Oceans and Merfolk

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Comments

[takesitall]

[He's exhausted by the time they reach the pod, but it's worth it. His family comes out to meet him, dragging him up onto the shore of the island they're staying on for now to hug and cry and just be emotional all over him. His sister goes to Veritas, pulling him into a hug.]

Thank you.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas hugs her back tightly.]

Of course. I promised I'd bring him back.

[takesitall]

We didn't think you'd manage it, not so quickly. So, thank you.

[ignoranceisblight]

You're welcome. I... have to admit, I didn't think I'd manage it this quickly either.

[Not quick enough, he feels, but... at least it was only four years.]

[takesitall]

Did you kill him?

[ignoranceisblight]

Vasha did. I tore the bastard apart after.

[takesitall]

Good. Here, we managed to get a house for you to stay here for a while, if you want? It's nearby the rest of the pod, but plenty of space.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas can't quite hide his surprise, but he nods.]

I definitely want to stay as close as possible.

[takesitall]

Of course. Here, this way. Vasha!

Coming!

[He trails after his sister, curious.]

What is it?

I'm showing Veritas the house we had built for him. You should probably learn where it is, too.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas smiles a little, finding himself reaching for Vasha's hand without thinking.]

[takesitall]

[And Vasha takes the hand.]

If I need to get away for a bit, can I...?

[Stay with you?]

[ignoranceisblight]

Of course.

[He squeezes Vasha's hand.]

Any time you need it.

[takesitall]

Thank you.

[He just steps a little closer.]

Mama said you were looking out for them?

[ignoranceisblight]

[He nods!]

Making sure they'd be safe here and everything... I can properly guard everyone now.

[takesitall]

Thank you. I owe so much, Veritas, I'll never be able to pay it back.

[ignoranceisblight]

Vasha, you're my best friend, you don't owe me anything. And the rest of the pod's basically my family now, too.

[takesitall]

Still.

[Nope, hugging Veritas tightly. They can follow his sister shortly.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[He signals to Parisa that they need a moment as he hugs Vasha back, just as tightly.]

[takesitall]

You got me out. You got me my pelt back. You took care of my family. Veritas, I...

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas pulls back a little to look at Vasha.]

[takesitall]

...can I give you my pelt?

[It's not necessarily romantic, sometimes it's just a sign of platonic devotion. And Vasha needs time to recover, but even if Veritas says "no" he wants the other to know how much he adores him.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas gasps a little when Vasha asks that.]

If... if you really want to, then... I'd be honored, Vasha.

[takesitall]

Then...tomorrow or the day after. I need to keep it with me for a bit to reconnect, but after that.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas thinks for a moment.]

Keep it for the rest of the week--or maybe longer--and then you can give it to me after that if you still want to. It's probably better for you to keep it for longer after four years of it having been taken, right?

[takesitall]

Probably, but--mm. I'm still going to want to, even a week from now. Just so you know.