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 Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:29 pm
It was a fluke, really. It had to be. Malcolm had been talking to Lysithea through emails, and a part of him was desperate to have Soleiyu or Julienne try to hack into whatever system they could to figure out where she was, but he didn’t want to upset the fragile balance. The universe had given them a gift and he wasn’t going to take it for granted.
He’d offhandedly mentioned the food truck, and one thing led to another–talking about how sad he always looked, and how it was nice that he had someone helping him at the truck now but how he was still worried about him, and she had offered to invite him to their picnic! He hadn’t even had to ask! And Evan was pining anyway.
Malcolm had never really been friends with Evan, and if he were being honest with himself–and he was, and he hated it–he was too jealous of him to really know what to do. Of course he wanted to be friends! He wanted to be able to be in the same circle and not feel like a shadow. He wanted to feel like he belonged. He didn’t want to feel like he was second best.
Which was why–aside from just being happy he’d been able to see Lysithea–he had been so happy to have a reason to talk to Evan. To tell him good news. Of course he stumbled over his words and made a fool of himself, but he’d explained the situation, explained that Lysithea invited him to come on their picnic!
Oh, maybe that should have been a sign that she still liked Evan more than him? He didn’t care, he could be jealous again later. For right now, he was just so happy to have some other excuse to see her. To have her see someone else.
It was a cool night, less cold than it had been in a while, but Malcolm and Evan had shown up together, bundled in more layers than they probably needed. Malcolm had a little sniffle already–or maybe he was just emotional–and Evan had mentioned that he could not afford to get sick. It looked like he’d borrowed some clothes, they all seemed a little big on him.
Evan had been prepared.
They had three bags of food–more than anyone needed but he wanted to have a little bit of everything. He’d made more than just the cheesy goods he sold at his Food Truck–he made her favorites, and all the dishes he could excel at. He wanted to impress her, he wanted an excuse for her to want to see him again. He was definitely willing to bribe to have any way to stay in contact with her.
Adria had a backpack full of blankets, and one with insulation enough to protect against the cold ground. And, two portable space heaters, because–well, why not?
They were waiting in the rendezvous spot, a little early, and making small talk; Evan was just a bit more reluctant to warm up to anyone, and Malcolm was just a bit awkward and doing his best. Evan was practically squirming where he stood, almost sick with nerves.
It was dark, and it was dangerous when the sun went down.
He just hoped Lysithea found them before anyone else did.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:38 pm
Lysithea had been terribly excited about this picnic and now she was running late. Not by much, but she had wanted to surprise the two with a game to play and the store she went to had far too many choices. So now here she was, teleporting to just a few feet away from their planned picnic spot, a large bag from Target in her hands. “Hi! I’m so sorry! I got so distracted…the store has too much and I think it might be a black hole!”
She ran the last few steps over and dropped the bag, wincing a little as she heard the telltale noise of chips crumbling but…that was fine.
Her arms drew Malcolm into a hug, squeezing him gently and then she looked to Evan, smiling brightly. “Hi! I’m Lysithea! I brought a board game and a few um, battery lanterns! And some chips, but I’m pretty sure I just killed the chips, so…I brought chip crumbs! And um. Slime…that looked fun. I brought some for each of you! And for me, but!”
Lysithea spoke quickly, her eyes bright with the novelty of a picnic with her two friends…even if the one didn’t know he was already her friend.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Evan! I love your food!”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:52 pm
Evan nearly jumped when she teleported next to him, and he bumped into Malcolm who had gone rigid at her sudden appearance.
But, she hugged him! So, Malcolm quickly relaxed into the hug and returned it.
“Oh, um, thank you,” Evan said, even though his mouth felt like it was full of cotton. And sand.
“We didn’t set up yet, we wanted to wait for you,” Malcolm added. “I thought this was a bright enough spot that was still out of the way, but. We brought blankets, and heaters. And a lot of food. We haven’t been out for long, you’re really not late.”
If anyone was going to blow it, Malcolm realized it might be Evan, who had a look of confused panic, like he was trying to hold it together but was losing to a rapid slide of emotions.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:57 pm
“Oh! Good!” Lysithea smiled and looked at Evan, concern crossing her features. “Um…are you okay there? I’m so sorry that I startled you! I guess I wasn’t thinking…I was just running late and that was the quickest way to get here, I’m sorry if it freaked you out!”
They brought blankets and food, this was really going to be a fantastic picnic, she was sure, but…
Poor Evan looked a bit green in the dim light.
She must have really scared him, and now she was beginning to feel terribly guilty. “Um..Evan? Would you um…like a hug too? I do like hugs, and you…look like you’re…cold. Or uh. About to cry. But I’m hoping it’s just cold…”
God…this was supposed to be good for Evan…supposed to cheer him up a bit…get him hanging out with friends and…now he just looked…
Something. He looked something.
…Had she really messed this all up before it even had the chance to start…?
…It figured.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 2:13 pm
Evan dropped the bags immediately, like he couldn’t control his muscles, and hugged her tightly, like the embrace was a lifeline. He didn’t say anything, he didn't trust himself not to just blurt it out.
He was quiet for a long moment as he held her, and he was shivering–trembling–biting back sobs, really, but–
He’d seen Lysithea before, but she wasn’t attacking him now.
“Sorry,” he said, almost too soft to hear.
Malcolm looked worried, anxious, apologetic, but he too was frozen.
“It’s just–it’s been–” Okay. He had to get himself under control or she’d never want to see him again. “–A long time since someone asked if I wanted a hug. I am cold. I’m sorry. I was just startled.”
Malcolm hesitated for a few seconds and then said, “We haven’t really had the best of luck with you know, the whole magic thing. The monsters, um. Some bad run-ins, that’s all. I told him you gave good hugs.”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 2:18 pm
Oh, good. Maybe she hasn’t ruined everything already. He was hugging her and oh…it felt as nice as Malcolm’s hugs did. Gently, she drew him closer and reached up to lightly stroke his hair. “...It’s okay. I know..I know it’s a lot. And I am so sorry for startling you both I…I wouldn’t have done it if I had been thinking at all…And um…Evan you didn’t do anything worth saying sorry for! I promise.”
It was so easy to just offer comfort…and she liked it.
God, if Faustite would be this…
Well.
Whatever. He didn’t really need her affection obviously.
Finally she drew away and gave the two a smile that was only slightly uncertain. “So…um…let’s get this picnic started? Maybe…maybe it could become a tradition or something? A weekly thing…? I…I mean. Not to sound pathetic. But I would love more friends…”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 2:22 pm
”I’d like that, we should,” Malcolm said. He nodded, and Evan did too, though he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her. He looked a little confused and then had to shake his head and rub at his face. “I’m a mess, I’m sorry. That sounds nice. You just–”
He faltered, and then said, “You look like someone–a friend–and she…”
He had to take a breath to even himself out. “She’s missing. And I’ve been really worried about her. And you look like her, and I just. I really hope she’s okay. I’m sorry. I’ll try not to be weird.”
Malcolm watched him, watched Lysithea, and pulled out the blanket so he could lay it out on the ground. He was a little jumpy but he was hopeful that they’d have some magical stroke of luck that would just wake her up from this nightmare. Something that would just click and she’d know she was where she was supposed to be.
He could let them talk for a minute while he got everything set up. The blanket was fast enough, and then he worked on getting the heaters on and placing them just a bit away.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 4:44 pm
Lysithea swallowed and felt a sudden guilt and sadness that she couldn’t quite explain. Of course she knew that Evan was missing a friend but…that she…as…as Lysithea looked like her…that.
Was interesting and a little…uncomfortable.
“Do um. Do you want to tell me about her? I mean. If you want to talk about her.” There was a small niggling voice in the back of her head telling her that this was a stupid question and she most likely wouldn’t want to know the answer but…she ignored it.
“Come and sit down with me? Malcolm!” Glancing to the blonde, she grinned slightly. “...those heaters feel amazing by the way. Great idea in bringing them.”
Sitting down on the blanket, Lysithea drew Evan down beside her, and then all but drew him into her lap, hugging him as though he were a teddy bear. “Tell me about her. You sound like you miss her a lot.”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:09 pm
Malcolm obviously wasn’t used to much praise, and his smile was sheepish and appreciative. He was happy to sit next to her, and as soon as they were all on the blanket he began to pull out the mass of food Evan had packed them.
Evan seemed a bit surprised, but he settled easily into Lysithea’s lap. She could have pulled his starseed at any point in time. Maybe she could have even youmafied him.
But this was Lysithea. She wouldn’t.
“She was my best friend,” Evan said easily. “She’s the reason I got to be where I am today. I had a–”
He felt a little awkward with Malcolm there, but Lysithea was here, so he pushed through. “–A hard time, for a while. I was falling apart. Every bad thing that could happen–it was just constant, in a row. I was fighting just to get by. And I met her and she saved me. She helped me get adjusted to everything, she helped me find myself. Helped me get more confident, get stronger. My food truck wouldn’t be what it is without her. She used to help me. But something happened to her. We didn’t–it’s really complicated. I don’t understand it. But you’re magic, you know that those things happen all the time, right? I just–it follows me, like a cloud. And I think she got stuck in it. I think something bad happened to her. I mean, I know something bad happened to her, but–what can I do about it? I just have to keep looking. I just have to stay strong and hope that something I’m doing is enough to bring her back. I need her. She’s my best friend. She’s family. I don’t know what to do without her.”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:19 pm
Lysithea listened, frowning slightly as she began to card her fingers lightly through Evan’s hair, humming softly. “...What happened to her, if I may ask? Was…um. Was she magic too? Like I am? Is that why I remind you of her?”
If she was a senshi, that would make sense at least. But…it also meant that he knew another senshi…and possibly one from the White Moon, honestly.
“I hope that she comes back soon. You deserve to have your best friend…I bet she’s trying to come back to you too, honestly! Besides, friendships that are that strong can’t be broken…isn’t that how all of the fairytales are? I mean…” She shrugged and hesitated, leaning over to grab a grilled cheese, far too hungry to just continue…especially now that the smell had hit her full in the face.
“What use is magic if there aren’t happy endings?” Her eyes met Malcolm’s and she gave a quick wink, since he knew all about happy endings.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:27 pm
Malcolm managed a small smile and picked up some of the cheesy fries as he sat across from the two of them. He knew he was easy to read, so he kept his head down a bit and just busied himself with snacking.
Evan didn’t have to reach for the food; he could eat later, if his stomach allowed him. For now, he just wanted to relish the fact that Lysithea was saying such charming, hopeful things.
“Do you think so?” he asked, and let the question linger in the air so she could think about it for a moment. “I want to believe in happy endings. I want to think that there’s not just darkness in the world. I hope she comes back. I think she’s trying. Even if she doesn't know it. But I don’t think–I think she got hurt or something. I think the magic in her messed her up. Or maybe it was the people she was with. I don’t know. I’m not going to give up on her, though. I want her to be happy. But I know it’s selfish to think that she'd be happier with us. Safer, too. We want her to be okay, and I just don’t trust the people she’s with. I don’t think she had a chance to choose. I think they made the choice for her. It’s not her fault. But. She pulled me out of my own darkness. I’d be a really bad friend if I didn’t try to do the same for her.”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 6:08 pm
Lysithea swallowed hard, nodding and putting down the sandwich for a moment, feeling a sudden and intense jealousy for this girl that she looked like. What a good friend she had…he was searching for her and seemed as though he would stop at nothing…Faustite had done that for her but…while he had been…
It was so different than what she thought having a little brother would be. Now he seemed like he just had better things to do than be her little brother and…that was fine but…
“When you find her, you better hug her forever and just never let go. I bet she’ll love that. I…I was just reunited with my brother recently…so I know how you must feel, at least a little. Or…what he must have felt without me…but.”
She swallowed and shrugged, her stomach churning and making her regret the large bite of sandwich she had taken.
“But now it just feels like the novelty of having me back has worn off. I don’t know. I just. Um. Just when you find her. When you get her home, don’t let her go, even if she says that she’s okay…she’s…most likely not. I’m not…I mean. I…”
Oh. Well that just slipped out, didn’t it. “...I’m lonely. And sometimes I just. Don’t know what to do, honestly.” The tears that had filled her eyes had absolutely no right to be there.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 6:26 pm
“Your brother?” Malcolm asked, obviously surprised. Evan had turned to look at her, and though they both seemed a bit alarmed by this, Malcolm quickly smiled to reassure her. “I have a brother. They’re really troublesome, aren’t they?”
He didn’t push too hard and tried to look supportive.
“I’m sorry that things aren’t going well for you. Maybe it doesn’t seem like much, but you’ve got us for friends now, right?”
She seemed lonely. Desperate. Maybe Malcolm was coming on too strong, but he’d always been clingy and awkward. He just wanted her to know that she had them, and weren’t they better than some (fake) brother who wasn’t giving her the love or attention she deserved?
Evan was looking up at her, quiet for a moment, and then he leaned back against her a little more.
He was a complete stranger to her, he knew that, but this was normal for him. He just wanted something normal. She was so close, but so far away.
“What do you need to be okay?”
She was trying to say that, wasn’t she? That she wasn’t okay? Evan knew what that was like. He knew what she was like.
“What can we do to help?”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 6:37 pm
“Ah, yeah. My brother. His name is Faustite…but um. If you see him, maybe don’t stick around he’s…not friendly like I am..and sometimes I think that he.” She bit off the words and shrugged. Not wanting to say that he didn’t want her to have friends, because that wasn’t the case. It was just. Complicated.
A small smile came back on her face when Malcolm tried to reassure her and it almost made her laugh a little. “I do have you two for friends, and that makes me really happy. Ah! I’m so sorry, I was so excited for tonight, I didn’t mean to bring everything down!” She snuggled Evan once more and then did the same to Malcolm, picking up her abandoned sandwich and taking another bite of it, reaching for the board game. “Do you guys want to play while we eat or…or wait until after?”
She didn’t know how to answer their questions…but.
“You two wanting to be my friends is a lot of help, I mean it. And if we could do this more often…I’d love that.”
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:31 pm
Fausite. What a cruel, evil thing to do to someone. Malcolm hadn’t met him, didn’t have the experience with him that Evan did, but it was probably for the best that Lysithea couldn’t see Evan’s expression when he said it.
“You didn’t bring everything down,” Malcolm reassured. “It’s good to talk. And we’re good at listening.”
Better at listening than talking, at least, he thought.
“It might be a good idea to finish eating first,” Evan said, finally reaching for a bowl of mac and cheese. He didn’t eat it, just held it. “I put extra cheese in everything, so it’s a little messy. But I’m excited to play when we’re done eating. We could make this a regular thing. I mean, if you want. I don’t meet up with anyone. I have some nice roommates but I don’t really go out and see people. So I’d like to have something to look forward to. And if you wanted to talk, we could be here. We could listen. No pressure, though. But you shouldn’t have to bottle things up.”
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