[Game 18] Endgame

[arsgoetia]

It's early morning by the time they tidy up the house and fix the windows—leaving it as neat as they'd entered it, Tristan promises—and head out. Tristan seems to be itching to just get away from the place, though they can't return to the church, and it's now New Year's Day—so they head back across the border to the house in New York. Even Sariel comes along—albeit reluctantly—at Tristan's suggestion.

"To my understanding," Tristan says, "the kid's with Sera right now, which I'm cool with. I was a bit rough on him, so he might be sleeping it off for another little while—and like you all said, he might be a bit freaked out to see a dozen people staring at him. So let's leave him there for now. I can send you all home." He pauses.

"But if you want to come back soon . . . I can bring you back. No agenda necessary. If you don't want to come—well, let me know, and I'll try not to bring you."

Comments

[itouch]

You can have my lap too, if you want.

[stillyourpeacock]

If it'll make you feel better, sure.

[itouch]

Kieran's not cooperating.

[makes room for them to sit on either side of him]

[stillyourpeacock]

[sits next to him]

He can keep your lap.

[the_straight_man]

Just take his lap, Fon.

[stillyourpeacock]

Look, we could have shared the lap. You were there first.

[itouch]

Why this.

[the_straight_man]

We can't share the lap without this becoming a comedy sketch, Fon, I already had the lap, it's your turn.

[stillyourpeacock]

But he pulled you there first, he wants you in the lap right now.

[itouch]

[leans in and kisses Fon, hard, not bothering to hold back on the energy drain]

[then turns and kisses Kieran as well]

[the_straight_man]

Mmph-!

[stillyourpeacock]

[flops against Tristan]

... rude.

[itouch]

[wraps an arm around each of them, turning to kiss Fon's hair]

You deserved that.

[the_straight_man]

He's been missing you, so go easily on him.

[stillyourpeacock]

... what he said. Thanks.

[itouch]

Well . . .

[awkwardly pauses]

It's good to see you.

[stillyourpeacock]

[kisses his cheek]

Good to see you too.

[itouch]

. . . sorry about Christmas.

[stillyourpeacock]

... was that because of this?

[itouch]

A little . . .

[stillyourpeacock]

I've been using your credit card.

[itouch]

I know. I get text alerts.

[stillyourpeacock]

[takes his hand :<]

Sorry.

[itouch]

Are you? Why?

[stillyourpeacock]

I'm selfish. Choosing to stay is the most selfish thing I've done and I think it stuck.