riverview | audio & action @L.Mills forward dated to April 8th

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audio & action @L.Mills forward dated to April 8th

[The audio turns on to the sound of silence for the first few seconds before Lucy asks her question.]

If you could have one wish, what would you wish for? Not like...money or anything. Not for powers, but what would you really wish for?

[Because it's her birthday, and she wasn't really in the mood to celebrate. Of course, she'll wish for her family to be okay, for them to remember and come here so they could meet Victor. But...would that be a waste of a wish? Sure, wishes were powerful, but she was in another world, and she didn't think they would be strong enough to pull her family from one realm to the next...

Or, maybe she's just over thinking things. Maybe she just wants to talk and not think about her birthday.]

[ooc: Lucy's birthday is on April 8th, so here's her birthday post! She won't say it's her birthday, not yet anyway. Either way, this post can double as action too. So have fun!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Almost isn't the same as is. My point is, you shouldn't injure yourself further--and you'll pick up more work, do more things and you won't get any rest so you won't heal properly.

[There's a slow nod of her head.]

Yeah but...if it happens, there's also a chance that someone else might leave and I don't want that either.

I know he does, and I care a lot about him too. I miss my mom...Henry...Regina..other members of my family.

God. [ He groans, but there's a playful smile on his face right after. ] You're starting to sound like my mom. Worse than my mom, even.

[ But only because his mom wasn't around most of the time. ]

Hmm... equal trade, then? I see.

Well, I know it's not much comfort, but at least you'll have him until you can go back home and be with them again.

[ Niw she rolls her eyes at him, trying hard to be stern. ] And you sound like an angsty teenager. I’m just saying to take it easy, I’m not telling you to clean your room.

It’s not equal and it’s not fair but...it is what it is. And I want my family here so they can meet Victor.

I know...he’s more than a comfort, he’s my Papa—he’s family. Not many people have that, and...it’s selfish to want more than that, right?

I can be at work and still take it easy, that's my point.

[ It's sweet that she cares, though. He just wishes it didn't come from a place of guilt because he certainly doesn't blame her. ]

No. I don't think that's selfish, no. Growing up, I just had my mom, and I barely saw her. I always wished I could've had a dad and maybe a brother or sister, grandparents, uncles and aunts I was close to. It's normal, wanting a big family that loves you.

Maybe... when you go back, Victor will go back with you too. To the same place. He could also meet your family that way.

[ Even if that would mean Jim would lose him... but that's an inevitability he tries very hard not to think about. ]

[Part of it from guilt, the other part is that she genuinely cares about Jim. She doesn't want him to get hurt any further, or anything of the sort.]

I think you can, but I also think you tend to forget to take things easy. You're always willing to help--and I think that's what might happen if you're at the best. You'll want to help and you may over do it.

[There's a slow nod of her head only for her to stare at him with surprise that quickly gives way to sadness.]

No, I wouldn't want that! I'd want him to stay here with you. That isn't what I want at all. I'd want him to stay with you...even if I couldn't. Which is why I wanted my wish to be for my family to be here...so we wouldn't lose anyone.

[Another pause as she looks down.] ...I wouldn't take Papa away from you.

Well... that is true, I do always want to help people. Tell you what, how about I make you a promise? I promise to take it slow and not work too hard and do physical therapy and a lot of exercises until my arm and shoulder are all healed again. How's that?

[ There's a faint smile there, but it fades quickly when she speaks again. He feels something tighten in his chest, as though gripping his insides, and it's a struggle not to let it show on his face.

Victor will go home, eventually. Everyone does. He might get months, or years, but sooner or later... it's inevitable. Lucy, too. At least they come from the same universe, even if not from the exact same place. Jim, though...

They're literally universes apart. When Victor leaves, when he leaves... they'll never get to see each other again. It's not even a remote possibility. ]

Alright, that... that makes sense. Yes. Then... I'd wish for the same thing for you. [ He smiles. ] I'd like to meet the rest of your family too.

...That's better. [But..she knows something he doesn't. That Victor will ask if he could stay with them until he's healed. Hopefully Jim will say yes.] Pinky Promise?

[It's easier to hide feelings through video chat. The camera isn't able to capture in real time those little nuances, those fine details that show when someone isn't okay. It's harder for Lucy to get a read on Jim's feelings, but she has an inkling there's something else on his mind? Something they both were thinking about? Maybe even dreading?

..but they're wishing for the same thing, so...it makes her feel a little better.]

You'd like Henry...and my mom. Regina is harder to get to know, because she's protective...and maybe you saw Emma...when she was here.

[Another beat.]...I could ask Papa if you could come over for dinner. If that's okay? [Assuming Victor hasn't already asked Jim if he wants to stay for a few days.]

Pinky promise. Well, when I see you and we get to hook our pinkies together.

[ His smile softens at those names. ] I'm sure I'd like them all, in their own way. And yes, I met Emma. She was part of my team on a mission once— just before I met Victor.

[ He hadn't known about Lucy then, of course. He hadn't even known of the connection between Victor and Emma until Victor mentioned it to him. Now, he's admittedly a little sad he didn't get to know her a bit better before she was gone. ]

I'd like that very much. Actually... I have something for you. I was thinking of dropping by once Victor signs my discharge papers. If you're home right now, I mean. Is that alright?

I'll hold you to it.

Papa made portraits of them, I mean, he drew them...from when he last saw them. So Henry--my dad, he's a lot younger, but I could show them to you.

I'm heading home--straight home soon, so you may get there before I do. But you're welcome to come by whenever. [They've made so much progress, haven't they?]

Oh. He showed me a few of his drawings, but not of them, I don't think. I'd like to see them.

[ His lips curl a hint at that, and he shrugs. ] I'll just wait a little longer, then. But I might still take a while. [ He does still need to go get her gifts from the Perimeter Guard, so. ] So— I'll see you soon?

Okay! When you're here, I'll show them to you.

I'll see you soon, but take it easy. Please?

[She gives a little wave before ending the video and then makes her way home.]

Of course! I made a promise.

[ He waves back with a smile, then goes back to being totally useless on his hospital bed. Victor comes talk to him eventually, to ask him about staying over at their place. Much like Victor had expected, his answer is a resounding 'yes'. He'd have to be crazy to not take each and every opportunity he got to spend time with Victor. And getting to actually sleep through the whole night curled up next to him? Perfect.

With renewed energy and a slight spring to his step, he makes his way straight to the perimeter guard once he's discharged from the hospital, packing up his things, then grabbing a bag with a few gifts wrapped up. Probably not long after she's made it home, Jim's standing by the door, big backpack slung over his good shoulder, and the bag in his other hand.

He rings the doorbell, then waits. ]

[Lucy made it home a few minutes before Jim did, making sure to take a safe route and then did her best to not drag any mud or water into the house. Her rain coat and umbrella are drying off in the shower, making it easier for the water to go down into the drain than anywhere else.

She was hoping Victor asked Jim about staying over, and maybe had an extra pillow or two placed in Victor's room just in case.

Hearing the doorbell, she races for it, opening the door to see Jim.]

Hey! [She looks and sees his bag and starts to grin.] So ....you said yes to Papa?

I did. [ He narrows his eyes a little at her, still smiling. ] And you knew about it all along.

[ Victor had mentioned that Lucy had been the one suggesting it to begin with, after all, so it's no surprise that she asks that straight up the moment she sees his backpack. He wordlessly offers his hand with his pinky finger extended. Priorities. ]

Ah— Operation Glass Slipper. [ See, he hasn't forgotten!! ] So, can I come in?

[Her grin turns a little bashful. Yes, she may have pushed Victor into that direction, but it wouldn't have meant anything if Jim said no.]

Yeah...I sort of up brought it up.

[She brings her hand up, pinky extended and loops it around his. So he'll take it easy, and it'll be much easier to do while here than at the guard.]

Yeah! You didn't need to say the code word since we invited you over. [They should probably go over that in greater detail, but she steps aside to let him in and closes the door behind him. The tiny chick from before is sitting on the couch, hoping off to go over to Jim to look at him.

Big. HUMAN. But, it remembers him. Lucy scoops down to pick up the tiny porg to hold out to Jim.]

You can put your bags down, but you remember this little guy-gal? But the chick from before. They're grown a little, see?

I know, he told me.

[ And he's both touched and grateful for that. It's great knowing that he really is growing on Lucy. At one point he honestly worried that it might never happen, and it had been more than just a little discouraging.

He puts his backpack down carefully first, leaving it near the entranceway for now, then turns his attention to the porg in Lucy's hands. ]

Aww, it's so cute! [ He reaches for the baby, scratching its fluffy little head. ] What's its name?

I don't have a name for it yet. I was talking to Papa and since we don't know the gender, we want to go for something neutral.

[The porg peeps or chirps again, tilting its head at Jim as Lucy holds her hands to him. It attempts to flap its wings, trying to fly but doesn't get off the ground. It hops to the end of her fingers, balancing there to stare at Jim before running back to Lucy and sat on her shoulder instead.]

Sorry he--she? They're a bit skiddish. But they didn't scream at you, so that's a good sign! At least, I'm taking it like one.

Did you want something to drink? water? Or..? [Trying to be a good nurse/hostess.]

You know, we could figure out the gender if you want to. Not that that's important, anyway.

[ Jim cants his head a little, amused and endeared both at the little porg's reactions. He chuckles when it rushes back to sit on Lucy's shoulder, leaving the poor thing be for now. No point in scaring it off, anyway. ]

Actually, if you have some hot chocolate that'd be great. Hospital food's terrible. They gave me something they claimed was tea, but I don't know if I believe them.

[ He emphasizes by frowning and sticking his tongue out. Once she steps further into the house, he follows after, taking the bag with her presents along with him. ]

I've— I got you something. For today. [ Because it's her birthday, and yes, Victor told him. ]

I don't really care, but how would you figure that out? Wait to see when it's older if it lays an egg?

[She guesses that's one option, but by then the bird will still be nameless, and it needs a name! Help her pick out a name, Jim!!]

Hot chocolate? Yeah, we do! I can make it the way my...grandma made it..it's a favorite of my dad too. [Her excitement was high and then started to decrease when she brought up the topic of her family. Her heart ached then and a wave of sadness came down on her, but she did her best to push it out of her mind. Instead, she went over to the kitchen, looking for the hot cocoa mixture and sticks of cinnamon.]

For today? [She paused to look at him, not eyeing the presents, but just at him. She's torn between being happy and being sad at the same.]

You..you didn't have to. I wasn't planning on celebrating anyway.

I was thinking we could just take it to the vet. A doctor would know how to see that stuff.

[ Jim's hardly an expert when it comes to porgs, after all. ]

Sounds delicious already. [ He smiles a little, and if he notices the shift in her demeanor, he doesn't say anything to it. He lets her fetch the cocoa mix and the cinnamon sticks, only moving closer again when she pauses to look at him. ]

I know I didn't. And it's still fine if you don't want to celebrate, but I'd like to give you these gifts anyway. Is that okay?

Do you think a vet knows where or what to look for? I mean, they're....birds but not really? [Who knows? But, a check up sounds like a good idea. Just to make sure the little chick is growing up just fine.

There's a ghost of a smile on her face. Instant hot cocoa mix wasn't the same from scratch, but...at least they had the cinnamon sticks...and milk. Memories of nights spent by the fireside enjoying hot cocoa with her family danced through her mind, but she pushed those feelings away. She didn't want to cry. She didn't want to upset Jim, and she didn't want to cry.]

It's okay... [She can accept the gifts, and they don't have to celebrate, but she could unwrap the presents just to see what was there.] You're very thoughtful, Jim..thank you.

Maybe. [ He purses his lips and shrugs. ] We won't lose anything by trying, at least.

[ He sketches a small smile at her answer, genuinely touched. He can sympathize with not wanting to celebrate one's own birthday all too well, but he also appreciated it when the people important to him took notice and got him something, or did something nice for him. He just didn't like making a big fuss of it.

But he wanted her to have nice memories of the day, or at least something to remember it by. Even if she doesn't want a party or anything. ]

You're welcome. And thank you. Now— I think the chocolate can wait for a little bit longer. Alright? [ He nods towards the stools on the kitchen island, so they can both take a seat and he can give her the presents. ]

Okay, I'l talk to Papa to see if we can take them to the vet. Unless...you want to go with me instead?

[After all, it was Jim's idea to take the bird to the vet. Maybe the three of them could go together ~~like a family~~. It was up to him. After all, the bird was Lucy's responsibility, and she was doing her best to take care of it.

There's a nod of her head, glad she hadn't turn on the stove or anything. Lucy moved over to the stools on the kitchen island, sitting down on one of them. The tiny porg hopped off her shoulder to wander around the table top, peering over the edge to see how high up it was.]

I can go with you if you want. I know just the one, too. It's where I took John when he showed up at the guard.

[ Not that he's adopted John officially or anything, and the pup's been living at the guard since anyway. It's not like Jim's been to his own flat since the flood, though, so he's never really had the chance to take him home with him, even if he wanted to.

Once Lucy climbs onto one of the stools, he sets the bag down on the countertop, taking out three wrapped gifts. Two of them are a little heavier and more solid, and the other one a bit fluffy and light. ]

Take your pick. [ He gestures to the gifts, not really particular on which one she unwraps first. ]

Sure! We can go together, maybe John could come too? It would be good for this little one to get used to other animals.

[Just in case any other animals find their way here. Or if they end up adopting anyone or anything else. Lucy was like her great-grandmother in that sense, loving animals and wanting to help.

She sat down on the stool, waiting for Jim to take out his present--singular, one item. However, he had three items all wrapped up. She looked at the gifts then at him. He really went all out didn't her? She reached for the first one, testing the weight of it. It was heavy, and the shape made her think it was a book....

Carefully, she teared into the heavier item, wondering what it could possibly be.]

audio & action @L.Mills forward dated to April 8th

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