ss bishop mingle

[arcanepower]

Who: Anyone who wants to come!
Broadcast: If you want to.
Action: SS Bishop and anyone present.
When: April 2nd through the 15th, if you'd like! A little fudging with dates is allowed.

[We're not going to talk about tripping balls on April Fools or the inevitable hallucinogenic hangover. Let's talk about... uh... Tadashi's love life. Or someone's choice in fairy lights. Or the fact that there are still freaking ostrich bobbleheads hidden in places around the ship, months later.]

Comments

[hymnals]

[Another bite, and the macaron is gone. Adra considers what to do next. He wants to reassure Bel, wants him to know that, memory or not, Adrasteius isn't going to let one of his own people fall by the wayside here.

He offers his hand.]

I wish I remembered the things you've told me. I'm sorry I don't. But I'm here now, and I'm willing to try. Okay?

[arcanepower]

[Like he'd ever say no to Adrasteius. He hurts, there's no doubt about it, and usually Belth throws his walls up when he's hurt. Adra here is the only person he's ever let in, and boy did he have to fight for it.

It's been almost a year now since they met, and while that isn't a long time for elves, it's a long time for a child who had zero friends up to this point. He looks at the hand. Very slowly, like a shy animal, he reaches out and clasps it.]

I didn't have anyone else, [he murmurs, his eyes down.] You took me in. You made sure I didn't die from mana withdrawal, and you taught me how to be a better person.

I'm not-- [His voice cracks. Stupid puberty.] I'm not very good at it. But I am trying.

[hymnals]

[Adra's goin' in for the hug. Gently, he pulls Bel to him, wraps one arm around Belthazar's narrow shoulders.]

Trying is all anyone can do.

[But--wait a moment. His grip on Bel's shoulders tightens, just a little, worriedly.]

--are you--are you all right? With your mana ...

[arcanepower]

[Oh no, a hug. This isn't the first time, but he's still surprised. He doesn't stiffen, though-- he just lets it happen. He'd put his arms around Adra too but somehow his finger have found their way to the front of Adra's robes, clinging tightly until the knuckles whiten.

He lets out a breath.]

... It will be painful soon. They don't give us anything, and I haven't... asked. I know another mage here, but I don't want to hurt anyone.

[hymnals]

[Adra lifts one hand. His open palm shimmers bright red for a moment, and then he tucks the mana ruby into the pocket of Bel's robe.]

That should help for a while. If you start feeling sick, call me.

[arcanepower]

[Dammit, Adra, that's SNEAKY. He straightens up a bit.]

Master...! [He frowns worriedly.] You should not have to hurt because of me. Do you have someone you can rely on? I can help you find someone--

[hymnals]

[Adra sets his hand, especially warm now from the recent spell casting, against the back of Bel's head.]

Don't worry about me. I'll be fine.

[arcanepower]

[-- That's really nice, and he can't help the way his eyelids droop a bit. It reminds him of Caspa, suddenly, and he clings tighter.]

... All right. I trust you.

[Just two elves hugging in the kitchen, no big deal.]

I, um. I don't know what to call you anymore.

[hymnals]

[Lightly.]

Oh, I have many names. My wife never calls me anything but 'magister', usually. People on the street tend to prefer 'jackass'. My daughter just says 'tart', but she usually just means the pastry.

[He smooths down Bel's hair.]

You can try 'Adrasteius,' if you like. Or 'Adra'. Or 'that guy'.

[arcanepower]

[That bit about the tart makes him snort-laugh, much to his dismay. He pinkens and covers his mouth. He is a super serious young man! He cannot snortlaugh!

This is a very nice hug though, and he's feeling more and more like he's home.

It feels weird to call Adra any of those names, but he doesn't want to whip out the 'father' card when Adra doesn't remember. They hadn't actually gotten to that point yet, before, but Belth had considered it.]

Adra.

[A pause.]

I don't really care what you call me. I was always told that Belthazar is a mature name, so I tried to make it suit me. If only I would grow faster--

[hymnals]

You'll get there, Bel.

[Gentle squeeze.]

Trust me, the future always comes on more quickly than you think. Give it a few years and you'll probably be taller than me.

[His ears twitch.]

Not exactly a feat, mind you, but.

[arcanepower]

I am so very tired of puberty. [He says it with distaste, like a kid who doesn't like asparagus.] I want to be taller already. It has been years!

[He huffs a bit, but he settles down, as always.]

... Thank you.