Fool's Journey

He bites his lip, then opens the door again a crack and leans against the wall.

 

"...we're going to figure it out. We just need more time. I'm sure we can find a way, Rosie." Freddie's voice is quiet, soothing. "Just be patient a little longer-"

 

"I'm. It's just. I'm so tired. I want to see the sun. I want to grow old with all of you. I just. I don't want you, and Martin, and Nick, to all die before I do. I'm. I'm so tired of people dying around me. I'm so tired of just. Having to fucking lurk in the shadows. Of not being a real person-"

 

"...I don't... Rosie. Rosie, look at me."

"I don't give a damn what anyone else says. You're real. You're a person. You have a soul. You're one of the kindest people I know, and you just want the world to be a better place, honey. It's okay to be frustrated."

 

"Freddie, I just. What if you die? I. I can't take it, I don't want to lose you-"

 

"I'm not going anywhere, Rosie. I'll risk the kind of paradox that could rip our city in two to bring you back, and to make sure we can grow old together. I'll move heaven and earth for you, babe. I promise."

 

Rosie sobs louder, though the sounds are muffled, clearly she's buried her face in his chest....

 

If he keeps listening, Kainze hears them exchange a quiet "love you," after a good ten minutes pass, before Freddie mumbles that he should get the twins home.

 

Mischa's leaning against the table, arms crossed glaring at Kainze. Nosey little shit. Though she can't really argue since she didn't stop him... and she was being nosey too.

Kainze moves quietly to stand by his sister and hug her.

 

Freddie walks in, smiling tightly. "...sorry, guys. Uh. Bit of a sore spot. You couldn't have known. Let me get you home."

 

"Is she still mad at me?" Kainze asks without lifting his head.

 

"...nah. Not really...she's just... mad at the universe. You just hit the button." He smiles fondly, then looks away. "Uh. Don't bring up politics unless you want her to get fierce, by the way. Just to put that one on the board."

He goes to the fridge, inspecting it for a minute. "...and the only times she drinks from people are with permission, basically, and she mostly feeds from our pets. There's a reason we have a huge number - so they all stay healthy, and so she can, too."

He turns back. "I mean, if you want to offer a no hard feelings gift..." he shrugs. "...but she tries not to hold grudges.'

 

"... are you saying she wants me to offer my blood as an apology?" He asks, confused.

 

"..nah. though I'm admit that's what half of our friends assume is the best quick gift," he snorts. "She didn't say anything like that."

 

"Oh..." He relaxes, and steps away from Mischa to take her arm again instead of hugging her. "... does she still eat solid food? Does she like sushi?"

 

"Sometimes, though it makes her sick. Sushi....she wants to try it, but hasn't had a chance."

 

"We'll bring sushi next time." He nods. "Or maybe some fresh fish. Fresh and raw with blood still in it. That should be good? Right?"

"Mmm fish." Mischa nods. "...Freddie, if you're a Druid, do you do Samhain?"

 

He looks thoughtful, then smiles warmly. "...yeah, it's worth a shot. If she can't handle it I'm sure Spot can."

He grabs his car keys. "...yeah, more or less. I mean, my Cabal doesn't really do the group get together thing, but I try to do something for samhain. Even if it's just a movie marathon."

 

"We do the feast for the dead." Kainze says. "We make a lot of food... for us anyways."

 

"...that's a fantastic tradition." He grins hugely.