. I have not received any new summons from Mau, and requested they allow me time with my family.”
Because if anyone was his family, it would be his bonded Senshi and his family.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:16 pm
Atrius laughed again. ‘Oh, you’re one to talk. Would you even know how to relax? I can’t imagine you taking it easy. I’ll think about retiring when you and Virgil do the same. But really,’ he hummed, ‘Oh, but I can’t imagine what Arista would do without me. Perhaps it’s hubris, but I don’t even know who could follow in my footsteps. I’m in desperate need of a protégé.’
Though he’d started the conversation very worried, it seemed like he’d relaxed significantly–or, at least, managed to ground himself enough not to sound frantic.
‘I’m glad Virgil is with you, please let him help you stay off that ankle. The flowers are imminent, of course. Two dozen, because I’m sure there were many times in your life that you deserved flowers and didn’t get them. So let me do it now.’
Although, it wasn’t really a request. He’d obviously made up his mind.
Devyn tilted his head just slightly when Lucien said family, not because he didn’t feel the same but because it was a thought on the fringe of his awareness and it still felt odd to hear. Family, in many ways, was still a newer concept to Devyn.
It seemed to catch Marius off guard. He had a way of just silently observing and absorbing information, and while it might not have looked like much, the cogs of Marius’ mind were always moving.
“You know you’re welcome whenever you want, Lucien. I’m glad to have you. I meant what I said earlier when I asked for your help. We’ll have to fill you in on everything when things calm down a bit more. You’ve already met Marius,” he nodded to the young man, and even managed to calmly explain, “Our son. And there are eleven more children on the way, though we haven’t found them yet. So I hope you were looking to expand your family. Perce and I want a full brood.”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:18 pm
‘ You’ve got Marius,’ Madison was quick to point out. The kid had a lot of potential. He was still learning, and he still had his own goals, but that didn’t mean Marius couldn’t do anything he wanted. ‘ Although, selfishly, I kind of want him to take over the clinic for me. Maybe he can be a doctor half of the week and mayor the other half,’ he teased, but couldn’t help but smile fondly at Marius from where he sat. Quite comfortably against Virgil, too. The comment about the flowers was enough to make him flustered again, and he tried to keep his thoughts from getting too sentimental, but when he wasn’t sure he could keep them in check he quickly thought, ‘ Whatever, I’ll see you soon.’ Madison quickly removed the earring and handed it back to Virgil with a hmph. Now if his face could cool down that would be great. Lucien knew he wasn’t around often enough to be considered family but… Devyn was glad to have him, and he could see by Percy’s glance up that he thought that as well. Marius was still new, but that was okay. They would get to know each other soon enough.
“I’ll have to stick around to help watch them, then,” he smiled softly, apparently not at all surprised or bothered by the idea of Devyn and Percy collecting a bunch of children to call their own. They would be good for it.When Lucien spoke, Percy glanced up as well. He knew how loyal Lucien was to Devyn, but he didn’t expect for Lucien to say something to imply that he was considered family as well. Well, no, that wasn’t fair to Lucien. Maybe because Lucien seemed cold and distant at times, but was always doing things to help Devyn and come up with diplomatic solutions.
But what made his heart skip a beat was Devyn. Percy turned to stare up at him, like he wasn’t really sure what he was hearing. Yes, they’d talked about having a big family before, but with each incident that dream seemed to move farther and farther away from them.
It felt like it was almost completely out of reach. Just another dream dashed on the rocks of reality.
But for Devyn to announce it so openly. Oh… there were already tears in his eyes. They were not entirely happy tears, and for that Percy felt guilty, because he wanted to be happy. He wanted things to work out and for them to have a big family.
Instead, he felt fear. Hope. But like it was being held just out of reach.
He forced a wobbly smile and leaned his head against Devyn’s shoulder so he couldn’t see his face. He just wanted so many things so badly...
What was going to get in the way, next?
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:22 pm
Virgil smiled as he returned the earring to his ear, but his hand didn’t leave Madison’s shoulder. He was quiet, but there was a sliver of a smile on his face. For all the bad that today could have been, it wasn’t so bad right now. He could be satisfied that everyone was alive, but he’d been around for long enough to know that if they were all right was debatable. He would do what he could, and Atrius would do the same when he arrived.
Devyn didn’t have a magic necklace. He didn’t have any way to read Percy except by just knowing him. He knew there was pain behind that smile, he knew Percy was hurting. In more ways than one.
Right now he knew that there was only so much he could do and he hated that he didn’t have some magic fix to help Percy now. He didn’t want to see him suffer.
His side screamed in protest when he moved but it was worth it to plant his lips atop Percy’s head and give him a little squeeze. Percy was hiding from him again, and while Devyn didn’t blame him, he didn’t want that distance. He’d give him time, though. Today was difficult. Devyn had hardly even begun to unpack most of it, but Percy had been in the middle of it from the beginning.
“You will,” Devyn agreed. “We’ll have our hands full. Marius doesn’t give us much trouble these days, but he’s practically raised himself.”
Marius leaned back against the desk but didn’t disagree. He knew it was mostly lip service. They played a role, and right now Devyn was probably being friendlier for Percy’s sake. So, for Percy, Marius offered a polite smile.
“I’m sure you’ll be a great babysitter. You did a good job with me.” Well, Devyn was often getting in trouble so it felt more like a partner in crime than a babysitter, but he’d been young and restless and had the weight of the whole world on his very small shoulders at the time.
Lucien was family, and he was welcome for far more reason than that. Hopefully they could find peace for Alastor and Sessrumnir.
He had a whole future with Percy that he wasn’t willing to miss out on.
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