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After passing on what the Queen knew, Trisha and Casey escaped home for half an hour of quiet time spent together. Just cuddling silently in the Den, with Trisha making it clear Casey could snooze if he wanted to. They didn't get much time together, but he'd also barely slept… and she really didn't mind as long as she could be snuggled up to him.  

But their peace was always going to be interrupted. Especially when they'd already agreed to talk to Cass and Leon afterwards. 

Quite the opposite of almost everyone else involved, Cass was still a bundle of energy as her and Leon piled into the elevator to go up for a post meeting debrief. Or whatever the fuck it was going to end up. Maybe Trisha and Casey would decide they didn't want to do it at all and tell them to fuck off at the door! Neither had exactly looked up for company… But there was shit they had to talk about without all the others' involvement. As the group that'd still be around each other when shit finished.

Cass had even bought them a bit of time by pulling Linqian aside to quickly teach her a neat little Green spell to help in certain [I]areas[/I]. Not one that Cass had ever had to use practically, but she was all about exploring whatever Green Lux shit she could!

It'd been an opportunity for Cass to give Linqian a bit of a boost too. Just some light spells to reduce tiredness and help her keep going without getting more and more miserable. Like caffeine but better and longer lasting! Because while shit was rough for everyone- the whole situation was rough- she was the one looking after the dying loved one. Greyson himself had magical drugs, so it only seemed fair Cass tried to give Linqian a little help in the same area. 

Doing what she could where she could, because she was involved now whether people like it or not. Though she understood why Leon didn't want her in active danger… They'd just have to have more talks and probably arguments about how he went about saying that shit now! 

But not now. Cass did her best to do the one thing she did best- staying positive, sharing good vibes… Keeping things light while it was just her and Leon, rather than dwelling on the shit they'd just talked about.

[color=629c3f]"What're the chances Casey's sleeping like a baby when we get up there?"[/color] She asked with a wide grin up at Leon, swinging her body from side to side like the elevator was a rollercoaster. 
[color=629c3f]"I bet he is! Maybe he won't've even reached their sofa, and'll just be splayed out on the floor with Trish curled up against him like a cat!"[/color]

Leon wasn’t terribly concerned at this point either, able to keep things rather light given the severity of the situation. He [i]was[/i] more confident than he ever had been as a teenager, and now that all of the ego was rushing back, he had every bit of peace of mind he could muster. The whole thing broke down into two very simple possibilities: Survive and prosper, or die in blood and fury. Lelou was no friend of the Stygian Snake, her agency bound to other ancients like the Deer and the Hound, but she’d been absent during those many years. Experiencing the Hound’s realm, she missed the War of the Eleventh Ancient, and had no real understanding of this Eternal Ouroboros that the humans seemed to know about.

But the Pollen Queen knew, and that old bastard of a tortoise supposedly knew. Contemporaries who hadn’t escaped the bounds of Shimmer, and lived through [i]that[/i] nightmare… She was only truly regretful over the fact that she didn’t really have anything to offer them to begin with. If she had it her way, she’d have the Sycamore carved down to a chew toy. It wasn’t like all that power wasn’t greatly tempting. A fifth-fragment of a God whose Lux was a color they couldn’t even see? Who [i]wouldn’t[/i] want the chance to harness that and run away with it?

Yet, they intended to join it back together in some perverse ritual? A self-binding ideal? She could pull the basic idea from Leon’s head. The idea that, whether they were neutral, good or evil, the five serpents would happily attempt to devour one another at a consistent rate, never allowing any of the individuals to fully integrate another. There wasn’t just a lot of magic necessary: There was actual factual mathematics seemingly necessary… Not to mention the fact that there needed to be a willing pacemaker…

She’d heard that there was benevolence within the group. That one of the five had been the manifestation of good and justice in its whole. They’d need to connect with that piece, but that meant finding the others, and then figuring out the real truth. And all of that seemed like a rather shaky prospect. At least the events coming in the direct future looked like better prospects.

[color=C67C12]”Casey can’t be sleeping. We’re gonna be leaving, he knows. He’s gonna be too wired.”[/color] Leon said casually in reply, hand gently rubbing the top of Cass’ skull with an absent stare ahead.

He was thinking about his own problems more than he was about the Sycamore situation. The collapse. He was genuinely worried about the fresh Kindles, and what kind of support they’d receive after things were said and done. That wasn’t what the meeting was for today… Today was a total farce in that regard. There would be a lot of people, and they’d be receiving information based on the false notion that the Temple as an establishment would see them through the hardship.

But what would the Temple really be come January?

[color=C67C12]”We should press our faces up to their windows, like sucker fish in a tank. We should be [i]funnier.[/i]”[/color] he grinned, knowing he was suggesting just being annoying for the sake of it. But maybe one of them would laugh…

[color=629c3f]"Ooooh, I love how you're thinking, Babe!"[/color] Cass grinned wickedly back at him, a little spark in her eyes. Maybe it wasn't the right time for silly antics… but maybe it was the perfect time! Some way to lighten the mood. Trisha probably wouldn't [I]laugh[/I], but Cass was sure she'd be amused underneath any glaring. And hopefully Casey would! If he did, maybe Trisha actually would, instead of feeling like it'd kill her to enjoy silly things! 

[color=629c3f]"We gotta like, stack. You get your face right above mine… That'll be extra goofy!’[/color] She laughed, rubbing her head vigorously against his hand. 
[color=629c3f]"How's this look? Stupid enough?!"[/color]

She puckered her lips, imitating a fish goofily.

[color=C67C12]”It’s good, but I was thinking we’d go whole hog y’know, like-”[/color]
He opened his mouth into as big of an O shape as he could, rotating his tongue over and over again like he was trying to lick the frosting off of a cake.

Then he stuffed his hand against his face, pushing his nose up and suctioning the hand tight with his mouth before letting it go with a pop.

[color=C67C12]”Then, we can be like ‘Aw sorry figured you’d want a free window cleaning.’!”[/color] he started laughing more openly, big dumb grin plastered on his face.

It was a lot better to be happy-go-lucky than it was to be stuck downstairs in the sappy mire, after all… [i]He[/i] hadn’t given his life up for something stupid, after all. He’d have much more to come, and that part was exciting enough to be happy about.

[color=629c3f]"Oh dude, you're awful! That's so fucking gross… I love it!"[/color] Cass was cackling like a maniac, hand flying up to slap Leon's arm a few times- as she tended to do when hit by intense laughter or excitement. 

[color=629c3f]"See… this would be the perfect time for me to pull out the extra long tongue! Then I can get more've their window… oh fuck, Trisha's gonna act so annoyed… She's gonna do that thing-!"[/color] Cass forced herself to stop laughing for a moment, face scrunching up into an imitation of the expression Trisha put on over shit like this. Like she was sucking on a lemon. 

[color=629c3f]"And pretend she ain't finding it funny at all! Which she totally will be!"[/color] The expression broke quickly and she was back to laughing. 
[color=629c3f]"Really were doing ‘em a favour. That windows gotta be a bitch to clean!"[/color]

Leon reactively let his tongue extend to the maximum comfortable length… Somewhere by his knees before he had to put a request for some further melding. He found that, now without the seals, he had a comfortable amount of freedom with his bodily transformations. Not quite to the Green Lux Changeling level, he was still able to bend, break, stretch, shrink and inflate every part of himself. He could [i]look like[/i] a completely different person, even, and all on command! Like he was suddenly a cartoon character in the real world…

[color=C67C12]”Babe, that’s [i]the[/i] Trisha expression. When we were younger, I don’t think I saw her look any different.”[/color] Leon laughed aloud, the elevator finally stopping and sliding open to let them on through. 

Leon gave a wave to Norm in the office, who threw up a set of finger guns in return as they passed on toward the roof.

Inside their abode, Casey and Trisha had in fact made it into the den. And, like Leon assumed, Casey wasn’t sleeping. 

[color=577d06]”I know it shouldn’t bother me, but why is it that every time this show gets good, they do something to fuck it up? Six seasons, forty-five minutes an episode, and I can probably count the number of times I’ve been satisfied by it on one finger.”[/color]

As a matter of quick things to do, Casey and Trisha had established a laundry list of popular shows and movies from the last twenty years that neither bothered to watch. On hard days a comfort show was more appealing. But, Casey was far more active mentally today, and given their vague time constraint, he opted for an episode of [i]”Stranded”[/i]. 

Mostly because he was [i]obsessed[/i] with how bad it was. He’d heard so many adults singing its praises when he was a kid, but it was proving to be a terrible fucking show through and through. At least from where he stood. He felt his White Lux alarm, spotting out Cass and Leon as they came up the stairway toward the roof, but didn’t bother doing anything but remotely popping the door handle so the door would be ajar for them to enter into.

Because he had no intention of leaving this couch, or the woman curled in his arms, until he absolutely had to. He was far too content for anything else.

Trisha didn't have the same magical alarm, and her bees were in relaxing mode since the extra big bee was there to keep her safe. She was contentedly snuggled up to Casey, practically buried into him. It made seeing the screen difficult but… From what they'd seen so far, there wasn't much worth watching. 

[color=d1b300]“Maybe they did it on purpose. To make you keep watching because you think it might get good… They're trying to bait us."[/color] She suggested, unaware there were other people fast approaching. 

Until Cass very loudly exclaimed, [color=629c3f]"Aw, fuck, Babe, what's the point of they ain't gonna see us? I ain't cleaning their windows for free!"[/color]

[I]Cleaning the…[/i]

[color=577d06]”You stay away from those fuckin’ windows, freaks!”[/color] Casey called from inside, causing Leon to instantly suction himself to the window. 

It was enough that he [i]knew.[/i]

Cass immediately wriggled herself in front of and under him, getting right in there in that loud window action. 

Casey could only chuckle, half curling into Trisha with a groan.

[color=577d06]”It’s every waking fucking moment… Was living with her always like this? Because I remember a time when Leon was [i]too cool[/i] to be annoying like this.”[/color] he groaned into Trisha’s neck.

[color=d1b300]“Always like this."[/color] Trisha grumbled, face scrunching up just like Cass had imitated earlier. So sour, but it wasn't in her eyes like it would be when she was genuinely annoyed. 

[color=d1b300]“She played every practical joke on us under the sun. Me and Diyah threatened to kick her out a few times."[/color] She let out a slight huff, turning her head so her nose buried in his hair. 
[color=d1b300]“She was never too cool. I… don't think Leon will be again either… they're bad influences on each other!"[/color]

[color=577d06]”They’re sucking our [i]fucking windows…[/i]”[/color] he sighed.

[color=577d06]”You should just fucking sting them. It's better than what I have set up out there.”[/color] he said calmly, knowing those two idiots could damn well hear him from outside.

Leon assumed he wouldn’t dare activate whatever nightmarish crossfire defensive system he’d turned that roof into, but even Trisha probably wasn’t aware of the dozens and dozens of camouflaged firearms functioning as orange/white defensive turrets. But, ultimately, Leon was wrong in a way he hadn’t imagined. If Trisha didn’t want to retaliate, Casey would be sure to do so. 

And so, calling a bluff, Leon patted Cass on the shoulder before growing even more vigorous. The window tasted like nothing, thankfully. Just frost and air, all the bacteria freezing off the triple-thick plate glass. They were well maintained, mostly because Casey was anal about keeping things looking good…

Cass saluted him like a soldier going into battle, absolutely going more ham at it. It wasn't like Casey would shoot them! Probably! Even if he did, she could take a few bullets! She could do this for hours. 

That was before the first bee sting. Then the second, then tens of them. Trisha wasn't trying to kill them, but she was annoyed enough to have about a hundred bees descend on each of them. 

And it hurt! She could feel the venom from the sting working its way through her body. But worse than that-
[color=629c3f]"Fuck, y'know how hard it is to resist squashing ‘em, Trisha, [I]plleeeaaassseeee[/I]!"[/color]

She couldn't fucking kill any of them! Cause that meant hurting Trisha, and she wasn't gonna do that. 

[color=d1b300]“Then leave my windows alone."[/color] Trisha didn't bother moving, of course. The two outside had super hearing… And Cass was wailing loud enough that she could hear her. 

[color=629c3f]"Fine, I yield, I yield- [I]Leoooonnn[/I], our new window cleaning business is done for! Bee related attacks!"[/color]

Leon didn’t mind bee stings. They weren’t even getting through to the nerve endings, especially when he was able to essentially bury them beneath raw flesh. But the vague lingering itch that it left, the natural venom from bee stings starting to course through him, was annoying enough for him to stop as well. Like the bear trying to eat the honey in the hive…

[color=577d06]”Coming in is usually a surefire way of getting them away!”[/color] Casey taunted, rubbing Trisha’s shoulders and giggling.

Leon pushed through the door, sliding in with Cass and closing it behind them in spite of the few lingering bees harrying their entry.


[color=C67C12]”You guys actually gonna, like, [i]greet us?[/i]”[/color] Leon asked, used to being practically blockaded at the door by the two of them.

However, since right before Thanksgiving, they had Cass’ get-together up here, Casey wasn’t so concerned about his family being [i]welcome[/i] in the house. The way he saw it, they were allowed there. They may as well make themselves comfortable.

[color=577d06]”Nah, you know the drill. There’s drinks in the fridge.”[/color]

Leon grimaced, then shook his head. [i]What a turnaround…[/i] He looked at Cass with half a question in his eyes, almost begging her to take the reins.

Cass was perfectly chill with the whole not being greeted thing, content to half treat it like her own home because of it. She’d lived with Trisha for long enough that things were perfectly chill between them anyway… At least, she’d gotten used to just walking in then. Not that Trisha was ever that happy when Cass just barged into her bedroom!

[color=629c3f]”There better be some good shit in there!”[/color] Cass called back, hands coming up to pat Leon’s back as if pushing him towards the Den. She swung them by the fridge, of course, diving in. Thankfully that shit was stocked with soft drinks and booze alike- though not as much of the latter as she had. But at least Trisha enjoyed a beer or two as much as she did, even if it was much less frequent!

She pulled one out for her and Leon before urging him onwards. 

[color=629c3f]”Oh, wait, hold these, I gotta-”[/color] Cass shoved the bottles into Leon’s hands, darting back into the kitchen to grab a glass. She started making a horrific sound as she bounded back over, like she was working up a big glob of spit to further dirty their place. She finished right as she stepped into the den, spitting a small ball of off yellow bee venom. . 

[color=629c3f]”Do this! Cool, right? Now I ain’t gotta worry ‘bout shit lingering!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Can you not wave that around?”[/color] Trisha grumbled, head half lifting from where it rested against Casey to frown at Cass. She was a bit less comfortable with the other two just walking in, and that becoming the [i]thing[/i] but… The comfort from cuddling up with Casey outweighed that. She wanted to be as close to him as possible while he was there. 

[color=629c3f]”Hey, this is all your bees hard work I’m showing off!”[/color] 

Leon was simultaneously grossed out and impressed. He’d seen worse, of course, but it was the casualness of the vomit-like gag that she coughed up the venom from her system.

[color=C67C12]”Oh, Christ… Metabolize it next time! My [i]God[/i] as sexy as it is to have you showing off like that…”[/color]

Casey laughed aloud.

[color=577d06]”That’s [i]quite[/i] the showoff. I wish I’d never had to be the one to see that, though!”[/color] he chided at both of them, still managing to wave his hand toward the empty section of couch for them to occupy.

[color=577d06]”We were just watching this bullshit trash. Tell ‘em how good Stranded is, Babe.”[/color] he taunted her, hoping to drive her into a fit of rage over it… [i]Teasingly, of course…[/i]

[color=d1b300]“[I]Good[/I]? Maybe if you're an idiot."[/color] Trisha let out a soft huff, face scrunching up again. Her cheeks puffed out a bit as thought about all the shit that had happened in the show. Or more, not happened. 

[color=d1b300]“It keeps… Baiting us! It seems like it's going to [I]get[/I] good then it completely ruins it. Consistently. I- I've never felt so taunted by a show before."[/color] She gripped her hands into loose fists, getting properly worked up about it. It was so frustrating! 

[color=629c3f]"So it ain't something I should check out?"[/color] Cass laughed as she clambered onto the empty bit, grinning at the two of them. 
[color=629c3f]"Though getting teased like that by a show can be fun. Gets you a riled up and shit!"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“It’s just disappointing. And Casey refuses to stop in the middle of it! He wants to get to the end even though I bet it'll be the worst thing ever!"[/color] Trisha ended with another huff. Though she didn't actually mind that much when it was doing something with Casey.

[color=C67C12]”I can probably explain that.”[/color] Leon offered, grinning as he flopped down after Cass. He took a long gulp of beer, a smug grin peeling across his face.

[color=577d06]”Yeah! Well, we grew up in the same environment.”[/color] Casey asserted, shaking his head.

(anyone interested react?)

[color=C67C12]”You just couldn’t watch anything with Mom around. She was awful.”[/color] Leon laughed, rather loudly too. 
It caused Casey to groan in frustration.

[color=577d06]”There was [i]no[/i] point watching if she was around and even a little invested. She’d just fuckin’ ruin it! And, like, I get it, she didn’t really [i]mean to[/i]-”[/color]

Leon’s face drooped slightly, disagreement clear.

[color=C67C12]”-Man, don’t even defend it. She absolutely meant to. Maybe I noticed a little more because I was older, but she [i]knew[/i]. Remember we used to watch all those competition shows as a family? She used to [i]torture[/i] Elise about it. She’d mention shit out of pocket all the time, then when it came up, Elise would [i]freak out[/i] because she couldn’t outspoil Ma?”[/color] he asserted, shaking his head in vague frustration.

Casey’s deep breath should’ve been anger, but he knew he really had to start letting these sorts of things go… It’d been a while since he’d been to a therapist, but that [i]was[/i] the last thing they’d been working on. Looking toward letting things go. Eventually, he hoped to get back to a place where he could order a steak without having to hide it in something. But to let go of [i]that[/i] association, he had to let go of a whole lot of other things.

Maybe he’d never get there. There was a [i]lot.[/i] But, start somewhere.

So the sigh became a chuckle, and Trisha would be able to feel a slight moment of tension turn into physical warmth as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms for a moment.

[color=577d06]”Yeah… She really did that shit. So, I’d like to watch the end. I like to watch the end of anything that doesn’t get spoiled.”[/color] he finally admitted.

Leon nodded, frown improving instantly. His hand patted Cass’ leg.

[color=C67C12]”That’s just it! Makes us pretty anti-spoiler, for obvious reasons. Mia can do it too, but she [i]actually[/i] does it accidentally. She usually can’t follow shit like long-form shows without getting lost in where she is.”[/color] he offered the explanation, hoping Casey wouldn’t mind a little dialogue. Since, he could recognize that it wasn’t usually a way he’d react.

[color=577d06]”I at least want to think that, with the info I have at this point, Mom [i]started[/i] like that too. Just, y’know, being too ditzy to really follow the plot and consciously-”[/color] 

Leon threw his hand up, causing Casey to pause reactively.

[color=C67C12]”-You’re defending her.”[/color] Leon said simply, almost dismissively, causing Casey to scoff.

[color=577d06]”I think I’m trying to offer more context. Ladies? Thoughts?”[/color] Casey asked, knowing that he’d have at least one friend, if not two depending on how interested she was.

[color=C67C12]”Oh, don’t try and ro-”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Heyyy, no making this more've an argument."[/color] Cass interrupted, one hand shooting up to pinch and tug at Leon's cheek teasingly.

Trisha shifted slightly in Casey's arms, turning herself so she could better see everyone without sacrificing any closeness. She didn't like Lynette at all, but Casey really was just offering context. Leon interrupting and dismissing him upset [I]her[/I]. He was just deciding he was right and pushing it on all of them… It made her get a little tense against Casey, even though she wasn't the one being cut off. 

[color=d1b300]“He is just giving more context. And you shouldn't be interrupting him anyway. He didn't interrupt you."[/color] Trisha said quietly, feeling more confidence when it came to defending him than she ever did with herself. 

Cass' head tilted from side to side, ceasing treating Leon's cheek like putty to gently rub it instead. 

[color=629c3f]"They ain't wrong ‘bout the whole context thing, Babe. It is that but, but-"[/color] Her gaze turned from Leon to Casey.  
[color=629c3f]"It's pretty understandable Lee doesn't wanna hear anything sympathetic towards Lynette right now, ain't it? All things considered."[/color]

[color=577d06]”Then I can just reword what I was trying to say.-”[/color] Casey offered, similarly annoyed that he had to “fix” his speech around his brother. 

It was hard to say he missed the seal when he knew what it was doing to Leon, but… Still, Leon waved him on passively, accepting what had been said and at least seeming like he was willing to play ball.

[color=577d06]”Ma didn’t ever give a fuck enough to pay attention until us kids were old enough to be involved. At some point, she made mistakes and we were spoiled over things. Rather than apologize and stop, she did the same bullshit she always does. She doubled down on the behavior, until it was just another bitchy part of her personality. The Queen of spoilers.”[/color] Casey stared at Leon the whole way, sometimes emphasizing the words that made her sound worse. 

Leon’s expression was like listening to music.

[color=C67C12]”See, all that brain power, you [i]can[/i] contextualize without being a fucking knight for people who don’t deserve your compassion.”[/color] Leon let the off-handed comment fly, totally missing how it may come off toward a certain insecure person in the room.

Trisha immediately tensed further, legs reactively pulling up to her chest so she became a tight ball against Casey. [i]People[/i]. More than just Lynette… Of course. Obviously Leon thought she was the same. He was only tolerating her because of Casey and Cass. Now that there wasn’t some seal making him more content, he was probably even more annoyed to have to be around her all the time. But it wasn’t like she’d forced him to date her best friend, meaning they were stuck with each other even more than before!

Maybe Cass would see his point of view eventually. Trisha wouldn’t blame her. She still didn’t understand why Cass stuck around… What had she ever done to deserve a good friend like that? 

[color=d1b300]“Don’t blame Casey for being such a nice person. That’s not fair on him. Just because some of- some people don’t deserve it.”[/color] She said, pressing her lips together into a thin line as she tried to pretend she didn’t know what Leon was implying when it came to people other than Lynette.

Just enough of her physical response leaked out for Leon to take a deep breath and consider what he’d said, and his teeth clamped shut in frustration as he tried to figure out what the Hell to say about this. 

[color=C67C12]”You’re pretty fine until you go making things about yourself. Some of [i]what[/i]? What, you’re suddenly in the same category of negative as our abusive dominatrix of a Mother? Jesus Christ, if you were, I wouldn’t hang out with you. I’d tell Casey to leave, which I’m not about.”[/color] Leon tried his best not to snap, rather droning on a bit as a reaction to his own desires.

Trying to tamper his unfiltered reaction, he felt a level of personal success, but felt he had to push it to make the point well and clear.

[color=C67C12]”I’ve never seen you mentally abuse anyone, Trisha. Casey’s plans involve you all the way down, and I’m cool with that. I’m well and good [i]over[/i] judging you for petty shit, alright? Please, like, I get that you probably don’t love hearing me act like this now that my balls are fucking back, but I can still contextualize the feelings I felt while sealed. I can see for myself as an adult that sometimes you [i]just annoy me.[/i] But, thinking you’re somehow in the same category to me as the woman responsible for traumatizing us socially and emotionally, makes me annoyed and sad.”[/color]

He leaned forward, scooting up to the edge of the couch before letting his arm lift up to offer his hand to Trisha.

[color=C67C12]”Right here, right now… [i]We’re on the same side.[/i] Can you accept that? And accept that, if Casey was going to be anyone’s Knight, you’re someone who actually needs it. And I won’t ever tell him he can’t be that person for you. Like, y’know… I’d do that for Cass if someone thought she was too annoying. Or, anything… Please, Trisha, I’m… I don’t want to be a fuckin’ bad guy in your life.”[/color]

Casey was a little stunned, mostly because the context had been so thin to begin with. But, this was clearly more anxiety that came from past feelings. He knew Trisha couldn’t just [i]get over things[/i], even with such direct prompting. But, he didn’t want to discourage her, so he gave her a reassuring squeeze hoping his emotion would bleed through to her.

Trisha took a shaky breath, watching Leon move like a bird waiting to be pounced on by a cat. It was all rooted in the past. Maybe the bird would get a few pecks in before it lost… Just like she always got a few jabs in before being completely shut down by Leon ten years ago. And even if he acted more like how he had then, he was fully an adult now. So was she! So she shouldn’t be so anxious about it! 

But it wasn’t something she could just ignore. Because it wasn’t just him, it was everyone in Sycamore. He just happened to be the one that was around. 

[color=d1b300]“I didn’t mean it like that- That I’m like Lynette, I’m not, it’s not the same, but that doesn’t mean I deserve- that you think I deserve compassion or anything.”[/color] She got out, her own anxieties and self feelings being reflected onto him. 

[color=d1b300]“I know we’re on the same side. I accept that. I also know that you’ll… Probably never like me! Especially now. That doesn’t make you a bad guy, cause it’s… Of course you don’t like me…”[/color] Her hand snaked out slightly from the safety of her balled body and Casey, but it didn’t quite reach the one Leon was holding out. Not that she was scared of him in that way… Or really scared [i]of[/i] him at all. Just the discomfort of his feelings towards her, how others would come to believe them. Because when she was feeling so low and depressed like right now, it made her react with venom rather than panic. And people who see who she really was. 

[color=d1b300]“But- But- You know how you treated me back then. Just cause you say you’re over judging me for petty things doesn’t mean I… Can believe it… Not when you act like you did then.”[/color] It was much harder for her to contextualise, because she’d had very little proof of people changing their feelings towards her. Leon, if he truly was over judging her for those things, would be the first. 

Cass didn’t say anything, watching silently while shuffling after Leon, so she was still close enough to reach over. To offer comfort more than anything… And support! Cause, she knew it wasn’t easy stepping back and talking about shit like that. But she also knew how deep Trisha’s anxiety ran. Hopefully… They’d be able to come down from this, at least. Maybe make a little progress! She looked between the two with a wide, encouraging smile.

Leon’s innermost desire was to break through all of the bullshit surrounding them. It had always-

[color=C67C12]”I hope I can explain this without upsetting you…-”[/color] he paused a moment, clearing his throat.

[color=C67C12]”You’re not the kind of person who talks about how they feel directly. You never have been, as far as my memory is concerned. But, rather than consider [i]why[/i] and try to encourage you to do so in spite of that, I just got mad and bowled you over. It was wrong. It’ll always be wrong. And, yeah, I definitely feel that old urge coming back… In [i]every[/i] context. It’s a gut reaction, and I can only apologize and try to wrangle that on my end…”[/color]

He understood that a bit of placation was necessary to pull Trisha out of the self-pity spiral and into a more hopeful reality.

[color=C67C12]”Ten years ago, I lacked the tact to sit with you and give more than a moment of my time to consider [i]why[/i] you act how you do. I’m sorry. [i]Really[/i] sorry. It never took me a lot to recognize when you were giving out every excuse for acting a certain way [i]except[/i] the actual reason. In that recognition, I tried to goad you and coax you out with aggression, and that was the road of least empathy. I can see that. And I’m, again, very fucking sorry.”[/color]

His hand was [i]still[/i] extended to her, and he gave a slight frown.

[color=C67C12]”You have the right to know that it’s never been easier for me to sniff that kind of thing out. Lies, deceit. Even the subtleties between something like a reactionary fib, and a full blown false narrative. I can [i]see[/i] emotional fields. Ripples, flexes, little dents and bruises. I can smell the ozone breaking apart under Luxal influence, and the scent it gives off when a weakness in the field doesn’t cling to the molecules in the air. Will it make it harder for me to not act like I know what I’m talking about all the time? Yeah. And I’m asking for [i]everyone’s[/i] patience as I come to terms with that… But, I [i]felt[/i] your horror. And, my perception was, that you immediately likened yourself to our Mother, and felt like you weren’t deserving of Casey’s protection… Which I don’t agree with. He loves you, and you’ve never done evil toward anyone, in spite of any attitude adjustments you’ve handed out across your life. You deserve to be defended should the need arise.”[/color]

Casey listened to his brother speak, and admit that he too had tools to overexamine people that he couldn’t switch off. It was a difficult thing… Part curse that it’s always available, part compulsion to follow the nose toward truth. But this wasn’t his moment, and he felt no reason to really defend Trisha at this point. After all, it wasn’t like Leon had said anything so rude or drastic that a step-in was necessary… Though, he was examining Trisha’s body language every step of the way, waiting for it to become too much to bear.

Trisha’s disbelief and disagreement was clear on her face- it didn’t need the Emotional Field sight for once. There was shock that Leon had read all of that, but also she really… Didn’t understand why he didn’t agree at all. [i]Obviously[/i] they wouldn’t think she was as bad as Lynette. She didn’t entirely think she was either. But she certainly felt like she had the capacity. 

She’d hurt so many people. Maybe she hadn’t done evil, but she’d hurt them. Purposefully, accidentally… It didn’t matter, though she’d done both. She was spiteful and said horrendous shit knowing that it would hurt someone, especially as a teenager. Did it matter that she then just cut them off instead of trying to manipulate them to stay with her? 

[color=d1b300]“But I [i]don’t[/i]. I may not have been evil, but I- I have done horrible things. Like… Adora! She probably told you what I said after you took her away! How can you not hate me after that? And everything I said back then too? I- I would’ve said worse to you too, if I knew anything I could’ve used.”[/color] In her strange desperation for him- and everyone- to see where she was coming from. 

Even after all the breakthroughs she’d made it was still so difficult for her to believe she deserved Casey’s love and protection. Especially right now, when she was still caught in a lingering depressive episode that only made all of her normal snappy reactiveness turn inwards. 

[color=629c3f]”Trisha…”[/color] Cass spoke up, not particularly wanting to interrupt the moment but feeling she had to say something. 
[color=629c3f]”You gotta not just ignore everything said… Leon’s trying real hard here, and it’s a two way thing. You gotta try too. Even if you don’t believe everything.”[/color]

Trisha’s brow furrowed slightly, her hand moving a little bit forward so her fingers just barely tapped Leon’s.
[color=d1b300]“I- I accept all of your apologies. But I just… Don’t get why you don’t ha- dislike me more. So I struggle to… Not assume you do.”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”You can’t contextualize the fact that you never actually started anything… I think that’s the first place we lose one another.”[/color] Leon spoke plainly, causing Casey to laugh aloud.

[color=577d06]”Can you blame that?”[/color] he asked in turn also not exactly wanting to interrupt, but knowing that simple truth wasn’t something that dawned on someone in a situation like hers.

[color=C67C12]”Not at all. When people push you into an action, and your response is a guaranteed total defense, its supremely difficult to escape feeling like you’re the bad guy… [i]Right? Trisha?[/i] You always feel like the bad guy, because you’re always in self defense mode. And you’re like that, because when you try and relax, someone comes and fucks with you again…”[/color]

Leon paused, head turning to Cass with a frown. [i]Oh, the irony…[/i]

[color=C67C12]”But I can name a dozen times I remember, where you were essentially minding your own business. You never asked for people to include you. Never really seemed to want it. And, so, someone goads you, and you simply defend yourself. That’s not fucking evil, Trisha. I’ve never seen you [i]start[/i] the problem… You. Aren’t. Bad. And I’m so fucking sorry about whoever made you feel like you [i]are[/i], because its just not true… But the fact that it lingers makes things so difficult… So hard to sit with you and fix it, because everything is just another attack. Some veiled jab at you that you’re scared of, that causes the reaction, and fulfills the prophesied reaction all over again… We can break that cycle! I’m not Greyson, I’m not Adora, I’m not… I’m one of the worst. I left you with a lot of memories I bet… and I desperately want to remedy that, because whether or not I act the same now as I did then, the important thing is it won’t ever be exactly the same. Because I have context, and moreso, I have reasons to humble myself. To finally be able to admit to you that I was wrong! And that I’m so fucking sorry for contributing! And that's here, in front of these two people who both love you from the bottoms of their hearts! You will [i]never[/i] be like our Mom. You’ll [i]never[/i] do all the fucked up things she did to us… Because there's no real malice in your heart. I can’t smell any. And that's objective reality…”[/color] he asserted, tears starting to roll from his eyes.

Lelou was quiet. She only had to feed him memories well examined to help his point along.

Trisha looked at him, staying silent even after he finished. She did her best to follow along and to not let her inner voice interject and disagree. Like Cass had said to do… She was trying to not just ignore it and throw it all away because of what she believed about herself. There were times she’d started it, but as she properly thought about it, she realised she could count those times on her hands. Then she had wanted to be included sometimes, and pushed her way in the early days, but not with people who didn’t like her. Just new people… Trying to make friends and build a community she’d never had. 

She still really struggled to believe it all. Because other people didn’t react like her. She was still a big part of the problem. But other people weren’t blameless either. And it had just gotten worse and worse for her over the years. But even before the coven… Her Mom, and all the siblings who didn’t want to be around her and excluded her… By the time she even joined Sycamore, she was already broken and scared. A failure, and failures were bad people.

Leon had hurt her a lot back then. She’d resentfully blamed him at times, but it always bounced back to herself. So to hear him admit that he was wrong in a way she had to believe… It didn’t fix things. But it helped.

[color=d1b300]“Everyone blamed me.”[/color] She said hoarsely, trying her best not to panic over what she was about to say. Over opening up another bit, and talking about him. 
[color=d1b300]“For Martin dying. Of course I felt- feel- like a bad person. I… I couldn’t remember all of it! So I thought everyone might’ve been right. And I’ve carried that with me all of my life… It’s still hard not to believe it.”[/color]

She closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a shaky breath. Obviously it wasn’t just that. It was just one part of all the things that made her feel like she didn’t deserve anything. The part Leon had a hand in, related to Sycamore. She wasn’t about to bring up her Mom and all the other issues she felt she’d never get over. 

[color=d1b300]“B- But I can see that you’re not… Exactly the same. You wouldn’t have admitted you were wrong then. [i]I[/i] wouldn’t be able to make myself say any of this.”[/color]

Leon had always had questions about [i]that night.[/i] They’d attempted to utilize Black Lux to investigate, hoping to call upon Martin’s soul in order to work out whether or not she actually had something to do with that little incident. He knew the case more intimately than anyone else here, besides Trisha… Maybe more so in some ways. He’d recovered the body, after all. Always did. The crack team of himself, Jack and Stormy, had always been the silent collectors. The Undertakers. The three of them together had a unique set of skills perfectly suited for defending themselves, and their handful of Joined spells were some of the most comprehensively utilized among the upper crust. 

They couldn’t really stop the rumor mill, however. Especially not when they realized Martin’s soul was unavailable for questioning… Like most of the Stygian Snake’s victims, the soul was totally obscured. Nowadays, he knew that it was totally obliterated by the gut of the beast… But something he never could’ve understood in those days was the intimate relationship between Trisha and [i]The Queen.[/i]

He leaned forward, clearing his throat.

[color=C67C12]”You didn’t kill Martin. And I can prove it to you.”[/color] he offered quietly, hoping that for the first time ever, he and Trisha could share a moment that would actually heal them both. Absolve them both of something wretched…

Trisha’s brow furrowed slightly, head tilting up to look at him properly. Not avoiding his gaze or trying to hide against Casey. How did he know that? Trisha didn’t even know that. She knew she hadn’t [i]directly[/i] killed him. It wasn’t by her hands, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t her fault.

[color=d1b300]“How? Even I don’t remember so… How can you prove it?”[/color] She asked, light hope flickering in between the disbelief.

[color=C67C12]”Because unlike ten years ago… [i]I know what having someone else inside me can do for me.[/i] And I’ll be the first to admit that I was ignorant… Rude, even. That I never cared about the beautiful entity inside of you, because I thought Apparitions were just animals. Beasts to be tamed. I was wrong… Because [i]she was there too, Trisha![/i].”[/color]

Still holding her in his arms, Casey’s body suddenly tensed up. This was a great conversation, and he loved where it was going, but [i]what if he was fucking bluffing!?[/i] He was about to suggest something that had an incredibly high chance of blowing up in all of their faces… Yet-

[color=C67C12]”That next day, I [i]told you directly[/i] that we found bee sting evidence. The truth was, nobody who saw Martin before we buried him could tell whether they happened pre, or post-mortem… And nobody bothered to ask the one individual who could tell us [i]everything[/i] that her bees were feeling that night. What [i]she[/i] perceived… So, you should ask her. Ask the Queen what happened… Unless you already have?”[/color] he intoned gently, almost expecting her to have never bothered but wanting to give her the benefit of the doubt.

[color=d1b300]“I haven’t.”[/color] Trisha shook her head, reactively getting more tense again as she felt Casey stiffen up underneath her. Why? Did he think it was a bad idea?

She’d never thought to ask the Queen, of course. Because the Queen was rarely awake to ask. It was a two way problem, of course. Trisha didn’t ask because the Queen was always asleep, and the Queen rarely interjected because Trisha never came to her for help. But she’d been awake that night. Trisha knew that much because she hadn’t been the only one in charge of the bees. Back then she’d been around even less, only a year into recovering her strength within Trisha. She doubted the Queen could even come out then, and would anyone really have believed Trisha’s word alone?

But that didn’t matter now. She shifted herself in Casey’s arms so she could look at him rather than Leon.
[color=d1b300]“Do you think I should ask? Now?”[/color]

Casey had a somewhat pained expression as a return, not wanting to dissuade her, but not wanting her to feel like it was a must either…

[color=577d06]”I want you to choose yourself. Y’know… Make the decision because you want to know. Not because you want other people to validate you… I’ll be honest, this dude, whoever he was? I’ll never care about him. Not like you. So, whatever you choose, listen to me now and hear this: It will [i]never[/i] change how I feel about you. I love you whether you caused it, or not. Your past will never dictate our future.”[/color] he did his best to explain calmly, finally moving in to kiss her gently before pulling away and staring at her with enormous love in his eyes.

[color=577d06]”You’re a good person… A great one. One of the best… I won’t let anything taint that feeling for me.”[/color]

Leon turned his head back to Cass, a small, encouraged smile saying everything he needed to say to her.

Trisha nodded slowly to Casey, blushing slightly as she felt all of his love washing over her from his gaze. She couldn’t deny how much he loved her… So she’d try to believe that he wouldn’t feel any different about her whatever happened.  

Cass smiled back at Leon before piping up herself. 
[color=629c3f]”For what it’s worth, I ain’t gonna think any different ‘bout you either! I know who you are, after all!”[/color]

Trisha nodded again without saying anything again. She wasn’t confident, but she wanted to know. Because either it confirmed how she already felt, or she’d be relieved of the guilt that had haunted her. It wouldn’t entirely fix her view of herself, but it would be a start. 

[color=d1b300]“I want to know.”[/color] She said softly, still looking at Casey as she slipped into her mind to seek out the Queen. 

[color=d1b300][i]Can you come out? Please.[/i][/color]

The Queen slowly stirred. 
[color=c18e1b][i]For what do you need my presence, dear one?[/i][/color]

[color=d1b300][i]I want to… Ask about something that happened ten years ago. But I want everyone else to hear too.[/i][/color]

There was a brief pause. 
[color=c18e1b][i]As you wish.[/i][/color]

It took a few more moments before golden light gently flowed out of Trisha. A fuzzy Queen Bee formed in front of her, lazily floating down into her lap. She was smaller than the last time Casey had seen her- the size of a large rat rather than a small dog. She turned where she sat to look at each person with slightly glowing, beady black eyes. 

[color=c18e1b]”Ah, it is a pleasure to see you again, Ser Casseau. Thank you for continuing to look after my dearest Beekeeper.”[/color] She continued to slowly spin until she was looking at Leon and Cass. It wasn’t possible to tell normally, because she was a glowing, golden bee. But they would both be able to feel it. 

[color=c18e1b]”And who do we have here? I must know my audience before I answer any questions… I see one of you has the scent of the Wolf Queen all over him. How intriguing.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”I’m Cass, your Majesty!”[/color] Cass immediately responded, gaping at the Queen. It was difficult to resist the urge to reach over and squeeze her. She wanted to feel all that fluff… But she knew she couldn’t. Apparitions didn’t tend to be friendly about that kind of stuff. 
[color=629c3f]”Trisha’s bestest friend in the world! Ain’t gonna find anyone who loves her more than me- Aside from Casey, of course!”[/color] 

Casey respectfully tilted his head, acknowledging the royal hello without making a big deal of it. Even though he too loved the moments where this ancient spirit was willing to present herself physically in their world. The bees were a constant reminder of her power and grace, but seeing her in all her strangeness was an even better display.

As for Leon, he couldn’t stop the physiological reaction he had as [i]someone[/i] chose to take advantage of the situation herself. Like a creeping sickness, Leon could feel his forehead pressured by the entity forming its own holes to perceive the world directly. The mouth upon his forehead formed a wide grin contrary to his own which frowned slightly at the discomfort and inability to express himself before being overruled.

[color=a36209]”Seilleannnnnnn!!! Still hiding after all these years. What a pleasure, sincerely, to see that you’ve not aged a day!”[/color] Lelou spoke up directly, tongue lolling out of her mouth slightly, only to droop down and lick around Leon’s eyesocket. She giggled as she did so, clearing her throat.

[color=a36209]”Our little deal stands, I think you’d be happy to know. The Man-things remain utterly repelled in the Acacia Valley, and your holdings remain unplundered. The pack tells me they shelter there often, and your last Daughter maintains the peace.”[/color]

She forced Leon’s hand upward, rubbing his own face gently and passionately.

[color=a36209]”This one is my unfortunate host… Speak, Boy…”[/color]

He hated whatever this was… Some kind of royal front? Bullshit to cut through.

[color=C67C12]”I’m Casey’s brother Leon… You’ve seen me before. I remember you came out during a fight once, against the Stygian Snake. We’ve met.”[/color] he said, not exactly impolitely, but certainly through strain.

[color=c18e1b]”Ah, I’m afraid I do not remember you… But it is a pleasure to meet another who fought in the war against such great evil. And a brother of Casseau's too. A welcome addition around Dear Trisha.”[/color] The Queen spoke melodically, with a hint of a soft buzz behind it. 

[color=c18e1b]”It has been a long time, Lelou. I’m glad the deal remains, but surprised you have taken a host. The poor boy, stuck with your overly energetic self…”[/color] She sighed softly. The two great Apparitions were on amicable terms for all their differences, which was quite something for beings as powerful and old as they were. But they were both an important part of the ancient, natural world, with different realms and subjects. Both were essential to the ecosystem. 

[color=c18e1b]”But it is truly a blessing our hosts have come together like this, is it not?”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“You have lands?”[/color] Trisha asked quietly, frowning. If the Queen had somewhere to return… A [i]daughter[/i]... Why was she still inside Trisha? She was more than strong enough to leave now. 

[color=c18e1b]”Of course, though I feared they were destroyed in my long absence. Thankfully, it seems that isn't the case.”[/color]

Trisha only frowned more at that. So she hadn’t known? She could leave at any moment? No, hopefully not. She could ask… No, because what if it was the answer she didn’t want? She was already asking one question that could have an answer that made her feel much worse.

Cass was staring at Leon like he’d grown a second head… Which he sort of had. But it wasn’t Leon she was staring at, so much as it was Lelou. She was acting so differently from normal. It was fucking strange!

[color=629c3f]”So, uh, you two know each other? Like… Way back, I assume? That’s crazy!”[/color]

[color=a36209]”Oh, I’m just a girl in comparison. There’s a natural hierarchy to things, you see. Madame is [i]vast and ancient[/i], even by my standard. I simply [i]bow in her Grace.[/i]”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Oh, for the love of everything I hold dear, could you [i]not[/i] dickride right now? Seriously, I feel every bit of your discomfort, but save it for later when there’s something we can do about it… [i]Jesus[/i], don’t act like you didn’t push me toward this fucking conclusion to begin with, Lelou!”[/color]

The sudden outburst was unexpected, as was the reaction of Leon’s forehead trying to leap off of his body, twisting and sinking sharp teeth around his face in an act of desperate violence. Leon fell backwards in pain, unable to scream as he was completely encased in a false mouth, pressure clamping down on his skull as he tried his best to wrest his own forehead off of his cranium.

Reactively, he tucked, rolled off the couch, and darted down the hall of the house, until there was a loud thwack that echoed off the front door.

[color=629c3f]”Holy fuck!”[/color] Cass shouted, half rolling her body forward in reaction and thumping onto the floor ass first. But once she landed, she was far too shocked to follow, mentally replaying the hilarious horror of forehead Lelou trying to eat Leon in her head. 

Trisha just gaped, blinking slowly as she tried to process it. The Queen, on the other hand, was perfectly calm and unshocked. Rather typical of Lelou, in her opinion.

Casey couldn’t do anything but laugh, and loudly as he watched the entire scene unfold. But a few seconds later, Leon reappeared in the doorway with a frown, sporting solid red wounds where the teeth had fully penetrated the flesh. But they were clearly healing, and the forehead face was fully pouting as though there was something wrong with being called out for her behavior.

[color=a36209]”I [i]apologize[/i] for the interruption. Please, Lady Seillean… Your time is precious.”[/color] the Queen of Wolves [i]actually[/i] apologized for once. [i]Incredible.[/i]

[color=c18e1b]”That it is. I graciously accept your apology, Lelou. Now…”[/color] The Queen shuffled around in Trisha’s lap to look up at her. It was almost comedic, the way her long legs barely held up her oversized, fluffy body. This wasn’t her true form, of course, but that one took much more energy than she could normally muster. There was no point for things such as this. 

[color=c18e1b]”What is it you wish to ask, dear Trisha?”[/color]

Trisha nibbled her lip, pulling herself out of her shock of the scene that had just happened and nerves about the Queen’s possible leaving. Just ask the question she had to ask, then they could move on. 

[color=d1b300]“Do you remember ten years ago, when Martin- the boy I was seeing- and I got separated, and trapped by a large group of Shadows? The night I got this scar.”[/color] She gestured to her upper abdomen, hidden by the tank top she was wearing.

[color=c18e1b]”I do.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“My memory of it is blurry. There’s blank spots, what… What happened?”[/color]

[color=c18e1b]”Of course there are blank spots, dearest. I had to take control for a period after you and that boy were grievously harmed. I woke up only as I sensed things were going poorly. You panicked, and lost control of the bees for a brief moment. That boy heroically protected you, saving your life.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“So-”[/color] Trisha breath hitched, one hand moving to grasp Casey’s tightly as she sought comfort. 
[color=d1b300]“It was my fault? I hurt him and then- then was the reason he died?”[/color]

[color=c18e1b]”No. That’s not what I said. I said he saved you.”[/color] The Queen chided gently, floating up closer to Trisha’s face. 
[color=c18e1b]”The bees were confused, but only one or two stung him. It was hardly a contributing factor.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“But I still panicked!”[/color]

[color=c18e1b]”Because you were caught within a nightmarish gaze. Even if you had not, they would have overwhelmed you. I was awoken by your injury, and the Boy stepping in before they landed the final blow gave me enough time to take over. If he hadn’t, then he would have died shortly after you did. I was the only one there powerful enough to get you away from that encounter. After he died, I destroyed the remaining shadows. Then I bolstered you enough to pull his body towards the nearest allies I could sense. But even I couldn’t guarantee your survival, dear Trisha. If it had been much longer, you would have bled out.”[/color] The Queen calmly explained. 
[color=c18e1b]”It is a tragedy. But it was him, or both of you. You did not cause his death. The Stygian Snake did.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I really… didn’t?”[/color] Trisha asked, needing the confirmation for something that seemed too good to be true. It explained why she didn’t remember what happened after Martin was hit. She’d assumed she’d gone into some kind of panic mode, and her memories were fuzzy because of her injuries. 

[color=c18e1b]”You didn’t. I am… Truly ashamed I could not help you more at that time. If I had known you held these feelings, I would have shared what happened with you a long time ago.”[/color]

Trisha shook her head. She’d never asked. She twisted her body to bury her face against Casey, not wanting everyone to see the relieved tears starting to slip from her eyes.
[color=d1b300]“[i]Thank you[/i]...”[/color]

Leon seemed to be observing everything without any real sign of reaction. He was just listening, certainly. All that time, and they didn’t have a relationship where they just… [i]Jived?[/i] There was no melding, no intrusion, no boundaries unstepped. It made perfect sense, what the Queen had said. That was when the patrol picked her up. Why they couldn’t pull a Recollection directly from that moment. They’d assumed there was an entity jamming the abilities, but it was a much more tragic circumstance. 

[i]Way fucking worse.[/i] 
[i][b]And he could not stop the tears from breaching his eyes.[/b][/i] Lelou let him, and as they left his eyes, they boiled up to curl around his head in a comforting hold. The guilt that washed across his psyche was a bomb that even she couldn’t ignore. It’d never been easy for him when one of the younger ones died. Some could walk away guilt free, dissociating from the moment they heard. Just another number. But this was [i]so much worse.[/i] 

[color=C67C12]”And I let them say that shit… My fucking God, Trisha…”[/color]

He wanted to reach out. Even Casey became somewhat discomforted by the look of abject mourning that now filled his brother’s face. This wasn’t like anything he’d ever seen before. Leon had [i]never[/i] had that kind of expression looking at him. Was it something to be insulted by? Should he demand that? 

No… This was an expression he’d seen before… Never in Leon, but in men he’d known to lead their fellow men into the pits of Hell. The depths of depravity that was two soldiers recognizing their culpability in one another.
He could only hold her tight, as he watched Leon reactively slump down to his knees in prostration. The emotion of the situation could only grip the three of them from completely different angles.

[color=C67C12]”I’m… How… I…. am so [i]fucking[/i] sorry, Trisha…”[/color] he spoke up from a face buried in the carpet. He only wished he could be lower, and his body reactively compressed itself practically flat.

Trisha wasn’t even looking at him to see him prostrate himself and flatten against the floor. She was buried against Casey, face hid in his shirt as her shoulders trembled slightly. She was trying not to sob as emotion overwhelmed her. Relief, sorrow and the grief she’d barely let herself feel. Because she didn’t feel like she deserved to grieve for him. It had always been there in the background, but she rarely let it through. 

All this time, she’d believed it was her fault. Even when she vehemently denied it. It went from doubts to belief the longer people questioned, berated and isolated her.

[color=d1b300]”I- I- I thought it was my fault. They m-made me think I should’ve died instead. I [i]wanted[/i] to. I’ve never even- visited him… I didn’t deserve it…”[/color] She whispered, hands clenching into Casey clothes as she choked down sobs. 
[color=d1b300]“I thought everyone was right to hate me- I hated me! Y-you… I don’t know how to forgive… any of you… nobody even tried…”[/color]

She shook her head against Casey, trying her best to just breathe.

Cass didn't know what to do or say, for once. Her natural instinct was comforting- but Casey was already taking care of Trisha, and she wasn’t sure if Leon would be open to it. She wasn’t sure if she could comfort him. It was a lot of her to take in, from what little she knew of the situation before. What Leon had told her as neutrally as possible… Frowning silently, she shuffled to the edge of the sofa, there for when he unflattened. 

Which he did reactively as she got close, reaching out for anything that he could possibly grab onto. He knew Trisha wasn’t [i]going[/i] to forgive him. And he wouldn’t forgive himself, either. How could he repair that? He was supposed to do what was best for them, and he’d let her slip through the cracks. Practically thrown her, over a couple of bee stings. He didn’t even have a part in the rumor, but the simple fact was that he had never even considered shutting it down. It didn’t matter to him, after all.

His heart at the time had said that she’d let it roll off. That it wouldn’t take hold of her life. That she was going to be a mentally bitchy and hard-assed individual for the rest of her life. What a [i]fucking[/i] judgement. And it was one whose sentiment he could hear echoed from a voice that never even should’ve let him make those decisions to begin with…

[color=8882be][i]”Leon… Some eggs are naturally thick shelled, aren’t they? What’s the harm. A little shame, and they know not to wander off. She’ll be a service to the others. A testament.”[/i][/color]

He couldn’t make this about him. He couldn’t turn it. Every ounce of himself recentered to suppress the burning ego that attempted to devour the context for itself and turn it back on someone who he felt he could scapegoat. Lelou wanted it. Pushed, tugged at his brain to let him release the fire [i]right now.[/i] To drive himself into the Temple like a spiral spear in the side of a false prophet. But Lynette would have her day. And the chances were high that he’d not even be there to handle it. That maybe his last goodbye would have to be one from a different place in his heart entirely.

So he pushed himself back up, and spoke plainly through the tears as he reached out to Cass’ hand.

[color=C67C12]”What’s happened, I don’t feel would be forgivable. I don’t [i]ever[/i] expect you to have an iota of love in your heart for me. And I can’t even begin to know where to start making up for this, Trisha. If…- C-casey… Casey? W-what… What do-”[/color]

He was hunting instinctively for any other voice in the dark.

Casey’s face twisted in frustration. They had places to be. Things to do. And now he had this… 

[color=577d06]”God [i]fucking damn you[/i], Leon. We’ve got [i]shit to do![/i] This wasn’t-”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”-[b]Shit![/b] You’re right, you’re- [i]Fuck![/i]”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Just fucking [i]go![/i] Go, go fucking handle it, Leon! Start with that, start with just making sure we get through this fucking week, but you’re Goddamn-”[/color]

Leon was scrambling to his feet already, half way out the door.

[color=C67C12]”-You’re covered, Casey, no fucking questions!”[/color] he called back, massive body pounding down the hallway before the door swung open and slammed shut. 

Which left Casey staring at Cass with a deep frown. 

[color=577d06]”So much for a lighthearted debrief…”[/color] he tried to make sure that [i]she[/i] wasn’t having some kind of collapse as well.

[color=629c3f]”Yeah, this ain’t what I signed up for! But I guess its… better to get all’ve the Sycamore stuff out on the same day?”[/color] Cass said with a slight shrug. Her own struggle with the whole situation was feeling torn over what to do, as Trisha’s friend and Leon’s girlfriend. But with Leon gone for now, she could fully concentrate on the former, which meant she was absolutely fine!

Or as fine as she could be while her best friend was having a breakdown…

[color=629c3f]”You want me to go? Give you guys some time?”[/color]  

Trisha shook her head, turning it slightly so her tearstained eyes were just visible. She couldn’t stop sobbing, even though it had been the answer she hoped for. Because it meant she’d been suffering for no reason. It was all unjustified… And the scars were still there. They didn’t just go away. 

[color=d1b300]“I’m s-sorry, Casey, if you have to go… I’ll be fine…”[/color] She didn’t look it, face red and puffy with tears constantly streaming down her cheeks. But she could get through it if Cass stayed at least… If there was someone there.

[color=d1b300]“I don’t even know why- why I’m so upset. It was… The good outcome…”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Trisha… There’s no way in Hell I’m leaving you right now. Conveniently, there’s an asshole out there who owes us all a whole lot for the grief he’s fucking caused… He’ll make up for it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I know one day you’ll forgive him enough… Because that’s the kind of hope I have.”[/color]

He waved his hand toward Cass, inviting her in to co-comfort Trisha as healthily as she wanted. She had far more of a stake in her life as far as [i]time[/i] was concerned. Even if she’d only had the chance to break through these barriers in his company, Cass had just as much to offer in her love and experience. More, he considered.

Cass shuffled her way in cautiously, not sure how Trisha would react. She was always a bit iffy when it came to physical contact when feeling upset. But she didn’t immediately shake off the comforting hand Cass placed on her shoulder, so Cass ended up half hugging them both loosely. She didn’t have the same platonic cuddle discomfort that Trisha did, after all.

[color=577d06]”And, as far as this? This crying? You know damn well why… Your entire adult life, you’ve been carrying on assuming you killed that boy… Trisha, Baby… I’ve [i]seen this.[/i] I’ve met soldiers struggling with the exact same problem you’re dealing with right now. Of being accused of doing something that they can’t even remember the moment of to know whether or not they [i]did.[/i] This is [i]serious business[/i] Trisha. And we’re not gonna let the gravity of it escape.”[/color] he asserted, holding her as tight as he could.


Trisha nodded, sniffing. 
[color=d1b300]“Some people didn’t believe it or attack me but… Nobody really defended me. The group I was in- the friends I asked about earlier- they didn’t care. Anyone who might’ve cared wasn’t close to me, or was close to people who [i]did[/i] hate me. I- I really thought it was me. Even though I told them all it wasn’t and fought with people cause of it… Leon told me he’d been stung! That- That felt like a guilty verdict.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”That shit ain’t fair, Trish. You were all fighting in a fucking magical war, but you were only kids! You shoulda been there for each other too… But tearing each other apart like that? Fuck! Makes me so mad. You lost someone then instead’ve supporting you, they all turned on you… Course you’re upset now! You have every right to feel whatever you wanna. Sad, angry… You lost a lot, Trisha!”[/color] 

She had. Her early teen years had been the hardest. First, her Mom turned on her. Then, her Dad was killed. Finally, Martin died and she was badly injured, before everyone accused her of being the one to cause it. All of it combined broke any remaining confidence or positive feelings she had towards herself. Suddenly she had no one, and no hope of ever having even a sliver of support. 

[color=d1b300]“I- I know. You’re right. I… It wasn’t fair. I thought I’d escape it when I went to university… But I didn’t! Because it didn’t change how I felt about myself. This whole time I’ve- I’ve thought I didn’t deserve anything. Because I killed someone, and even my Mom didn’t love me, so why would anyone else?! I- I-”[/color] She curled forward, choking on another sob. It was difficult to keep her thoughts straight, emotion overwhelming everything.

[color=d1b300]“You know they- the healers refused to fully heal me. Only e-enough so that I didn’t die. Said I could… afford a private hospital… Even though they were hardly running. This whole time, I agreed. I never asked for help because… when I finally found people that weren’t my family… they all turned on me…”[/color]

Casey felt sick hearing that. That they’d [i]denied her.[/i] Their covenmate. Even in the worst situations, soldiers didn’t turn their backs entirely. If you were dying, at least in his unit, they were going to make sure that didn’t happen. And then you’d be back in the fight. Because that was efficiency, and professionalism. You experienced loss, but you maintained your clarity and focus in the line of duty…

[color=577d06]”But your Mom isn’t even indicative of that, Trisha… These kids… They were ignorant. Maybe some of them felt malice [i]because[/i] of that ignorance… But what [i]she’s[/i] left you with only reinforced this notion that you don’t deserve anything. You deserve everything you’ve earned! And everything you’ve worked hard for, and everything you’re surrounded by, all screaming for you to be here with us! And I know this won’t go away overnight… But you deserve me! And I’ll be here with you! So will Cass, right!?”[/color] he asked with enthusiasm, rubbing her arms and back with vigor.

[color=629c3f]”Absolutely! I ain’t ever going anywhere… Someone’d have to tear me away! You ain’t getting rid of me no matter how hard you try!”[/color] Cass declared with matching enthusiasm. 
[color=629c3f]”And before you go saying you ain’t worked hard for things… I seen you do it! Y’think I didn’t notice the all nighters you pulled studying?! While I was up coding random shit, you were slogging your way through so many fucking maths text books. And on the side’ve that, you learned to code too! And I know it ain’t shit that comes naturally to you like it does me… Cause I’ve seen all the fucking work you put in!”[/color]

Trisha’s face scrunched up a bit even as her sobbing settled down into less violent crying, breathing evening out with tears still streaming down her face. Because she hadn’t gotten much from all of that studying. Just a low grade degree… 
[color=d1b300]“That hard work… wasn’t really rewarded…”[/color] She sniffed, trying to put it as neutrally as she could. 

[color=629c3f]”Alright, fine, putting aside that kinda work… With people! I know you ain’t feel like you’ve come far, but you have! Especially since I met you! Sure, you’ve changed a whole lot faster since you met Casey, but it ain’t like you weren’t before. Cause you’re always working hard at shit… Even though you didn’t have the support other people had! You ain’t got the same stable foundation, Trisha, it don’t matter how much money you have. You could’ve taken all’ve that and become some horrible, resentful person who hates the world… But you ain’t. You’re amazing and lovely, and you’re just finally getting all the love you deserve with Casey! And me, of course, but you met me earlier!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I… Suppose… That’s true…”[/color] It was the closest she’d gotten to admitting that she deserved any of it. Casey was right that it wouldn’t go away overnight. There were a lot of feelings to work through with regards to Martin, and her issues with her Mom were still so present. Though, the associated panic had at least calmed down now that Thanksgiving was over. 

[color=d1b300]“Even if I didn’t deserve it… I don’t want to be anywhere else.”[/color]

An evil grin crossed Casey’s face. 

[color=577d06]”Maybe there’s [i]one[/i] place…-”[/color] he let the comment hang ominously, pressing his face close into Trisha’s ear.

[color=577d06]”[i]D’you wanna go shoot paintballs at Edict?[/i] He was part of that group who fucked with you, wasn’t he? Let’s get [i]free petty revenge.[/i]”[/color] he giggled, thinking about the therapy they used to get from demolishing one another in off-cuff brawls in the FOB after a long patrol.

[color=d1b300]“He was but… Won’t that kill him? He looked so weak. A paintball will probably pop his balloon head and end it.”[/color] Trisha asked, before managing a weak giggle herself at that image. She wouldn’t care if the whole plan didn’t hinge on him being alive. She’d rather survive and live a happy life with Casey than get the petty revenge. 

[color=629c3f]”Oh, I can probably keep him alive!”[/color] Cass piped up, easily hearing no matter how much Casey was talking into Trisha’s ear. The blessing of magical sense. 
[color=629c3f]”Though then there’d be no one to hold Linqian back.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“She… probably deserves a few herself. She wasn’t as active cause she was off rolling around with Bianca at the time but… she did when she wasn’t.”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Culpable’s culpable. You deserve a little release. Though… Obviously, the higher path and all…”[/color]
He [i]did[/i] believe in petty revenge. But at the same time, the thought of her proving them right in some fashion because of this kind of reaction… He didn’t want her to ruin her chance at a fresh start. She deserved to heal, but healthily.
[color=577d06]”I’m just, not above it, y’know?”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I’m not either but… my petty revenge normally results in people hating me more.”[/color] Trisha admitted quietly. The times when she really lashed out and said awful things as revenge for how she’d been hurt. There were other occurrences where it was more along the lines of what Casey was suggesting… Namely with certain siblings, and when she was younger. 

[color=d1b300]“If he wasn’t dying, I wouldn’t even hesitate… I don’t know. I want to try and move on from Sycamore, but I don’t think I just… can…”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Honestly, I think you should get to punch, like, every member at least once! And if you ain’t feeling up to that, just do it to Leon once! He can take it!”[/color]

[color=577d06]”You could probably use Leon as a piece of furniture right now. Uh… Listen, if I saw his expression right, that guy’s not good about this [i]at all.[/i] Which means that, y’know, in some way he really did hold you culpable. I don’t really know where the fuck that comes from, and I’m incredibly fucking sorry that became something. But, I [i]also think[/i] he’s now very sorry.”[/color]

Casey shook his head gently, hearing his brother’s words from before in his head… About defending someone who didn’t deserve it. Irony all around…

[color=577d06]”I’m not saying forgive him. He certainly doesn’t expect it. But, in time, don’t be afraid to approach him and reexamine this. Because I’m sure he’ll have a lot to talk to you about. And a lot of things to apologize for. But, I do think there should be [i]something[/i] to rub this objective reality in the face of the people who still pa-”[/color]

He coughed, sputtered, nearly choked.

[color=577d06]”-What about South Street? Or, fuckin’... Eighth Street? Those other assholes! They’ve [i]gotta[/i] be on the list, right? Free game!”[/color] he exclaimed excitedly.

Trisha’s brow furrowed for a moment as she tried to remember who that was. She’d not exactly kept up with the covens so much, but she realised after a short while. 
[color=d1b300]“Emily and Vashti’s coven? Emily… was one of the worst. Vashti was bad too, but she was more interested in terrorising people who could fight back. I don’t remember who else went with them… George bullied everyone for anything. Carol… Yeah… I don’t think anyone else went? I think the rest aren’t from Sycamore.”[/color]

Cass was rubbing her hands together with glee. 
[color=629c3f]”They sound [i]perfect[/i]!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“But Emily would probably… Want to kill us in retaliation.”[/color] 

[color=577d06]”Who said that would be [i]petty[/i] revenge? If she was one of the worst, and still is from what I hear… Let’s do the world a favor. Not like we won’t be able to.”[/color] he shrugged. 

He wasn’t exactly self aware in regards to the tonal shift as he’d not but a minute ago been talking about paintballing someone to… Well, he sounded conspiratorial! Like he was suggesting he’d accomplish some sort of assassination! And he would. In his mind, this was just as real as anything else. They’d hurt her… And not in a way that was forgivable. If it meant his brother would have a chance, he was happy to roll [i]anyone else[/i] under the wheels and gears necessary to lubricate the function of their life together. 

[color=629c3f]”I’ve heard plenty too, she sounds like a real bitch- and I ain’t using that term lightly!”[/color] Cass agreed, though she wasn’t particularly tuned into the tonal shift from harm to murder. By doing the world a favour, she assumed Casey meant knocking her down a peg or ten. 

[color=d1b300]“Are you… suggesting we go and kill Emily?”[/color] Trisha asked quietly, not giving away much about how she felt about the idea. She knew Casey well enough now to notice the shift and realise where he was going with it. She wasn’t actually sure how she felt about it. If anyone deserved it, it was probably Emily. She’d made so many people’s lives hell. In a way she was the person everyone made Trisha out to be… 

But what about the repercussions? At least Vashti would probably retaliate. Trisha didn’t know the rest of her coven well enough to know if they’d bother. But they might. 

[color=629c3f]”Wait, you meant killing?! I mean…”[/color] Cass sat up, swinging from side to side as she thought about it. Or, more accurately, struggled with the fact that her immediate reaction was to agree. She was someone who’d hurt Trisha badly, after all. Sounded like she hurt a lot more than her. She deserved it… It was basically like taking out those mafia members, really. Not the same as killing innocent people… 

[color=629c3f]”Yeah, probably doing the world a favour.”[/color]

[color=577d06]”I hate to say this, Trisha… But they’ve got a pretty disproportionate Adjoined-to-Adept leadership ratio. I’m not saying it’s right… But if we’ve got such tools at our disposal, I’m not going to tell you that we [i]shouldn’t[/i] do something good for everyone.”[/color] Casey implied in a very curt fashion, almost chuckling at Cass by accident.

[color=d1b300]“I-”[/color] Trisha frowned, trying not to tense up just at the mention of the tools they had. The Aberration suppressants… Emily was Adjoined, but from what she remembered, Vashti now had the Leviathan sealed in an object. Whatever she was, it didn’t change her struggle with the thought of using something that horrified her. Emily probably deserved it… But it would also make her a hypocrite, wouldn’t it?

[color=d1b300]“Vashti isn’t Adjoined anymore. It’s… in her shawl, I think. But I… I don’t know, Casey. I- I understand what you’re saying but I don’t like the idea of using [i]those[/i].”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Hey, they’d just make it easier. Remember, people like them? Cut their teeth in the raw. They’re crafty, not to be underestimated. But, maybe we can do something better. Linqian’s got an ex in the Government. Some special taskforce.”[/color] he spoke as if he didn’t intimately know the PRA, and wasn’t fully prepared to cooperate with them if it meant seeing some justice done.

[color=577d06]”Maybe… We can frame ‘em up. Something to do alongside this Snake business… Really wrap that part of your life up completely.”[/color] Casey offered confidently, hoping that there’d be a level of compromise there that she’d be able to appreciate fully.

[color=629c3f]”Oh- Oh- That ex owes [i]us[/i] too! Us being me ‘n Leon cause she’s the one that asked us to rescue Linqian and Greyson!”[/color] Cass said, clapping her hands together as if a perfect plan was coming together. It sure did feel like it. And it was preferable to going straight to murder!

Trisha nibbled her lip as she thought about it. It wasn’t as bad as using [i]those[/i]... And she was sure there were actual crimes Emily and Vashti had committed. They both deserved being locked up for life, really. Emily had been one of the worst to Trisha, but also to so many other people. It didn’t matter that Trisha disliked a lot of those people too… They hadn’t deserved it either. 

[color=d1b300]“Alright. We can do that… If that’s possible. How do you even go about framing someone?”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Temple’s gonna look weak as fuck soon. They’ll have bait practically hanging in front of them. It’ll be a cinch.”[/color] he said rather broadly, a very confident smile forming on his face.

[color=577d06]”It’ll be fuckin’ perfect!”[/color] he asserted.

[color=629c3f]”You’re always the man with a plan!”[/color] Cass grinned, one hand coming up to slap Casey’s shoulder. 
[color=629c3f]”Speaking of plans…”[/color]

She trailed off ominously, causing Trisha to lift her head off Casey to stare at Cass. She was just being goofy, right? She was probably going to switch to talking about [i]the[/i] plan. A debrief even without Leon there, or something. 

[color=629c3f]”It’s my birthday next week! Well, Trish already knows that… Anyway, I ain’t planning to do anything on the actual day. It’s a Tuesday after all. But if shit’s calmed down a bit, I wanna do something the weekend after! Pretty sure we’re gearing up to do the plan [i]this[/i] weekend, at least based on how Greyson’s talking, so… Should work out.”[/color] She did feel a bit odd talking about her birthday with all of the shit happening. It wasn’t like she’d be upset if plans got cancelled or changed. Just, she had to make sure Trisha and Casey knew they were obligated to come!

[color=629c3f]”Rey’s gonna come. I gave her the brief rundown of shit that’s happening, so she knows dates might change but… Shit, I knew I had something to get Trisha to ask you, Casey! Can she use a spare apartment?! If that ain’t ok, I’ll give her mine, and just crawl into Trisha’s- I mean Leon’s- bed!”[/color] Cass grinned teasingly, before pointing a finger at them both.
[color=629c3f]”Also! Attendance is mandatory! Date changes if certain attendees are too busy!”[/color]

Casey tried not to furrow his brow or instantly dismiss Cass’ enthusiasm as selfish nonsense. Because, ultimately, she said [i]if[/i]! Meaning that she wasn’t totally ignorant of the idea that they may all be running for their lives by that time. Good! 

[color=577d06]”Well, obviously if things are all settled down… But, are you sure you wanna do that kind of thing [i]here?[/i] Leon would take you anywhere! Why uh, y’know, jeopardize your fun by hanging   in a place that could be easily attacked by any number of jerks with grudges? Are you looking for the trouble?”[/color] he asked, trying to sound as sincere as possible without judgement.

[color=629c3f]"Cause I don't wanna just celebrate with Leon? And there's no way I'm getting you two, the girls, and Rey all to go somewhere else for a weekend. Not with this notice? Can you imagine?!"[/color] Cass shook her head, before laughing slightly. 
[color=629c3f]"Ain't like I'm thinking of something big. Just back to that arcade- assuming it ain't ruined for you forever, Trish-"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“It isn't. I'm not that bad."[/color] Trisha interjected with a little pout. Sure, it was where their first fight had started, but they'd gotten through it together. She wasn't going to be triggered by just going there. 

[color=629c3f]"Just checking! That then, like, movie night at wherever fits whoever's coming. Y'know, small thing. I'm turning twenty five, ain't any major age! Also if we get attacked, that's fine! Cause I get a lil extra excitement outta things… so long as no one gets too badly hurt, course."[/color] She grinned. 
[color=629c3f]"This is all assuming we're alive and well by next week, obviously!"[/color]

Casey grimaced actively now.

[color=577d06]”I don’t [i]want[/i] to discourage you. So I won’t. But I [i]will[/i] bring up the idea of nobody getting hurt [i]too badly[/i] is, in my perception of the situation, irresponsible as a thought on your part. Again, it’d be hypocritical of me to tell you not to go for whatever you want. [i]But.[/i]”[/color] he finished, not figuring it was necessary to follow the implicit “but” with anything else.

The conversation was a looper, after all. Everything he could possibly say short of “Don’t fucking do that.” came out of his mouth, and he just hoped that there wouldn’t be anyone giving him an attitude over worrying about whether or not things and people were [i]safe.[/i] Before Beppo, he probably wouldn’t have thought twice. But now, it was far more front and center in his mind, that something drastic and out of his control could happen… He would be doing his friends and companions a disservice at this point by [i]not[/i] at least warning them.

[color=577d06]”If you’re insistent, then we’ll be having a party with a lot more than just your close friends. You’ll have [i]so many friends[/i] to wish you a happy birthday that you’ll probably have to ask some names. But, I know you so far, so being social won't be a problem, right?”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Well nah, course not. But if it's that much of a worry, we can just nix the arcade part, movie night in Leon's apartment or something with that big ass setup. Same building we'd all be in anyway, yeah?"[/color] Cass responded easily. 

She was nowhere near as worried about the after… Perhaps she should be. Maybe it was because she was pretty unlikely to be the target of attack, and was fairly certain she could handle it if she was! But she definitely didn't want anyone else getting all twisted and panicky over something she wanted to do for fun. She wasn't exactly that hung up on her birthday, and would inadvertently end up having a late celebration with her brothers when she went home for the holidays anyway. 

She then held up her hands. 
[color=629c3f]"And I get it. I ain't the security guy, so I ain't seeing all the shit that could happen. My bad! Ain't exactly used to the whole uh… crazy supernatural coven shit where everyone's got mad beef at people for just being part've a group."[/color]

Casey frowned genuinely. That type of thing definitely wasn’t supposed to be her bag to worry about to begin with. She didn’t really [i]have[/i] to, as he was willing to take care of the logistics for her. She was a friend, but more than that, she was Trisha’s best. The necessity of her protection came down to the same deterministic viewpoint that colored everything else in his life now…

Happy Trisha. Safe Trisha. Comfortable Trisha. 

[color=577d06]”Well, obviously it’s not [i]you[/i] anyone would be after specifically. It’s the big guy… Just, y’know, you’re with him. It’s associative. Plus, if we go out, there’s a chance that more Blinds get stuffed in the magical meat grinder. It’s not fair to you to tell you that you can’t have fun, but it’s [i]also[/i] not fair that [i]they[/i] be put into an unknown danger. Even if it’s just that, and they never find out that they were in a room with people who could turn them inside out with a breath.”[/color]

He cleared his throat, doing his best to smile.

[color=577d06]”But, my original point is that the more of us there are, the less likely an attack from an opportunistic group of enemies. Trust: You made plenty of an impression at Beppo. There’s people chomping at the bit to meet you, so… Why [i]not[/i] have a big twenty-fifth bash? We’ll just flood the arcade with Adepts and friendly Aberrations looking to have a good time on the Temple’s dime.”[/color] he offered, coming more around to the idea of having a [i]big[/i] party, rather than a small get together.

[color=629c3f]"Heh, course everyone wants to meet the awesome wolf-hyena-croc woman!"[/color] Cass laughed slightly, general positivity not dampened at all by what Casey said. Obviously, it gave her a bit of perspective on the impact of any danger. In her mind, the size of Beppo park and how much it affected others was an exception. Cause surely her and Leon could just fight off whoever they sent for them? But of course collateral damage was a thing! Wasn't something she wanted to be the cause of just cause she didn't mind a bit of a fight.

[color=629c3f]"If you say that'll be safest then yeah, I'm down. I ain't about putting people in danger for some shit I can do later… so if it ain't a good idea at all, I can scrap it, no worries. But if a big thing’s pretty safe… That'd be real fun! Only if it ain't too much effort for you, though. I know you already got a lot on your plate!"[/color] She nodded, before looking down at Trisha, who was snuggled up to Casey and silently listening. 
[color=629c3f]"How bout you, Trish, would you be able to come along to something like that? I know you ain't such a fan of big things."[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I’m fine with big events that don't involve family."[/color] Trisha said, pursing her lips. Sure, she felt like she had to put on a mask the more people were around, but she felt that way as soon as they got outside of Casey and her small group of friends. 

[color=d1b300]“It’s [I]your[/I] birthday. And it can just be like… going to a club. I don't talk to anyone apart from who I come with."[/color]

Cass let out a little evil laugh, lips pulling up into a smirk. 
[color=629c3f]"But I seem to recall you talking to [I]loads[/i] of people back in the day. You were always-"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I’m taken and settled down now, it's not the same!"[/color] Trisha interrupted, immediately flustered at Cass' teasing and hugging Casey tighter. 

[color=629c3f]"- Looking for friends, I was gonna say!"[/color] Cass cackled. 

Casey laughed aloud imagining Trisha running game on some unsuspecting guy at a club. They met under such extenuating circumstances that it was hard for him to imagine her in any other way than what he knew directly. But, she hadn’t been a marionette before they met. She had ten times the experience that he did in regards to the pure physicality of relationships… 

It didn’t bother him. It was so abstract, after all. And self consciousness wasn’t a social thing for him; he’d learned long ago that one should only compare themselves to another with the goal of improvement. If he thought about all her exes, he had plenty of logic behind why they weren’t worth thinking about. He couldn’t think of much more he could give in that regard…

And besides, the way she clung to him was a clear indication that there wasn’t a problem. She coveted him like a precious artifact. He liked that… It felt good to be needed like that. He almost melted into her, grinning. Happy, even, that she seemed so able to get over the previous topic. Selfishly, he felt a level of smug satisfaction over a dead teenager… Not a great emotion to have, but one he was able to put away with relative ease.

[color=577d06]”Am I sick for wanting to see that? I think Cass just unlocked a new fetish for me, Trish.”[/color] Casey admitted with a great laugh.

[color=d1b300]“Wanting to see what? Me try to pick someone else up at a club?"[/color] Trisha tilted her head up towards him with a slight pout. That certainly wouldn't ever be happening. 
[color=d1b300]“Or me trying to pick [I]you[/I] up at a club like some odd roleplay thing where we pretend we don't know each other?"[/color]

Casey saw her reaction and immediately started blushing.
[color=577d06]”Neither! Neither, never mind…”[/color]

Because the one he’d thought of first got the clear negative response. Clearly he [i]was[/i] a freak for thinking something like that.

[color=577d06]”Would… Would it really be weird for me to see you actually hit on someone that isn’t me? Like, I guess I’m just sure you’d never [i]do[/i] anything. But, you didn’t exactly seduce me when we met. It’s like a forbidden talent you have, or that’s how Cass makes it sound.”[/color] he grinned slightly, trying to redirect it back off the cuff.

[color=629c3f]"Cause it is! It's a super duper talent, like, she's got this look! Like she looks at ‘em a specific way and they just fall for her!"[/color] Cass jumped in enthusiastically, especially since Casey hadn't reacted negatively to the whole how Trisha got with exes thing in the first place. Quite the opposite! 

[color=d1b300]“I [I]don't[/I]!"[/color] Trisha groaned, hiding her red face against Casey. It really wasn't any special talent. It was just normal flirting. She knew what people- especially guys- wanted, and was able to ham it up. It worked best in a clubbing environment anyway… but had never led to a stable relationship. 

[color=d1b300]“I couldn't, anyway."[/color] She mumbled, peeking up at him again. 
[color=d1b300]“Hit on someone else. I'm too… in love… with you… And I didn't seduce you cause you weren't like most of my exes. You didn't [I]look[/I] at me that same way, so I just… got you with my personality instead. But it's really not anything special."[/color]

Cass' lips split into a wicked grin, one hand coming to rest on Casey's shoulder. 
[color=629c3f]"Don't worry, dude, it really ain't that weird. I can hook you up… With some reading material or some shit! Plenty've people like you out there, even if Trisha ain't into it."[/color]

Casey was naive about that kind of thing, but one thing he couldn’t miss was Trisha’s overall reaction. So tepid, it hardly made the thing worth pressing. She’d always be enough. He didn’t have to test her in some sick way for his own pleasure…

[color=577d06]”Well, I’m glad it ain’t weird… But she’s clearly not down. So, I think we can skip it.”[/color] he asserted, looking back down at Trisha with a tender and loving smile.

 Nothing would ever be as important as her smile. Her comfort. He’d heard the old men… [i]Happy wife, happy life.[/i] He was more than confident that she’d be everything he ever needed. He didn’t need much to begin with, and she easily surpassed all expectations. Getting into some perverse power fantasy would only taint the purity of their entire relationship.

And… [i]What if she did find someone better?[/i]

[color=577d06][i]No. No. Absolutely not, do not hold onto-[/i][/color]

Trisha's pensive look broke into a soft smile up at him. Thank god… Maybe he really did just want to see her flirt with someone else, but normally that kind of want led to more. Not that she was comfortable with even flirting with someone else. That felt like emotional cheating, even if it was some consensual thing. 

But he wasn't going to press it, and there was nothing in his expression that said he was upset about it. Just love. 

She wriggled up to press a light kiss against his lips, eyes squinting happily at him. 
[color=d1b300]“I’m glad… Not that I ever could. Just the thought of hitting on someone else makes me feel a bit sick. I don't want to flirt with anyone other than you."[/color]

[color=629c3f]"And me!"[/color] Cass interjected with a grin, making a mental note to get Casey [I]some[/I] kind of related book as a Christmas gift. As a joke, obviously. 

Trisha turned her head to stare at Cass.
[color=d1b300]“I said what I said."[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Awww, you're breaking my heart!"[/color] Cass clutched her chest dramatically, before grinning at Casey. 
[color=629c3f]"But hey don't worry, we'll skip it… But y'know if you ever think ‘bout stuff like that and you're too embarrassed to talk to Trisha about it, I'm your gal! I've tried just about every fetish under the sun!"[/color]

Casey just grinned, shaking his head and holding onto Trisha a bit tighter. Ultimately, she was all he really needed or even wanted. Beating guys up for hitting on his girlfriend [i]had to be a movie thing.[/i] They didn’t think that was actually romantic, right? Besides, they had the chance of being assaulted by people who could kill them easily if they weren’t paying attention. How was that any [i]less[/i] macho than beating some drunk jerk up. [I]Especially[/i] if it was some kind of setup… That would just be plain wrong!

[color=577d06]”I think I’d go to Leon first… No offense.”[/color] he blushed again, shaking his head some more. 

It was a [i]little[/i] embarrassing, but he’d get through that without a lot of extra thought, and Trisha would be better off for it in the long run. He kept looking down at her with love in his eyes. She’d gone through so much. And would continue to, if not for a while, at least the next few weeks… He had to make sure she was taken care of mentally, physically, emotionally, from all angles. And that meant [i]really[/i] making sure that he was doing the right thing by her.

It was a challenge. But one that made his life far richer than it had been previously.