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 Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2022 8:47 pm
Michael was at work.
This wasn't abnormal, he worked five days out of the week. Devyn understood this. He got used to this. He spent his days mostly by himself, or at least in the company of people that didn’t really mean anything to him. It didn’t really bother him, he was used to being alone.
Except, today he was having lunch with Michael’s mother.
A part of him was–well, anxious, wasn’t really the right word. He wasn’t nervous. He was going to talk to her about the paintings he’d brought back, but he didn’t really know how much Michael might have mentioned to her, and he also wasn’t sure what to say, exactly.
They’d met, once. And it probably wasn't the best first impression, and he’d left very early into their family dinner. But she’d seemed sweet enough, and honestly he was looking forward to something new to do.
Michael had helped make sure he was ready, he had a nice outfit picked out, Michael made sure he knew how to get to the restaurant. Devyn had left an hour and half an hour earlier than Michael told him to leave, just to make sure he’d make it on time. He didn’t want to be lost and keep her waiting.
And he wanted to get her flowers, because that seemed like the nice thing to do.
Earth flowers were not entirely different from the flowers on Alastor, but he didn’t know if they had the same meaning. There had been a very nice salesman who talked him through creating a lovely bouquet without any accidental Earth symbolism, and he’d arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes early with it. They’d seated him, and he’d laid it in the chair next to him and–well, played on his phone wasn’t really true, he didn’t know enough about it to really enjoy it. He was very fond of the speech-to-text feature on his phone, and he updated Michael that he’d arrived, just so he wouldn’t worry.
He pressed some buttons afterwards, fiddled with the phone just to make sure he didn’t have any new messages or anything. And then, he just watched the people around him.
It was busy. It was warm. It was comfortable.
He didn’t mind waiting, he was just happy he’d made it here without any trouble.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:32 pm
“Devyn!” she greeted as soon as she saw him sitting at the table, waiting for her. She lifted a hand to wave to him across the room.
Even though it had been a rough few months, Claire was pleased to be able to see Devyn again. They hadn’t spent nearly as much time together as she would have liked. Especially since he was someone Michael apparently cared about a lot.
And by cared about a lot, it meant that Michael had mentioned Devyn on more than one occasion, had brought him to a family dinner (despite there being other reasons for that) and was currently letting him live in his house. And letting him meet with her for lunch, which was fantastic.
Maybe it was more to it than that. Devyn, more than anyone else, would understand how she was feeling, even just a little.
Which was why when he stood to greet her when she was close enough, she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist to hug tightly. It wasn’t just for herself, but for him too. She didn’t even care if she got her sundress wrinkled.
“Oh, you’re so tall,” she said when she finally pulled back to look up at him. As if she wasn’t used to tall men in her life. Both Chris and Peter were slightly taller than Michael. “Were you waiting long? I hope not. It’s good to see you again.”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:42 pm
Hugs were, in many ways, foreign to Devyn. They’d been uncommon before he met Percy, and they’d been nearly nonexistent afterwards. Princess didn’t count, because she was all legs and fur, and there was a brief fraction of a second where Devyn froze in the embrace.
It wasn’t bad. Really, it was nice. It jolted him back to the last time he’d felt the tangle of arms, and he knew Claire wasn’t grabbing him to flip him over her shoulder. He knew this wasn’t an attack. So, he returned it carefully to make sure he didn’t accidentally squeeze her too tightly. He was out of practice, after all.
–Was his mother seriously the last woman to hug him?
It ended too soon, but he wasn’t going to say it; he let her draw back without any resistance and smiled. He didn’t really know why, it felt like it extended beyond just common courtesy. Maybe it was because she seemed so enthusiastic when she arrived, he didn’t remember the last time someone looked so happy to see him. And the hug, that was nice.
“No, I haven’t been here for long. I’ve only just finished telling Michael I made it. It’s good to see you, too. I’ve brought you something,” he said, and stepped back so he could retrieve the bouquet. He carefully scooped it into the crook of his arm when he lifted it, mindful not to bruise the arrangement, and presented it to her.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:50 pm
“Oh,” Claire said softly as she looked at the flowers Devyn brought for her, and gently took them into her arms to hold. She was already often emotional about things, but even more so recently. For good reason, of course, but tearing up in a restaurant wasn’t very becoming.
“Thank you, Devyn. These are beautiful,” she said with all the heartfelt sincerity she could manage through the way her voice shook from the emotion that wanted to work its way out. “This was really sweet of you. It’s no wonder why Michael likes you so much.”
After all, he was kind and thoughtful and very handsome -- for those who were more shallow, or maybe just liked to enjoy what was presented to them!
She resisted hugging him again as she took a seat, and was careful to place the flowers where they wouldn’t get in the way on the table.
“Have you been here before? Michael said he had to leave you at home while he’s at work. I hope you’re not too bored. There’s nothing fun at his place. Just a bunch of books. He won’t let me come over to decorate,” she sighed dramatically.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:55 pm
He smiled again, maybe because she was so sweet, or maybe because hearing that Michael liked him made him brighten, too.
“I haven’t been here before,” he admitted. “Michael had to show me where it was so I didn’t show up at the wrong place. I’m still learning how the phone works. It’ll be easier when I can read, but it’s taking me a while. All the letters changed while I was gone. And you spell words differently, now. I’m getting there, Michael’s gotten me some workbooks. I might need some help ordering, if that’s not too much trouble. I’ll eat anything. When I go out alone I just point or ask for recommendations. I haven’t found anything I don’t like, yet.”
It was a nice enough restaurant, most of the places he went were just in and out. He really only liked to go in and sit down if he had someone to go with. Otherwise, he’d just grab it and go eat in the park or something.
“But to be honest, I don’t stay at home much during the day. I think I’ve had enough of being alone to last me for a lifetime or two. Destiny City is beautiful, I spend most of my time while Michael’s at work getting lost and finding my way back home before he can worry. But I’ve been very studious lately. I’ve promised him I’ll be careful, so I haven’t gone out looking to pick any fights. Right now, I’m trying to get healthy again, and make sure I can keep up with everything here on Earth.”
He’d settled into his seat across from her before he asked, “What about you, how are you doing?”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:12 pm
Claire offered him a small smile in return, even though there was a hint of sadness to it. “I’m not sure,” she admitted, if only because she knew Devyn would know why. There was a certain grief that seemed unrecoverable with the loss of a spouse, and while it was something she feared would happen for years and years, what with the dangers of his job, she still hadn’t been prepared for it.
“Some days are harder than others. But I’ve got a lot of things to keep me distracted. I’ll still help take care of the kids while Paris rests and takes a break. I’ve got a lot of books to catch up on, too. And different projects I was working on,” she explained, her expression brightening some as she picked up her menu to quickly glance over everything.
“Michael says you have quite an appetite, so I’ll make sure you have a good meal,” she promised. “And don’t let him work you too hard. He can be a bit grumpy, but he means well. I’m glad he’s helping you get settled. Devyn, I have to ask,” she said after a moment, leaning over the table a bit so she could look at him with a very serious expression.
“Is your hair naturally wavy like that, or do you style it?” Clearly it was a very important question. “We should get mani-pedis after this. You don’t have any other plans, do you?”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:18 pm
It was a little hard to follow Claire, but only because she seemed so fluidly to move from one conversation to the next. It wasn’t exactly the same as Michael, who would just ease into a new conversation when he was uncomfortable, but he was treading carefully around her, anyway.
“A mani-pedi? I don’t know what that is, but I find it incredibly hard to deny you, so–no, I don’t have any other plans for the rest of the day. Maybe a jog around the park, but that’s nothing I’m particularly committed to. Do you like my hair like this? I was afraid it might be a bit underwhelming.” He reached up to brush it out of his face just a bit. “This is just how it is, I haven’t done anything but give it a good wash and let it air dry.”
He wouldn’t admit how pleased he was to again hear that Michael had spoken about him, even if it was about something as simple as his insatiable appetite.
“Honestly, Michael really doesn’t let me work too hard at all.” And he was hardly ever grumpy, he had no idea where people kept getting that impression. “He’s very good at reminding me to slow down, though. He’s very considerate.”
He didn’t want to press about how she was doing, he knew it was sensitive, and–
Actually, he wasn’t sure if that hurt was ever supposed to heal. He was a bad example if it was supposed to, because he still found himself turning to say something to Percy, and it was an effort to use past tense.
“He must get that from you, you seem so kind. I’m very happy to get to spend some time with you. And if there’s ever anything I can do for you, please let me know. I want to make good use of my time here. I want to be helpful.”
He wanted to make sure Michael and his family were looked after.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:43 pm
“Oh, you’ll be in for a treat then. Chris used to go with me, and then Peter more recently. I don’t think I’ve ever convinced Michael to go, but maybe he’ll change his mind someday,” she beamed. “But he usually keeps to himself. Especially after Caspian -- Oh, I told him I wouldn’t gossip…”
She had to stop anyway for their orders to be taken. Claire made sure to get a variety of things for Devyn to try, including freshly squeezed lemonade, and some grilled sandwiches made with steak and caramelized onions, and tomatoes. She also ordered him some grilled potato salad that was made with olive oil, and also some rice pilaf, and a bowl of mixed fruit. There wasn’t anything wrong with trying a little bit of a lot of things! She got a chicken salad sandwich for herself, along with Sprite… and an extra cup for reasons.
“I’ll show you once they bring everything out,” she said with a wink at Devyn, and also seemed to be pleased that Michael was being nice to Devyn.
“I was told not to make you sit in one place for too long, so you’ll have to get some energy out after we eat,” she suggested. “But yes, I do like your hair like that. Mine is naturally wavy too, but if I’m not careful, it’ll stick out in all different directions!”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:59 pm
Devyn laughed, because Claire was charming and patient and had a very nice energy about her. “I think you’d still look beautiful, no matter what your hair was doing. I promise I won’t give you a hard time. I took a jog this morning to work out some energy. I can sit still.” But it was sweet that Michael gave her that warning. He couldn’t help but wonder what else he’d said, and he tried not to be so amused that he got distracted.
“Peter mentioned Capsian,” he said, and maybe recently he’d gotten a bit more interested in who Caspian was. He’d found himself briefly thinking about it before, wondering what had made Michael decide he wanted to get married. He hadn’t spoken to Peter about it again, and he didn’t think he should bring it up with Michael.
So, the curiosity simply burned in the back of his mind.
He wondered how much gossip happened in this household that Michael had to ask her not to. He didn’t want to pressure her into breaking her promise to him, and if Michael really didn’t want anyone to know, he could respect that.
Well, he’d try to.
He couldn’t help but wonder, and he didn’t trust that his curiosity wouldn’t get the better of him.
“Michael hasn’t, though. What else did he tell you about me? I hope he told you that I was very grateful for your invitation to dinner. I’m very sorry that I didn’t stay through all of it. I don’t think I’d have been good company if I had. I needed a little time.” He shrugged, not quite dismissively, but offered a quick, apologetic smile. “I hope I can make up for it today.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 6:27 pm
“Oh yes, he told me you were very grateful, and that you were sorry you couldn’t stay. It’s okay, you know. And if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know. I’d offer to go clothes shopping with you, but it looks like you’ve already found yourself some nice things to wear,” she nodded at his outfit. Although the glimmer in her eyes seemed as though she was aware that Michael had picked the clothes out for him.
“Michael didn’t tell me, but Peter explained who you are and your connection to Michael. And Chris and Paris. Well, not them, but…” Claire paused, not sure how much Devyn would appreciate bringing up things like his friends and husband who had passed away a thousand years ago at lunch.
“Oh! He told me to remind you to take out any toothpicks in the sandwiches,” she said suddenly, clearly reminded as their food was quickly brought out. Sure enough, there were toothpicks holding the sandwiches together. She pulled the ones out of hers first, just to make sure Devyn knew.
“It must be so strange to be here and try to get used to things,” she sighed, and then gently pushed both drinks towards Devyn.
“Have you tried these before? Go ahead and take a sip of each,” she suggested, because it was important that he experienced as many things as possible.
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 6:42 pm
“I don’t know, but I’m happy to try them again if I have.” He took a sip of each, savored the flavor, and then nodded approvingly. “Strong flavors. Very distinguishing. I like them.” Didn’t think he had a favorite, but maybe liked them more than water, even if the lingering taste left a heavy feeling in his mouth for a few seconds after he’d swallowed.
He pulled the toothpick out of his sandwich and examined it briefly before laying it down on the plate. He was more interested in the food, anyway. “There’s a lot to get used to, but I’m enjoying it. Most of it, sometimes it’s very loud and busy and bright, but back home it’s just,” he paused, because he knew she was powered, he knew she knew enough about him to piece things together, but still. It felt like he had to be a bit more careful when broaching the subject.
She was Michael’s mother. He could trust her. Michael had let him go out to lunch with her, anyway. He wouldn’t have let Devyn do anything to get anyone in trouble.
“Well, it’s just been me for a while. Storms make it too bad to travel and find anyone else. The only thing that grows are little potatoes and mushrooms, and even those have been practically nonexistent. Bark’s okay, but. It’s bark, so it’s nothing to brag about. Cars are wild, I like billboards. I like that the city doesn’t sleep. Television is beyond me, and the internet, I don’t understand any of that. I like mechanical, technical things. Digital is just,” he shook his head. “Seems like magic, honestly. I’m still not convinced that it isn’t. But I like the distraction, anyway. Percy would have loved all of this. I mean, all of this information at your fingertips? …But I think, if we were here, you’d still find him in a library.”
He smiled, because Percy always made him smile. Even if he still missed him.
“Oh, but Michael mentioned something about you and reframing old art. Percy painted a lot of things, he said I should ask about getting them restored and reframed? I don’t know anything about that. I don’t know if he mentioned it to you but I was hoping I might be able to ask for your help.”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 6:49 pm
Claire nodded in approval when Devyn took a sip of both of the drinks, and it was obvious that she wanted to make sure he had a taste in case she messed anything up, because the next thing she did was take the extra empty glass they’d been given and poured about half of each into it, mixing it together.
Well, most of it. Some kind of dribbled down the sides of the glass and she cringed and laughed at herself since she knew that she was probably getting some exasperated looks from the waitstaff.
“Shh, it’s okay, it’s okay,” she promised, not wanting Devyn to think they were going to get in trouble or anything. She had her napkin ready to mop up anything that had spilled, and then pushed the mixed glass over to him. “That’s better, I promise. And if you don’t like it, I’ll take that and I’ll get you a refill of whatever you’d like!”
She might have been getting up there in age, but it was clear that she had never quite lost all of her youth.
“You’ll get used to everything faster than you think,” she promised. “Things are always changing. I grew up without having the internet or much television. But if you ever have any problems with your phone, you should definitely ask Peter. He’s always been good with them. Probably too good. I’m sure the other mothers talked behind my back about how he had too much screen time and it would rot his brain, but I was much too old to be having a child! Oh gosh, is he already twenty two? Time is such a strange thing. But Percy seems like he’d figure it out quickly, especially if he was really into books. He probably already imagined worlds like this, or at least read about the idea of them in some capacity. Smart boy. Books can take you to hundreds of worlds all from the same place. My Beau was like that, except he had to see it all for himself. Very wanderlust. Probably why I could never get him to retire!”
Oh, but he was asking about paintings. “Michael mentioned you wanted to see about them being restored! Did Michael tell you that Peter is in school so he can learn how to restore artifacts and preserve them? I don’t know where he gets his ambition from. Probably his father. But yes, we should be able to figure out a way to restore them and get them reframed and preserved! I would love to help!”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:02 pm
Devyn would worry about nothing with Claire; he trusted her in whatever it was she was doing. He accepted the glass and would have said he enjoyed it even if it had tasted like mud. It didn’t, and one sip later and he was nodding approvingly.
“You have very talented sons,” Devyn praised, and even if he didn’t know Chris that well, he knew he had small children and tending to them was a talent in itself. “Michael has been amazing, and Peter’s shown me all sorts of things. I did hear that he was going to school for treasure hunting. When my world is a little safer, I’d like to borrow him. I have a lot of old artifacts. If he’s interested, I’d like to share them and see what he thinks. See if any of them have any use left, or if they’re all just pretty trinkets. But, those are just tools. The paintings are,” he paused, “of immense personal value to me. Michael says I can hang them up in the room I’m borrowing, though. He’s helped me redecorate it, you should come over and see it. I think he did a very nice job. I told him I didn’t need anything fancy, but he’s very thoughtful.”
There was a lot that he wanted to say, he thought, but he wasn’t sure about so much of it. She’d mentioned Beau a few time, and he couldn’t help but think about how often he just wanted to talk about Percy. Even if he wasn’t here, even if he was gone, he wasn’t gone-gone. Devyn still had all those memories. He still liked to talk about him, and share what he could. He wanted to keep the memories fresh.
He wondered if it was the same for her.
“Beau seems like a good man. I regret not getting to know him better. I talk about Percy all the time. It helps, especially when I’m missing him. I’d like to hear about Beau too, if it helps you to talk about him. I bet you have a lot of good stories.”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:15 pm
“Oh, Peter would like that very much, I’m sure!” she beamed, because why wouldn’t the Senshi of Adventure enjoy some adventuring to see a lot of old artifacts.
Her smile softened as he spoke about the paintings, and nodded with understanding. “I look forward to seeing them. Michael told me Percy was very talented and deserves to have his artwork shown off. We can look at getting a gallery set up for him, too. Get as many paintings as possible for others to see,” she suggested, obviously enthusiastic about art in general, but even more invested when it came to people she cared about. And she already cared about Devyn a lot since he seemed to make Michael not as mopey.
“I wish he could have gotten to know you better too. I wish he could have been around for a lot longer,” she said with a small smile, even as it wavered a little under the heavy emotions that came with it. “He was very dedicated, you know. I refused to give him the time of day when we first met. I thought he was just like all of the other guys and I was tired of it. But he wrote me poetry and sent me flowers and eventually I gave him a chance. And I’m glad I did. I don’t know why he kept being so persistent after I told him to jump off the boat too many times to count,” she laughed softly, fondly even if it was still sad.
“Percy was quite young, wasn’t he? I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine. With Beau we at least had a chance for a long life together. I miss him every second of every day.”
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:24 pm
Devyn inhaled, and held it for a moment. It wasn’t like he was unstable, or broken down by the idea that Percy was very young. He’d nodded, and then taken a sip of his drink to buy a few seconds more. “Too young,” he finally answered. “But even if he hadn’t been, it never would have been enough time. I’m just glad for every moment I had. And I’m glad that I’ve got so many memories with him. We didn’t have a lot of time together, but we did a lot in the time that we had. Michael mentioned a gallery, too. I’d like that. I always liked to show them off. I was thinking about going to a museum, too. There are a few in town? So I might do that tomorrow. I never appreciated art until I met Percy. And, if we’re being honest, he’s my favorite artist and I’ve never found anyone who really compares to him. I’m biased, I know, but.”
The sandwich was calling to him, he couldn’t resist it anymore. “He just painted from the heart, you can see it. Everything he ever made makes me smile.”
He lifted it carefully and took a bite. Chewed it, savored the flavor. Nodded approvingly while his mouth was full so Claire would know she had good taste.
“When did you realize you loved him?”
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