#weehhhhhhh

hearing idia calling out for him to wait has leona stopping in his tracks, turning over his shoulder to look at his fellow housewarden. it’s rare for idia to be out and about in the middle of a school day in the flesh, so leona’s not going to outright ignore him like he might the annoying little device the techy sends in his stead most days. he hardly gets the “ what?? ” he asks out before a wrapped box is being handed off to him and idia is scurrying away.

he’s left alone in the hallway, everyone else already having gone to their class, to open the gift. he starts walking towards the botanical gardens as he opens it, tossing the paper into a hallway trash can on his way as his eyes scan over the cover and the writing on the box. it’s been a while since he’s played a board game ⁠— he can’t remember the last time he did, actually.

with an amused little smile, he reads the note taped to the front of the game before tucking the box under one arm. with his now - free hand, he pulls his phone from his pocket to send a quick text.

[ to: Idia Shroud ] you’re on, radish sprout

        The pain bloomed in his side, aching from a tear in his ribs that was fresh. He kept his face turned away from her, saturated bruising staining the skin beneath his eye and down his jaw, smeared on his neck like watercolor. Thomas had crept in before Maggie arrived, waiting as he usually did, but this time turned away from the door, hoping she’d not catch sight. It’d been a rough run, fleeing after a shot, running from a group hellbent on catching and claiming his head as a prize. 

      And as he was running, rifle slung over his back, sliding down ravines and tripping over debris with fire in his lungs... he only thought of one thing. Maggie fucking Sweetwater. Who’d tell her what happened? Would she know? Who’d sing her to sleep, make stupid jokes? Make sure she’s eating, even when she forgets? Someone else? Some other... person? No. Absolutely fuckin’ not. 

     Thomas listened to her speak, each word from her tightening his throat. He was so, so happy to hear her talk again. He almost thought he wouldn’t. Heat tore through him as he stood suddenly, balancing carefully, barely swaying through the discomfort. He turned on a heel, the dim light finally catching the sharp angles of his face as he strode toward her on uneven steps. There was still metal in his side, a clear hole through his duster, the darkness spreading over the leather making him lightheaded. 

      But he made it to her without a pause, gloved hands cupping her cheeks gently, though with an urgency that was clear. “Maggie...” He started, thumb swiped beneath her eye, back and forth just on the crest of her cheek. A breath was drawn in shakily and held, summoning up his last ounce of courage. Then, he leaned in, hesitating only a moment before pressing chapped lips to hers in a soft kiss. 

worst day of my life today. bought these beautiful twin girls as a present to me. a lil pick me up. they were sweet as pie in the car ride home (10 hours).