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Harry Potter:"Do you really think there's going to be a war, Sirius?"
Sirius Black: "It… feels like it did before."
TURN ON THE LIGHT is a Post- Potter roleplay that takes place twenty-five years after the Second Wizarding War.
We welcome canon and original characters in this (currently) sandbox style roleplay.
Anywhere Bea. Anywhere. You could do an apprenticeship in France. You could do literally anything you put your mind to. Fuck Alejandro, and the rest, fuck how they treat you, and how they look at you, and how you never get any of the credit you deserve. The least they could do is treat you like a human being, and show basic human decency. It was making Link’s blood boil. He wasn’t an angry person, but he hated this. This is what kept him up at night. Well, besides the fact that they weren’t together, but that’s beside the point. Link had to show restraint. He knew Bea wouldn’t see it the way he did, or she would clam up. “I know you work here, but you really don’t have to. You really don’t. Just.. know you have that option, that’s all. I wouldn’t tell you that if I didn’t believe it, you know that.” At the very least, he believed she would respect that.
Jeez, she couldn’t even string a coherent rebuttal together. She was drained. He didn’t know much more she’d be willing to take before it changed her. And things like this were the kinds of situations that changed people, make no mistake. Her eyes, usually so vivacious and bright, look dusty and hollow. Link shoved his hands in his pockets. Almost as downtrodden as her. What could he do in that moment as her friend, and confidant? Because comfort could only get you so far. It’s fighting a losing battle. Link was all too familiar with it. “Okay Bea..okay.” He knew the truth. So did she. This was not the conversation he had hoped to have with her tonight. It was rare that he was lost, not knowing what to do in a situation. This was one of those times.
He was mid eye roll when he was startled by her sudden, yet all too common request to visit places beyond imagination. “Gah fu-..geez Bea. It’s dangerous. Too dangerous for muggles. You’ll get eaten by..like a unicorn, or something..” Unicorn attacks. Smooth move. Despite the violence that sounded pretty impressive even for Link. Her tenacity knew no bounds. He shifted a step back, sharing a knowing look with Bea. Even after all these years.. I have to respect it.
Leave it to The Platters to set the mood. They never fail. If music itself was magic, surely The Platters would have to be forbidden due to the power they had over people. Their moments intertwined were.. More than Link could have ever hoped for - more so when she moved his hands to her hips. His breathing staggered - was this even real? Everything seemed to move slow motion. Though maybe it was just the song. The Platters weren’t known for their pacy BPM. This was worth everything to him. He would give everything he had to stay in this moment forever.
He partially came back to reality at her ballet comment. “Oh uh, yea. Maybe I’d be able to do a split. That’s always a party fave.” He nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. Getting lost in them, and regressing back into the softness of Bea's eyes, he found himself completely captivated once more. “Indeed. The Platters.” He twirled her slowly, in the confined space so as not to risk bumping an elbow or something similar. “I-” WOAH. Reel it in cowboy, do NOT ruin the moment. You’re romanticizing an experience.. right?“Hey Bea..I-” He hitched again, the pause permitting The Platters tune to end, and a jarring rendition of Shake, Rattle and Roll to start up. As if he were waking from a dream, he suddenly felt heavy, the moment now feeling distant. “..I.. think we should get as much as we can cleaned up while we can before the bake comes out. Counters, bowls, cutting boards.. Save time, you know?” He removed his hands from her hips, looking around facetiously for things to clean, or a rag, or really anything to ground him from what he almost just did.
"It'll be okay. You'll be there and isn't your job, like, protecting people?" He had explained his role to her before, or had tried to, but when one had very little experience in magical matters it was kind of baffling to understand. She had managed to put together that he was essentially some sort of magical police man meets detective - which honestly sounded so very fun and exhilarating. "I can be people. I can be protected!" She continued on trying to convince him not caring at all how innocent she sounded. "And besides-" Her hands rested on either of her hips, tapping her foot, and looking at him with narrowed eyes. "Everybody knows that unicorns are vegetarian. Even us muggles!" Well, at least she had gotten the name correct this time.
"Ballerinas don't do splits, Linky." She rolled her eyes, but it was worth noting that the gesture was accompanied by a smile and soft laugh. He always had a knack for making her do that - and dancing too apparently! She looked up at the ceiling and his hand when he twirled her. Her smaller feet taking her in a small (very slow) little circle before she returned to her rightful place before him.
Though her hands rested still looped around his neck her feet had stopped moving and so had his apparently. Just looking into each other's eyes her lips parted. She forgot how to breathe in the moment but it didn't matter. "You what?" Her words clung to the air like the cat in the 'hang in there' poster that all muggles hung up. And hanging was where they stayed as the much louder rock tune that she knew from the movie Clue took over the restaurant and he released her. Her heart sunk. A pity that certain moments couldn't last forever...
"I-" She what? She was still stunned and coming back to earth. Maybe she had been foolish to think that it could be something else. No. She definitely was fool-hearted. Best to move on. "Oh. Ok." He was right because he was always right. "I can do it myself. I think I've gotten you enough out of your comfort zone for one evening with the knife skills and the, um, this..." She gestured to both of their feet referencing their dancing. In a flurry, she turned away from him and began to gather up everything in her slender arms.
"It was all my idea after all." The sink was soon full and water running. She scrubbed away, a bit harder than she needed to but she was trying to get her brain and heartbeat to slow down. the dinging of her Iphone signifying the cook time was done she slid on her oven mitts and pulled out the delicious bake setting it on the counter. "So... Do you think Ava will like it?" She asked hopefully, sticking a fork in and digging out a small chunk and holding it up for Lincoln to take a taste. "Blow on it first. It's hot." Her hand cupped beneath the bite in case it dropped. Not an exact science, but one had to be prepared!
Bea had a pretty good grasp on the goings on of the magical world - for a muggle. “Yea I mean.. in a way I kind of protect people. But it’s not quite the same. Tough to explain.” She was good at drawing parallels, in fact he wished she could put 2 and 2 together more often. Link figured the best way to dodge the topic was to keep it as brief and vague as possible. That usually gave Bea enough sustenance.. until the next day of course. But even Link couldn’t contain himself at her expert unicorn analysis. “Ah yes. Vegetarian unicorns. Of course. Well even still, you could be hurt, so the answer is still negatory.” Though boy, was she whittling him down.
“Oh right. Sorry.” He couldn’t be distracted in this moment. She could have it. As long as he could have this. It all felt right - as if it was destined to be. But he couldn’t deliver. The moment was too heavy, and Link couldn’t carry it - or rather wouldn’t carry it. Captured one moment, and freed the next. Ebbing and flowing, waxing and waning. Part of him wished he would commit. To one side of the side, or the other. Sitting on the fence was only good for a pain in the ass. But it was so much easier said than done. It had been so long. 27 years long. 27 years of memories, and bonding. If that were to just fade away overnight because Link couldn’t control himself. He would never forgive himself.
“I’m-” he muttered, under his breath. “..sorry.” Now he was putting her to work. Not only did they build up this beautiful moment, but it was torn down as fast as it was created. He retook his seat at the bar, his head resting in both of his hands. You’re an idiot Lincoln. Bonafide. Certified. And so he was back to swiveling. He followed the bake as it was delivered to the counter. “It smells incredible. She’ll love it. She always loves it.” He blew gently on the bite of butternut squash bake, careful to not singe the roof of his mouth.
After he had determined the bite to not be at a lava-esque temperature, he slid the bite from the fork into his mouth. It was..nothing short of incredible. The flavor itself immediately rang out - sweet blending with savory to form an all too familiar combination, yet specifically different enough that Link could confidently say he hadn’t tasted anything quite like it. “Bea it’s literally..awesome. Seriously. Good fucking job.” He was tempted to steal another bite but thought better of it. “Seriously, take a bite yourself. Maybe your pallet is more refined than mine but... I love it.” He stood from his seat, adjusting his coat. “I can help you wrap that bad boy up so we can Netflix it up. Is there anything else you need help with? Since you did all of the dishes..” He still felt bad about that. He’d have to make it up to her. That was turning into a lot of IOUs.
"Yeah?" Her smile grew as he described how good her little bake tasted. She knew it would be edible, maybe even good or very good, but literally awesome? She was all teeth and smiles now. Excited hands used the same fork to dig into the corner and fetch herself a small bite (Ava wouldn't notice surely) and blowing on it brought it to her mouth. He was right. It was good.
"Mm!" Unable to resist she gave him a thumbs up before letting out an excited squeal and picking the meal up. "You stay there. I'll be right back. Alejandro will kick my butt double if he knew that I let you in the back." Free meals and late night dances were apparently smaller offenses. "Be right back. Wait for me." Bringing it to the back she wrapped it carefully smiling fondly down at her work. Another victory! And oh it tasted so very good.
Humming a little tune that she probably made up to herself she returned to the bar in her pea coat, red beanie, and a green reusable shopping bag which held the wrapped meal for Ava (and them as luck would have it). "Now you can help." She suggested, holding out the bag for him to take before making a grab for her purse and slinging it over her shoulder. "One more day in paradise down." She said aloud to the whole empty restaurant and to the two of them alone in it. Walking over to the light switch she lifted her hand to it but looked at Lincoln first.
"Thank you for helping." And dancing with me. But some thanks were better left unsaid. Didn't want to weird him out. If he was self-conscious he might stop doing the things she actually really liked. With that she flicked the switch and the lights went out. Leading him out the front door which she promptly locked (she was responsible dang it!) and walked by his side toward his place.
Once there her boots were kicked off and she was scampering about like she owned the place (probably because she was there so often that she felt like she lived there). She organized one of his shelves, heated them up some treats from what limited supply he had in his kitchen, and currently stood before him with one of his blankets draped over her shoulder like a cape. "So when is Allen back in town? Your Allen of course?" It had been a minute since she had seen him. "Are you all spending the Christmas holiday together? Oh!" Already distracted she raced over to one of his shelves and pulled a record out studying the cover. "This is new? What is it?" Read, Bea. Read. Or maybe she just wanted to hear him talk about something... Anything really.
With the mood now lightening again, Link felt it was similar to the motion of a pirate ship, complete with the emptied stomach sensations as the pendulum was moved back and forth. Though unlike his last trip to Funtime Land, he wouldn’t be opposed to it getting stuck at the top of the motion. In fact - he was now determined to make the night as pleasant as possible for Bea. After all, she just clued him into her mental status. What she went through daily was rough. He knew that. She deserves peace.
Finding agreeance from his companion gave him a bit of relief, though if she had tasted something funky he couldn’t fault himself for having a comparably unrefined pallet. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time Bea disagreed with what he was tasting. “Alrighty, I will stay right here, and not touch a thing.” Except for the salt shaker. He palmed the mineral dispenser for the third time, and moved it through his digits, noting whatever distinctive grains he could make out as he waited for her to finish her nightly duties. It was not lost on Link that she put in a considerable amount of time well after she was obligated to, to make a delicious meal for his sister, with no expectation of a returned favor until Link had offered. She was more than sweet.
“Happy to be the muscle.” He put the salt shaker down on the counter, replacing it with the bag she was now handing him. Yea..if by paradise, you mean playing Survivor with absolutely no prize at the end. Sigh.“It was fun - we should do it again sometime. Soon. Let’s get outta’ here Kiddo.” His head moved towards the door as she turned out the lights, concluding the first part of what had been a fairly eventful evening - and out they went.
Link had noticed her renewed vigor once she stepped foot into his humble (and somewhat messy, at that moment, but he was comfortable enough with Bea to not worry about that too much) apartment. She knew to make herself at home. His apartment, was hers. He removed his outer layers, before tackling each topic one by one. “Actually I think Allen will be back in town for Christmas. He can’t make it before then because of something work-related.” Allen did what Link did. But Allen worked on the horrid cases. The kinds of cases you didn’t share the details of. Not because of any red tape or bureaucracy, but because keying someone into those kinds of things wasn’t humane. He worried about his brother often. It’s why he kept in touch so often. “I’m not sure if we’re spending all of Christmas together. Probably a large portion of it. And you’re welcome to join us of course. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Ava in an ugly-Christmas sweater and fuzzy antlers passed out wine drunk on the couch. Gotta be one of the new seven wonders of the world.” He figured she would appreciate the offer.
He ambled across the room, noting the record in her hand. It was a good one - a reissue, nonetheless, but a classic. “That, my dear Bea-” He paused mid-sentence, taking note of the art on the sleeve. It was one of his favorites, music aside. It featured Frank Sinatra standing on a street sidewalk, the setting itself bathed in varying shades of soft blue light. He looked deep in thought. So deep in thought. As Link often did. “-is ‘In the Wee Small Hours’.” The irony was not lost on Link - the album itself being largely about love lost, and other such romantic trials and tribulations. “It’s great - some of his best work. But it’s a downer.” He gave a thumbs down, and trekked to the kitchen, retrieving, a cheap bottle of mixed variety wine and two clean..? Sniff sniff. Yes, clean wine glasses, letting Bea reflect on his weirdly robust knowledge of music from a bygone era.
He watched her as he plopped down on the couch, wine accoutrements in hand. He poured a glass of each and motioned for her to take a seat next to him as his TV, and subsequently, Netflix booted up.
Post by BEATRIX KIDDO on Nov 14, 2022 18:33:26 GMT
"Really?" She turned to look at Lincoln with an eager smile and wide eyes. "They wouldn't mind?" Of course the Watts wouldn't. The siblings all seemed to enjoy Beatrix in their own little way whether it be for novelty, her food, or because of how ridiculously sweet she was. "Yes please! I would love to come!" Her father had long ago passed away and she was on her own now. No siblings, no family, not even a home really. She didn't even have a childhood home because the three Kiddos kept relocating so much. Christmas with the Watts was a gift in itself. To not be alone a true miracle.
"Christmas day? Christmas eve? Both? What are you doing for New Years?" Ok. She was getting way ahead of herself per usual but she was so gosh darned excited she couldn't handle it. Would Tom want to do something for New Years? Who cared. She was booked! Maybe.
"Frank Sinatra?" She held the record with her slender hands admiring the cover as Lincoln told her all about it. She too marveled at the shades, the expression, the overall aesthetic. They didn't make 'em like that anymore. "My dad just loved him." Bea had been so close to her father. His death had only occurred a mere two years ago and she still was taking it hard. If it wasn't for Lincoln during that time she would have been completely loss. He had held her then as she wept, not at all caring how her tears drenched his clothes, or how she unapologetically clung to him not wanting him to leave. How she didn't brush her hair somedays and just looked at old pictures like a sad sack.
Wooly socked feet carried her to the kitchen trailing in his wake still gingerly hanging onto the record. "Can we listen to it?" And not even awaiting a response, honestly just banking on the fact that he would say yes, she moved back to the couch and sat cross legged like a kid might in elementary school gym class. "Please?" Once again she held out the record for him to take. "Just for a little bit... then we can watch the movie. Promise."
It took every ounce of control to not giggle giddily like a child on Christmas day at her immediate acceptance of Link’s invite. He figured she’d want to spend it with her significant other if she had one at the time. Or one of her girlfriends. Or- She wants to spend it with me. Let’s take the win, and bank it. Link had often wondered how holidays had been for her lately, given her situation with her family. “Alright, I’ll let Allen and Ava know. Usually, we go to Ava’s place cause it’s so damn ostentatious. If you like all the traditional Christmas stuff, lights, cookies, fireplace, and stuff like that, Ava’s your gal. She’s weirdly into it.” Not so weirdly into it - it certainly didn’t fit her fierce image though. He swore sometimes it was like Ava reverted to a child again during the holidays. A cute quirk to be sure.
“I mean, you’re welcome to hang with us for as long as you want! Christmas Eve we usually just drink some wine and reminiscence. On Christmas day, we nurse our hangovers and exchange gifts. New Years we pretty much do what everyone else does - find a party, drink, eat really good finger foods, and kiss someone. But any holiday you’d like, you can and should come spend it with us.” Rambling. Again. But fuck it. Who cares if he showed a little excitement? Would it be so bad to reciprocate some energy?
Link nodded, reaffirming the artist for Bea to ponder. Memories flooded when her father was mentioned. Link had nothing but the utmost respect for that man. While Link’s father often failed to make time for his children, Bea’s father made time for Link. He provided him with the father figure he needed, outside of what a teenaged Allen could provide. And he genuinely cared. He gave a shit. His questions weren’t just exchanged pleasantries. They were borne of a nurturing inquisition. He would talk with Link for hours about anything, sharing insights and experience. It wasn’t until years later that Link realized he would occasionally throw in the occasional nudge to date his daughter. In a way, that comforted Link. He trusted him enough with his daughter. More so than various other suitors. And what better judge of character than Bea’s dad? Damned if Link knew.
“Of course we can.” Link rose from the couch, and simultaneously grabbed the record from Bea. He made his made over to the record player, unsleeved the reissued record from it’s sleeve. He gently placed it on the plater, set the appropriate speed of playback, and lowered the tone arm. He had just enough time to retake his seat before the music warbled to life. ‘In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning’ began, and immediately Link realized the lyrics were too close to home. But this moment wasn’t about him. And so he would absorb every intonation, breath, and bellow of the Italian crooner, while Bea soaked in the memories.
Post by BEATRIX KIDDO on Nov 14, 2022 21:30:11 GMT
A warm smile grew when he agreed to play the record. Quite pleased with herself she snuggled into her side of the couch with Lincoln's comforter nearly her whole body disappearing into it. Her body relaxed even more as the music carried through his flat, socked feet tucking under her she curled on her side resting her head on his arm rest.
In the wee small hours of the morning
While the whole wide world is fast asleep
You lie awake and think about the girl
And never, ever think of counting sheep
In the quiet the lyrics were so easily heard and she found herself taking them in. Truly taking them in. Slowly her smile faded as she just absorbed it all. One of her hands tucked under her head and her curls while the other played absentmindedly with the frilly end of one of Lincoln's mismatched throw pillows (one that Ava had given him a few holidays ago).
"I remember this one..." She admitted softly, curling up on her side. "My daddy... dad..." Old habits died hard... quite literally. But Beatrix had always been a daddy's girl. Some things were tougher than others. "He loved this one a lot." She sighed sadly as the memories started to flow back. Mom and dad slow dancing in the kitchen, Bea standing on their feet giggling. Relishing in their love as a product of it. "He used to sing it to my mom whenever it would come on the radio... When your lonely heart has learned its lesson... You'd be hers if only she would call.." She wasn't a great singer, but she wasn't lousy either. Singing the tune under her breath from memory with the real lyrics sung by the one and only Frank behind them.
Trying to keep herself from getting to sad she gave a quick sniffle and sat up, facing Lincoln, sitting criss cross applesauce once again. "It wasn't sad when he sang it." Her dad had a hard time making anything sad. He always tried to cheer everyone up. He was a lot like Lincoln in that regard. Taking on the weight of the world before his own well being, all for those he cared about. For Bea. She was lucky to know such men. "He liked you a lot, you know." So did she.
"Can I bring gifts?... For all of you I mean?" She shifted a bit, bridging a difficult topic but trying to do so positively. "I don't have a whole lot of money but I want to get them something. And you! What do they want? What do witches and wizards like?" Were they like muggles? Did everyone just want socks to laugh about?
While the lyrics rang depressingly true for Lincoln, he could see they held a special place in Bea’s heart.
When your lonely heart has learned its lesson You'd be hers if only she would call In the wee small hours of the morning That's the time you miss her most of all
What does one say to somebody amid remembrance? How does one relate to the beautiful things they’ve never had a chance to see for themselves? They don’t. They appreciate the fact that that special person let them into the space with them. Even if they don’t fully understand it themselves. And Lincoln was grateful for that. He knew Bea trusted him. But he always happened to see her at her most vulnerable. That was the epitome of trust, as far as he was concerned.
“Your dad had good taste in music.” And just about everything else for that matter. As she basked in the memory of her father, Link couldn’t help but recall memories of his own. They were sparse - few and far between, and certainly not universally positive. The worst part was that he and his father still had opportunities to create new ones. He was alive and well. But that opportunity was very likely long gone. Link knew it. “He was elite at keeping the mood light, that’s for sure.” That was when Bea’s father had really shone. When the mood was low and faces were downtrodden, he came in like a superhero to alleviate it.
“That’s.. honestly incredible to hear.” Link had a feeling. But hearing it directly from Bea was still needed. “I liked him a lot too. He was a hell of a man. And I’m sure he was a hell of a dad too.” In truth, his death marred Link’s ability to think straight for weeks. Despite comforting Bea, he himself was devastated. But oddly, comforting others provides one the ability to remain stoic, and resolute. He would never fold under pressure when Bea needed him. That was a promise that he vowed to keep. “You’re more than welcome to bring gifts!” He hoped she wouldn’t break the bank for this. Bea was the kind of person that would spend her last penny buying someone a Millenium Falcon Lego set if it was what they really wanted. “Well, Ava loves cheap wine. Allen is a tie guy - really fluorescently colored ones! And me..well you don’t have to get me anything.” You being there is my present.There’s nothing money can buy that would be any better than that. He, however, did intend to spoil her this year. Coming from money meant there was usually enough to go around. Link didn’t typically overindulge. But if he could help it, he would set her heart alight on Christmas morning. This could be one component to help achieve this objective. “Wait a second - you never gave Santa your list! What do you want for Christmas?”
"Yeah. He really did. So do you. I think that's why he liked you so much." Shrugging her shoulders her smile grew. "One of the many reasons." She clung the blanket around her, scooting closer to Lincoln as if they were gossiping. It was like they were eleven years old again. Camping out in her backyard, giggling away about all sorts of things and jokes that no one else would understand. And here they were now, the same sort of innocent intimacy, the same trust. Time had changed how they looked but not how they felt and cared for one another. Thank God for that.
"You didn't think he liked you?" She tilted her head at him in question. She couldn't let that stand. "Linky, he liked you better than, like, anyone else in my life. Almost as much as me!" Ok. That last one was a bit of an over shot. There was no one that Beatrix's dad was more fond of than his little girl. She was the apple of his eye. He would do anything for her. When she forgot her lunch at home when he would bring it. When Lincoln forgot his lunch at home and Bea called him... he would also bring one for him. There were vacations all in one motel room, learning to cook and grill by his side, the holidays, and just simple dinners seated at his side... all just memories now. It was such a shame how fleeting some things were. "The best dad." She settled on. That opinion was an understatement.
"Oh. I'll have to keep all of these in mind." She beamed, truly thrilled about having Christmas plans with some of her favorite people. "I can't wait!" She exclaimed the obvious, practically bouncing on the couch. "Keep your secrets Lincoln Watts... I swear to you that I'm going to find you the perfect gift." She wagged her finger at him. Not so much a threat as a promise. "Me? I don't need anything. The invite is enough of a gift." She shrugged the offer off warmly. She knew full well the siblings would ignore that tidbit and go hog wild. They couldn't help themselves, the sweet souls that they were.
It was that that acertain idea then came to mind and she looked away, pretending to find something of interest on the wall. "Maybe you, um..." She knew she shouldn't but she couldn't resist. "Invite... your dad?" Oh, he wasn't going to like that suggestion. Not one bit. But with all this talk about dads... she had to try. "And... your mom?" She hesitantly stole a peek at him with a look that hopefully managed to downsize some of his anger with just how tentative and helpful she was trying to appear. "Just for dinner?.... Dessert?... Cocktails?..." This wasn't getting anywhere. Scooting up on her knees she took both of his hands in hers. "Please don't uninvite me!"
“No I- I figured he liked me. We just never really talked about that kind of thing. We talked about other stuff, you know?” Link could feel himself getting choked up. It was one thing to presume, it was another to have confirmation that you were loved. He swallowed down the biological instinct to weep, instead substituting the action with a phrase. “Good to know. Thank you Bea. I agree. The best dad.” He remembered times when he would be jealous of her relationship with her father. But because of Frank’s outreach, it didn’t last long. He had a feeling Frank could sense it. And so he quashed it.
Truth be told, Lincoln was a simple man. He didn’t place too much value on things. His money sat in investment accounts, and savings accounts untouched save for his living expenses. He valued people. Relationships. Experiences. Bea could show up to the holidays with an old boot and Van Wilder in the other. And that would be the best gift.
“I promise Bea - don’t sweat. Just promise me you’ll wear a bright red Rudolph nose and that’ll be MORE than enough. Trust me.” He pointed a finger at her, waving it slowly back and forth. “Uh uh Bea, nope. You’re getting something. You can either tell me what you want OR I could surprise you. But you’re getting something. Bet on that.”
Link’s face fell precipitously when Bea brought up his parents. She knew the deal. Well, she generally knew the deal. Maybe not the extent. But she knew he and his parents didn’t always get along. Which was an understatement of epic proportions. He figured she was only bringing it up to try and mend relationships. Little did she know, even if Link wanted to, his father wouldn’t make time for it. And even if he did, it would require admitting he was wrong. Not happening. Not in this lifetime. “Uh Bea I don’t know.. my folks aren’t great. And you, Allen, and Ava are. I would prefer to keep things..great, this Christmas, you know?”
He hated telling her no. Partially because she tended not to listen anyway. But he could see it now - he and his dad escalating into a shouting match, Ava intervening with her own decibel smashing timbre, Allen pounding the table lobbing insults that would make a nun perform the sign of the cross, and Bea.. caught in the middle of it all. Sigh.“I’ll see if they’re busy. No promises. Whatsoever.” He held her hands in his. They were soft and warm. “You’re not uninvited.” He could barely get through it without laughing. So dramatic Bea.
“You know Bea what I said earlier about holidays..” He referenced his earlier offer of her being around for any holiday she wanted. He wanted to extend that courtesy beyond just holidays. “If you ever just need to be around folks I want you to reach out. Allen, Ava or I.. we love being around you.” It was the least he could do. He hoped Frank would be proud.
Post by BEATRIX KIDDO on Nov 16, 2022 18:39:19 GMT
"What kind of stuff?" She knew, as always but especially now, that she shouldn't pry. Lincoln's words were starting to become caught in his throat and ends of sentences were becoming shaky - the telltale signs of tears not far behind but with her insane level of constant curiosity, intrigue, and precociousness... she just couldn't stop herself. She always wanted to know more, about people, about things because it was through that knowledge you could make those people, those things even better.
She knew her best friend better than anyone and she could see that he was struggling, on the verge of tears himself. Frank was her dad sure, but they shared him - just like just about everything else in their lives. Unable to stop herself she gave him the biggest hug. Even though he was always worrying about her, that didn't mean that she couldn't worry about his own well being. He needed support right now and she would give it to him, all of it, until she had nothing left.
"The best-best." She agreed with a smile, hidden from him as she gave him a tight squeeze and sighed, melting into just how perfectly he felt in her arms (whether he wanted to be or not). She was the hugger of the two, loving to be close and show folks how much she cared about them (especially Lincoln) through hugging and hand squeezing. Poor Lincoln just had to take it.
Pulling back she gave him her best and brightest smile. "Oh. You don't have to worry about that. Santa Bea will deliver." She swore up and down, crossing her heart but not so much hoping to die (that phrase as too dark for her tastes). "Amazon has to carry those right?" It was now her life's mission to find a red nose to wear for the festivities. If Lincoln wished for it, it would be so. She would grant him Christmas miracles every day multiple times if it was within her means to do so - and if it wasn't, dangit, she would find a way.
Her mouth opening wide in both a gasp and a smile, both hands covered his waving finger, stilling it. "I told you. I don't need anything. Just someone to spend with it with." Big eyes peered up at him from behind it as she kept it from moving. "And thanks to you I get three someones... Maybe four?" Maybe now wasn't the time to push her luck about his father. Still, it felt like they were making some progress even with his depressing explanation masked as a compliment. "Yeah, I know, but... people change and Christmas is a time of being together, and family, and things changing because of the magic of the holiday and you all are magic so that must mean that magic is doubly likely?" Probably horribly untrue but gosh, Bea wanted to believe it.
His hands holding hers wiped the worried expression right off of her face with ease. She was smiling again. They both were. They were always at their happiest when the other one was. Maybe they should always just be happy then? But how. Someday she swore - she would figure it out.
“I.. we love being around you.”
"Really?" He wasn't lying, she knew this, he never would (to her knowledge) and gosh a wave of relief washed over her. "I love spending time with all of you too." Her cheeks blushed a light shade of pink and, of course, she gave him yet another hug this time out of appreciation. She would now make certain to bug him every holiday and any open date in between.
Pulling back she looked away a tad shyly, studying the rug on the floor. It was a nice rug. "For uh... Christmas will it... uh... Just be family?" Please don't bring anyone, please don't bring anyone, please...
Wow, nosy much? He laughed to himself. What didn’t Frank and Link talk about? It seemed like they talked about everything in the world. Link would come to the Kiddo’s residence fuming about something or other, sometimes wholly trivial in nature compared to what adults were going through. And Frank would talk him through all of it. As child..as a teen..as an adult.
“..and so then he yelled at Allen really loudly. It hurt my ears and Allen cried. Ava cried too. But I didn’t cause I’m really tough.” “Ah, so you didn’t cry. But sometimes crying is good for us. Well Lincoln, how does that make you feel?” “Bad Mr. Kiddo. Really bad. I feel mad and sad.” “I see. Well, what ways can we not be as mad about it?” “Uhm…I could go play with Bea and we could spray each other with the hose. That always makes me feel better. Or… you could make me hamburgers and hot dogs! Or.. Mrs. Kiddo could play Sorry with me and you and Bea, but only if she promises not to cheat again like last time!” “Hmm.. that’s a lot of things Lincoln. Which one do you think will work best to make you happy?” “....I don’t know Mr. Kiddo. I really want to do them all.” “Then it sounds like we have a busy day ahead of us buddy. Come on. I’ll grab the hamburgers and hotdogs. Mrs Kiddo can get Sorry ready, and Bea’s waiting for you somewhere. The hose is out back."
---
“I’m so nervous about graduating Mr. Kiddo.” “Why is that?” “I don’t know. I’ve been preparing for this. It’s what I’ve been working for but.. I can’t put my finger on it..” “You’re not hiding something from me are you son?” “Well..” “Don’t be shy.” “It’s Bea..” “What about her?” “I don’t know.. I feel like.. once I graduate she’ll disappear from my life. And I don’t want that to happen.” “Listen here Lincoln. As God as my witness, you two will always be in each other's lives. Forever and ever, don’t you ever worry about that. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my entire life.” “You really think so Mr. Kiddo?” “I know so. Bet on that.”
There were seemingly infinite instances akin to those that Link could recall. All of them crucial to his makeup, and who he was not just as a friend, or a lover, or a sibling, but as a human being. “Oh, you know. Just..stuff. Life stuff.” Link nodded, the pool of memories fading like a rock had been thrown into it, rippling them away. They would be back. It was just too painful to relive them all right then. He reciprocated her squeeze, looking up to stymie any tears on the verge of falling. It had worked well enough. He sniffled, rubbing his nose. “Ah yea, Santa Bea. I feel like Amazon would have to carry those. How could they not? We’ll bounce you at the door if you’re not wearing one.”
Link rolled his eyes, nearly rolling them back into his head at her opposition of a gift. “I know I know. I’m such a catch. But Beatrix Kiddo, you’re going to get spoiled. You can tell me know what you want or.. you’ll be surprised. Your call.” He held up his hands defensively his smile now back on high. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” He managed to maintain it through her continued inclusion of his parents during the holiday season. Link hadn’t seen his father in 5 years. He hadn’t spent a Christmas with him in 17. The same went for his mother, by association. “We uh..well..the thing is…” He tried to find anything tangible that would put this to bed. It was doubly difficult for someone like Bea. He sighed. Looking at her he couldn’t resist. He would give a genuine shot. Christmas with the Watts'. All of them..maybe. Merlin help us. PLEASE.“I’ll..see what Mom and Dad are doing and if they have any plans. They usually go to Switzerland, or Norway for Christmas. But maybe they’ll make an exception.” Fat chance. But he said he’d try. And so he would. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you!” His warning while vague and jokey in nature, had some semblance of truth and reality to it. The chances of things going wrong were higher than the chances they’d go right.
“Really, I mean it. Ava loves you, you know that. Allen always said he “loves your energy” whatever that means. And as for me..well, I just think you’re just terrific, obviously.” Link matched her shade as though he were a chameleon. He hoped this would increase the frequency with which they had met. Evidently, multiple times per week wasn’t enough. “Oh it’ll probably be me, Allen, Ava, MAYBE my mom, and MAYBE my dad, and you. So yea family only!” Bea was essentially family to nearly everyone else in the Watts family. She could be counted all the same. He tilted his head down after outlining the invite list. “Is..that okay? Did you want to bring somebody else?”
"He was good at life stuff... and stuff-stuff... any kind of stuff really." She confided with the tiniest of fond smiles. She liked that he could be that to her best friend and not just her. It also made her feel better to miss someone so strongly, and have someone out there who would feel the same. Who would comfort her and tell that everyone else was wrong and that they were the only two right people in the world. Isolating maybe... But who needed other people when you had Lincoln Watts.
"Bea, Bea... Sweetheart. What's wrong?" "Nothing, dad. Nothing." As she scribbled ferociously on her desk. "I don't mean to pry, but I'm going to..." He sat on the corner of her bed watching her. "What's going on?" "They're having a prom." "Oh. Uh... Wow... That is awful." "No daddy. That's not the bad part. I was going to go." "Oh. Ok." "Just by myself." "Ok." "But I heard some of the girls talking in the bathroom. They didn't know I was in the stall. They made fun of me." "What? For going by yourself?" "Yeah... And other stuff. They said that I'm weird, and my hair is weird, and I look like a mouse. And.. and..." "I happen to like mice." "Daddy!" "And you don't look like one. C'mere." Bea approached him then and sat beside him. His broad arm wrapped around her in a squeeze. "Kids say weird because they don't like to say different. In highschool everyone has to be just like everyone else or they'll stick out and nobody wants to stick out. But being different is what is so exciting. That is why folks will gravitate to you, Beatrix - and isn't that what you want?" Bea looked down at her lap and then nodded. "Still... It would be nice to go with someone. I don't know anyone in my class." "What about Lincoln Watts?" "What about him?" "Can't he just um..." He made a poofing gesture with his hands. "And uh... go." "Link won't go with me..." "Why not?" "Going to prom is like a date... And Lincoln and I are just friends." She looked down at her lap smoothing out the hem of her blouse. "He doesn't like me like that." Maybe he should stay mum on that one.
"I think that you're terrific too, Linky." She returned the kind words with just as much truth and in as much earnestness as Lincoln had done. "No! No!" Oh gosh. That had been too loud in her relief, hadn't it? Swallowing she tried to gain some semblance of control and a normal level voice. "That's fine." Better, Bea. Pretend to be normal. "I don't mind." And hopefully he didn't either. Both blushing red in the cheeks and unable to share with the other person why when that should be the only person they share it with.
"Did, uh, you... want to bring... someone else?" She hated herself for even hesitantly asking the question. "I won't.. mind..." Well, you shouldn't Bea. It isn't your house. You were only just invited! "I mean... I... can entertain myself?..."Yikes, yikes, yikes. Shut up, shut up, shut up. Turning quickly to face the television set she plopped down on her butt and forced herself to watch the end of the film meanwhile her brain was running a million miles a minute not processing one ounce of dialogue.
Ten year old Bea watched with teary eyes as Lincoln turned back one last time at the train station to give her a little wave before running off with his year's worth of school supplies. This was after a long hug and Bea being lifted by her father prying her fingers from her new bestie's shirt so that he could leave. "I know that it's tough sweetheart, but you can write, and you heard his brother... he'll be back holidays... and the summer!" Bea sniffled wiping at her eyes, a sight that pained Frank. "It'll be okay, baby girl." His hand ran over her back causing her to look up at him. "What if he makes all new friends, daddy? And they'll be all magic like him... Then he won't want to be my friend anymore." "Impossible." "How?" "Because you're Beatrix kiddo, a chip off the old block. Nobody could ever get tired of you." He hugged her to him and she wrapped her arms around his hips squeezing him right back. "Besides... I don't think the kid receives too many origami flowers."
Lincoln cackled lowly - ‘stuff-stuff’ was certainly Frank’s special. He was a swiss army knife of problem solving. It must’ve been a Kiddo thing. To see someone at their most vulnerable. Their most destitute. Their most distressed. And just heal them. Relieve them through words, or laughter. Sometimes, by doing absolutely nothing at all. When Kiddos were in orbit, it was often enough to assuage even the most stalwart of negative thoughts. That was largely why Link had repeatedly refuted Bea with gusto whenever she would downplay herself, or the fact that she may be a muggle, or that she wasn’t good at this or that. Lincoln would trade anything in the world to have that power. In his mind, Bea was one of the most mystic individuals in the world.
Bea’s compliments always felt real. Never a wasted word, or intention. He wanted to bask in them, always. Even simple ones like ‘You’re terrific’. He was going to sleep well that night because of that one phrase, uttered by one person. He was further elated when she so vehemently denied wanting to bring another person to the Christmas party. It was as if someone had removed a charged-up wand that was pointed in his direction. “No that’s..uhm, that’s great because..” His face was tinted a deep red, similar to the cheap cabs he loved ever so much. “I like more intimate affairs for the holidays you know? Spending time with your loved ones and whatnot.”Smooth save Linky boy. She’ll never suspect a thing.
But then came his turn to stealthily defend his affection for his friend. “Uh no, I uh.. No I don’t want to bring anyone else, I want to bring you. Well I mean you’ll already be there so I guess I can’t bring you twice. I meant I just- like if you weren’t invited I would want you there. I mean but you are so..”Was I an actor in another life?“No, no I’ll entertain you. I’ll entertain the hell out of you! I mean - with like - Christmas stuff not like other, not Christmas stuff. I mean-”Okay. Shut the actual fuck up right this second. You sound like that stuttering kid meme. He took a deep breath, gripping the nearby throw pillow so hard he was worried he may rip into it, face beet red. He gathered his thoughts into what he hoped would be one coherent sentence. “I am really glad that you are going, and I don’t want you to bring anyone else, and I do not want to bring anyone else either.” He read it as if he were an automaton, rendering the English language for the first time. But it was still better than bumbling nonsense, he presumed.
He turned, facing the movie. The movie itself might as well have been in Albanian. “This movie is really good, right? Like so good. We should do like..a movie marathon tonight. Like a greatest hits sorta thing.” Was that a good enough excuse to hang out with him? Would she even say yes? “Or not if you don’t want to. Like, it’s totally up to you.” His bungled Christmas attendance speech had him unraveling at the seams.