[right][code]Wednesday December 6th.
Home > Greyson’s Apartment (Prison)[/code][/right]
Trisha managed to live through the ordeal of having her privacy invaded once again, another trial in the bag as night cast itself over St. Portwell. Casey managed to make it back again, and the usual couple of hours were spent as both did their best to help recharge one another. Emotionally, Casey was able to give enough that he felt like his time at home wasn’t a waste; a big factor in helping him stay attached to the moment rather than letting it all fade into the background. 

However, because of his workload the next day being full of progress meetings and debriefings, he had the luxury of calling it an office day. Meaning, rather than losing another day, Trisha was able to crawl herself down to the office and into Casey’s lap. At least, when there wasn’t some super important call where Casey needed privacy.

But Trisha was exhausted. It’d been days since she’d properly slept, and she didn’t have the same supply of magical battlefield stimulants that Casey did. So, the vast majority of her time in his lap was spent snoozing comfortably like a cat. Occasionally, she’d fall asleep, then wake up on the little cot next to Casey’s desk, only to climb directly back into his arms to pass out again.

It was incredibly cute, and worth every moment that he had to deal with some awkward movement to avoid disturbing her. And that was the entirety of their day, with Casey almost completely ignoring the Sycamore business going on downstairs. Though, he didn’t exactly volunteer what was happening to Trisha. But, today was the day Andrade and Greyson both moved into the Cannery: Their prison for the coming days, until Dollhouse was finally finished.

Greyson asked for his own full apartment, so Linqian could stick around and he could invite anyone else he felt necessary. Word was that he’d already sent Britney away, though a deeper word sounded like she left of her own accord. Andrade, on the other hand, was shacked up with Theo. The two having little to no common interactions and no real connection seemed like a good thing in Casey’s mind, as Theo was more than capable of locking down a single Adept in close combat.

In response, the half-empty apartment building had been undergoing inundation as security force members piled into vacant apartments by the dozens. The lot outside was so full, cars were being parked along the front of the Cannery as well as down the vacant side once used for deliveries. Sardine packed, everything was blocked in by large vans set to move out at a moment’s notice.

Casey was able to oversee all this movement thanks to proximity, and kept a tight grip on the internal security of the building. Easy enough that Trisha pretty much missed it all. And so a hectic day became a quiet night, and the two spent their free time once again locked in the comfort of one another.

Only one person in the building was completely incapable of feeling comfort. And the next day was particularly bad for him. The condition, Lux Toxicity, had finally aggregated from his skull, though his cranium was left swollen and pink as the pressure didn’t let up. He could feel his brain turning into a cooked piece of meat with each day that passed, and it was getting harder to cope.

[color=54678a]”I hate to say, but you being vulnerable isn’t going to be it. You have a better chance of faking it like you’re healthy.”[/color] Andrade commented from his seat across from Greyson’s, very much dressed in casual clothes unlike his typical attire.

[color=F5388C]”Fuck, sure. I’ll bust a jig for that prick, I’m sure he’ll try to beat me up just for the sake of it.”[/color] Greyson replied, his pulsing pink veins a dead giveaway as to the advanced condition.

[color=54678a]”Look… Either way, this is going to be painful-”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”-And yet, you're not the one with your ticket punched sitting in line for the last ride.”[/color]

Greyson wasn’t doing well with the plan. It sounded like they were putting a lot of trust into Andrade without concrete evidence. Maybe in the world of the Temple, it was common to trust your family to do what needs to be done. But, with this? Greyson’s entire life had been spent understanding that family took care of you [i]until[/i] they couldn’t anymore. Until you became a liability, and you had to be put down. Then, they’d do it. Because [i]you’re family.[/i]

Casey and Leon spared Andrade over some silver words, and now Greyson was stuck dealing with him.

[color=54678a]”I’m just as likely to buy a farm here! What, you think I’ll have some easy time because he’s Adjoined? This thing’s been conditioned for years to be the Snake’s vessel. It's just as dangerous on its own, but the fact that its bootstrapping his Black Lux is just making things worse.”[/color] Andrade pleaded, feeling Greyson bridling against the plan.

[color=F5388C]”For fuck’s sake, Man, I’m just sayin-”[/color] Greyson started to reply, but became held up as a spasm shot through his head and forced a shriek of pain out of his lungs.
[color=F5388C]”Ooooh, fuck! Linqian!? Linqiaaaaan!? I can’t fucking cope, please! Go ask the fucking lady at the fridge if I can have another dose, please!?”[/color] he begged, turning in his seat to try and see if Linqian was even sitting with them anymore. 

He could barely move without the killer cocktail the Temple was feeding him, but the side effects were just as bad. They put him in a practical stupor, meaning business had to be done sober, or he was a babbling wreck.

[color=54678a]”Ace, we’re not done yet, man!”[/color] Andrade protested, half looking at Linqian with pleading eyes to prevent the medication from being administered.

Linqian looked up from her phone to stare at them both tiredly from behind the glasses she'd taken to wearing. It was too much effort to bother with her contacts with everything that was happening… or makeup and nice clothes. She wasn't fond of many people seeing her like this, but she was dealing with a lot. That kinda shit fell to the wayside.

She hadn't walked out yet, but was close to it. The only reason she really hadn't was because like Greyson, she didn't trust Andrade. Why would she? He wasn't someone she had any emotional connection to beyond the fact that he'd been part of what [I]killed her brother[/I]. 

But this plan was also all they had. If it didn't work out, they all died. But if they didn't try, they also all died. So she tolerated him for the plan. 

Whatever happened, Greyson himself was going to die. So she did her best to tolerate more from him. She was even willing to play live-in nurse, since she'd sent away the one person who was actually happy to do it. There was no way she was risking Henri being here if it didn't all work out. 

[color=CD5C5C]”I’ll get it.”[/color] She stood up, phone shoved in her sweater pocket. She didn't go right for the door, moving over to Greyson and leaning down towards him. 
[color=CD5C5C]”But I'm not giving it to you until you're done… Unless you want me to fucking die with the rest of the city? Cause you couldn't fucking tolerate a bit more pain?”[/color]

She wasn't above guilt tripping. She didn't give him a chance to respond as she quickly slipped out the door, leaving it ajar behind her. A moment of peace while she went to get another dose… Fucking hell. 

But she barely got far before she bumped into someone else she probably should've expected to see. After all, she was dating the Temple's head of security or whatever the fuck he was. 

Trisha was shocked to see Linqian when she was on her way to see Cass. Casey hadn't told her anything about her being in the building… Then again, she'd spent most of yesterday sleeping. It was the only reason she felt up for leaving the house today. She still wasn't back to normal, but the extra energy let her shower and drag herself out to at least have company. Spending the day hanging out in Cass' apartment, even if she was deep in coding, was better than being alone, at least. 

She just wasn't mentally prepared to bump into another Sycamore member. There was a moment of awkward silence, before Linqian broke it. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh thank fuck, someone else with a low tolerance for bullshit- look, you gotta moment? Help me out, please?”[/color] It wasn't really possible for Linqian to look pleading, but she at least didn't look as pissy as she normally did around Trisha. 

Not that Trisha wanted to be around her, or anyone that wasn't the few she was comfortable with, more than possible. 
[color=d1b300]“What is it?"[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Just go in there, stare at Greyson judgmentally so he stops fucking whining.”[/color] Linqian pointed to the ajar door, before moving forward to go past Trisha. She leaned down to whisper to her. 
[color=CD5C5C]”I don't fucking like leaving him alone with that fucking Temple traitor… You know what's on the line, right?”[/color]

Trisha did, though she didn't particularly want to deal with Greyson [I]and[/I] Andrade. But she wanted to live more than she didn't want to tolerate it… and she wanted to be useful. Casey was working so hard right now to sort everything out, she could do this little bit. Especially since it had been her coven… So she nodded. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Thank fuck. Just ten fucking minutes or whatever.”[/color] Linqian didn't give her any opportunity to back down before she was off towards the elevator. 

Leaving Trisha to reluctantly push open the door herself. She shuffled in, gaze catching Andrade first. She stared at him with practically empty eyes, moving to stand with a good distance between them. While she was feeling alright enough to be out, the depressive episode was still at the forefront. She was dressed comfortably in sweats, with her hair braided down her back in the hopes to keep it neat for a bit longer. Her expression was fairly blank, erring towards grumpy. 

[color=d1b300]“Linqian asked me to come in to- Fuck."[/color] She broke out of her monotonous delivery as she looked over at Greyson, with his large head and constant pink glow. 
[color=d1b300]“Cass wasn't joking about the glowing pink bobblehead thing… You look awful."[/color]

Greyson and Andrade had been bickering back and forth when Trisha made her way in and popped the bubble of conversation to two slightly shocked faces. Greyson, for once, couldn’t muster up a hateful thing to say in return. Frankly, he didn’t want to see Trisha anymore than she probably wanted to see him. She was one of the [i]last[/i] people he was doing this for. Came after everyone else on planet Earth just about.

But Andrade was far more hopeful in expression, and rose up from the couch to greet Trisha. He was underdressed, much like everyone else in this domestic setting, in some sweatpants and a white tee. Greyson was more covered up by a blanket, but seemed to be wearing some kind of tracksuit underneath. Gaudy as anything else he owned.


[color=54678a]”Hey… I’ve asked Casey if I could come up, but… Obviously, that’s not such a good idea right now. I understand it. I’ve just wanted to talk to you about the honey, and about the business. In case anything happens, I want our agreement covered for you. So you don’t feel as though you’ve been screwed over.”[/color] Andrade admitted, not exactly loving the idea of writing his last will and testament at this stage in his life.

[color=F5388C]”The… Honey’s good, Trish.”[/color] Greyson quietly spoke, doing his best not to make eye contact with Trisha.

Trisha shifted back on one foot as Andrade got up, not wanting him to try come any closer to her. Casey trusted that he was on their side, but it was harder for Trisha to feel the same way. She trusted Casey's judgment… but that didn't mean she trusted Andrade. It wouldn't have been such a problem if she hadn't been starting to actually like and trust him. 

But business was business. They had a contract. 

[color=d1b300]“It’s not been a good time… but we should get something in writing. A contract amendment, I guess. So I'm not screwed over [I]financially[/I] as well."[/color] She said as evenly as she could, the other ways she felt screwed over going unsaid. 
[color=d1b300]“I have time today. We can get it sorted while I'm out."[/color]

Then it was one less thing to worry about. Not that she'd felt particularly worried, because she was too busy feeling like everything was pointless and just assuming it would all collapse.

Her gaze shifted to Greyson, though she didn't quite look at him either. It was difficult to, when he was literally glowing. 
[color=d1b300]“Thanks. I'm surprised Andrade hasn't forced so much on you that you're sick of it… I guess supply’s a bit limited at the moment. At least, uh… You can enjoy something like that still?"[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Enjoy’s a strong fucking word for it. But, yeah, my tastebuds work.”[/color] Greyson amended Trisha’s statement, coughing a little before continuing.

[color=F5388C]”So? Linqian told you that Asshole and Shithole were here, and that you should torture us? Feel free. Last thing I wanna do is sit and listen to this guy go on and on about this shit. The guy who [i]may[/i] die talking to the guy who will certainly die about whether or not they can minimize the risk involved is just bullshit at this point.”[/color] he snapped the end like a whip, a frustrated stare heading straight for Andrade.

In return, Andrade’s face became sullen and almost frustrated.
[color=54678a]”Your situation is the [i]only[/i] reason any of us have a chance. I’m [i]just[/i] asking you to take my future into consideration! There’s penance for people, Greyson, I’ve seen it! [i]This moment is yours![/i] But, mine? Mine comes later, I pray to God!”[/color] he pleaded.

Greyson’s bulbous head tilted slightly to frown at Trisha.

[color=F5388C]”We’ve been caught in this circle almost an hour now. I’m losing my fuckin’ mind!”[/color] Greyson gritted through his teeth.

Trisha folded her arms, staring at them both. When she came in she hadn't expected to end up involved in their argument. No wonder Linqian wanted out for some peace. Trisha had never been on good terms with Greyson- and their last meeting had been the opposite of good. He'd also betrayed them as much as Andrade had… but at least he hadn't hidden that he was a scumbag. It wasn't the only thing that made her slightly inclined to trust him. 

That and the fact he was dying.

[color=d1b300]“Did you give any consideration to all the murdered Sycamore members? At least he-"[/color] She half raised a hand from her folded arms to point at Greyson while looking at Andrade. 
[color=d1b300]“- Helped out of some sick, petty want for revenge. I don't see why he has to consider your life at all. He's already dying. He's not going to be there to see whatever ‘penance’ you're talking about."[/color]

Perhaps it was surprising that she agreed with Greyson where she rarely did. She wasn't exactly at his side… but even she could recognise he was going to die so the rest of them could live. Or, going to die in a specific way to enable that. 

[color=d1b300]“Also, Linqian sent me in here because she doesn't trust Andrade. I'm not in the mood to be around you both just to torture you."[/color]

Andrade couldn’t exactly say much in response to a question like that. Honesty? Was that the best course? He could [i]honestly[/i] refrain from making a bigger fool out of himself, maybe… 

[color=54678a]”Jesus Christ, what a cold room to be in.”[/color] Andrade said calmly, almost introspectively. Clearly he was a dead man walking too…
[color=54678a]”Y’know, you both may feel a certain way, but Casey and Leon won’t just leave me hanging in the breeze. I’ll get to make up for what I’ve done wrong, and that’s the bottom line. If you don’t want to wear the anchor, then don’t wear the anchor Greyson. I can’t make you.”[/color]

Greyson scoffed before a single hand shot up and gripped at his head with a grimacing moan. 
[color=F5388C]”Fuck… This guy’s gonna kill me before we have the chance to put the plan into action. Every little thing has been about making up for wrongs. Like I wanna hear about making up for things at this point?”[/color] 

It wasn't something Trisha cared much for either. At least, not before Casey… once someone truly wronged her, that was it. It was why her relationship with her ex-covenmates was so bad. They hurt her, and then she resented them forever. She just wasn't quite psychopathic enough to turn to murder over it. As for Andrade… she wouldn't stop Casey from doing whatever he wanted there. If Casey wanted to save him from possible death, that was fine. She could prioritise his wants over her own. 

But the good opinion she'd had of Andrade was never coming back. 

[color=d1b300]“It’s a big part of their religion. They have a whole system of penance for Aberrations who act out."[/color] Trisha shrugged one shoulder. While she'd calmed down a bit on her Temple distaste thanks to her love for Casey- or more accurately, the actual religion behind it- it didn't mean she had positive views of it. 

[color=d1b300]“What Casey and Leon do is up to them. I'm not going to influence Casey… but I'm not going to change how I feel either."[/color] She spoke calmly, not particularly worked up about all of this. Not externally, at least. Not right now. 

She even managed a half smile towards Greyson.
[color=d1b300]“You ‘sacrificing’ yourself is probably enough to make up for everything, right? Not that I have much of a say. I'm alive, and I didn't lose anyone. So… you won’t hear more about it from me. Not that I imagine you want to hear much of anything from me."[/color]

[color=54678a]”Yet people look at this glaring parallel and say that I’m the wrong one? He dies, and everyone remembers him for [i]at least[/i] doing this one last thing right. Me? Years spent doing [i]anything[/i] I could to make sure my dreams came true, ruined by a choice I made to try and stick with a man who I thought loved me? So, I die, and it’s [i]whatever?[/i]”[/color]

Andrade actually had tears in his eyes, an amazing emotion to see from someone who was usually so upbeat and happy. He was positively ready to weep with frustration. It wasn’t like Greyson couldn’t empathize…

[color=F5388C]”Jesus [i]Christ![/i] Alright! Sure, tell me there’s an option where I get a couple extra days to live [i]after[/i], then tell me it’ll be better if I don’t take that? He’s going to punch me to fucking [i]death.[/i] You’re consigning me to inhumanity, a brutal execution once he realizes what’s happening. His hands around my neck. My eyes bulged out and exploding under the  pressure.”[/color] 

It also didn’t mean he was above throwing everything right back in Andrade’s face.

[color=54678a]”Which you’ll happily negate! I know [i]exactly[/i] what’s going to happen. Same thing as any good Pink Adept before they die.”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”What’s that, if you’re so fucking smart!?”[/color]

[color=54678a]”Nirvana! You fuckers… You catalyze your brain, stretch an instant into a hundred years. Experience your own happy ending before everything fades to black, intrinsically timing your death in a big comfy bed surrounded by your family? I’ve heard! I’ve heard and I’ve seen it in the Apparitions who devour those moments!”[/color]

The idea wasn’t hard to imagine, but the inner workings of it were a magical nightmare. There was just one problem. And Greyson listed forward in his chair, bulbous head bobbing slightly like a fish.

[color=F5388C]”Who on Earth would be so base as to settle with that ending? [i]Manufactured?[/i] The good ending is earned, and you’ll have the chance to get there. One day, when you’ve got Grandkids of your own, and you die in that big comfy bed surrounded by your loving family and your millions built on stacks of blood money from your younger days.”[/color] Greyson grinned, and revealed nearly-clear pink teeth with it.

Andrade frowned, sighed, and turned his head back to Trisha.
[color=54678a]”And yet I still have to act like I’m gonna die. And so, by law, I have to link you into this fucking emergency will.”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Be happy you ain’t getting anything from me, Trish. This list has been a bitch to put together-”[/color] Greyson finished before starting to hack up a lung again.

Trisha listened to everything they said with a slightly glazed look in her eyes, hearing it all but still zoning out. She could really understand why Linqian had left… but she also hoped she'd come back soon so she could fuck off. But then they were talking to her again instead of bickering about the best way to live or die.

[color=d1b300]“If you left me something, I'd probably die of shock."[/color] She laughed slightly, a hollow sound more than anything. She should probably feel a bit more sympathy towards Greyson in his current state… But it was difficult when he'd been so much of an asshole the whole time she knew him.

She looked back at Andrade. 
[color=d1b300]“If it's easier, just don't. I have enough money. You have no actual shares in my business… And if it fails because I lose my single customer, I'll figure something out."[/color] It was a rich person solution, but only one she'd offered when depressed as she was. Her honey business was the first time she was doing something for herself and actually making something of herself. She wanted it to work, but her expectations right now were that it wouldn’t. It didn't help that one of the two people who'd so vehemently supported it turned out to be part of the plot to kill her and her coven. 

[color=d1b300]“Surely we should all be drafting emergency wills, anyway. If you both fail, we all die too."[/color] She shrugged. Not that it was something she needed to worry about. Her immediate assets, maybe, but there was already something built into the fund she got money out of every month. It went back to the [I]family[/I]. 

But that aside, there was one thing she was curious about. Didn't care about particularly, but she may as well ask. 

[color=d1b300]“I’m surprised you're not just leaving everything to Britney, Greyson. From all I've heard, I'd expect you to."[/color] Coven gossip still travelled, but Trisha never got the full picture. Only bits and pieces, mainly from a pipeline of Leon to Cass to her. At least now Casey was telling her important information.


Greyson sighed.
[color=F5388C]”Someome in my line of work leaves behind some pretty toxic assets. All I left Britney was a letter telling her where all the money I was keeping for retirement is buried. She's on her way to the Caribbean, my folks will protect her until she has the baby.”[/color] he casually dropped the idea that she was carrying his baby.

[color=F5388C]”Turns out, it's a lot easier for me to hand out assets under the table. I’m having the hardest time trying to get people in action who won’t just rape my corpse for the valuables. The fuckin’ plantation, the travel company, the accounts in the Isle of Man that my banker is suddenly telling me dont exist anymore.”[/color] He went on and on about the complex web of legal and illegal business ventures he was part of.

[color=54678a]”Has Casey uh… Said anything to you about what comes after, Trisha? Obviously, there’ll be a period between now and this… Fucking family rebellion.”[/color] Andrade asked shyly, knowing his place and not wanting to rock the boat back onto himself.

[color=d1b300]“I know some of it.”[/color] Trisha said, though she wasn’t really sure if she did. What came after? Beyond preparing [i]for[/i] the rebellion? Casey barely had time to tell her about what was going on now. 
[color=d1b300]“I assumed preparation for that rebellion. Is there anything else big that comes after?”[/color]

Then she glanced at Greyson, unable to hold back the comment in the back of her mind. She felt she was owed it after listening to him complain about his fucking business shit for a whole few seconds. 
[color=d1b300]“You got Britney pregnant? Poor woman…”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Yeah, and she's one of the only women who never treated the situation like that. She loves me. And she’s gonna love that kid too. And she’ll make it better than I ever was, because she knows me.”[/color] Greyson gave Trisha his full attention as he defended his position.

But Andrade’s concerns were just as clear.

[color=54678a]”Yes! We have lives to carry on with! Opportunities! Listen, I understand that you’re all gonna have a hard time dealing with me, but… Come on! Others have done worse, y’know? This little hiccup won’t exclude us from doing business, will it?”[/color] he asked, practically shaking.

Greyson laughed aloud.

[color=F5388C]”Dude, what the fuck have they been telling you in private?”[/color]

[color=54678a]”N-nothing! Nothing! It’s just… This type of thing wouldn’t be happening if Lynette was the one handling it. She would’ve just killed me… So, I’m having a hard time dealing with the chance that I may make it out of this and have more life to go.”[/color] Andrade replied.

[color=F5388C]”Oh, there he fucking goes again, talking to a dead guy about how excited he is to have a nice, long life. Putz.”[/color] Greyson shook his head again before tilting it and groaning.

[color=d1b300]“I can see why Linqian walked out if you keep going around like this. It’s fucking annoying.”[/color] Trisha intoned, glancing towards the door and frowning. Surely she could just leave. Andrade probably wouldn’t kill Greyson. But… she should do something. Then she could tell Casey she was sort of involved! She didn’t even end up with a covenmate trying to hurt her- not that Greyson was in a position where he could right now. 

She didn’t have much sympathy for either, but it would always err slightly towards the asshole who was dying.
[color=d1b300]“And yeah, sure, I’m sure Britney will do a great job. She’s more sensible than a lot of Sycamore.”[/color]

Then her gaze moved back to Andrade, sharp and almost devoid of emotion.
[color=d1b300]“We can still do business. But that’s it. A purely business relationship. If Casey wants something close to what you had before after all this, that’s his choice. But my trust doesn’t just come back after it’s been broken… Even if you think others have done worse.”[/color]

[color=54678a]”This… None of this changes my [i]value.[/i] I’m not asking you to trust me, Trisha. The opposite. I’m asking you to take advantage. My knowledge doesn’t evaporate just because you don’t trust me. But my desire to please? My willingness to accomodate? My need to be something for someone… Those are [i]real![/i]!”[/color] Andrade pressed, causing Greyson to scoff.

[color=d1b300]“Sure, as long as there’s the right legal contracts in place to keep me protected.”[/color] Trisha responded evenly. For a moment, she channeled Ezra as best as she could- which wasn’t particularly well, when she was still learning about business. But when things were in writing, there was a paper trail she could use if Andrade decided those feelings weren’t enough. 

[color=d1b300]“I’ll take advantage, because it’s useful to me. I’m not going to trust any of those emotions… And I certainly don’t want you to be anything for me that doesn’t aid my business. Even then… I’m not going to be dependent on someone else for it.”[/color]

Andrade’s most basic anxieties were being plucked like strings every single day. Every time Casey made his way there was another browbeating session. And now Trisha was here doing it too. Shame. Utter shame consumed him, and he couldn’t do anything else besides shake his head and shrink into himself as he contemplated if this was any better than dealing with Luis.

It was, of course. These people put him up in an apartment, gave him a bed, let him keep cooking and in contact with his restaurant management so that none of his external revenue sources were interrupted. Luis probably would’ve absorbed him wholesale. Life wouldn’t exist for him anymore.

This was still the right choice, no matter how unsure he felt.

Greyson noticed immediately, and mustered up enough Lux to bash Andrade’s emotional field with.

[color=F5388C]”Oh thank God, he’s down for the fucking count. Are we [i]done!?[/i] I’ll wear the fucking anchor for you.”[/color] he snapped at Andrade.

Andrade didn’t speak, replying only in a solemn nod.

[color=F5388C]”Thank fuck. Now, where’s Linqian with that fucking cocktail?”[/color] he practically begged.

[color=d1b300]“Fuck if I know.”[/color] Trisha responded, even though it felt like Greyson was asking God or something rather than either of them in the room. She sighed, feeling like she couldn’t leave until the other woman was back. 

A single bee crawled out from underneath her sweater before buzzing off out of the ajar door. She closed her eyes, following the bee with a pheromonal thread. It was a practice for her, really. She couldn’t [i]see[/i] through it, but she could communicate with the bee and roughly sense what it was seeing. 

Enough to find a vague human shape smoking outside. The smoke was particularly clear as the bee accidentally flew through it before beginning to circle the person’s head. There was the slightest hint of Trisha’s pheromones on her… The kind that barely lingered after she brushed past people, as she was always giving them off. The bee started buzzing louder and more insistently around probably Linqian’s head. 

[color=d1b300]“Outside smoking. Hopefully the bee will annoy her enough… Then you can get whatever your cocktail is, and I can leave.”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Fuck! Y’know Cass? Or Theo? Maybe, maybe Theo will do it! Let her smoke, please… God… Its so fucking miserable. I should… Just let her go too, man! Fuck!”[/color] Greyson spazzed, both hands lifting to cup his face and drag downward in frustration.

[color=F5388C]”Stop! Stop, just, pull the bee off. Fucking… Don’t force yourself to be here. Nobody needs to fucking see me like this, God damn everything…”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Too late."[/color] Trisha intoned, meaning both the bee and anyone seeing him like that. Though the mention of Cass… She supposed it made sense. Cass had been at the raid, and she had first hand experience with Luxal poisoning- just hers wasn't killing her.
[color=d1b300]“Is Cass helping out too? You know… if I go and get [I]her[/I], then I'll be stuck here for even longer. Probably even after Linqian gets back."[/color]

She sighed, a sliver of pity managing to wriggle its way through the pit of depressive apathy that was clinging to her. 
[color=d1b300]“I know it's been years, but I think I know Linqian well enough to know you couldn't force her to stay- or leave- anywhere she didn't want to be. But I can go and get Cass if you'd rather."[/color]

[color=F5388C]”She’s down the hall… Linqian likes her. Sometimes she’ll come and sit if Lin’s taking a break. It's about convenience, more than she’s stuck helping or anything… Don’t get the wrong idea.”[/color] he explained.

[color=F5388C]”But, she’s nice. Funny. You managed to make better friends somewhere else. Makes me think that maybe there’s something wrong with this city, rather than there being something wrong with you…”[/color] 

[color=d1b300]“Oh, there's plenty wrong with me."[/color] Trisha admitted, without much hesitation for once. It was the mood she was in, and the fact he was dying anyway. What would he do with that? Rub it in her face? 

She pulled out her phone, sending a quick message to Cass to come here- not because she wanted to be around longer, but because Cass had told her to message when she was outside in the first place. Because she ‘wouldn’t hear a knock on the door over her music' like she didn't have super senses. Easier to just message in the first place. 

[color=d1b300]“I’m just lucky I found people who tolerate it elsewhere. When you actually think about it, it isn't surprising the way things went. We were all fucked up fighting the Stygian Snake."[/color] She spoke while staring at her phone, getting a fairly instant ‘ok hand' emoji response from Cass. 
[color=d1b300]“Takes someone like Cass to deal with it. Seems every Sycamore member that meets her likes her."[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Well, yeah you get fucked up when the guy available to fix shit like that is a guy nobody likes or trusts. I’m not saying it’s my fault half of you are walking around with untreated PTSD, but maybe things would’ve come out a bit different if we all played a little nicer. Not that we can blame anyone, really. None of our brains were fully developed. Nobody, not even the elders. Fucking nineteen, twenty. No less a child than one is at sixteen. We were bound to be fucked over.”[/color] Greyson cleared his throat, following it with another coughing fit.

[color=F5388C]”I never would’ve expected you to have anything done about it anyway. It would’ve had to have been a decision others made on your behalf. There was a weird dynamic when it came to “Froshies”. How people like Leon and the other Grads referred to you guys, the youngest members. Plenty of decisions got made without you guys having much say. We figured we couldn’t trust the judgement. But, uh, obviously that left a big group of people who are all fucked up.”[/color] he continued to admit.

Trisha's brow furrowed, as a few things began to click into place for her. It explained how a lot of fights had been set up. There were times when the groups were a mix of ages, others when they seemed to be forced together. But she'd never had a say. Sometimes she'd been sent places that had ended up far worse than she was told they'd be. And it was always ‘unexpected.’ 

[color=d1b300]“I wouldn't let anyone use magic to fix me, no matter how much I liked them or how much someone else insisted."[/color] Trisha shook her head, frowning. 
[color=d1b300]“I always [I]suspected[/I] something like that was happening. Old enough to fight and die, but not old enough to have a say. Typical coven bullshit. Like I didn't see enough people die, and kill enough, to be more mature than most fourteen year olds… Leon still treats me like that, sometimes. No wonder if so many decisions were made for us."[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Hey, don’t act like I got the golden spoon. Maybe I earned a bit of the ire I got, but after a while it was a total principle that I got overruled by just about anyone. Eventually, I got relegated to fucking [i]piggybank.[/i]”[/color] Greyson scowled.

[color=F5388C]”And I don’t really get that either. Why wouldn’t you let someone fix you up? Leon did! And he’s, I’d say, much improved despite whatever small problems he may still cause. I’m not saying you [i]can’t[/i] do it yourself, but why bother?”[/color] he asked, knowing full well exactly what a hypocrite he was in asking a question like that.

[color=d1b300]“Oh, like you'd willingly let someone else in your brain without control."[/color] Trisha rolled her eyes, tone more blunt than it was snappy. 
[color=d1b300]“I don't trust it. I don't trust anyone enough to let them in like that, and I certainly don't want to risk something I don't want touched being changed. I could never trust it. A me without any of my problems wouldn't be me at all."[/color]

Her mind was so closely guarded, she barely opened up by choice nevermind letting someone in like that. Casey was the most she could tolerate with his White Lux… getting things fixed like that felt like cheating, anyway. 

[color=d1b300]“And I'm especially distrustful of mind magic after the [I]Snake that fucked with our minds.[/I]"[/color]

[color=F5388C]”And all under the Dove suffer your prejudice duly. Shame.”[/color] Greyson half smiled, taking a breath in and holding it for a moment.

[color=54678a]”You haven’t even done it to yourself, Greyson.”[/color] Andrade piped up slightly, eyes turning up from the notepad he was writing in.

[color=F5388C]”What? Sure I did. Just because I didn’t see every red flag as a negative thing, doesn’t mean I didn’t give myself plenty of work. You don’t see me getting jumpy and fucking bubbling up like the rest of these apes when trouble comes. I act. And that’s specifically [i]because[/i] I’m capable of scrubbing the fear out of myself. Was…”[/color] Greyson replied with a bit of sadness in his voice, hand coming up to gently rub the painful pink bulge in his skull.

[color=F5388C]”Fuck of a way to go, I guess.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Yeah, most people manage to not fuck their brain with their own magic."[/color] Trisha intoned. 
[color=d1b300]“But I'm perfectly capable of acting. I killed an assassin just weeks ago, and-"[/color]

But she was cut off by the door opening, two possible medication administrators walking in. 

Cass had maybe been listening in just a little bit. She couldn't help it, she was just so proud of Trisha for holding a conversation with someone else from her coven! But she couldn't really keep it up when Linqian appeared at the other end of the corridor. 

[color=629c3f]"Looks like I ain't even needed! Unless you want me to administer it anyway?! It's good practice for when I gotta do shit for myself!"[/color] Cass immediately filled the space with noise, beelining for Trisha and slinging and arm around her shoulders. Trisha leaned away, but didn't push her off. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Are you going to deal with him after, when he starts fucking sobbing about whatever he's sad about now?”[/color] Linqian asked back, the smell of smoke still lingering on her clothes as she moved towards Greyson with the one thing relieving his pain in hand.

[color=629c3f]"Nope! I gotta date with my girl! He's all yours today! We can stick around a bit, though!"[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Then I got it.”[/color] Linqian looked over at Andrade, before staring down at Greyson. While she looked tired, and had the same resting bitch face as normal, her eyes did soften slightly.
[color=CD5C5C]”Is all of the actual serious shit done? I wasn't joking about not giving it to you till then.”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”It’s done. I’ll play ball with him, if it gets all this shit to fade away for a few more hours. I just wanna be with you.”[/color] Greyson looked back up at Linqian almost pathetically.

Andrade looked up at Linqian like a guilty party before averting to Trisha.

[color=54678a]”That… Kind of reassures me that I’ll be around. So, maybe we can avoid the painful shit, Trish. If it all goes well without me, just get in touch with Bruno Coburg. He’s the one in charge of running my shit: He’ll hash out a new supplier deal with you, so long as the restaurants don’t suddenly collapse.”[/color] Andrade nodded, knowing that he didn’t want to keep two perfectly healthy people trapped in this mire that he was stuck in.

Trisha nodded in return. 
[color=d1b300]“I will, if it works out that way. I'm trying not to assume things will work out one way or another."[/color] Though she was struggling not to just think there was little chance of whatever they had planned working. The negative spiral of hopelessness, not exactly helped by the state things were in here. 

Linqian put her free hand on Greyson's shoulder, very gently rubbing it. 
[color=CD5C5C]”Alright, alright, I'll give it to you in a moment…”[/color] She looked away from him for a moment to address everyone else.
[color=CD5C5C]”You guys should all leave, better we get some peace while we still fucking can.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Oh yeah, I ain't gonna third- or fifth- wheel you guys getting your time! But if you need anything, y'know I'm just along the corridor. Food, a break, whatever! I'm sure Trisha won't mind."[/color] Cass grinned, half shuffling with Trisha towards the door. 

Not that Trisha needed much encouragement. She did stare at Greyson and Linqian for a moment, before saying something she wouldn't have said before all of this. Her hands clasped together, fiddling with her engagement ring.
[color=d1b300]“Thank you. For what you're both doing… I know it isn't for me, or even all of Sycamore, but it'll still save the people I care about."[/color]

Greyson stopped shuffling out of his seat to stare up at Trisha with both eyes. He furrowed what he could of his brow.

[color=F5388C]”Nobody’s ever sorry until it’s too late. I’m-”[/color] he cut himself off, huffing.
[color=F5388C]”-you know. Sorry. For treating you poorly, for… For that time I hit on you. That was really scummy too. And that time I tried to blackmail you and Jason Fornier. And, y’know, the trashcan thing. Everything I did. And it’s too late, so… Spit when you think of me.”[/color] he tried to put on a brave face despite the globby pink tears that were forming around his eyes and starting to cloud his vision with their viscous clinging.

It was true that nobody was ever sorry until it was too late… Trisha knew Greyson never would've apologised if he wasn't dying like this. Not to her, at least. Dealing with your own mortality tends to make most people reflect a bit… but he was right that it was too late. Probably would have been even if he was going to live. 

[color=d1b300]“I don't forgive you for those things. But I'm not going to spit when I think of you."[/color] She said, trying her best to sound calm rather than pissy and petty. Especially since Cass was there. 
[color=d1b300]“Instead I'm going to try not to think of you at all. I'm going to live a happy life… I'll get married to my fiance, have children with him, and one day happily die surrounded by them and their children. And I won't have the time to think about the people who hurt me anymore."[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Fuck, did you really have to say all that shit right now, Trisha? Now he's gonna start sobbing like a fucking baby.”[/color] Linqian groaned. But like normal for her, her actions were contrary to her words. She leant down to help him get out of his seat, one arm slipping around his back.

But he didn’t start blubbering. Rather, Greyson held Linqian tight as he made it up to his wobbly legs. And, amazingly, a smile cracked his lips fully for a second time today.

[color=F5388C]”Oh… [i]You’ll think of me.[/i]”[/color] he grinned, shaking his head before nodding with confidence.
[color=F5388C]”When you’re shitting out a thirteen pound Richoux brat. You’ll see this moment, and you’ll see my smug grin. And you’ll spit on the hospital floor. And I’ll see, and I’ll laugh. And it’ll be the only real moment of friendship we ever have.”[/color]

Maybe he was delusional. Maybe he was right. Or, maybe he was fishing for the setup from the beginning. Leaving an impression that’ll last in whoever has to deal with him. Lynn Serenelight had taken him through all of the possible endings, every single scenario they imagined from the influence of White Lux.
And this had been his least-favored outcome. There was one where he’d lived to see the aftermath, only to die by Covenmate a few days later. 

But nothing good involved him directly. This sacrifice was the last thing he could do where people may remember his good, rather than everything else. He couldn’t let that happen. He needed as many people to believe and remember him as possible…

Because he didn’t intend on this life being the end. He’d see his son grow. He’d see sunrises. He’d make love again. But, nobody needed to know what he and Andrade discussed in the small, quiet hours. About the magic necessary to transform the human soul into something more…

[color=F5388C]”Cass? Send Lee over when he gets home please. Time doesn’t matter, if I’m asleep he’ll be able to talk to Andrade… Thank you in advance.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"You're asking a lot of me here, dude, y'know how little time I get with him?"[/color] Cass groaned jokingly, before smiling. 
[color=629c3f]"I'll send him round, don't worry!"[/color]

Trisha stared at Greyson, before letting out a slight laugh. 
[color=d1b300]“If I see your smug grin while giving birth, I think I'll throw up before I spit. But sure. If that happens, I guess it's one moment we'll… share."[/color]

She shook her head, moving towards the door. It wasn't something she could imagine… but she still could barely imagine the eventual future where she had a child with Casey. Even though it was what she wanted, it seemed so far away. 
[color=d1b300]“If you do end up some kind of ghost, please don't bother visiting me."[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Don’t curse me to a jealous haunting.”[/color] Linqian grumbled, pretty much wholly supporting Greyson. It was easier after Cass had taught her a handy little, subtle strength spell that she actually understood. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Go fucking enjoy your girls date or whatever, I gotta get this future ghost creep to bed and drugged outta his mind.”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Geeze, I want to spend time with you, you want me sedated? Christ…”[/color] Greyson retorted, starting his slow shuffle toward the bedroom the two shared.

There was a lot Andrade still wanted to say. Stuff he wanted to get cleared up. It wasn’t going to happen here, most likely.

[color=54678a]”It’s uh… Just about some logistical problems, Cass, it probably won’t take more than twenty minutes. He’s gotta move some physical assets, and he's curious about whether or not Leon will burn the cash to get them sent where they need to go.”[/color] he tried to be informative and [i]helpful.[/i]

[color=CD5C5C]”Fucking hell, you're the one that wanted fucking sedated. My company won't be enough in five minutes and you'll start fucking whining again!”[/color] Linqian bickered back, as if they were already in private rather than making the slow journey towards it. Not that she particularly cared, though. 

[color=629c3f]"Oh whatever it is ain't a problem! I ain't so clingy I can't deal with less time with Leon!"[/color] Cass managed to respond around half laughing at the old married couple act going on in front of her. 
[color=629c3f]"Twenty minutes, an hour… I'm a patient gal, just means less sleep for him."[/color]

Trisha side-eyed Cass. She was now hovering at the door, clearly wanting to leave but feeling trapped by each conversation that started. 
[color=d1b300]“I’ve never heard anyone describe you as patient, Cass."[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Eh well… Willing to fill the time with other shit waiting then!"[/color]
[Hr]
[right][code]Home.[/right][/code]
Trisha spent the rest of the day at Cass', swapping between watching shit together and just chilling in the same space. She didn't leave until it was fairly late, when Cass got a text from Leon saying he was heading back. While the two of them had been on alright terms recently, Trisha had already filled her capacity of seeing people for the day… she didn't exactly want to interrupt their time either. 

So she went back up to her own house, choosing to sit in the main room on her phone rather than falling back into the soft grasp of the couch she'd spent so many days rotting in. Tomorrow she'd probably be back there, as her exhaustion would come back, but today she felt at least functional. 

When she got a text from him that he was heading back, one of a few that day- he seemed to message whenever he could, but there was rarely time for a conversation or response to hers- she moved from where she'd been sitting towards the fridge. It was still filled with food Cass had made, and she pulled out one of the big tubs of macaroni cheese left. Cass had given her instructions on how to cook it to taste almost as good as it was fresh… and she was fairly confident she wouldn't fuck that up. It wasn't actual cooking. 

Just putting the oven at the right temperature, grating a bit more cheese to sprinkle over the top, and putting it in. She set a timer for the exact time Cass had given her. It should be ready just after Casey got home. She didn't really want to eat herself, but she knew she probably should. She'd had bits and pieces forced on her throughout the day by Cass, but she was trying her best to have something when Casey got home and ate. 

She pulled out a tomato based pasta dish Cass had also made, scooping a small portion of it into another container and putting that in the oven. The same amount of time as the macaroni cheese would probably be fine… If it burnt she'd just pick out the bits that were fine. 

With food in the oven, the most she could do cooking wise, Trisha perched on one of the chairs at the breakfast bar. She stared at the timer on her phone as she waited, watching the minutes slowly tick down.

It took a while longer than she probably anticipated. He hadn’t exactly written anything more than “soon”, so fifteen minutes turned into twenty five. Then another ten. The mac and cheese was long hated up and turned off by the time he made it through the door almost an hour later. He’d clearly been doing things. Not just walking around, or supervising something.

Not to mention, he was dressed for [i]work.[/i] The scent of blood and death clung to him, the odd sulfur smell made by the gas blowing off from spent cartridges. But he didn’t look awful. He wasn’t weeping or sullen. Only, his eyes were like big, blue saucers in his head. Two disks of cobalt rolling around in their skull fixtures.

He could see her through the slit windows in the actual door, and saw her standing up to greet him, which caused him to slump a bunch of gear on the floor by the door. His plate carrier unbuckled, shuffling itself off of him like a living creature to hit the floor with a loud thud.
As he sauntered forward a little more, his arms opened wide for Trisha. He didn’t say anything, expecting she’d fill the gap without much prompting.

Trisha immediately moved forward and into his arms, hugging him silently for a moment before pulling her head back to look up at him. She was a little sad that her plan to have dinner hot and ready for him getting back hadn't worked out, but it was fine. He'd clearly been busy… her nose wrinkled slightly, though the smell didn't actually bother her. Not enough for her to stop hugging so close to him, at least. She'd probably smelt much worse yesterday, anyway.

[color=d1b300]“Welcome home… I heated up some mac and cheese for you, but it's probably already cold. What… happened to your eyes?"[/color] She couldn't help but ask about the obvious. It was hard to miss how blown up they were, like he'd gone through some strange photo filter. Magic use, she assumed. 

He hadn’t caught himself in the mirror, but he knew the Glass was still working. Everything had a crispy, crunchy background to it, like he was trapped in a bag of potato chips and sand. This would [i]probably[/i] be an argument… But Casey was serious about making sure that what Trisha wanted became real. And if she wanted constant honesty, and to not be left out, fine. She’d hear.

[color=577d06]”A combat stimulant. Glass. The more it gets used, the more Lux floods the iris and other photoreceptors in the eyes. It dilates the pupils, inflates the irises, but gives you a secondary channeling source that doesn’t cause Lux Toxin. It's just hard to see in bright lights.”[/color] he explained the odd side effect, totally skipping over the fact that the main reaction was something similar to Cocaine or Methamphetamine.

[color=577d06]”Found out Dollhouse was moving some physical money through mundane means. Spent the last six hours in one of their transport facilities…”[/color] he rubbed her shoulder and back as he hugged her, but patted her off so he could move for his backpack. 

He could obviously smell the mac and cheese. It was delicious, and he wanted some, but he was excited to show her what he brought regardless.

[color=577d06]”Check this shit out.”[/color]

From his satchel, he carefully slid an intricate looking glass sphere from its place and held it up in one hand. It was roughly the size of a volleyball, and seemed to have some kind of liquid within.

[color=577d06]”The experts are telling me this is a fucking [i]egg.[/i]”[/color]

Trisha furrowed her brow, shuffling after him. She wasn't particularly happy about the whole drug use thing, but he'd already moved past it… if she brought it back up she'd just look like she was being difficult. They only had so much time together. They could talk about it later. As long it was just being used for this period… or combat where needed… she felt it was pretty reasonable for her to be worried about these things. Anything that might be addictive! 

But she wanted tonight to be as nice as it could be. So she managed to not say anything, eyes narrowing as she stared at the sphere. 

[color=d1b300]“An… egg? Really? From what? A massive glass chicken?"[/color] The more she stared at it, the less she saw how it was an egg. There certainly didn't look like there was some embryo growing inside it. Unless it was in the liquid… But wouldn't it be obvious? 

[color=577d06]”Well, uh… How are you feeling? Do you think you could see something scary?”[/color] he asked her very simply, putting one hand around her shoulders and the other on top of the sphere.

Trisha wasn't entirely sure, because it depended on what scary entailed. Most scary things didn't actually bother her, because she'd seen worse. But if it was a magical egg… 
[color=d1b300]“That depends… is it related to the Stygian Snake?"[/color] 

She leaned towards him, lips pressing together as she stared at the egg. She was doing better today. She'd managed to sleep yesterday without nightmares. Only because Casey was there, but he was here now too. 
[color=d1b300]“Actually, I'm feeling a bit better so… I think I can handle it."[/color]

Casey nodded, then knocked on the counter, causing the lights in the immediate area to fade away. Yet, the lights seemed to still exist within the egg, trapped and reflected inside until it all slowly faded. As it did, something brushed up against the sheer side of the interior. Something scaley, and long. 

The deep, billowing cloud of shadow inside… The coils. The little snake’s head finally bumped against the glass, showing itself fully. Now, Trisha would’ve easily recognized the form of the Stygian Snake. It was something crossed between a viper and a constrictor, having massive spiky horns and a deep black coloration with massive gold and amber eyes.

This wasn’t that. It was… Green? Maybe green in the darkness, some stray light catching it and shimmering off its scales. Its eyes were milky, periwinkle in color, with deep white pupil slits staring up from the shadows. Its little tongue flicked out.

[color=577d06]”I don’t suppose you ever got to see those ancient scrolls about the Snake? About how it devoured its clutch and spat them out into the Void? They’re telling me this one is called the Gloomserpent. One of the long lost clutch.”[/color] he stared down at the little monstrosity trapped in its own world of shadow.

[color=d1b300]“We saw… Murals of it in one of the dreams, I think. But not scrolls. I didn't know what it meant. Does that mean…"[/color] Trisha trailed off, shuddering slightly. She pressed closer to Casey, taking a deep breath. 

She wasn't terrified in that same way she had been when the Archserpent attacked, or in the aftermath then. There wasn't a risk of a full blown panic attack. But that didn't mean she felt no fear at all. It was impossible not to after everything she'd been through. Thankfully, she'd never had associative attacks because of normal snakes like she did with the dark. But this wasn't a normal snake. It didn't look quite like the Stygian Snake, but there were signs. It’s gaze was unnerving. 

[color=d1b300]“Could it be as powerful as the Stygian Snake? It can't get out of there, can it?"[/color]

[color=577d06]”Sure it can. But they weren’t all born of malice. Just darkness. Stygian, Gloom, Twilight, Dusk, Murk. Chances are, because of what happened, they’re all pretty stunted. But, I bet if we gave the poor thing its day in court, we probably wouldn’t wind up surprised by its conduct.”[/color] Casey giggled, wriggling his finger at the trapped demigod within and watching as it just stared back.

It couldn’t, or didn’t, speak. But, its eyes spoke for it, begging Casey to overstep the boundary.

[color=577d06]”This one was the only one they had. Whether that means the others are gone, or they just couldn’t find them? Hell, maybe this one’s the only important one. It wasn’t even like, enshrined or anything. It was getting used like a paperweight in that office, someone nearly knocked it off the desk.”[/color] he continued, knocking and forcing the lights back on.

The serpent promptly dove back into its gloomy obstruction as light filled the sphere and turned everything inside back into a foamy, pearlescent liquid inside. Casey cleared his throat.

[color=577d06]”Makes me want to crack the fucker open and cook it…”[/color]

Trisha stared up at Casey, before a giggle pushed its way through her nervous exterior. 
[color=d1b300]“There can't be that much meat on it, can there? I know there's some places where eating snakes is common… but it seems like a lot of effort. Not that it's a normal snake."[/color]

She shook her head, still giggling at the prospect of him cracking it open and making an omelette out of it. It helped ignore the fear the little creature instilled in her. Not so bad she couldn't deal with it… but not something she enjoyed feeling. 

[color=d1b300]“You’re not going to keep it here, are you? I'm not sure I can handle a Stygian Snake spawn paperweight. Even if it's trapped in there…"[/color]

[color=577d06]”The big debate is whether or not keeping it in the dark is better, or in the light. Intense light like this makes it turn into, y’know, liquid egg. But it eats the light whenever it transitions from one state to another. So, everyone’s worried that turning it into this is giving it nutrition, rather than denying it a physical form. Honestly speaking, we’re all stumped. But, unfortunately, there's no place to hide it tonight. Most I can do is bring it down to Leon until we know what to do with it.”[/color] Casey admitted solemnly. 

It wasn’t ideal, but who else could he trust? The Vault at the Temple was just as vulnerable to an attack as this place was, in Casey’s estimation. And worse, there were plenty of people there with loose morals who would happily run tests on this thing.

[color=577d06]”Unless you’ve got any ideas, I say it goes in the freezer.”[/color]

Trisha didn't have any better ideas. At least she didn't go into the freezer that much. She could avoid it completely if needed. She hardly went into the fridge right now. 

[color=d1b300]“As long as I don't have to see it… I guess that's fine. It's fine when you're here, just when I'm alone, I can't really handle seeing something like that. Even if it's hidden in the light."[/color] She replied quietly, with a slight nod. She understood that there wasn't really an alternative. 

Putting it on Leon didn't seem fair, when he probably had his own share of Stygian Snake trauma. That he'd gotten scrubbed by Greyson, sure… but Cass didn't deserve to have an evil snake egg around either. Though… 
[color=d1b300]“If you gave it to Leon, Cass would probably try to crack it open to fight or eat- so I guess it is safest here, for now. In the freezer. Where we can't see it."[/color]

She looked up at him, forcing herself to be brave about it while fiddling with her ring to calm herself down. She [I]could[/I] do it. She'd dealt with worse ten years ago. Sure, that was why something like this freaked her out now. But she'd survived then. She could survive dark snake spawn being in her freezer. 

[color=d1b300]“At least it's too cold to want ice cream anyway."[/color] She managed to joke, lips pulling back up to a slight smile. 

Casey nodded in agreement and went back to his bag to pull out a small string of LEDs attached to a little battery pack, which he wrapped around the egg and turned on before popping open the freezer and wedging the thing inside. The freezer door closed with a thump, and Casey turned back to look at Trisha.

[color=577d06]”Very strong of you, Babe. I love you, I missed you!”[/color] he said, moving forward to wrap around her again now that the surprise was over.

[color=577d06]”Y’know you can figure out the quality of the mac and cheese by its heat retention properties?”[/color] he asked, wobbling back and forth with Trisha gently as he eyed the pan on the stove.

He did his best to subtly shuffle them over to it before dipping his finger into the center. It was still hot enough to be delicious in the middle, with the bottom having rested on the stove and reflected its own heat back up.
[color=577d06]”I’d say it’s pretty damn good. Who made it?”[/color] he asked, licking the bit on his finger off.

[color=d1b300]“Would you believe me if I said I did?"[/color] Trisha said, managing a deep pan expression for a few seconds before cracking and laughing. 
[color=d1b300]“Cass did. She filled the fridge up… not yesterday, but when she visited the day before. I guess you didn't have a chance to look yet? She went on a crazy cooking spree the moment she'd recovered her Lux and was left alone, I think."[/color]

She smiled, one arm wriggling away from hugging him to point at the honestly tiny portion of tomatoey pasta that was in another pan. It was probably cold, but maybe she could just heat it up a bit too. 
[color=d1b300]“That’s mine. Cass forced me to eat something every time she did today… so it's not much, but I still wanted to eat with you."[/color] She felt she had to explain, as some proof that she was doing a little better. Not that she would've eaten much if Cass wasn't there shoving food at her… but she'd pulled something out for herself here too.

Casey nodded gently, kissing the top of Trisha’s head and patting her shoulder before pulling away to move toward the stove. He clicked the burner on, hoping to heat Trisha’s food back up enough that she’d actually eat it.

[color=577d06]”Thank you… Dinner together is good. It’s almost a benefit that you’re not a glutton, I get to share moments like this with you instead of just eating half a chicken pot pie standing in front of the sink.”[/color] he commented, flicking the pan around trying to get the spaghetti to loosen up off the bottom so it didn’t burn.

[color=577d06]”But, also, y’know if you’ve been eating all day, you can just sit with me. I’m not gonna, like, force you into eating or anything.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I’ve only been eating small bits. Cass eats every two hours now… but I only had a little bit. I'll try to eat something."[/color] Trisha responded, her smile towards him only turning softer. 

She was used to people just forcing it on her. It was part of why she had such a bad relationship with food in the first place… meals she didn't want to eat were forced on her growing up until she hit a certain age, and no one bothered anymore because she was ‘old enough' to look after herself. Then she just forgot or chose to skip them. She knew people now cared… and she could deal with it with someone like Cass, who, along with Diyah, had seen the effects of times when she was particularly bad. At least Cass didn't really force her so much as just hand her food and hope she ate it. 

But Casey seemed to understand and was more patient about it, while still clearly caring. 

[color=d1b300]“Why would you ever have to eat standing in front of the sink, though? Because if I was a glutton you'd be worried I'd steal it from you? "[/color]

Casey shook his head, giggling slightly.

[color=577d06]”You’d have already eaten and been full. Why take more time for an unnecessary ritual? At that point, it’s brevity. I eat where the dishes go, then leave again. That’s why it’s… Extra nice. Obviously, you care about our time together. But, it’s more. Like I can trust you’ll always want that first, and I can maneuver around that. Work with it. Eventually, it’ll be second nature and, maybe, make the dangerous transition from assumption to expectation… A future argument, even. One where maybe we’re drifting apart a little, and it comes back to this emotion. The feeling of having someone to [i]wait[/i]. And, moreso, waiting for one another specifically, not just anyone who’ll do.”[/color]

It was hard to explain the necessity of nostalgia in his life. Holding tightly to memories and feelings like this were paramount for his slowly expanding list of available White Lux spells. It seemed like every day, a new memory made a new form of telepathy, or some other way to observe a remote location in a different dimension… He needed these memories more than ever.

[color=577d06]”I’m saying a lot without saying the thing I mean… That I love you, and I’m thankful for you.”[/color] he finished. 

Trisha nodded, smiling gently at him. As he reheated her pasta she drifted towards the fridge, pulling out a soda for each of them. 

[color=d1b300]“I feel the same about you, Casey. I love you a lot. And I don't think I'll ever mind waiting for you for something like this. If it becomes an expectation, that's fine. I don't want to imagine us drifting but… even then… I don't think I'll mind. I'm always going to love you and want to spend time with you. You know I get more upset when I can't. I really think I will always want that first…"[/color] 

As she spoke, she moved back towards where she'd been sitting, perching in the chair again to watch him. 
[color=d1b300]“Well… I can see there being an exception when we have children, and they start crying about how hungry they are. It'll be a little harder then."[/color]

[color=577d06]”Eh, they can eat. I won’t deny growing children. But, knowing you, I bet you’ll just watch them eat and still wait for me.”[/color]

Steam was curling up from the pasta now, little plumes ascending each time he moved the mass around in the pan. Plenty warm now, he made for a small bowl and filled it up for her before letting the pan fall back onto a cool burner. Then, he grabbed a bigger plate, looked at the pan of macaroni, and shrugged before sliding it back into its place and picking up a spoon and the entire tray.

[color=577d06]”Only problem is we can’t cuddle and eat at the same time… C’mon, lets go see how Colima’s gonna catch the bad guys today.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“We could [I]technically[/I] cuddle and eat, it'd just get messy quickly."[/color] Trisha shot back with a smile, moving to take her bowl from him so he didn't have to carry it and his mass of macaroni. She grabbed a fork and her soda before making her way through to the den. 

There was nothing playing on the TV already like there had been the last few days, since Trisha had spent most of the day out. Not that she'd done much more with Cass. Instead of Colima, Cass had shown her some goofy, old sci-fi sitcom she liked. Black Hole or something… 

Since they weren't going to be able to cuddle until they were done eating, Trisha climbed up onto the middle of the couch and picked up the remote she'd discarded early. Switching the TV on, it was left at the end of the last episode she'd been half watching… so it was easy to click play and just let it move to the next. 

She started to pick at her pasta, looking at the TV as she spoke quietly. 
[color=d1b300]“I… bumped into Linqian today. When I was visiting Cass."[/color]

Casey frowned slightly as he made his way into his spot and got comfy, both legs crossing to hold the tray up like a platform for him to dig into.

[color=577d06]”Oh… Shit, I didn’t mention it did I? Sorry, that one kind of slipped through the cracks, I left it for Leon to kind of deal with. I probably should’ve told you yesterday, but you were so sleepy… I was, y’know, kind of just wanting to let you sleep without rubbing your nerves.”[/color] he admitted, half trying to faust the blame before accepting that he [i]could[/i] have told her and simply didn’t. He didn’t even know why this time.

[color=577d06]”Kinda like the egg, y’know? Better they’re here where we can observe them, than somewhere where they’re obscured in turn.”[/color]

Trisha nodded slowly, chewing on a piece of pasta. It made sense that they were staying here. The security of the place was relatively robust, and Casey himself lived here… as did Leon, the one other Sycamite who seemed involved in the plan. 

[color=d1b300]“I understand why they're here. I would've liked to know before being shocked with it but I… also understand why you didn't say anything yesterday. I did spend a lot of time sleeping. Cass said they just moved in, at least. So I know you haven't been keeping it from me for days or anything."[/color] She managed to say relatively evenly. 

She didn't want to get annoyed at him, after all. And it was easier when she was still in that depressed slump, no matter how much she'd started to crawl out. She was more likely to just start crying thinking he didn't trust her. But that wasn't the case here, at least. 

[color=d1b300]“I talked to Greyson. Linqian basically strong-armed me into going in… But it was pretty civil. I think it was as good as it ever could go with him."[/color] She finally turned her gaze away from the television towards Casey. Between the little dregs of upset over him not telling her, no matter how much she understood it, there was something else that shone through. Pride, maybe? Or more looking for approval. 

The kind of look someone gives after doing something well, waiting to be praised for it. 

[color=577d06]”Dying young people tend to get sappy and sentimental. I held the hands of a lot of dead kids who spent their last precious breaths apologizing for shit I didn’t have anything to do with. The need to confess, I think, and purge the soul before exiting.”[/color] Casey absently replied, thinking about what it must’ve been like to know your life was on a string between two halves of a pair of scissors. 

[color=577d06]”Y’said she strong-armed you? I guess that makes sense for a Gangster’s girlfriend to do. At least it’s not something you’re going to need to worry about much longer, Babe. All these people just fade out of our world after this… Again, I’m real proud of you. For, uh, y’know, being in your slump, you’re doing well. I’m impressed.”[/color] he happily reassured her, a smile crossing his face as he moved his foot out to press against her leg in a playful manner. Like he was poking her, or patting her shoulder all the same.

The little pout that had started to form when Casey didn't immediately praise her disappeared, replaced by a giggle and sappy smile. She swayed her body towards him, wriggling the leg he was poking with another giggle. 

[color=d1b300]“I managed to stay there for like… fifteen minutes. Which considering my track record…"[/color] She continued, still smiling at him. It was such a small thing to be proud of, but considering all the history she had with Sycamore- and especially Greyson- it felt like a big thing. Even if they'd eventually be out of her life completely when this was all done. 

[color=d1b300]“But Linqian's always been like that. I think she's actually… better now that she's with Greyson? Most of her really snappy comments were directed at him. Cass has been helping out, and she said it's like a live sitcom sometimes."[/color] Trisha paused to eat another bit of pasta, looking down at her bowl again. 

[color=d1b300]“He actually… did apologise, like you said. Sentimental now that he's dying. He apologised for all the things he did to me. Hitting on me, blackmailing me and another guy, another incident… But I was surprised [I]he[/I] did it at all. I didn't forgive him, but I just… really didn't expect it."[/color]

Casey smiled, completely unfurling and making his scooting way over to her on the couch, so she could rest against him as she pleased. It’d only be until they were done eating anyway, so he wasn’t worried about joint stiffness. His shoulder brushed against her, and finally he leaned down to kiss her again before straightening out and starting to eat again.

[color=577d06]”Well… He is who he is. I don’t know, Leon [i]loves[/i] the guy. I asked him recently, y’know, and he’s just… Kind of avoidant about it. Like he thinks I’ll judge him for being friends with a guy like that.”[/color] he commented, shrugging before smiling.
[color=577d06]”But, still… Fifteen minutes with Sycamites, and I’m not checking your face for bruising. We’ve really come far, haven’t we Love?”[/color] he giggled.

Trisha laughed in response, one hand going up to squish her own cheek upwards. 
[color=d1b300]“Maybe I got Cass to heal me… I'm kidding. I don't think Greyson could've even if he wanted to… If Linqian had, you'd be checking for burning. But it was really fine. Not that I'll be rushing to see them again, but… tolerable. So, yeah. Come pretty far."[/color]

She smiled, before leaning fully against him as she ate a bit more. 
[color=d1b300]“Honestly, especially with those two. Most encounters with Linqian end up with someone getting burnt. Greyson's never [I]hit[/I] me before… It's just all words and blackmail. And the one time he… emptied a trash can on me…"[/color]

Casey’s first reaction should not have been a little chuckle, but it was more out of shock than humor.
[color=577d06]”Jesus… You’re telling me I need to go beat up a dying guy? What do you… Aw, fuck it, you’ll tell me if you want. Jesus… [i]A trashcan?[/i]”[/color] Casey shook his head in disbelief.

Trisha nodded slowly. It was one of the odder ones to look back on, and would've been a bit funny retrospectively if it hadn't all been so fucked up at the time. But it wasn't something she felt reluctant to tell Casey the full story about. While it had started as both of their fault, Greyson had escalated it way more than she had. From a lot of harsh words both ways to [I]that[/I].

[color=d1b300]“A trashcan. I don't… entirely remember how the argument started. There were a lot of spectators… like it was a schoolyard fight and everyone was watching for entertainment. I definitely remember telling he was just upset I rejected him, and from there it really descended into name calling. I called him trash after he used a bunch of names for me and then he… grabbed the nearest trashcan and emptied it over me. It was [I]full[/I] as well."[/color] Trisha grimaced, nose wrinkling as she remembered. 

It had been in the evening too, with only a couple of hours until sunset. Not enough time for her to get home and shower before they had to go on their nightly patrols. One of the few times there'd ended up being a derogatory nickname based on what she actually liked to go by… [I]Trashy Trisha[/I]. 

[color=d1b300]“Someone did try to step in and got hit in the face with it after. I can't remember [I]who[/I] I was too busy trying to get rotten food out of my hair."[/color]

Casey shook his head trying to remember what being that age was like. The only thing that popped up consistently was fear. There was no assuming, then, what a scenario like that could’ve been as a leadup. It all seemed so silly, so childish. He dumped a whole trashcan on her? What if someone had disposed of something improperly? Some kind of medical waste, or the refuse of some addict stuffing the can with dirty needles and shit… She could’ve been seriously hurt, even in a group of magical people. 

[color=577d06]”Well… That dude’s gonna be dead soon. The moment dies with him, whether or not he apologized.”[/color] Casey nodded in a satisfied fashion.

[color=577d06]”Nobody’ll ever hurt you like that ever again. Not without serious consequences.”[/color] he asserted.

[color=d1b300]“I know.”[/color] Trisha replied softly, turning her head and leaning up to kiss his cheek. She knew that as long as they were together- which was hopefully the rest of their lives- Casey wouldn’t let anyone hurt her if he was there. And if he wasn’t and heard about it… Serious consequences. 

[color=d1b300]“I believe you… I do, sort of get… Well, I wouldn’t say it was revenge? But I was quite petty when he apologised. I said I wouldn’t forgive him, but I also wasn’t going to think about him after he died. That I was going to get happily married to you and have children, and live to see them have children. Y’know… All the things he won’t get to do.”[/color]

Casey nodded enthusiastically.
[color=577d06]”On the one hand, I’d remember the next couple of weeks being an important part of your life… But on the other, why let him hijack one more thing?”[/color] Casey paused, smiling and taking a bite of food.
[color=577d06]”You’re coming along, Babe… One day, you’ll look back and not even recognize you in this moment. I’m so proud, and thankful to be a part of that.”[/color]

Trisha nodded, smiling back at him.
[color=d1b300]“I hope so… I really do. I wouldn’t be able to imagine getting there without you here.”[/color]