tramitem_net | You're my only hope

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You're my only hope

[ Anthony looked frazzled as he cast a careful glance over his shoulder before slipping back under what appeared to be a blanket fort so he could stare at his phone. ]

Ok look, bad week... shit happened. Lots of shit happened, most of it was my fault. Got engaged, broke it off the next day, had to spend most of the rest of the time at the hospital looking after a sick relative. The visit from the creepy alien hunting suit was incredibly spooky... But none of that compares to this!

[ He swallowed and hushed his tone so he wouldn't be overheard. ]

Mum is here. Actually here in my flat right now, cleaning everything and making dinner because she says I look unwell even though she has done the magic heat sensing mum hand trick three times already and I don't have a fever. What do I do!? I can't tell her about even half of this stuff without--...

[ A second voice, much sweeter and calmer broke in to ask... ]

What is this?

[ And Anthony paled as he and phone broke free of the covers to see his grey haired mom holding that conspiratorial message from the mysterious MMF. Never had a man shot so quickly from a blanket tent to snag the paper, crumbled it, and chuck it into the nearest bin. ]

Nothing! Just some chain letter, probably thinks he is being funny by sending weird notes... Nothing to worry about at all! I told you everything is fine!!

[ His mum merely gave her poor highly strung son a sympathetic look and once again set her hand to his forehead. ]

Honey, you really need to calm down. I know what will help!

[ She turned and dug through one of her many bags until she found a tattered old teddy bear wearing yellow wellingtons. This was pressed into Anthony's arms as he was ushered back to the blanket covered sofa. ]

Its Mr. Yellow Boots! Now you and he can sit here all cozy until dinner is ready.

[ Anthony was sulking but he sat back on the sofa and looked helplessly after his mom until she was well out of ear shot. ]

Send help. Anything... I need her to stop worrying.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Right.

[ Bond would never have made that mistake. ]

Later then, when things are less hectic. Not sure when that will be with nearly the whole clan coming in.

Well, if you manage to hide away at like, idk, a starbucks or something, just let me know and I'll come talk. We can complain about overly-protective guardians or something.

[ This earns a laugh that doesn't translate to texting very well. ]

Lol! My secret batcave in the Starbucks. Yea, I'll let you know. I'm working on an exit strategy now. I think it will work. You have a favorite batcave?

No matter where I go, I'd have to bus to get out of here so you give me an address. I'm from Queens borough so you can decide from there. I can always take the F to get back home no matter how I got there.

I can swing out by Queens. I could use the fresh air and a coffee.

[ Besides he did want to know about these powers. ]

Text you again once I've found a Queens Starbucks.

[ It took about an hour and a half but the address was sent as soon as he took a spot at one of the tables to enjoy one of those overly fancy brews with the long names. ]

Sure thing.

[He debated bringing Cheddar during the wait time before Crowley got back to him, but decided against it in the long run. He didn't want to be one of Those People who took their pets in places and acted like they had a service animal.]

[As soon as he got the text, he headed out dressed in a jeans and a tank top with, you guessed it, a cat picture on the front. It probably looked like something found in the girls section, because it was, but that also meant the cloth was super soft. Double win in his opinion.]

Hey. What's up? [He pulled up an unoccupied chair to share the small table with Crowley, digging out his phone to place his order so he wouldn't have to waste more of their time waiting in line.] Does you mom know you're out?

[ He hesitated to answer that given well, mum and all... ]

Ye-- yeah... But she might be under the impression I'm seeing to a fire at the gardens. A miscommunication that I didn't bother to correct. It'll be fine! I'll bring her a coffee and a muffin or something.

You made good time. You must have missed the traffic I ran into.

Shamey-shamey, liar-liar. [But it's said with obvious sarcasm. He smiles as he confirms his order and slips his phone back into his pocket.]

Yeah, just give her a treat and I'm sure all will be forgiven.

[He shrugs.] I've been in this area for about a year now. I'm pretty familiar with which buses run on time and which ones you're better off skipping.

So, whatcha order?

[Is he stalling for time? Maybe.]

I never did. The guy on the phone I had call my flat was the one who did the actual lying. I only played along.

[ Still guilty but not as badly in his mind. ]

I ordered the Quad Grande, Non Fat, Extra Hot Caramel Macchiato Upside Down... mostly because it had the longest name on the menu.

[ Anthony leaned a little closer over the table so he wasn't prodding too loudly. ]

So what makes you think you have powers?

Lucky you, not having to be the one to take the brunt when it all unwinds.

[The drink name caused him to squint, mouth twisting into a frown.]

... That's twisted, dude. [It made his grande mocha cappuccino with an extra shot sound tame.]

Oh, you know...

[His frown became more of a grimace and he glanced around, making sure everyone was too engrossed in their own conversations or laptops to notice them. Then he cupped one hand to the side, allowing for some extra cover of his other hand, lying it flat on the table. It only took a little concentration for a heated, red glow to start emanating from his half-hidden palm.]

I just kinda do.

Whoa! Whoa...

[ Anthony recoiled from the table before casting a quick look around and flapping his hands at Clarence to knock that off before the table burst into flames. ]

What do you think that is, magma hands? And why is it always the hands that become magical?? I saw some one else do a trick like that...

Was there any warning or did you wake up on day to find your bed on fire or something?

[Started by Anthony's reaction, Clarence lost hold on the magic and it ceased, his hands slipping off the table to hide in his lap. He hissed to try to keep Crowley quiet.]

Jeez, calm down! The glowing isn't the dangerous part.

I actually started having dreams, more memories I think, of causing sparks as... I guess I was a child at the time? I can't exactly look at myself when they happen, but I feel like I was young at the time. Mostly just poking around with stuff, nothing too crazy, except...

[He bites his lip, still a little worried from the vision.]

Sorry.

[ His voice dropped into a low whisper as if that would make up for the earlier panic. ]

You would think I would be used to seeing the whole magic hand thing by now.

That does sound a little like a kid with matches. I always liked to play with them too even though I wasn't supposed to.

[ Magical sparks were a great deal more unique than matches however. This he acknowledged with a head bob as that 'except' had to lead some where.. ]

Not the same thing, I know. What happened?

Yeah yeah, everyone is coming out as a wizards or something. It's basically the new normal.

[He nodded. It seemed like a similar enough situation to compare it to.] Fair enough.

Uuuughhhhh. [He slowly dragged his hands down his face, then slowly let his head fall down until his forehead touched the table. Not looking at Anthony helped him say it. Or something.] So like, when I first found out I was Different, I had a memory where I was trying to get this floating helmet thing? And like, whatever, you know? But then I shot a ray of magic energy out of my hand into this old man and I'm pretty sure I straight up sent him into cardiac arrest.

[ There was no way that story would have had a happy ending. Kids playing with fire always lit something on fire, a leaf, themselves...a friend. Straight up murder was not something he was prepared for and it left Anthony gaping. ]

You... murdered some one for a hat?

[Slow, Clarence raised his head and stared Anthony in the eye.]

The worst part is, I didn't even care. It was like I had done stuff like that before. No thought to how terrible it was. I was just determined to get what I wanted.

[ Anthony drew in a long slow breath, trying to find something comforting to say about any of that but there really wasn't anything. ]

Wow... That's heavy.

[Sighing, Clarence dropped his head to the table with a light thud.]

Heavens, you don't know the half of it.

[The call of his name caused him to look up and he groaned, not really feeling like getting up when he felt this vulnerable but damn, maybe the burning sensation of chocolate and coffee would take away the sourness leeching through his system.]

[ He didn't have any idea what that was like, at all. You would think as the serpent of Eden one might feel a little guilt over the whole apple thing. Condemning humanity to suffer the original sin and force them from the garden ought to make him feel some guilt. But... it wasn't murder.

When Clarence went to retrieve his drink Anthony stared down into his cup feeling guilty about how he didn't feel guilty and moreover, upset for the kid. Murder was terrible! How could a kid murder anyone for a hat??? ]

Did you know him?

[ Anthony asked when everyone was sitting at the table again. ]

[The drink warmed his cold hands, reminding him he was here and now. Not back in that memory. Only to be brought right on back by Crowley's question.]

[He paused, unsure for a moment as he thought back.]

You know... I think I did. Sort of? I can't remember his name, but I knew he was my enemy. So I didn't care if he got hurt. [Or died.]

[He took a sip of his coffee, then waited a minute to swallow before adding one more thing.]

There was another teenager there, too. He saw the whole thing.

Another teenager? Did you know him too?

[ Anthony sipped at his long named drink and made a face as it didn't taste nearly good enough to deserve such a long name. ]

I can't imagine what the use is in that hat, beyond the oddity of it... but at least the man was an enemy. There might have been a war or something. These memories only give us a small peek into the past and many times the context is missing.

[Clarence shrugged.] Maybe? If I did, I didn't care. He actually tried to help the old guy by doing chest compressions. I just ignored them.

[He took another sip of his own, the chocolate flavor calming. Anthony's words helped to soothe further.]

... I guess that's true.

Do you know Elliott Naeuri?

That is harsh...

[ But I was plotting the murder of a child I helped to raise. There really had to be more to these memories!! Neither of them were monsters! Or so Anthony tried to tell himself as he puzzled over the name.

Elliott Naeuri. The name wasn't immediately recognized, mostly as he wasn't sure if he had ever heard the kids last name before.]

Long hair, thinks religious is actually a cool topic, into gardens?

[Honestly, the whole situation was all kinds of effed up. But Clarence was working through it in his own way. Mostly by ignoring the worst of it and breaking down at convenient intervals.]

Uhh, I haven't really talked about religion with him but it sounds like you got the right guy. He's super nice, like, probably the nicest person I've ever met in my life.

He straight up grabbed my hands while I was calling on my magic to prove I couldn't hurt just by my magic existing.

[ That does seem to be the way most people handle it. They give the details but leave the break downs until they are alone. It had been Anthony's move too... for the most part. ]

That is brave.

[ Foolish maybe since they all knew nothing about magic but Clarence seemed touched by it so all those fears were set aside. ]

Did it work? Do you feel better about having magic now?

You're my only hope

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