It's still his door. And the cabin beyond has changed, but Credence hasn't
noticed. The door at the other side of the room, the one that's led to
nowhere for the past few months, it opens onto some other rooms now. But he
never has any reason to check.
He opens his cabin door, one arm cradling Goldstein against his body, and
blinks at Ray.
Credence looks to Ray's face, to the badge, then around his cabin. Then he
remembers how the Barge works, and steps back toward the door to his
restroom.
Previously a little closet of a space, just the toilet and washbasin, it's
now a luxuriously tiled room with a clawfoot tub and a shower head.
He follows him inside, putting his badge away as Credence opens the door. He's grinning, elated-- and he isn't even thinking about getting his deal yet. He's just happy for him, as a friend, that he's gotten his second chance.
"You did it," he says, excitedly. He wants to hug him, remembers that Credence probably doesn't want a hug, and just shadow-boxes around him a little. His fingers brush his shoulder.
Oh. That's-- that's good, that's greatness. He wraps his arms tightly
around him: if he wants hugs, he can get 'em alright. He's a great hugger,
even if he's all angles.
"I'm really happy for you, C. Really, really happy."
And suddenly he realizes: Beth Botrelle will get to live. She'll get to
come out of prison and live her life. Whatever that means-- she'll get a
shot at it.
His arms tighten around Credence. He could kind of use a hug, too; he can
feel tears coming up.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2019-04-13 11:09 am (UTC)It's still his door. And the cabin beyond has changed, but Credence hasn't noticed. The door at the other side of the room, the one that's led to nowhere for the past few months, it opens onto some other rooms now. But he never has any reason to check.
He opens his cabin door, one arm cradling Goldstein against his body, and blinks at Ray.
"What's wrong? Has something happened?"
The force of the knocking suggested that.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 11:12 am (UTC)He yanks off his badge and dangles it in his face. He did show him, before, but it probably isn't enough for him to draw the conclusion:
"This had your name on it. I think you just graduated, C."
He's practically vibrating with excitement, the fingers of his free hand tapping on the doorpost.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 11:26 am (UTC)He's so shocked he almost drops his cat.
"W-what?"
Credence looks to Ray's face, to the badge, then around his cabin. Then he remembers how the Barge works, and steps back toward the door to his restroom.
Previously a little closet of a space, just the toilet and washbasin, it's now a luxuriously tiled room with a clawfoot tub and a shower head.
"Oh," he says, sounding numb.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 11:33 am (UTC)"You did it," he says, excitedly. He wants to hug him, remembers that Credence probably doesn't want a hug, and just shadow-boxes around him a little. His fingers brush his shoulder.
"You freaking did it!"
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 11:38 am (UTC)"I-"
It doesn't feel like something he's done. Not yet. It feels like something he's been given, undeservedly, precious and fragile.
He turns, suddenly, and wraps his arms tight around Ray. Hug, please.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 11:59 am (UTC)Oh. That's-- that's good, that's greatness. He wraps his arms tightly around him: if he wants hugs, he can get 'em alright. He's a great hugger, even if he's all angles.
"I'm really happy for you, C. Really, really happy."
And suddenly he realizes: Beth Botrelle will get to live. She'll get to come out of prison and live her life. Whatever that means-- she'll get a shot at it.
His arms tighten around Credence. He could kind of use a hug, too; he can feel tears coming up.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:04 pm (UTC)Mutual hugs are the best kind, honestly. And this one means he can feel the change in Ray's body language.
"...Are you okay?"
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:06 pm (UTC)He nods, quickly, eyes closed tightly. He's got one hand splayed on the back of Credence's shoulder.
"Yeah. I'm proud of you, buddy. And I'm-- thinkin' about Beth."
He can't quite keep the emotion out of his voice, and maybe he shouldn't be trying.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:09 pm (UTC)"Oh - of course."
Back to reality for a moment.
"Will you...go home?"
He doesn't think so somehow. Not with Fraser still here.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:12 pm (UTC)He shakes his head, still not letting go. If ever there were a moment for a long hug, this is it.
"Nah. You?"
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:14 pm (UTC)"No. I - I owe it to Nagini. I need to help her."
The means simply don't exist, back home.
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Date: 2019-04-13 12:18 pm (UTC)"Undo the curse. Right?"
He's really glad he's staying. Jesus, he's proud, and glad, and-- relieved.
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Date: 2019-04-13 12:26 pm (UTC)"Right. And a better home, if she wants it. Somewhere safe."
He owes her so much.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:29 pm (UTC)He finally pulls back, his eyes a little red and watery, and he keeps his hands on Credence's shoulders.
"You're gonna kill it, C."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:30 pm (UTC)"...Credence," he decides, with finality. "I think...I think Credence is fine. She was right. It's who I am."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:37 pm (UTC)Shit. He has to hug him again at that, even if it's just a quick one.
"Okay. You're gonna kill it, Credence."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:44 pm (UTC)Credence chokes a half-laugh against Ray's shoulder.
"I think I really needed to stop killing things."
Look, a joke.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 12:47 pm (UTC)He huffs a wet-sounding, relieved laugh against the side of Credence's head.
"Yeah, good call. See? You really did graduate."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:06 pm (UTC)"I...yes. I did."
He draws away, looks Ray in the face.
"I'll tell everyone soon. Today. I just...need a little time."
It's still sinking in.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:08 pm (UTC)"You take all the time you need," he agrees, letting go of him, still grinning but looking softer now.
"It's a lot to take in."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:18 pm (UTC)"Thank you."
He takes a deep breath.
"For...for everything."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:24 pm (UTC)"I feell-- I mean, I feel kinda-- honored, y'know? That I got to help out. I dunno what I did, but I'm glad I got to do it."
He genuinely doesn't know, but he must've done something right.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:30 pm (UTC)"They all...helped. Jesse, Rey, Alec. My friends. And you. I told you you didn't need to know anything about magic," he adds, quietly.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:35 pm (UTC)"I shoulda kept my big mouth shut and listened, huh?"
He gives him a soft little smile.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:39 pm (UTC)"You did," Credence reminds him, then takes a deep breath.
"...I need to go and tell Quentin. And everyone else, later."
But Quentin first, and in person.
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