Forgotten Cleirigh

“Hmm,” he considered this for a moment before also shrugging and turning his attention back to the other man. He grinned. He had always enjoyed surprise visits. “I’m sure I do,” he replied, stepping aside to let Ethan in, “and just as soon as I can remember with what I shall take you up on that.” For all the knowledge stored in his mind the present often got a little fuzzy with other things clamouring for his minds attention. As he closed the door he heard the Grandfather clock chime, “Ah! Time for afternoon tea,” he declared and started off in the direction of the kitchen. 

“Right,” Ethan chuckled, walking in and waiting for Gendry to lead the way. Hearing the chime and already knowing what it meant, Ethan sighed, following after his old mentor. “I still haven’t found a tea that I’m fond of. Can you spare a starving young warlock a cheese and bread platter?”

“You have the benefit of always having them in your corner. If I didn’t do this-” She wasn’t sure what would have happened. Or what she felt would have happened. “You know I was taught by your father for a reason. That they kept me for so long. Don’t act like I would have been if Roman didn’t need me. Audo, Kady and I are the only mental powers your father has taken on; that’s not a coincidence.”

“You aren’t indebted to Ronan because he was your mentor. That’s not how that works. You should know that. You’re a Cleirigh because he saw something in you. Something enough to make him want you to be apart of our family.“ Ethan pulled over into an empty lot. They’ve never had this conversation before and Ethan was starting to feel a little like Nathan. “You think we want you only for your power? That Roman and Ronan Cleirigh keeps you around only for your power? I love you but do you have any idea how idiotic that sounds?“

She moved her hand away and curled pulled her knees up to her chest in the passengers seat. “The risk is always there. Roman is the reason it doesn’t happen more.” Talia wasn’t sure if her reassurances would help or hurt her cause. “Where would I have gone, Ethan? I had no one else but your family.”

Ethan sent a harsh glare her way. His face clearly conveyed that he didn’t believe her and he wasn’t in the mood for any bullshit. “My family isn’t as perfect or cool as everyone thinks we are. You could have gotten your own place. that wouldn’t have taken your value away them or your friendship.”

“It’s just a flare up. It’ll be fine.“ Ethan moved his head away from Talia, not really wanting her to touch his scar at the moment. “They’re attacking you in our own home. I can’t relax knowing that at any possible moment some random ghost is going to try and take control of you. It was a horrible and selfish agreement on both Ronan and Roman’s part.“

  “Hey, don’t get all quiet on me. I’m gonna be fine, its just a little tender.”

“Did you get a good look at the hunter?“

“Right, keep telling yourself that.” He chuckled and winced a little, “I haven’t seen him yet.”

Ethan hummed, having seen Asa winced and is now a little unwilling to speak.

 He chuckled a little, “Nah, I think you’re just jealous of my good looks.” Asa moved a little, “Thanks for coming, Ethan.”

“People with blonde hair and light eyes can’t be trusted.“ Ethan smirked, knowing that his family are known for their dark hair while Asa are all blonde. “How could I not? Roman sent over a small bags of potions and healing salves.“

“What do I do?”

“Tell her to you won’t ever give in and that you’ll put an end to the friendship if she continues.“

“Ah, Ethan! So good to see you,” he managed once the other man had helped him stop. “Much obliged for the emergency stop, I was sure I was bound for the pond,” 

“In this weather I’m not sure a biokinetic would have done you any good if you fell in,“ Ethan said. “I didn’t know you were back in town.“

“Why thank you.” She was beaming from ear to ear when she finally got down the stairs. She’d slept for 7 hours the night before and felt amazing. “You look pretty incredible yourself.” Talia grabbed his hand. “So what are our plans?”

“Yeah... If been told I clean up nice.“ Ethan took her hand in his and pulled her towards the door. “Dinner downtown then a show at a comedy club. Luis and Justin helped get us reservations and tickets.“

“You look amazing,“ Ethan smiled at Talia when she finally made her way down stairs. He had been sitting with Justin and Luis waiting for her to finish dressing. They had helped him plan their date night and were excited to get them out of the house. He could only guess what they planned to do once they leave. 

“That feels like I would be selling her out. I just-I don’t get it. It’s not what she seems to think it is. Is this just her white whale and no matter what I do she’ll obsess over it until she dies?” The thoughts spilled out, having been what was rolling around in her head for days.

Ethan stared at Talia wondering if she wanted him to answer or if she needed him to listen and nod.