Your faith walks on broken glass & the hangover doesn't pass, nothing's ever built to last [W6, Fri]

[hydrokinetics]

[He thinks of where she could be not long after he receives his letter from Hannibal. He remembers something Natalie told him not long ago, about how she and Jason came here once to drink away their sorrows and he finds it funny even now.

It's the only bit of humor he has left.

It's with this in mind that he enters the church quietly and shuts the door silently behind him. Churches are fake, he thinks, too boxed in and too reliant on only one god. Then again, it's not like the gods have ever helped him here, have they? And they won't help now.

Percy's spoken to Natalie before about losing friends. And his heart sinks as he realizes just how true those words are.]

...Natalie?

Comments

[hydrokinetics]

Yeah, absolutely. [Maybe he should hear what it is first, but.] What is it?

[robitussin]

...Can you tell everyone I'm sorry? I have to lie to them, and I just - I want them to understand why.

[hydrokinetics]

...of course. After the trial, you mean?

[robitussin]

[She nods.]

I'm going to tell them all I didn't do it, and I think they're going to believe me until then.

[Which brings her to something else.]

...How did you know I killed him, anyways?

[hydrokinetics]

They will. You've never had reason to lie to them.

[There's a frown.] ...got a letter from Dr. Lecter. He mentioned it so I followed the lead. It led me straight to you.

[robitussin]

[She hesitates, but...]

I get it if the answer is no, but can I see it?

[hydrokinetics]

[And he, too, hesitates.]

...the others have letters too, I bet. Dr. Lecter was writing these when I saw him on Wednesday. What I show you stays between you and me, and if they ask me about mine, I will be omitting things.

[But from there, he pulls out of his pocket a letter for her to read.]

[robitussin]

[She reads it over once, twice, three times before handing it back to him. After a moment:]

...Jesus.

[She isn't sure where to start.]

[hydrokinetics]

...I never would have been mad, by the way. Just so you know.

[So yeah! That sure is a lot.]

[robitussin]

...Thanks.

[She means that, even if she doesn't understand it.]

What are you going to do with all the merit?

[hydrokinetics]

I have literally no idea. [And that's where he looks annoyed and finally just pulls her by the hand to go take a seat. They're going to be here for a bit, it seems.] I had no idea talking to him would do this, especially since I already have merit saved up from my job.

[A beat.] He knew, by the way. I told him after I told you. It's...something I used as leverage when I went to speak to him.

[robitussin]

[A pause.]

Knew what, that we knew about him, that he was going to die? That it was going to be me?

[hydrokinetics]

No, no, no, I left all of that out. ...I mean no, I'm pretty he knew he was going to die since he had time to write all of these letters. I mean he knew about my coal mining job, I used it to my advantage. He knew the Bounty was after him, but I'm still pretty sure he has no idea who's actually involved.

[robitussin]

...At least he won't know in time to do anything about it, I guess.

[She sighs.]

[hydrokinetics]

It was a risk I took, kind of like going to talk to him without a weapon.

[He looks at the ceiling.] But with my merit and his...maybe Hal will tell me what we really need to know about winning this game. He tells me enough other stuff.

[robitussin]

You're an idiot, but I'm pretty sure I have no right to say that anymore.

[It's a pretty shoddy attempt at humor, but.]

You better send me a letter about everything you figure out.

[hydrokinetics]

You're a brave idiot. That counts for something. [They can try to find amusement, at least.]

...I'll send you a letter as soon as I can. And...when you get to the train, I want you to find Annabeth. Tell her you're coming with us. And hug Xion for me? [His non-bandaged hand scrubs over his face.] It won't be long. Then all of us can go home.

[robitussin]

[It's fairly apparent in her expression that she doesn't feel brave, but she doesn't vocalize that thought. She just nods along to what he's saying.]

I will.

[A pause.]

...Can you make sure nobody lets Jason execute Will?

[hydrokinetics]

...yeah. Absolutely. [He chews his lip briefly.] Jason should never have blood on his hands. Not like this. I'll figure something out to stop it. Get Milla and Noctis to help me restrain him if I have to.

[robitussin]

...No, he shouldn't.

[A pause, and then she shakes her head as if to clear it.]

I know he's going to want to, though. I think - I fucked up.

[hydrokinetics]

[...mmmmmh.]

What makes you say that?

[robitussin]

...Promise me you won't say anything that will make me need to kick you in the shin again?

[Which will probably be answer enough, but.]

[hydrokinetics]

I've been known to say things without thinking, but I'll do my best. [That is to say that yes, he will shut up entirely. He's leaning back and turning his head toward her, eyes attentive and also curious to know what else she has to tell him.]

[robitussin]

[just

gently drops her face into her hand]

We kissed.

[hydrokinetics]

[...

...

...there's a snort of laughter that he ever-so-smoothly turns into a cough.]

Oh? [....pffffhahahaha gods. How unfortunate that he finds that...very sweet.] Your idea or his?