Open Post: A pair of gloves

[sporesprouter]

Tress was an old hand at waiting. She'd waited for Charlie for more than a year once. Having to do it twice was somewhat disheartening at times, but the mansion kind of had more to offer than the Rock had. (Not quite as much as the spore seas, but... nothing ever would.)

The first time she waited, she was the one to go out and fix it herself. (With help.)

This time, though... sometimes waiting apparently works.

There's a flash of red out of the corner of her eye as she passes a lounge. But that's not the important part. She's clearly on her way to the kitchen to cook her heart out. Charlie's here now. Tress is ecstatic.

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[wickedwit]

Beneath the fierce, protective fury, beneath the aching sadness and uncertainty, beneath the fears about what the future will hold and whether their best chance at taking down Aornis will also be their last, what Claudius feels foremost is pride.

How do you do this all the time? he remembers asking. (A real memory, with a ring of truth, with the scratch of Sagramore's stubble and the brush of his hand.)

Well, what have I got to lose?

"I love thee," he says. "Thou art the niece I never had ... and whatsoever thou dost, I know thou wilt make me proud. Be safe."

[sporesprouter]

Tress manages to muster up a very faint smile. "I love you too. I'll be as safe as I can."

[wickedwit]

That I love you too keeps on a guttering light in Claudius's chest, suddenly swelling with hope. He kisses Tress's forehead, and lets her go.

[sporesprouter]

She steps back and takes another deep breath, looking at him. "You be safe too."

[summerdude]

Okay, Magnus can allow that, then. "Cute."

[sporesprouter]

She nods. "I hope... I hope he remembers."

[summerdude]

"C'mon, Tress, of course he'll remember. Why wouldn't he?"

[sporesprouter]

"It was also the day before he had to leave Diggen's Point, so I wouldn't blame him if he had other things on his mind."

[wickedwit]

"Am I not always?" Claudius manages a smile. "No, thou needst not answer. What can I do for thee, between now and then? In what ways can I support thee?"

[sporesprouter]

"I don't know. I... I know you're probably right, but keep an eye out just in case?"

[summerdude]

"Yeah... like how awesome you are?"

[sporesprouter]

"Oh, well, maybe that a little."

[wickedwit]

"Thou know'st what a gossip I am. I'll keep an eye and an ear, I promise thee."

[sporesprouter]

She nods. "All right. Thank you."

[summerdude]

"Or that a lot," says Magnus, peaceably. "From everything you've told me about him, me and him are kindred spirits. You know? Wife guys. So as an expert on the subject, I can say that pigeon pie is one of his favorite memories." Okay, maybe that's laying it on a little thick, but Magnus means it! He's so, so excited for Tress.

[sporesprouter]

It makes her laugh, at least. "I'll check with him and let you know."

[summerdude]

"Cool." Magnus falls silent so that Tress can focus on baking for her boyfriend and he can focus on dishes. Then, mid-rinse, he says, "Hey, want me to, like. Go find him and give him the tour? I could conspire to be back here when that's done baking."

[sporesprouter]

She looks over. "Oh! If you'd like to, of course! I'm not sure exactly where he's gotten to, but I'm sure he'd appreciate a tour if you catch up to him."

[summerdude]

"Aye aye, captain," Magnus says, grinning, as he finishes the dishes. He wipes his hands and goes to squeeze Tress's shoulder. "I'm so happy for you."

[sporesprouter]

She grins back at Magnus. "Thank you. I'll see you soon."