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Asbolus:
It had been a somewhat regular occurrence in the past, primarily to get Avery out of his shell and more comfortable being around others, but had fallen by the wayside as time went on. With the Beast's recent troubles and Asbolus' own need for a conversation for a change the Darkling reached out to his former protege, inviting them to a stop at their usual Italian ice shop and a visit to the park nearby. Along with the notable strengthening of the Wyrd within and the sharpening of his mien that came with it, Avery would also notice the thin leather gloves that Asbolus wore despite the relatively pleasant weather.
Avery:
Avery made it right on time, Mask strengthened today, wearing a sleeveless shirt and long pants, a hat on his head that Maria gave him.
They spotted Asbolus fairly quickly, as always, and as always was very nimble and got there rather quickly, holding back enough to not seem out of place... but she had a smile on her face despite the crowded space and current circumstances.
That did falter slightly at the gloved hands and all the tiny changes, a head tilt as Avery sat down.
"Are you... okay? Are you hurt?"
Asbolus:
Asbolus started to reply but paused, the easy lie that formed on his tongue dying there as swiftly as it came into being. "Hurt, no. My story has turned another page and some unexpected changes came with it." He glanced down to his hand as he flexed it briefly, then looked back to the Courser. "How have you been since we talked last?"
Avery:
Avery sits for a few seconds, eyes flitting along all the little changes of the Mien.
"Being...sharper? The...story is treating you...badly then..."
She weighs it, but moves on.
"It's been good...I've been spending time with Vincent and Maria and it feels nice. I feel...better? Safer now..."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. On some level I shouldn't have been surprised, considering the progression up until this point. I'll work my way through it, though." He nodded quietly, smiling a touch at her answer. "Good to hear."
Avery:
He gives confused look.
"What do you think...sparked the change?"
Asbolus:
"I couldn't say, honestly. I felt it coming a few weeks back; once I reached a certain part of the tale I made a point to not resist the next step when it came and allow it to develop as it would."
Avery:
They nod.
"I haven't... found the next page... of my own story yet. It's... been a while... but I am fine with... slowing down I think? It feels... nice?"
Asbolus:
"Not a bad thing, that. It gives time to settle into your current role, at least." He gave another nod. "I resisted letting the page turn for quite a while, afraid of what I might lose from it. That concern is still there, more so with this recent development, but I know it's part of the process."
Avery:
Avery nods, looking at the gloves.
"Do you think...its gotten better overall...or worse?"
Asbolus:
"A bit of both, honestly. Things have been lost and other gained; it's a matter of finding that new balance and getting accustomed to the furthering divide between myself and those untouched by the tale as we have been."
Avery:
He nods.
"Can you still...hold things?"
Asbolus:
"I can, thankfully. These are more a precaution that a necessity at the moment."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Can we get... Italian ice then? And...I found a fun thing."
Asbolus:
"Of course. And do tell." He said with a small smile, moving to stand and head for the counter to put their order in.
Avery:
Avery pulls out two containers of bubbles!
"I...was asked by a small child if I wanted to buy some...they were raising money...and I didn't know how to say no so I bought 6..."
Asbolus:
"I see..." he replied with a chuckle. "Haven't played with those in quite a while."
Avery:
"I have already used one...I thought...it may bring some smiles? Celebrate Spring."
Asbolus:
"Indeed." After putting in his order he stepped aside to let Avery do the same, paying for them both and waiting nearby for the staff to put the orders together.
Avery:
Avery got strawberry flavor. They hesitated at the loud noise of the freezers, and moved off with Asbolus.
"Would you like one?" He offers the bubbles.
Asbolus:
Asbolus had gone for something a little more tropical, choosing a coconut and mango combination for himself.
"I would, yes." He took the offered bubbles, pocketing them for the moment until they were outside of the shop.
Avery:
Avery hands it over with a smile, waiting with their mentor. They still seemed lighter, but now that the pair were still, Asbolus would probably notice their eyes flick to the door every so often, and around the faces, and to the rafters, and out the window. Never quite still.
Asbolus:
That level of vigilance was all too familiar to the Darkling, although he made no comment about it just yet. Instead he led the way out once their treats were in hand, finding a bench in the nearby park to claim.
Avery:
It didn't get much better, but Avery relied more on their ears while outside.
"This... is nice, I've missed it. It feels familiar and safe when it feels like everything else is changing."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. That was part of why I asked you to join me. With the current goings on I thought we both need a moment of reprieve."
Avery:
Avery smiles.
"It is nice...really nice."
A pause.
"Im sorry I haven't asked for more meetings recently...I have...found I don't need as many...not that I don't...want to see you...I just feel better...I think. And have a bigger...group of people to lean on than just one person. Even if that person is very nice and supportive."
Asbolus:
"There's no need to apologize." He offered with a warm smile. "Seeing you be able to stand on your own had been heartening, and I've been glad to do my part on that front."
Avery:
A happy and slightly shy smile.
"Yay... im glad. Its been...over a year since I joined the Freehold now...and I joined...because of you. Because you found me and...helped me feel safe...and now...I feel safe with my family too."
Avery takes a bite of their dessert.
Asbolus:
"Which I'm very glad to hear. I still need to meet this Maria of yours at some point. Quite the elusive woman, she seems." He said with a smirk, taking a spoonful of his own and nodding with approval.
Avery:
"She is...doing business things a lot...but she is nice."
Avery pulls out a set of airpods.
"She found...a way for me to be less overwhelmed...they can silence noise..."
A blush hits their face.
"And...got me to listen to music..."
Asbolus:
"Handy that. May look into a set for myself soon; that sensitivity has climbed up a touch since the page turned."
"Good." He nodded with a small smile. "What sort of music are you listening to?"
Avery:
"I have extras if you want? I am...afraid of my page turning for that reason...more sensitivity. It is already so bad."
Avery takes out their own bubble container, unscrewing it. They answer sheepishly.
"Taylor Swift."
Asbolus:
"I may take you up on that." He nodded, taking a few more bites of his treat before setting it aside to grab his own bottle of bubbles. "Ah...not my cup of tea, but I've heard good things from those who enjoy her work."
Avery:
He blows some bubbles, which get swept away quickly by the wind, causing Avery to smile.
"I will drop them at your office then? I know how to get in easily."
A nod.
"It is...softer. The music doesn't bounce around as much...so is not jarring."
Asbolus:
"Sounds good." He nodded, watching as the bubbles flew off with a small smile of his own. "True enough. I tend more towards the classical and the theater overall, could point you towards some of the composers I enjoy listening to if you like."
Avery:
Avery's head tilts.
"Okay...not too jarring though."
Asbolus:
"Of course. There are some quieter tracks that I listen to while working that should be fine."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Then yes please."
Avery blows some bubbles...then before the wind sweeps them away, carefully catches one or two on their hand. So delicate they don't pop.
Asbolus:
"Very nice." Asbolus nodded with a small smile, pulling his own wand from the bottle and going for a larger one to start, watching as it flitted away in the breeze after a light dip of the wand to break it free. "Have you ever painted with these, as an aside? I did it once in primary school and it was a good bit of fun."
Avery:
Avery pops the bubbles themself by closing their hand, wiping it off on their pants leg.
"You...can paint with these? I...I...dont think so. Not that I remember."
Asbolus:
"Mmhmm. Mix water, paint and a bit of dish soap in a cup and blow bubbles into it until it's above the rim of the cup, then set your paper on top to have the bubbles apply the paint to it. Could be messy but I had fun with it at the time."
Avery:
Avery looks with consideration.
"Okay...I'll try it! That sounds interesting."
Asbolus:
"I look forward to seeing what you come up with." He blew another set of bubbles before going back to his cup, taking another bite or two of the ice within. "Have you been able to feel comfortable doing art out and about again, or is that still a bit too nerve-wracking?"
Avery:
Avery nods, mind already working, blowing some bubbles and then following his lead to eat more of the ice.
"Not...yet...I have done one or two from the penthouse...but not in public. I do have...an idea but I want to get rid of...Aubrey first...and be safe to put my full attention into it."
Asbolus:
"Sounds like a plan." He nodded quietly. "Have there been any other incidents since the one with your other half?"
Avery:
"No...none to me at least...there may be others..."
Asbolus:
"Alright. I've been keeping an eye out as well but haven't seen anything come up as of yet."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Please be safe...I know it is...several of them...and traveling together is safer. Or being hidden."
Asbolus:
"Of course. I use the Coat when needed and keep my head low."
Avery:
Avery frowns.
"I do not feel...connected enough to use the Coat..."
Asbolus:
"That's something you can work towards if you wish. Perhaps either Lumi or Izzy may have something you could assist with on the docket."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Maybe...I like...Winter...but I like Summer more. It is a...good season...maybe I can. Do you think that will be smart?"
Asbolus:
"I think it would be worthwhile. Reforging that connection serves both courts and yourself, so I don't see why not."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Okay...I'll ask. I think it would keep me...safer from Aubrey too."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. I used it to good effect when I was under scrutiny from Robin's machinations, wager it would serve you well."
Avery:
"I am...glad you taught it to me. I have missed it. It is...reassuring. Especially...when I am around people more."
Asbolus:
"It can be, agreed." He went quiet for a moment, taking a few bites of his treat to fill the time as a question rattled around in his mind before he finally voiced it. "This may be an odd question. With my own turnings of the page the separation between myself and those around me has become more pronounced, and that seems to be sitting more heavily on my shoulders than it has in the past. How have you found that in your own progression?"
Avery:
Avery considers.
"It...has been a while since that progression...when you found me I was already...pushing limits. It gets...harder to hold yourself back. To trust yourself to be...careful."
A pause.
"Those around us can be...very fragile if you aren't careful...but...we still need them around us. Finding the right people...is nice."
A smile at Asbolus.
Asbolus:
"It has gotten harder, to the point where I'm starting to wonder whether I should pull back from the work I do at the theater. I'd rather not, since being there offers some much-needed stability, but as things progress I may need to take that step. We'll see where it goes, though."
He gave a small nod, smiling softly as Avery sent one his way. "That it is, and I would certainly count you as one of them."
Avery:
Avery shakes their head.
"I don't...think you should. It's about...limiting your movements. You feel...weird, wobbly? But...others see it as...more normal. But if you have to..."
His smile only grew.
"And I count you as one of them. You are a good man...I appreciate you a lot."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. Thankfully I'm still a rather good actor so I've been able to mask it well enough so far." He smirked a touch, giving a nod. "And I you. You've been a pleasure to get to know and guide as I've been able."
Avery:
Avery nods in understanding.
"If it gets... hard. I can help show you, or Vorpal can. She understands too."
A smile.
"And you have... been a good teacher."
Avery pauses.
"Can... can I tell you something?"
Asbolus:
"She and I spoke on it once some time ago, although I hadn't pushed beyond the normal bounds at that point. May be worth bringing up with her again soon."
"Of course."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"She is so far that...she can't blend in...her blending in looks like....you not blending in."
Avery pauses.
"I...haven't told anyone else...but Vincent said..."
Avery's face flushed, and they shake their head.
"Nevermind...it...nevermind."
Asbolus:
"It's alright." He offered a reassuring smile. "I'm always willing to listen."
Avery:
Avery looks nervous.... and blushy. Very blushy.
"Vincent asked if... eventually... I'd want to be Avery Drake... instead of Avery Frisk..."
A pause to see his reaction.
Asbolus:
"Is that so..." He smiled warmly, giving a little nod. "I would be happy for you if you decide to take that step."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"I told him...I am not ready yet... but thinking about it... it makes me happy. It does... but I'm not ready and I know I'm not."
Asbolus:
"It's not a step to take lightly, so I applaud you there. I am glad that you two are close enough that he's willing to make that offer, though."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"He makes me feel safe...and I make him feel human. And we have troubles...but that makes it worth it. It's not worth it or meaningful if its... only happy all the time."
A small smile and blush getting to talk about his boyfriend and primary partner.
"I do love him...a lot...and when I'm ready...I want to take the step...but I don't know when I'll feel ready."
Asbolus:
"That I couldn't say, admittedly, as none of my own relationships ever reached that point. You'll know when the time is right, though."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"I hope so...maybe...I could talk to Sigrun."
Avery pauses.
"Nevermind...Teagan........"
Asbolus:
"They may not agree in your choice in partner, but Sigrun is her own woman. There's nothing wrong with broaching the subject with her."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Okay... I'll ask her then. She is...a good person. And very caring... and...I see her a lot..."
Asbolus:
"Agreed, although I haven't had as much time to talk with her as I'd like." He nodded, eyebrow quirking up a touch. "Oh? For summer business or personal reasons?"
Avery:
A slight blush hits their face, and they take a spoonful of their dessert.
"Um...their house is safe...with Aubrey on the loose...so I have been there a few times..."
Asbolus:
The blush earned a small smile, followed by a nod. "I see. Can't blame you there."
Avery:
Avery curls up a little bit.
"And...because Vorpal lives there..."
Queue more ice chomping.
Asbolus:
"You two are close as well, I take it?" He inquired, more curious than judgmental.
Avery:
Avery nods, even more blushed. This ice is really interesting. Like super really!
Asbolus:
"I see." He said with a small chuckle. "I'm glad you were able to make that connection with her as well."
Avery:
"Mhmm. She is nice... and she understands... this" Avery gestures to themself as a whole, "...and she is very caring."
Asbolus:
"Good to hear. She's been my own mentor in seasonal matters since my arrival, and she's always been a good person to talk to."
Avery:
Avery's head tilts.
"Like...you are for me? I didn't...know that."
Asbolus:
"Indeed. I'm surprised that I haven't mentioned it before."
Avery:
"You... might have...but she was...not someone I knew as well then."
Asbolus:
"Perhaps." He gave a quiet nod. "Nonetheless, it's good to see you finding people you can be close to. I know that was hard for you at the start."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"It's...been hard...but I'm trying. People are hard...but...I like...my people? I guess..."
Asbolus:
"I follow you. It's an interesting balancing act, making space for yourself but not so much that you have no one to lean on when the need arises. I think we've both managed that fairly well so far."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"I'm... trying. It's easier when the people are... in the community. They understand."
Asbolus:
"Agreed. Staying in touch with those outside the community is still important, though, if only for one's own stability." He sat back in his seat, glancing at the others wandering through the park. "As odd as that may feel at times..."
Avery:
"I... don't have any I feel close to." Avery watches those people as well.
Asbolus:
"I have more acquaintances than friends on that front, I will admit, mostly from the folks I work with at the theater. That's served me well thus far, but fostering a deeper connection is somewhat difficult thanks to having to hide so much from them. It always feels so disingenuous."
Avery:
Avery nods slowly.
"When I start...posting art online...maybe it will get easier...but it is hard in person."
Asbolus:
"One can hope." He nodded quietly, taking a moment to polish off his ice before it melted too much and setting the cup nearby to be thrown out later. "I do think that will go well for you, though. Your art is magnificent."
Avery:
Avery also finishes off their ice in that time.
"I...try? I think it is okay. It could be better."
Asbolus:
"It's already better than most that I've seen." He smiled quietly. "You may want to speak with Lux on that front, as an aside. They have an artist's group in town that may be able to help you further with getting your art out there."
Avery:
Avery pauses and considers.
"Ok. I'll ask Lux for that then. I haven't seen them since....they helped save me from dreams."
Asbolus:
"Their work as a Sage keeps them busy more often than not, but I wager if you reach out they'd be willing to make time."
Avery:
"Okay. They seem...cool."
A frown.
"They are...kind of bright. It hurts my eyes a little."
Asbolus:
"Hmm...sunglasses, perhaps? Not sure what they'd think of it but they might be somewhat amused."
Avery:
Avery giggles, taking the final bite of their ice.
"That...might work. Sunglasses help but...feel a bit bulky, so I don't always wear them."
Asbolus:
"Understandable. It would be nice if there was such a thing as shaded contacts, but c'est la vie."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"There is...someone like Vinny who has good glasses for hiding his eyes. Maybe I can ask him?"
Asbolus:
"Not a bad idea."
Avery:
"There are...a lot of people to talk to..."
Asbolus:
"Seems so." He smiled a touch. "If you take it one at a time it won't feel like it, though."
Avery:
Avery nods.
"Um...who do I talk to first then...?"
Asbolus:
"If you need the glasses to make speaking with Lux easier I would speak with them first. It's up to you, though."
Avery:
"That's...smart...yes. And to the Knights? Should that be...before or after?"
Asbolus:
"I'd say that's also up to you. With their position in the court Lux may be one to speak with on that front as well, so you can k-nock both out at once." Keen-eared as he was Avery would likely notice the quick shift in phrase, a slip of the tongue just barely avoided.
Avery:
Avery's head tilts at the change, not sure what it was.
"Okay. I can ask...them too, then."
Asbolus:
Asbolus nodded, looking over Avery with a small smile. "Thank you again for coming out. It was good talking with you properly on things that have been rattling around in my mind for a bit."
Avery:
Avery smiles widely.
"Thank you too. I have missed talking to you a lot."
Asbolus:
"Let's try and make it happen more often, then, hmm?"
Avery:
"Yes please. I would like that. Maybe...we can glide again?"
Asbolus:
"I would be up for that. I've done it a few times since and it's been quite enjoyable."
Avery:
"Yay. I'm glad."
A happy smile.
"Thank you for the ice today."
Asbolus:
"Very welcome. And thank you for the bubbles." He lifted the bottle with a small smirk. "It's rare to get time to play as an adult, after all."
Avery:
Avery beams.
"They are very fun. Im going to try to do an art with them."
Asbolus:
"I look forward to seeing what you come up with."
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