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[Things are starting to feel a little more...normal. There's still a little unsettled worry gnawing at the back of Varian's head, but he can ignore that in favour of having a good time with his boyfriend. The place is pretty creepy- but he wouldn't expect anything less of Trench at this point. ]
You could probably see the whole city from up there. [His smile grows a little.] Hey, they have food here, right? Probably something to drink too? You can try whatever you like and not have to worry about it as much as you normally would.
[Really, if it was a full-on dungeon Fern would be absolutely thrilled and probably forget about all that anxiety he just had. But this is still pretty good, and it's a good motivator for him to give this a try and see how it goes.]
It's probably too much to hope for that they'll have hamburgers. [But he's grinning all the same, the best thing about being human is not having to rely on photosynthesis.] Maybe they got coffee. Or beer!
[He's very curious to drink some beer and not worry about it being toxic, so he eagerly heads inside, tugging Varian along. The interior is dark but cozy, and there are a couple of other Hunters resting quietly. Fern looks around excitedly, still not letting go of his boyfriend's hand.]
[Eventually, they will find a full-on dungeon in this place and Varian will take him for the best date of his life. ]
You never know, we might luck out.
[It's nice to see the grin, though, and it's easing some of Varian's nervousness too. Now he's over the initial shock, he can see Fern shining through. This may not be the form he's used to, but it's still absolutely the boy he knows and loves inhabiting it.
He lets himself be tugged along, and admittedly, he likes the interior of this place, his smile brightening a little in the gloom.]
Oh wow, it's kinda like the Snuggly Duckling! It's got that "hey, I might get stabbed here at any moment!" vibe. [Because obviously, that's what you want in a drinking establishment. He smiles, heading towards the bar.] Well, if nothing else, I bet we can get you a beer here to try.
It's a bit easier for Fern to let the Watchtower distract him. It's run down, reminding him a little of Ooo. Varian has it summed up pretty well - cozy, in a way that makes you a little scared you might get stabbed. He laughs, happy to start with beers.]
Great! Don't worry, I got this!
[He grins as they approach the bar, briefly letting go of Varian's hand so he can hop onto a stool, spinning around before slamming his fist on the counter. And in his best attempt at a tough, growly voice (more ridiculous than anything), he says:]
[The sort of pubs you think you might get stabbed in are obviously the best kind. It's a very welcome reminder of home.
Varian watches as Fern...definitely does not got this, wincing at the tone of voice that would have absolutely gotten him laughed out of the Snuggly Duckling. The person tending the bar looks Fern up and down, before leaning on it heavily, gruffly retorting. What do you have to trade?
Varian, who definitely doesn't want to swoop in and ruin Fern's show of how much he's got this clears his throat, edging a little closer. ]
[Pshaw, he's totally got this! Fern looks totally confident despite not looking the least bit intimidating. With his grass body gone he can't even shapeshift into his Green Knight form, he's stuck being a skinny kid with long, gorgeous hair. One who blinks at the mention of trading because oh, yeah, that's a thing here.]
Uh. Right.
[He awkwardly shuffles his backpack off, careful to not let his sword clatter to the ground. It's a bit of a struggle, honestly, what with only having one hand, but he manages it, and digs around in it trying to find something he can trade. The bartender doesn't look especially impressed by this display. So much for being cool and tough.]
[Fern isn't even marginally intimidating, no one around here looks intimidated. Varians swiftly realise they are two kids in a very rough bar with exactly three arms and three legs between them and that's probably the only thing keeping them from being kicked out right now.
The barkeep doesn't look impressed with the rocks, not the whole struggle Fern is having to get the rocks. He doesn't really want to lessen Fern's...whatever this is turning into, so he's just gonna double down.]
Oh wow! Those are the BEST rocks you've got too! Definitely worth at least two beers, right?
[Meanwhile, Fern is being a little more obtuse about all of this. It hasn't occurred to him that maybe, maybe trying to pretend to be some tough rowdy Hunter when the two of them are clearly twigs who aren't prepared to barter wasn't the best idea in the world. Nope, he's just looking disheartened his coolness isn't working, though when Varian speaks up to support him he....
He decides to double down. Grabbing a handful of shiny rocks, along with a few random flowers that had been growing in his backpack, Fern slams them all on the bar.]
Yeah! I went through so many giant crabs to get these rocks, and you're not gonna find flowers like these growing anywhere in the city at this time of the year!
[It isn't great but it's something. The barkeep rolls his eyes at the display, but will reluctantly scoop everything up and go to pour them two beers.]
[Varian really wasn't sure what would happen with Fern's doubling down. Maybe it's the crab story, maybe it's the extra flowers, but whatever it is, it seems to work because they get beers out of it! Varian grins, clapping Fern on the back because that seems the best course of action here. He reaches over to pick up Fern's backpack- slinging it over his shoulders, before reaching over to pick up the hard won-beers as soon as they're placed in front of them. ]
A pleasure doing business with you, good sir!
[He takes a step back, towards one of the tables that's out of the way and NOT in everyone's direct line of vision.]
C'mon, I think there's some good seats over there.
[It might have been some form of misplaced pity for a sad-looking kid trying to pawn off a bunch of rocks and flowers as valuable, but oh well. It works, Fern looks thrilled, especially when Varian seems pleased too, and he gives the other boy an appreciative grin for grabbing everything as he picks up his sword.]
Sure, dude.
[He'll head over to the table, taking a seat. With that nonsense all solved the other Hunters go back to whatever they were doing, though a few of them look amused. Fern doesn't really notice, he's too distracted by the fact that that worked and they now have beers to drink.]
This place is so cool, we gotta come back sometime.
[It's definitely misplaced pity for these scrawny twig boys who definitely don't belong here. Still, for now, they have got what they needed, and Varian is more than happy to carry stuff for his (currently) one-armed boyfriend. Fern helped him plenty while he was without his prosthetic in the early days of losing his leg- he can finally repay that.
Varian slides into the seat across from the other boy, putting the drinks on the table, looking around appreciatively. ]
Yeah, we should. I kinda like it. It's got a...rustic feel. Now! You can try a beer with...you know, actual taste buds.
[They've got a good system here, and Fern is quietly glad that he doesn't need to ask for help when he'd definitely need it. Managing his sword is more than enough, given the demon blood sword is meant to be wielded with two hands.
At any rate, he immediately takes up his flagon of beer, holding it up for cheers.]
Right?? Here's to having actual taste buds!
[He'll clink his glass against Varian before downing a few big gulps.]
[It's a great system, and Varian's glad for it. He grins, clinking his flagon against Fern's.]
Prost!
[Sorry, Fern, he's always going to toast the Proper German Way. He takes a more leisurely sip of his beer- he figures if Fern ends up overdoing it, at least he'd be sober enough to help his boyfriend home afterwards. ]
[He's too excited to toast in the Proper German Way, though he makes a mental note to do it next time. Or at least try to - with the way he's downing his beer getting tipsy is going to be a given. Sorry boyfriendo, he isn't used to having to worry about getting drunk.]
It tastes the same, but it's better somehow? Like I'm drinking the real deal with real guts instead of just magic. [He looks down at his beer, swirling his mug.] I dunno, does that sound weird?
[Varian will forgive him, he's got a lot going on right now. And wow, look at him down that beer, Varian makes a mental note that keeping slow and steady is the way to go here. Designated non-drunk teen today. ]
It doesn't sound weird at all. It's gonna feel differently now you have an actual proper digestive system to deal with. Or at least...uh a mammalian one. [He's so helpful.] We'll have to try and get you some food to try, too. Give you the full experience.
[Fern grins a little at Varian's encouragement, feeling less weird about his attempt at describing what drinking the beer is like. He takes another big gulp.]
Yeah!! Anything they got here, I'll try. Then we can head up and see the view.
[Aww, look at him go. Varian's glad he's enjoying himself. ]
Great, I'm sure I can barter some alchemy supplies for you- get a real feast going- and then we can go see what's up top.
[Plus getting food in him the way he's gulping the beer would be...wise. He stands up, patting the table.]
Sit tight, I'm gonna go see what I can get for us.
[And off her goes to the barkeep again. It takes a lot of talking, and a lot of gesturing- and more than a few alchemy bombs are passed across the table- but eventually Varian returns with a triumphant grin.]
Okay, he's gonna bring over a little bit of everything for you to try. Most of it sounded... well, kinda like the suspicious meat you'd find in the Snuggly Duckling before Lance started cooking there, but it should be okay!
[Aw geez, this is shaping up to be a great date. Of course, Fern is a very simple person and any date involving a feast is going to be a great one.
While Varian does that Fern finishes off his beer. He downed that thing far faster than someone of his weight and tolerance should have, and it making his head buzz pleasantly. It's making him think that this is all really nice, this creepy Watchtower place, the beer, the effort Varian is putting into this whole date to make it as good as it is despite the roadbumps earlier. Which... aren't really roadbumps, they're more like giant hills. Or mountains. Ones that might not go away, if he decides he wants to find a permanent way to stay human.
Does he even want to do that? Eating and drinking like a normal person is nice, but that's only one aspect of himself. There's - pretty much everything else he needs to think about. And given how he started out having a panic attack, he isn't totally sure what he wants to do about the everything else part. Really, the only good time he's had so far was with food, and he can still eat when he's grass with the scout badge's magic....
By the time Varian comes back Fern is looking a little more thoughtful.]
I'm all about suspicious meat. [Though he doesn't say that with his usual verve, and he kind of looks down at his empty flagon.] Hey, are you having fun so far...?
[Varian is definitely working a lot harder than usual to make his day work for Fern. He's still deeply uncomfortable, but he doesn't want to be. He wants to be supportive and to be able to stand by his statements- that he loves Fern no matter what he looks like. And while that's very true- his feelings for Fern haven't shifted in the least. But he'd be lying if he said he'd gotten rid of all his jitters yet.
But he's also aware if Fern chooses this for himself, he'd going to have to deal with it. No ifs or buts about that at all. He'd just need to learn to get over himself. He catches the tone in Fern's voice and worry starts prickling at his chest again. Instead of moving to the seat he was before, he slides in next to his boyfriend, a hand moving to grip his shoulder gently. ]
Of course, I am. Fern, I could literally be standing in the middle of an empty room and I'd still be having fun if I was with you. [Oh, but he's so very worried.] Are...are you having fun? Are you feeling okay?
[At the touch, Fern automatically leans into it. It would normally be a small comfort, but it reminds him of his temporary humanness like before they came out here. He finds himself hating that it just can't be a nice gesture like it normally would be when he was grass. It makes him frown as he looks down at Varian's hand, not moving, but not happy.
Urgh, this is complicated.]
I'm - I'm okay. Yeah. I'm just - thinking. [The beer is making him think, that's not a good sign.] I'm having fun, but I'm not sure if I'm just... having fun doing a normal human thing, or having fun just being me.
[He snorts at this.]
And if I got no clue about what's going on in my own head then I definitely don't know what's going on in yours.
[Fern's unease is adding to Varian's anxiety about all of this. He's torn between being honest with his boyfriend or trying to edge around things to make this an easier process. He eventually settles for the former. He doesn't want to start lying to the other boy now. ]
I mean- I've already made it pretty clear that I don't think you have to change to become...I don't know, more you? Or- or better? I guess? I already thought you were perfect just as you were.
[He can't say otherwise. He doesn't want his opinion to sway a massive life choice like this, it's not fair, but his feelings remain the same. He exhales softly, his arm moving to wrap around Fern's shoulders instead- pulling him gently against him in a half-hug.]
But that's not for me to decide. Only you can decide what it is you want to make you...happy. But I'm with you no matter what you choose. And- and if you need help figuring that out, I'll listen and help with that. [He presses a kiss to Fern's temple- it's flesh and blood and it doesn't feel exactly right, but he does it anyway.] Whatever you need.
[He appreciates the honesty, even if hearing it makes his heart sink. He's happy for the hug, leaning into it and resting his head against Varian's.]
I want you to be right. I wanna be as comfortable with being grass as you are with me being that way, but....
It's hard. Maybe that's the problem. [He starts to reach for Varian's hand but, upon seeing his own very human hand, pauses and instead curls his fingers.] I hate what happened to me, and I hate being so different from everyone else. The only things that understand me are - um.
[Ohhhh, he's cutting himself off as he realizes he very nearly dove into that I can understand other plants hole. Which is scary, and he's deliberately avoiding telling Varian about that because he's been having such a hard time....
But he's doing better now, so maybe he should just get on with it? He doesn't like keeping this from his boyfriend, and now doesn't seem like the worst time, so he draws in a deep breath.]
[Varian catches the stalled motion and it makes his chest hurt. He hates this so much. This is something he categorically can't help Fern with. He can provide support, he can stand with him, but he can't give Fern an answer. He can't tell Fern exactly what the right way to go here is. Because he doesn't know himself. ]
I know you do. It's- it's not fair what happened to you.
[It isn't. Having his entire life ripped away and having someone else live it for him. He can't imagine how gut-wrenching that is to experience. But Fern keeps talking and this is clearly something big and the worry already gnawing at him grows tenfold. ]
[Okay, he can do this. He can do this! It's Varian, out of everyone in Trench he's going to be the most okay with this. He's going to be the one right there, ready to help him through it.
He's quietly realizing that's true, and so the reason for his anxiety is...? What? Why should he be so worried about this? It shouldn't stress Varian out as much as it would have a few weeks ago when he wasn't sleeping, so....
So maybe it's less about being worried about Varian, and more about having to face this new ability. It still scares him, after all. He swallows thickly, feeling his pulse speed up.]
I... can kiiind of understand other plants, now. Remember those flowers that the Moon Presence was growing everywhere a month ago? Their feelings were in my head.
[Ugh, just remembering that is giving him anxiety.]
[Varian's quiet, chewing on his lip as he listens to Fern speak. There were a hundred...a thousand things running in his head as possible things for Fern to want to speak to him about, but he never would have guessed this. He stills, taking it in.]
The...the plants that died horrifically? You- so you have... what? An empathetic link to them now? Like...you can feel what they feel?
[Oh no, this could be bad, Varian's immediately thinking of the long-range issues that would come with this, and his worry is becoming more apparent as he speaks, his shoulders tensing.]
Is- is it with all plants here? Like that- that's gotta be a lot, all the time. Does it hurt you if they get hurt? I don't-
[He stops, as he realises something that makes his heart sink.]
Is... that why you wanted this? The... the human thing? Is it that bad?
[Was Fern suffering without him even realising? He's been so distracted with the lack of sleep and all the weird stuff he was seeing and the fact his skin had changed colour that he hadn't noticed. How had he not noticed? And here he is feeling cruddy about something that might be Fern trying to escape actual real pain. The self-loathing that has been bubbling somewhere in the back of his head since this whole thing started surges anew. ]
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droptheious) wrote2021-06-20 12:39 am
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cawaii
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You could probably see the whole city from up there. [His smile grows a little.] Hey, they have food here, right? Probably something to drink too? You can try whatever you like and not have to worry about it as much as you normally would.
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It's probably too much to hope for that they'll have hamburgers. [But he's grinning all the same, the best thing about being human is not having to rely on photosynthesis.] Maybe they got coffee. Or beer!
[He's very curious to drink some beer and not worry about it being toxic, so he eagerly heads inside, tugging Varian along. The interior is dark but cozy, and there are a couple of other Hunters resting quietly. Fern looks around excitedly, still not letting go of his boyfriend's hand.]
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You never know, we might luck out.
[It's nice to see the grin, though, and it's easing some of Varian's nervousness too. Now he's over the initial shock, he can see Fern shining through. This may not be the form he's used to, but it's still absolutely the boy he knows and loves inhabiting it.
He lets himself be tugged along, and admittedly, he likes the interior of this place, his smile brightening a little in the gloom.]
Oh wow, it's kinda like the Snuggly Duckling! It's got that "hey, I might get stabbed here at any moment!" vibe. [Because obviously, that's what you want in a drinking establishment. He smiles, heading towards the bar.] Well, if nothing else, I bet we can get you a beer here to try.
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It's a bit easier for Fern to let the Watchtower distract him. It's run down, reminding him a little of Ooo. Varian has it summed up pretty well - cozy, in a way that makes you a little scared you might get stabbed. He laughs, happy to start with beers.]
Great! Don't worry, I got this!
[He grins as they approach the bar, briefly letting go of Varian's hand so he can hop onto a stool, spinning around before slamming his fist on the counter. And in his best attempt at a tough, growly voice (more ridiculous than anything), he says:]
Two beers.
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Varian watches as Fern...definitely does not got this, wincing at the tone of voice that would have absolutely gotten him laughed out of the Snuggly Duckling. The person tending the bar looks Fern up and down, before leaning on it heavily, gruffly retorting. What do you have to trade?
Varian, who definitely doesn't want to swoop in and ruin Fern's show of how much he's got this clears his throat, edging a little closer. ]
I think he wants to trade?
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Uh. Right.
[He awkwardly shuffles his backpack off, careful to not let his sword clatter to the ground. It's a bit of a struggle, honestly, what with only having one hand, but he manages it, and digs around in it trying to find something he can trade. The bartender doesn't look especially impressed by this display. So much for being cool and tough.]
I... got some rocks?
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The barkeep doesn't look impressed with the rocks, not the whole struggle Fern is having to get the rocks. He doesn't really want to lessen Fern's...whatever this is turning into, so he's just gonna double down.]
Oh wow! Those are the BEST rocks you've got too! Definitely worth at least two beers, right?
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He decides to double down. Grabbing a handful of shiny rocks, along with a few random flowers that had been growing in his backpack, Fern slams them all on the bar.]
Yeah! I went through so many giant crabs to get these rocks, and you're not gonna find flowers like these growing anywhere in the city at this time of the year!
[It isn't great but it's something. The barkeep rolls his eyes at the display, but will reluctantly scoop everything up and go to pour them two beers.]
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A pleasure doing business with you, good sir!
[He takes a step back, towards one of the tables that's out of the way and NOT in everyone's direct line of vision.]
C'mon, I think there's some good seats over there.
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Sure, dude.
[He'll head over to the table, taking a seat. With that nonsense all solved the other Hunters go back to whatever they were doing, though a few of them look amused. Fern doesn't really notice, he's too distracted by the fact that that worked and they now have beers to drink.]
This place is so cool, we gotta come back sometime.
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Varian slides into the seat across from the other boy, putting the drinks on the table, looking around appreciatively. ]
Yeah, we should. I kinda like it. It's got a...rustic feel. Now! You can try a beer with...you know, actual taste buds.
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At any rate, he immediately takes up his flagon of beer, holding it up for cheers.]
Right?? Here's to having actual taste buds!
[He'll clink his glass against Varian before downing a few big gulps.]
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Prost!
[Sorry, Fern, he's always going to toast the Proper German Way. He takes a more leisurely sip of his beer- he figures if Fern ends up overdoing it, at least he'd be sober enough to help his boyfriend home afterwards. ]
So. How do you like it?
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It tastes the same, but it's better somehow? Like I'm drinking the real deal with real guts instead of just magic. [He looks down at his beer, swirling his mug.] I dunno, does that sound weird?
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It doesn't sound weird at all. It's gonna feel differently now you have an actual proper digestive system to deal with. Or at least...uh a mammalian one. [He's so helpful.] We'll have to try and get you some food to try, too. Give you the full experience.
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Yeah!! Anything they got here, I'll try. Then we can head up and see the view.
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Great, I'm sure I can barter some alchemy supplies for you- get a real feast going- and then we can go see what's up top.
[Plus getting food in him the way he's gulping the beer would be...wise. He stands up, patting the table.]
Sit tight, I'm gonna go see what I can get for us.
[And off her goes to the barkeep again. It takes a lot of talking, and a lot of gesturing- and more than a few alchemy bombs are passed across the table- but eventually Varian returns with a triumphant grin.]
Okay, he's gonna bring over a little bit of everything for you to try. Most of it sounded... well, kinda like the suspicious meat you'd find in the Snuggly Duckling before Lance started cooking there, but it should be okay!
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[Aw geez, this is shaping up to be a great date. Of course, Fern is a very simple person and any date involving a feast is going to be a great one.
While Varian does that Fern finishes off his beer. He downed that thing far faster than someone of his weight and tolerance should have, and it making his head buzz pleasantly. It's making him think that this is all really nice, this creepy Watchtower place, the beer, the effort Varian is putting into this whole date to make it as good as it is despite the roadbumps earlier. Which... aren't really roadbumps, they're more like giant hills. Or mountains. Ones that might not go away, if he decides he wants to find a permanent way to stay human.
Does he even want to do that? Eating and drinking like a normal person is nice, but that's only one aspect of himself. There's - pretty much everything else he needs to think about. And given how he started out having a panic attack, he isn't totally sure what he wants to do about the everything else part. Really, the only good time he's had so far was with food, and he can still eat when he's grass with the scout badge's magic....
By the time Varian comes back Fern is looking a little more thoughtful.]
I'm all about suspicious meat. [Though he doesn't say that with his usual verve, and he kind of looks down at his empty flagon.] Hey, are you having fun so far...?
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But he's also aware if Fern chooses this for himself, he'd going to have to deal with it. No ifs or buts about that at all. He'd just need to learn to get over himself. He catches the tone in Fern's voice and worry starts prickling at his chest again. Instead of moving to the seat he was before, he slides in next to his boyfriend, a hand moving to grip his shoulder gently. ]
Of course, I am. Fern, I could literally be standing in the middle of an empty room and I'd still be having fun if I was with you. [Oh, but he's so very worried.] Are...are you having fun? Are you feeling okay?
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Urgh, this is complicated.]
I'm - I'm okay. Yeah. I'm just - thinking. [The beer is making him think, that's not a good sign.] I'm having fun, but I'm not sure if I'm just... having fun doing a normal human thing, or having fun just being me.
[He snorts at this.]
And if I got no clue about what's going on in my own head then I definitely don't know what's going on in yours.
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I mean- I've already made it pretty clear that I don't think you have to change to become...I don't know, more you? Or- or better? I guess? I already thought you were perfect just as you were.
[He can't say otherwise. He doesn't want his opinion to sway a massive life choice like this, it's not fair, but his feelings remain the same. He exhales softly, his arm moving to wrap around Fern's shoulders instead- pulling him gently against him in a half-hug.]
But that's not for me to decide. Only you can decide what it is you want to make you...happy. But I'm with you no matter what you choose. And- and if you need help figuring that out, I'll listen and help with that. [He presses a kiss to Fern's temple- it's flesh and blood and it doesn't feel exactly right, but he does it anyway.] Whatever you need.
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I want you to be right. I wanna be as comfortable with being grass as you are with me being that way, but....
It's hard. Maybe that's the problem. [He starts to reach for Varian's hand but, upon seeing his own very human hand, pauses and instead curls his fingers.] I hate what happened to me, and I hate being so different from everyone else. The only things that understand me are - um.
[Ohhhh, he's cutting himself off as he realizes he very nearly dove into that I can understand other plants hole. Which is scary, and he's deliberately avoiding telling Varian about that because he's been having such a hard time....
But he's doing better now, so maybe he should just get on with it? He doesn't like keeping this from his boyfriend, and now doesn't seem like the worst time, so he draws in a deep breath.]
There's... something I need to tell you.
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I know you do. It's- it's not fair what happened to you.
[It isn't. Having his entire life ripped away and having someone else live it for him. He can't imagine how gut-wrenching that is to experience. But Fern keeps talking and this is clearly something big and the worry already gnawing at him grows tenfold. ]
...Okay? What is it?
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He's quietly realizing that's true, and so the reason for his anxiety is...? What? Why should he be so worried about this? It shouldn't stress Varian out as much as it would have a few weeks ago when he wasn't sleeping, so....
So maybe it's less about being worried about Varian, and more about having to face this new ability. It still scares him, after all. He swallows thickly, feeling his pulse speed up.]
I... can kiiind of understand other plants, now. Remember those flowers that the Moon Presence was growing everywhere a month ago? Their feelings were in my head.
[Ugh, just remembering that is giving him anxiety.]
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The...the plants that died horrifically? You- so you have... what? An empathetic link to them now? Like...you can feel what they feel?
[Oh no, this could be bad, Varian's immediately thinking of the long-range issues that would come with this, and his worry is becoming more apparent as he speaks, his shoulders tensing.]
Is- is it with all plants here? Like that- that's gotta be a lot, all the time. Does it hurt you if they get hurt? I don't-
[He stops, as he realises something that makes his heart sink.]
Is... that why you wanted this? The... the human thing? Is it that bad?
[Was Fern suffering without him even realising? He's been so distracted with the lack of sleep and all the weird stuff he was seeing and the fact his skin had changed colour that he hadn't noticed. How had he not noticed? And here he is feeling cruddy about something that might be Fern trying to escape actual real pain. The self-loathing that has been bubbling somewhere in the back of his head since this whole thing started surges anew. ]
I'm- I'm sorry. I didn't- I didn't know.
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