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 Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 11:07 am
She had called Malcolm at least, warned him…no, asked him if it would be all right to come over, and he had agreed. So, here Talia was, knocking on the door of her friend's house and rocking back on the balls of her feet as she waited.
Evan had said that he had been in the court for the longest so…clearly he must know a lot of things…it would be good. She could gather more information and have more chance of saving Monoceros…and then when it was all said and done…maybe then she would ask Soleiyu why she was no longer an Eternal Senshi…of course, if he could see she was doing so well for herself, he might just well laugh and say it was because he was so very selfish and was just keeping the power from her so that he could…what?
Control her?
Let the others control her?
Talia huffed and forcibly pushed that thought from her mind, and instead knocked softly again before shooting Malcolm a text.
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 11:42 am
Malcolm had stayed downstairs specifically because he knew Lysithea was going to be there soon. He had the television on in the living room, not so loud that he couldn’t hear any knocks on his door. He was getting up when he got the text and hurried over.
He was dressed comfortably, in an oversized sweater. His hair was in a braid and he had his glasses on. He wore soft pants and his house slippers, so he’d obviously decided today was a lazy day.
Or–not really. His laptop was open on the coffee table and he had a few things open, including his writing blog. The one he wasn’t ashamed to have his name attached to, where he reviewed and recommended local readers. His camera was also on the table, along with a few books, so he’d probably already finished photographing what he needed to for all the aesthetics and he was now onto the hard part of writing.
“Talia, come in,” he said, and quickly moved aside so she could come in. He was smiling, even if he did look like he’d had a late night. Or just worked through it.
“Do you want a sandwich or something? A soda? I’ve got some brownies.”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 12:28 pm
Talia looked at him for a moment, and just laughed, half throwing herself at him in a hug. “I’m really glad to see you. I missed you. I would love some brownies, but maybe in a little while? I…think I ate half a loaf of bread in french toast this morning and as good as all of that sounds…I’m not actually hungry at the moment? But…yes. I want it.”
She took a look at the books on the table and gave a small smile. “...When will you have a new book out, Mal? I have a mighty need, you know.”
She hadn’t told anyone. Hadn’t given up his secret. No, she was a good friend and just…wouldn't do something like that, especially since he was so shy.
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 1:01 pm
Malcolm returned the hug with warmth and surprise. He seemed like he was always in need of a hug but never expected one.
His face turned absolutely red when she mentioned his own books. “Oh, that–no, I–Well, it’s still a work in progress. I sent a few chapters to my editor, I sort of–it’s complicated! I don’t know. My muse went in another direction so I need to make sure it’s something they’re still interested in. Um. Well, we’ll see! But I’ve got one coming out in August. Probably. Waiting on a final date from the publisher. It’s a supernatural romance. Um. Big surprise, I suppose.”
He sounded so nervous and jittery talking about it in person; his whole face had turned pink and he was tugging at the hem of his sweater. “I have some short stories, though. I was thinking about publishing them digitally. They’re some side stories for some things I published by myself, back when I was first starting. Things I wanted to expand on but couldn’t at the time. But there’s just something about holding a book, you know? Maybe I’ll do limited preorders. I don’t know–I’ll email them to you, but they’re not totally finished. And I need to do some formatting before I think about publishing. I’m sorry, I could talk your ear off about all of this, do you want to come sit down? I’m not writing right now, I was just reviewing some books. Oh, I could make some suggestions for you, though. If you were looking for something new to read in the mean time!”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 1:07 pm
Talia grinned, feeling terribly mischievous, and followed Malcolm into the room, waiting until he sat down and almost throwing herself on the couch, putting a pillow in his lap before she rested her head there. “I love your stories. Always have. I would love some emailed to me, that would be…completely epic. I now can’t wait until August to get your new book, and I hope that you’ll sign it for me, your bestest bestie.”
She looked up at him and pouted. Hardcore.
If she could remember it, it was almost like the old times. Before Evan. Back when Malcolm really had been Cambria’s best friend. Back before things got awkward and uncomfortable…but. Talia knew nothing of that. She just knew that she liked Malcolm a lot.
“I did come for some answers though, now that I’m not thinking about your wonderful books. Evan said that you were with me when the Court was started? And can you tell me what you know about Monoceros?”
She quickly told him the story of meeting the corrupted senshi and how strange it had been, and even more quickly outlined her plan of trying to help him, by stuffing Ilse in a suitcase.
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 2:01 pm
Even though he was getting used to Talia’s mischief, Malcolm still seemed surprised when she laid down in his lap. He stayed pink and pulled up his sleeves so he wasn’t smacking her in the face with them.
And then he wondered if maybe he should have just left them like that because she was planning on shoving people into suitcases and abducting people to her world.
“Talia, have you ever considered writing? You have some really, um. Imaginative ideas!”
He wasn’t teasing! Okay, just a little. He looked shy to even be trying, though, and he didn’t make any effort to stall or withhold information from her.
“I don’t know Monoceros as much as you or Evan. I know that Evan met him and told him about the Court. I was sort of, um. Not doing very well at the time we all came together to help Ahri. He was a youma,” he said, but–oh, Talia probably already knew that, he lived there. Duh. “And, um–so you need a full Court to do that. Or, at least, there were four of us there. And Cosmos. And we put all our power together and turned him into a human again. I was a little out of it at the time, but I remember that he was really excited. It was really important to him, like–that’s what he wanted to do. Help people. He said that was his purpose, I think. Especially for youma. When we come together we can summon a wand–that’s what helps us save the youma. But–um, I mean–Monoceros isn’t a youma or anything. Do you think he got brainwashed or something? I know Chaos can make people kinda loopy. Did you have questions about the Court? Because–we just want to help people. Make the world a little better. We think people can be saved. Well, most of them. They just need a chance, first. And we try to help them out.”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 2:44 pm
Talia paused, looking at him and humming softly, thoughtful. “...Do you mean that? That I could write? I’ve never really thought about it before, but it seems fun. Maybe I could do children's books or something…it’s a possibility…”
One that she would have to put actual thought into at some point but.
She listened to Malcolm’s tale and frowned slightly. “...Are you doing better now? Can I help at all if you’re not? Mal, you’re really important to me…I honestly don’t think I’d be here without you. If I hadn’t met you, I’d still be corrupted and…just…existing…”
Swallowing, Talia tried to remember. Tried to inspire any kind of reaction to his words…but nothing came. “...I’d love to make the court again…or. Be a part of it again. I’d love to go back to saving people who need it again…and yeah. It did…kind of look like…stupid…classic horror film or spy film brainwashing..that is a fantastic way to describe it. And honestly, I never had it happen to me when I was there so…I mean. Not that I remember.”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 3:18 pm
“I think you could write,” he answered easily, and leaned back against the couch. “I think you could do anything you put your mind to. And I mean that, honestly. I’m, um–I mean, I’m doing okay. I’m doing good. It’s a weird–it comes and goes but it’s just–that’s how I am, I think. I don’t know if I healed right, but sometimes I don’t know what’s wrong until, you know, it’s wrong.”
He looked a little flustered and embarrassed and cleared his throat. Obviously, it was easier talking about the Court; he wasn’t trying to be avoidant, but it seemed like he really just had no idea how to talk about himself or his problems.
If he did know, he’d have told her. He trusted her completely, he just tended to shut down when he got too nervous.
Talking about himself was always nerve-wracking.
“I appreciate you being worried about me. I’m–you know, it was a while go. I got hurt, and, um. I guess I just felt like nobody needed me anymore. Everyone moved on without me and I,” his face was burning and he felt so guilty about saying anything. “I guess I just had a hard time figuring out where I fit in. But–that’s in the past, it’s not a big deal or anything. The Court–yeah, I mean–of course, you’re the heart of the Court. I–I really haven’t done anything with it, um. It’s–you’re a better leader, it’s better off with you. I’m not cut out for stuff like that. I just wanted to make sure everyone was safe, we just wanted to find you. I don’t know how we could do any of what we do without you, so–it was important. That’s all. But–yeah. I’m sorry, I thought I’d be better at this. The short answer is yes, absolutely. The Court is better with you.”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 3:27 pm
Moving up, Talia hugged Malcolm, wrapping around him like an octopus and burying her face in the crook of his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay. And still here. And have healed a little at least. I’m sorry that you felt left behind. It won’t happen again. I promise you. I…I need you. Terribly so. I’m doing better, but I’m still a mess a lot of the time…”
She swallowed. “Zac…or Evan…or both? I don’t know. One of them…someone said that you had kept the court going. So, when I’m not around…you’re clearly the heart of it. And you had the strength to keep things going…and I just. I think that’s so neat.”
Perhaps neat wasn’t…the right phrase to use but. It kind of worked in this situation. It made sense, at any rate. “I’m proud of you. And if you ever want to, I’d love to spar sometime. I feel so useless, and I’m pretty sure that Sol is just…keeping power from me because of what happened. And I’m tired of being punished.”
Talia was quiet for a minute and sighed. “No, that isn’t a fact, it’s just my speculation, but I haven’t talked to Soleiyu either so. When I do I’ll know for sure but…that’s what my brain thinks so. It’s what I’m going with for now.”
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Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 4:33 pm
Malcolm couldn’t really remember the last time he’d had a hug like that and it was difficult not to just melt into it. And she said such nice things? He returned the hug immediately and hastily blinked away the warmth in his eyes. He felt pathetic, being moved to so much emotion so easily. So, he just hugged her back and tried to hide it.
“Well–thank you, Talia, that’s really kind. It means a lot to hear you say that. You know I’m proud of you, we can spar. You’re not useless. I’m not the best at fighting, but we can practice together. I’m a little rusty, it would probably be a good idea to get back in shape. I don’t think I did that much while you were gone, we were all working hard to find you. And after we lost Monoceros, too, it was important that we were looking after each other…”
He squeezed her again. “Soleiyu loves you, he would never want to punish you. I hope you get to talk to him soon. I don’t know why you lost any power. I’m sorry that you did. But you’re strong! I know you’ll get it back, I believe in you. I know you can do it. I hope Soleiyu hasn’t been worrying about you so much that you think he doesn’t love you or want the best for you. I know he was working hard to get you back, too. Nobody wants to punish you. I mean, nobody’s told me they did, but I guess I don’t always get told everything. But–I’ll help. Maybe we just have to jump start your power and it’ll come back? We can definitely spark. I can even take you up to Adria if you want? We can spar up there, it’ll be safe.”
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2022 9:36 am
“I would love that. I want to see your homeworld. I want to see everyone’s homeworlds…I…I want to be better than I as before, Malcolm. That’s my goal. I want people to think about Lysithea, and think about how great Talia is. Cambria and Anastasia are gone, but I’m still here. I want to spar, Malcolm. I want to be better than what you can remember. And I want to be here for you. Always.”
She gave a little laugh as he hugged back, and it just…felt good. He felt safe. He felt like home.
“I’ll be good to do this whenever you want to, you know. And if you’re ever sad…please tell me. I want to help. I want to be useful and everyone tiptoeing around me to spare my feelings only makes me feel worse…and I know you’ll understand. I don’t know why but. I know you will.”
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2022 9:47 am
Malcolm leaned forward a bit so he could relax into the hug. His eyes felt warm and prickled when she said Anastasia and Cambria were gone, but he knew this already. He wanted to think that Talia was the best of all of them, and that all of their good had been poured into one person. He hoped this was the last time he’d have to get to know her again.
…But, he was happy to have her here, now.
He didn’t know how she was going to be better than he remembered, but she was always surprising him.
“Maybe we can go tonight?” he suggested. He didn’t have plans. He wanted her to know that he trusted her. And, maybe some time on his homeworld would do him some good, anyway. “I think it might be nice. The sun is always setting up there, so it’s always warm and comfortable.”
He could use a little bit of that. Maybe she could, too. “I’ll tell you when I’m sad, too. When I can. It’s not tiptoeing around you to spare any feelings or anything, I promise. I know you’ll be there if I need something. And I’ll be here if you do, too. I’ll do my best.”
She was already, he owed her that much.
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