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
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:42 pm (UTC)He gives him one good, long hug again, and then lets him go.
"Yeah. Go and tell 'em. You let me know if you need anything? I'm-- I mean, I'm still gonna be your friend."
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:47 pm (UTC)"I'll let you know. And you will too."
It's a statement, not a question. They're still going to be friends.
no subject
Date: 2019-04-13 01:49 pm (UTC)"You betcha."
He pats the badge in his pocket, and shakes his head in happy disbelief as he lets Credence have a moment to himself.