curriculum_fictae | [IC] Misc. Open Post

[ Martin has been sleeping a lot in the wake of his Lonely exorcism. Improving - oh yes. Changing a bit ... that too. Things are shifting around inside him with the sudden gap that's been left in his existence. And while the Eye can't possibly fill in as much as the Lonely had - it's not here, and the indescribably faint influence he has can only increase so much. He will only ever be the faintest shadow of what Jon or Gertrude are.

But. But there's enough. To drift in his sleep, and See into another's. Back to the partial statement the Eye had consumed from Subaru. ]

[It's been a tiring last few days and drifting off comes easily for all involved. The now-familiar memories scatter past Martin much like the petals, just single panels cut out from a larger life story. But something is different? The experience is less sharp, and less in the moment. The scent of cherry blossoms is strong.

It's that way until they're at the bathroom with the mirror once more with Subaru's back to him.]

...

Again...

[How many times has it been by now?]

[ Maybe not the first night after having the Lonely dragged out of him. Otherwise? Every night. And at least as often as it takes for this to become rote, to become just tiring instead of terrifying. A nightmare zoo with only one nightmare in it.

Martin's apologetic, as he always is at this point. ]

I'm sorry, Subaru.

[ That scent is different though ... did he not notice it before because of the Lonely? Or ... ]

[He lets the silence hang.

I's long enough that it seems like he simply fell back into the memory, and the experience of this moment.]

[ Not so unusual, that. Martin would rather not intrude, but ... ]

I told you before. It's not going to stop. This is the Eye's territory.

[...]

...It feels worse tonight.

[Expression creased with delicate suffering.]

[ Martin looks surprised, and then. Then not surprised at all. ]

I think. That may be my fault.

Because of the exorcism? Or...?

...

I've been using the Eye to contact Molly.

[!

A little astonished]

You can go Within him.

How is he?

Y. Yes. I don't - I don't quite know how I'm doing it, just.

[ Well. It's obviously an entity, and the Eye is the most obvious candidate. It's not like he can use Web to follow that golden strand of connection, right? ]

He's recovering. Slowly. But steadily.

That's... that's good...

[Even while caught in the dream's hold, he can still feel some comfort for someone else even if it wars with the compulsion's effect. His words come out hushed, distracted.]

But the Eye. Is it growing stronger?

...

[ a sigh. But he nods. ]

I don't think - it's not like the Lonely. The Lonely was eating me. The Eye is just ... filling in some of the gaps.

The gaps that it, or you, want to see.

Right.

[ A glance around the scenery. The mirror. The petals. ]

One way or another.

[a note of frustration]

So why this repeat performance? Hasn't it seen enough of this?

It's never enough. I don't - I don't have a lot of context, but the one person I'd heard from - they kept having these nightmares. Constantly.

I don't think there's any way out of it.

[His grip on the sink edges tremble as he tries to let go... do anything else.]

V removed the compulsion yet it's still here in this moment. I thought I'd be relieved - just a bit - but...

That's - that's because it's not the compulsion. It's the memory of having it.

And even if you couldn't remember, I don't know - I don't know if that would be enough. The Eye knows anyway.

[ He tries to reach out for Subaru's shoulder. ]

...Once, he was the last person I would want to hate me.

[A creak of something stretching, of old and large wood in the wind. A branch bursts from the darkness and meets Martin's hand instead.]

[ Martin jolts at that, surprised? But he takes the hint for now, drawing his hand back. ]

And now?

And now...

[Subaru doesn't seem to notice or react. He stares at his own reflection, unblinking.]

Aren't you tired?

[It isn't clear if he's asking Martin or himself.]

[ Martin is silent a moment, uncertain. ]

Of course I am.

[...]

Then... We should sleep.

[The dream shudders.

More tree branches stretch out from around them and crisscross between Martin and Subaru, a veritable fence. Martin can still see the mirror through a shrinking window formed from the sakura, and Subaru's expression and frozen stance doesn't change.]

[ What the hell -

That's. That's new and it doesn't seem right. Martin cries out, trying o reach through the branches towards him. (Or does the Eye? Or is it both of them together?) ]

[Rejection. Something doesn't want him here and it's high time to make like a tree, Martin. Perhaps it's the Eye but he gets the sense that something is telling him to get out.

When the gap in the branches slips away to growing wood and petals, Subaru's reflection finally shuts his eyes.

Thin, gnarled branches wrap around Martin's wrists and ankles, then snake across his chest to hold him in a tight embrace - before dragging him away into nothing.]

[ And Martin sits bolt upright in bed, a strangled cry escaping him before he remembers not to make noise. Another person in bed with him. Other people nearby ...

He shivers all over for a moment, just breathing. ]

[Whichever version of Martin this lands in, he's sleeping soundly, isn't he? A nice dream with bright colors and a warm atmosphere. The sound of birds chirping and animals making noise in the distance; certainly is not London as the world comes into view. A deep valley with a wealth of life sprawling everywhere. South American, maybe?

Despite that, there is something familiar, and that is the strangeness abound. Immediately is the weather flip flopping between sunny and windy heavy rains and then back again in such a short span of time, for seemingly no reason. But there is something else, like a distant whisper calling to him through a hiss of sand. It's just deeper in the little pueblo by the larger house.]

[ Such a deep sleep, deeper than he usually gets in Sidereal. Not that he minds usually - having his arms around Jonah is enough to pull him into something restful on most nights - but this is a bit different, isn’t it?

He blinks at the valley, its vibrant colors, the beautiful house. Should he approach? … It’s a dream, right? Well, maybe.

(That whisper - it’s familiar - it reminds him of a connection he lost recently— )

He finds himself heading up to the house nervously, poking his head into the main entryway. ]

H-hullo? Anyone here? I’m - I’m sorry to intrude, I just.

[ He has no idea where the hell he is. ]

[There's a sound of tiles flipping and tapping - almost like an answer. It's welcoming, in a way. And the tiles under Martin's feet shift gently to urge him inside.

Come. Come inside, hurry.

The open area is darker, clouds overhead blocking out the bright sun. And the doors a dark rich wood. The tile tapping leads up the stairs, a rhythmic pattern leading Martin starting where he is, going up, then starting back again where Martin stands until he follows.]

[ UM

That’s - that’s very unsettling! He’s not sure he likes it?? But the tiles aren’t really letting him go back and.

And, well. He just slowly starts following the tiles, because why not. ]

God, I really hope this isn’t a bad idea. It’s probably a bad idea.

[It is completely fine and nothing to worry about, as the tiles and the wood panels he walks on lead him upstairs. The only light here being a door set aside, in its own alcove away from everyone else. There's the faint glowing outline on the door of a person with an hourglass, and the name "Bruno".

But just as soon as it's legible, there's the creak of another panel opening close by. A painting that's partially pulled from the wall.

And a shadow that moved behind one of the larger potted plants. Is someone watching him?]

[ Bruno? Does he know a Bruno? He doesn’t remember any of the statements involving a Bruno …

He jolts at that creak, though, and whirls. The painting? What? he creeps a bit closer. ]

Is. Is someone there.

[The immediate response is a small bit of wind blowing, creaking the frame's hinges.

And then the tiny sounds of tiny feet scurrying. A couple of small rats carrying different small food items to the hole behind the painting as Martin gets closer.]

Deje!

[It's... Not coming from the painting. Close by though.]

You should- [Clearing of the throat before a much spookier, if theatrical, voice gets put on.] You should not venture to the ...The Seeecret Door.

[ Rats, huh. That’s kind of a bonus? They look like cute rats.

The voice though. That makes him jolt with a yelp. ]

The. The what. Who are you? Where am I?

[They are the cutest rats.

Not to be confused with the honestly fairly filthy man hiding behind the potted plant.]

Yoouuu are definitely somewhere you should not be, there is no celebration happening in Casita tonight, you should definitely not be here, nope.

[ Ah. That’s.

Martin just sort of looks past the plant at the weird man hiding there. ]

Well, I’m sorry. I will happily go home if I can find my way, but I don’t think I’m from this area.

Uuhhh no you are not. You are really, really not.

[He moves, still trying to stay in the shadows, but bits of color can be seen - the dark black-graying-curls, the green ruana draping down low to his feet.]

Do you not know how you got here?

[ That -

UH. Martin just stares for a moment? Rubs at his eyes. CLEARLY, it’s not Jon, and yet it’s firing off every familiar instinct he’s got. ]

N-no, ah. I just. Woke up outside?

[The shuffling stops. But maybe Martin will be a little too familiar with the feeling of eyes boring down onto him.]

You. You mean, you just... literally woke up outside?

No, no no not possible, that's not possible.

Yes, I am aware of how impossible it is, but I am sorry to say it’s what happened.

[ He inches closer, trying to get a closer look at those Eyes. ]

[The man is doing his level best staying in the shadows, but even his eyes reflect the light here and there - a pair of very natural, very human green eyes watching him closely.]

No, you don't- I mean, you really don't understand, this valley's hidden. No one can get in, been that way for almost fifty years. So if you're here, just poof, then that means you got through somehow, found a break in the magic, the-

Oh no. [Nooo no no no. A dark hand reaches for Martin's wrist, aiming to tug him closer to the painting-door.] You need to come with me.

What -

[ Okay, he’s definitely tugged along. He’s a big guy but he is not resisting? Just DEEPLY confused. ]

Magic? What magic? Where are we going?

We are going somewhere we can talk.

[Sure, Dolores could hear them. But she's a little distracted elsewhere. No, it's clear now this is a short Columbian man, malnourished and eyes carrying some heavy baggage. He pulls Martin in through the tunnel entrance and closes the painting door behind him.]

Go - Go that way, we'll talk when we get there.

O-okay, okay! All right!

[ He would be more suspicious if this man weren’t so obviously sad? A sad Eye man?? God.

He heads in through the painting, then, and stands for a moment behind the house walls. Then … slowly, carefully, heads the way Bruno said he should. ]

[He gives the painting-back and side walls quick knocks before continuing behind him.]

It hasn't reached Casita just yet, but- Oh it will. It will, I saw it so there's no real stopping that, but I didn't think it'd be enough at the start to bring a whole person from outside, that's - I can't even figure that one out.

[ Martin just. Stares a bit at that little ritual. ]

What? What hasn’t reached Casita yet?

The cracks. [Like it's the most obvious thing.

Around a few turns until Martin has definitely lost track of his direction and it opens to a small room with old, neglected furniture and so many more rats.

The man is in full view now, short, wiry with longer black curls and eyes that don't seem to focus while he paces and gestures with his hands talking.]

I knew it was coming, just never knew when but I should've guessed since she's been getting older, so it was only a matter of time. But you being here is a crack in the magic, which means it's going to happen soon.

[ Martin just sort of stumbles along, then, until he gets to that room and …

Oh. There is something DEEPLY familiar about this. Especially with this man in front of him looking the way he does. (Is it wrong that he kind of likes this look? This is a dream, right?) ]

Cracks. Okay. In - what magic, exactly.

[Almost like if Jonah had allowed his hair to grow properly, not let it bother him.

But no, the man here is Not Jonah. He's just pacing circles, letting the rats jump onto and off of him, occasionally reaching to pet one here and there.]

In the encanto! The whole valley, the pueblo. This whole place is protected by magic. But they don't know, I didn't let Abuela see it, so they have no way to know it's coming.

[He makes some tchah tchah tchah noises in his teeth before stopping. Looking at Martin. Then looking at the rats.]

What d'you think, you think he's part of it? Or something else, maybe? Seems harmless enough.

[ At least the rats seem friendly? Martin tentatively offers a hand to one of them.

And. You know. Stares at Bruno. ]

Are you. Are you talking to the rats?

[The rat does sniff at the offered hand before jumping to climb up Martin's arm.]

Uh. Yeah? Who else would I be talking to?

[ Cute. Martin reaches down to pet its little head. ]

I mean, most people where I come from don’t talk to rats. Or talk about magic at all.

Well, then your place didn't have a miracle.

Or me. So.

… We are definitely a place without miracles. Yes. That is 100% true.

[ Martin sighs a bit and leans on the back of that threadbare armchair. ]

Who are you, anyway?

[Meanwhile, he's sorting to some of the rats, dolling out some of the food they brought. Gotta share, all of you.

But that question. He looks up at Martin in disbelief.]

You- You don't know me? Really?

[ Does this blank face look like he knows you. ]

Absolutely not. Should I?

Wow...

[He pets at another rat on his shoulder, but he's hunching in on himself a bit. Nervous, this guy is the definition of nervous.]

You are... really not from around here. Everyone knows who I am.

[ Gosh. Maybe it’s his looks, but Martin is abruptly feeling a lot of sympathy for this poor nervous man. He gives him a gentle smile. ]

Well, I’m not from around here, and I don’t know who you are. Would you mind telling me?

Uh.

[He hesitates, just wandering the room a bit, setting one of the rats onto a barrel]

I'm Bruno. Of the family Madrigal, the family who lives here. Out there. Abuela Alma has been leading the village out there since we found this place.

Well, it’s nice to meet you, Bruno. My name’s Martin Sims.

[This man is all nervous energy, the way he keeps circling the room, twitching and hunching, picking things up, putting them down, still widely gesturing with his hands while he talks.]

I'd say it's nice to meet you, but it's uh. It's still weird? Still have no idea how you appeared here which means you probably have no idea how to get out. Not that you gotta leave right away or anything, it's just, y'know, it's good to know?

[ Gosh he reminds Martin SO MUCH of Jon. Just. Nervous? Twitchy? Like himself?

………is this their AU son or something. Goodness, what a thought. ]

Agreed on all points. Though I have some hope I’ll simply disappear once whatever’s going on burns itself out.

Burns itself out, there's a thought. Don't even know what it is and- I mean, if I could find a place I could look, but I really don't want to, don't do it anymore, no good. No good, nothing good would come from that so don't even think about it.

[Yeah this is a guy who got really used to talking to himself. From the looks of it, it's been well over a decade.]

Why do you think you'll just disappear? Do you know what it is?

[ Poor Bruno. The more Martin sees, the more sympathetic he is. ]

No, I have no idea, b-but I’m currently living in a place that pulled me in, and if I were to get shoved home, it would look like I disappeared randomly.

[ A beat. ]

What did you mean about looking?

[He shakes his head, some of it ringing familiar. Some vision he had ages ago coming to the surface, but still feels like a dream.]

My gift, um. I-i see visions, but they're no good. Nobody liked 'em, they're garbage, so I stopped doing them.

[ Oh. OH.

Martin’s eyes go wide at that. ]

Visions? Of - what?

[He shrugs, shoulders up by his ears.]

The future. Literally nobody liked it though. Better I stay here.

… Is that the only thing you See?

Yeah? Y-yeah, I mean, besides seeing you right here in front of me which is still weird by the way.

No, I mean. Magical. Seeing. If that makes sense?

Uuhhhhh then yeah, no, the future's all I see like that. Or, it used to be.

Used to be? Did you. Stop?

Yeah, I- uhm. I stopped. Years ago, long time ago. Nobody liked them, they were never any good.

[ Martin immediately looks alarmed, sweeping his eyes up and down Bruno’s malnourished frame. ]

You just stopped. Did - did you start feeling sick afterwards?

No? Kinda hard to with my sister's cooking out there. Heals anything. I don't think anyone here's been sick... Ever, actually. Huh. Weird.

S. Sorry, did you say your sister’s cooking can heal?

[ But okay, that does make sense, if he’s starving but being healed all the time, [

Oh yeah. Doesn't matter what she cooks, all of it heals you right up. Super helpful.

And it doesn’t - er - turn you into a horrible flesh monster?

[ He eyes Bruno’s lack of unusual fleshy appendages. ]

[Yeah, Bruno's kinda giving him a Look.]

No. What? No..

Well, good. Sorry. Just checking. That - would definitely happen in my world if there were magical healing food.

[Bruno kinda shakes his head.]

It's not the food that heals, it's her. The fact she's the one cooking it, that's her gift.

And. It just does it? There’s no catch?

Right, now you're getting it.

Okay. Sure. Magic without drawbacks. That’s fine.

… Why are you living in the walls?

[Bruno hesitates for just a second, before flopping down into that arm chair.]

Ah, you know? Just- My room has all these stairs and it, it wasn't worth the effort going up and down and up and down every single day, just. Easier living back here.

…

You lie almost as badly as someone else I know.

It's- It's not a complete lie...

No, but it’s a lie in all the ways that count. Isn’t it.

[Bruno looks at him, then looks at a rat perched on the arm chair and shrugs.]</small He's got good eyes.

[ Martin sighs a bit. ]

I am still right here, you know.

No, yep, you- You totally are. So where, exactly do you come from?

Um. Well. Originally? Manchester.

Edited 2021-12-31 23:51 (UTC)

Uuuhhhhhhh....

[Yeah he's got nothing.]

… The UK? Earth?

[He shrugs.]

I've never met anyone from outside the encanto, so....

… How old are you?

Eeehhhhh... Was in my thirties when I moved back here. After that, it's - It kinda gets fuzzy? Lose track of the days and all.

[ Huh. Same age even. ]

That’s. Quite a sheltered life then. It didn’t seem like a very large valley?

[Look he doesn't know he's nearing fifty.]

No, definitely not very big. But you know, we, we get by. It's all okay.

No, no, it seems - very nice from what little I saw?

Though admittedly this room leaves a bit to be desired.

Ah well. It's. I mean, it's better than it was when I first moved back here? It's- It's got everything I need.

[ Martin just. Looks around pointedly again. ]

It’s just - there was a place like this back where I worked? And I lived there for a few months. I can’t imagine being there for YEARS.

Eh, you get used to it. Good company, good music when the family gets going out there, good food being right next to the kitchen.

[ Oh. Martin winces rather sharply. Looks about for any hint of fog in here too. ]

When the family gets going out there without you?

[While Bruno doesn't notice or acknowledge it, there is a sharp tinge of cold at his feet when Bruno look up at him for that. Then down again, petting one of the rats that hopped onto his arm.]

...Yeah. Y-yeah, without me.

[ Yeah. Yeah Martin knows that cold too well. He shivers a bit. God, this poor sad alternate Jon … ]

I - I know we’ve only just met, but can I hug you?

Uh.

[He looks a little surprised by that request. Looks around nervously.]

I mean, sure, but I'm not sure why you'd want to, cause, I mean, I mean look at me. Not the hugger type really, not good for it.

[ That just gets a soft, warm smile. ]

Oh, I know. You’re all elbows and joints. But I’ve got enough softness for both of us, and I’m guessing you need it.

[Yeah, he's still a little lost on that. Why would anyone want to hug him?]

You probably shouldn't, you know? May get stuck with a bad prophecy and then it's "oh I hugged Bruno and then broke my leg, he's bad luck!" Or something. How it usually goes.

[ The more Bruno goes on, the softer Martin’s expression gets. Until he just surges forward to scoop Bruno up into a warm hug. ]

[He's rambling still until the hug and he goes completely stiff. Just no idea how to react to being hugged.]

I-i um.

[ Sorry Bruno. Martin is gentle at least? He holds the skinny little rat man for a moment to give him a chance to relax, maybe, but he won’t force it if that doesn’t happen. ]

Hey. It’s all right. I promise you’re not bad luck.

Uh. You are probably the only one that thinks that, and that's just because I haven't given you a prophecy. Trust me, if I did, you'd agree I'm bad luck.

Mm, well. The person I’m closest to back home has the same problem.

[ He gently sets Bruno back down. ]

[Back on his feet, Bruno hunches in on himself, shoulders up by his ears.]

Y-yeah? Well. Least he's got you. That's - You're good at hugging, but you'll probably regret it later.

[ Every time Bruno opens his mouth, Martin aches even more for this little man. ]

Why are you so sure I’m going to regret it?

Everyone does.

[ He looks over at that crack in the wall, the sad place setting. ]

And do they all insist they won’t right up until they do?

Sometimes, sure, but right up to my last prophecy, Mamá was the last one who really believed they could be any good, so y'know, I just kinda- I just.

It's better if I don't.

[ God. Even without this man looking so much like Jon/ah, Martin would desperately feel for him. And the mother figure, well … he hides a small wince of his own. ]

Your mother? What happened?

[He shrugs, flopping down into his chair again, letting a few of the rats crawl onto him.]

My gift wasn't helping the family. It just... made everything worse, everyone upset. Got- got blamed for stuff going wrong.

[ Martin snags the chair from the table, then, and sits there.

(Gee, he understands THAT thought too.) ]

Some people - some people don’t understand no matter what you do. It’s not your fault.

Yeah so. So no matter what I did it didn't matter. Just better to... To just not.

I - I get it. Yeah. I wish I’d figured that one out.

[ A deep breath. ]

I’m sorry, Bruno.

Eh...

[He shrugs, trying to kick that mood out. It's fine, everything's fine.]

It's just me, just- Bruno. So it's fine. I've been fine back here, family's happy and perfect out there, everything's great.

[ He gives Bruno a Look. ]

You really don’t have to pretend with me. Just - trust me, okay?

I'm not pretending, it's- It's really fine.

[ He just stares at you Bruno. ]

Look me in the eye and say that.

[Bruno does look at him. Hesitates, then shakes his head.]

Look, I-iii don't know why you're here or how you got here, but. But Abuela should probably know about it and she can help you. Probably.

[ Yeah, that’s what he thought. ]

Your mother?

Yeah. Yeah, she- Runs the house and helps the villagers. So she could help you.

I am certain that she could.

… But. Let’s leave that as a last resort, all right?

I mean sure, but I dunno what else you're gonna do unless you wanna live in here with me.

Honestly? I’m pretty sure I’m going to disappear on my own in a day or two. Or wake up, that’s possible.

[Yeah you seem really really sure of that, Martin. Bruno's just... Watching him carefully. Thinking.]

See no harm letting you stay here until then.

Right. And if it does go on longer, we can talk about other options.

[ Martin does seem very sure, yes. Also he brightens. ]

You could have a vision about it? If you want to try it.

Uuhhhhh what?

Hahaaa no, uh. Don't think that's a good idea, no, you'll just hate whatever I see and it'll be my fault whatever happens.

Orrr you could figure out how to get me out of your hair sooner.

[He fidgets, wrings his hands a bit looking at the rat on his shoulder. Bruno looks like he wants to say something, but stops himself.

Breathe.]

The only way to do that would be you talking with Abuela and you don't wanna do that so, staying back here with me until you poof again is the way to go. Definitely.

[ Poor Bruno. Martin does gentle, at least, reaching out for his hand. ]

I really do think it would help. And I promise I won’t blame you for anything you see.

You- See, you say that, but you know? It's. It'll happen. You'll actually see what's there and you'll hate it and hate me, so.

No. No, just better to not, we can't go to my vision cave anyway, it's all closed off.

[ Oh boy. There’s a lot to parse there, but first… ]

My husband is like you. He doesn’t See the future, but he Sees everything else. And he also gets hated for it.

...What do you mean?

He. He has powers. To Know things - anything, really. If you asked him where your mother is right now and what she’s doing, he would Know that.

That-

[He stares for a second.]

That is. Way more useful than my visions. I mean, that's really really useful.

I would say seeing the future is incredibly useful.

No, it- It definitely is not. You see where it's gotten me.

And seeing everything else has gotten my husband into terrible situations too. So.

...He's got you.

…

He does have me now. After - after losing me for a long time. Nothing short of a miracle brought us back together.

Then he's. He's really lucky.

He is. So am I.

[ He eyes Bruno. ]

… There’s no one in your life like that at all? Not even someone you lost?

Um. No, just-

Just the family. Out there, they don't know, I- [Just. Wringing his hands nervously again before settling to pick a rat up and hold it.] As far as they know, I left fourteen years ago.

F. Fourteen years …

[ Martin stares at this tiny little room, the crack in the wall. ]

Oh my god. You - you can’t stay here.

No, it. It's fine. It's all right, got plenty of food and good company, and- Look, it's really okay.

[ Martin shakes his head firmly. ]

Wouldn’t you rather be somewhere with people? Safe, loved?

Anyone would, that's a no brainer question. But not everyone can have that, and I shouldn't.

Yes you can. You absolutely can. I -

Come with me?

An-and go where?

Look, I- I really can't. Shouldn't. Just, the night I left, I- it's better if I don't go back.

And go back to where I live. It’s a lovely place - I own a bakery there. And you wouldn’t have to go back to your family at all.

I...

[He looks at that hand offered, then to the crack in the wall, his own drawn plate. Slowly shakes his head.]

I can't. I- I can't leave them. They're my family, I. I love them, it's just...

[ God. Every word this man says makes Martin feel for him a little more. If Jon were a decade older, with no Martin in his life at all… ]

You’re afraid you’re hurting them.

You ruin enough moments with your gift...

It's better this way.

[ Martin bites his lip, thinking hard about this. ]

How long has it been since anyone at all has visited you?

Um. Well, I mean. No one knows I'm here so... You're the first in almost ten years. Since the night I had my last vision.

… Then I’m not going to try to go home. Not right away. I’m sure I’ll just vanish when it’s time anyway.

You should have someone here.

I really don't think it's a good idea. Not that you aren't nic, you are, just-

Look I don't know what to tell you. I don't have a good track record cord here.

All the more reason for someone to prove you wrong.

Yooouuuu, you are stubborn. Still not a good idea

Definitely stubborn, yes. Absolutely.

[ He eyes that kitchen from here … ]

How do I get to the kitchen?

[He watches those fears turn. Sighs and gestures with one hand over the arm of the chair.]

Door there to the right. Opens up just next to one of the cabinets. Just - don't take too much. Otherwise they'll notice.

Of course. I’ll be careful.

Come with me?

Uh, wh. Why?

[He asks, but he's still standing up to lead the way anyway.]

Just, quiet and sneak y'know.

Because I’m going to cook for you, and I’ll need to know what you want to eat.

Nope.

[Stopping in his tracks.]

Bad idea, no cooking. You take what's already there, don't cook.

—- what? Why?

The whole house will smell it. They'll know.

[ That’s … potentially true, damn it. But Martin is going to SOMETHING here. ]

Tea then. Tea won’t be noticed.

.... Just tea?

Just tea. And I’ll only take a few precooked items that won’t be missed. All right?

... All right. [He nods, already figuring out how to best hide the kettle they'll use. But he grabs two of his cups from this room to carry out with them.]

Just... Quiet. And then we'll get some tea. Tea is fine, tea is easy.

[ Martin offers to take one of the cups. ]

Of course. I’m extremely good at moving quietly in the kitchen.

[Okay fine take one of the cups. He'll scootch on ahead to get the door and peek through first. Sounds like everyone is out in the village so... Creaking that door open a little more to sneak out.]

If you say so.

[ Martin follows after, then, being careful to step out. ]

My - um. My mother. She … we had a complicated relationship.

[His step hitches for just a second before he peeks around the corner of the kitchen. Then motions for Martin to follow. The tiles along the counter flip and turn, bringing a kettle to the stove top burner.]

Moms, right? They, uh. They make things hard sometimes.

[ Martin continues to follow. And once he’s in the kitchen, he starts rummaging around the kitchen for tea. (Startles as the kitchen responds helpfully to him, nudging tins of tea and sugar etc. towards him.) ]

Yeah. They do. And you love them, so you can’t leave them, but …

But it's difficult being around them.

[He's digging through the breakfast leftovers on a plate - arepas, paella, huevos pericos. All things that won't be noticeable as missing. Just maybe Camilo came and had extra when no one was looking.]

So, y'know, I just - I like staying close. Oh, thanks, Casita. [Just not even hesitating when the house brings over some spoons and forks.]

Yeah. That exactly.

[ He. Um. Stares at the forks traveling over? ]

S. Sorry, is the. Is the house doing this?

Oh, yeah that's just Casita.

[The shutters in front of Martin swing gently in response.]

Um.

[ He. Waves back??? ]

Is it safe.

Oh, yeah. Casita's great, helps us out every day. Part of the magic.

[Plate piled with just enough to share but not enough to be worrisome, Bruno grabs the forks and starts keeping an eye on the window.]

Usually gives me a head's up when the family's coming back.

[ Martin, meanwhile, brews them a fine cup of tea. Hesitantly taking the supplies Casita offers. ]

Is it … sentient? Then? Does it understand you?

For the most part, yeah. Been like this as long as I can remember.

[He gently pats the counter, watching Martin now.]

[ He is a LITTLE FREAKED OUT??? Like. Jumping a bit whenever the house lifts a tile to wave. ]

A-and it’s never. Um. Swallowed anyone up? Hurt them? Gotten them impossibly lost…?

What? No. Casita's like part of the family. It wouldn't hurt any of us.

…

I. Suppose you would know. I just had a very different experience with my last sentient domicile.

Clearly.

[He just kind of shrugs as the tiles bring the steaming kettle over.]

Come on, we should - Should get back.

[ Martin carefully takes it then. ]

R-right ah. Lead the way.

[Leave no evidence, just grabbing everything they need and leading the way back to the little door by the cabinet. He can't knock with his hands full like this but it's fine, it'll be fine, it's fine it's fine it's fine it's fin

He sets the plate down on the floor and knocks his little series of knocks before picking it back up. The tension all bled out of his shoulders in relief.]

Sorry, it's just - It's better if we don't sit out here too long, because sometimes they can see through a window anyway, Luisa's usually walking around a lot and can see in, and Dolores can hear us anyway, but she's- She's good, she doesn't spill the beans or anything.

[ This. This poor guy. Superstitious on top of everything. Martin won’t blame him; he’ll just hold the guy’s stuff carefully. ]

Um, who is Dolores then?

Hm? Oh, my oldest sobrina. Sister's daughter, you know, she uh. Her gift she got was being ale to hear anything and everything. She knows everything, definitely hears me and the rats, but she's - She's great, she hasn't told anyone.

[ …… is that Eye again … ]

Why don’t you talk to her then?

Because... Because then the rest of the family would wonder who she's talking to.

… And then they’d find out. Ah.

[ He would argue more but. Well. His own mum. ]

Yeah. Yep.

[Just motions for him to go ahead of him back through the portrait door before closing it up behind them.]

Look, like I said, things are fine like this, they're better. Better for everyone, so better not to think too much about it.

[ He does so carefully, ducking his head to get in. ]

I still don’t think this is better for you. I - if I could manage to bring you back with me somehow, I’d take you to my bakery.

Yeah, well. I'm sure it's a very nice bakery because you seem very nice but it's, I'd rather stay here with my family and all.

Right, right. Of course. If it were a choice between my husband and here, of course I’d go back to him.

Well, I mean, yeah you're- You're married. Husband, you said right? Yeah, you're married, of course you'd go to him, you don't even know this place or this family.

No, I don’t.

[ A pause. ]

But if he came here I wouldn’t care if we stayed here instead. I’d miss my bakery, of course, but I’m sure I could manage something in town too.

Hm. Well. That's great, then. He should come here then, you seem pretty insistent on staying however long.

[He's just gonna set the plate on the table, sitting himself in front of his own made-place setting and gestures for Martin to come sit.]

Look, it, i-i-it doesn't matter anyway. Everything's been fine so far.

[ Martin sits across from him, then, and preps the tea with his borrowed supplies. Even like this, it’s a great cup of tea. ]

I just - I know you say that. And you’ve probably adjusted. It may even be fine. But are you happy, Bruno?

[He pauses mid-passing out arepas to split between them. Looks up at him, then down at the paella and slides a fork to Martin's side of the plate.]

Doesn't matter. The family's happy, village is happy.

[ He takes it gratefully and begins to eat. Rubs at his eyes a bit. Eye connection’s cut, so fortunately he’s not blind, but his vision does wobble for a second. ]

That’s not the same as your happiness. It’s - it’s okay to want your happiness.

Look.

[His tone firms at that, staring him down seriously.]

There is nothing I can do to make this family happy. And. And if I can't do that, then. They just- I'll just get blamed for more bad stuff happening around. So if it's that, or live back here where I can still be here? Then this is fine.

[And stuffs half an arepa in his mouth to munch on.]

[ God. He knows that look. FEELS that look. Feels every part of that really. He knows there’s no arguing really, and that he’ll only make Bruno feel worse.

But he aches so badly, seeing both himself and Jon here. He just eats arepas silently for a moment. ]

I … I understand. Before my life went to hell, I’d have done the same. Was doing the same.

[He 'hm's while he finishes that one. Gets a bite of paella to think over.]

Well. You got lucky.

[ That -

God, he can’t help it. What a bitter laugh that is. ]

I did get lucky. Eventually.

I'm just lucky to have these guys here with me.

[Just. Tears off a tiny bit of arepa to share with a couple of rats that came up. He's just. Annoyed now.]

But you did get lucky eventually and that's better than no luck at all.

[ Oh. Martin shoots him a look, realizing that reaction. ]

… Yes. Yes, it. It is. I’m sorry.

[He waves one hand.]

Ah, it's fine. It's all right, here, try my hermana's cooking, it's great. [Nudging the plate closer to him.]

[ He takes it, then, and carefully nabs a bite. ]

She’s the one who -

[ Oh. He flushes a bit, colour going back into him as he looks a bit more energetic. ]

… That’s very good.

[For probably the first time, he smiles for real; it's small and easy to miss but it's there.]

Yeah, she's- She's a great cook.

I - god. Yes. I mean I assume that’s magic I can’t replicate, but good lord I want that recipe.

Paella? That's easy, but she's just really great anyway.

[He takes his spoon and nabs a bite.]

I mean I can get you a recipe though.

I’d like that very much.

[ He continues to eat contentedly. ]

[Just a slow creeping smile before he digs into the huevos.]

Then yeah. Yeah, I'll get that for ya.

[ Are you making a friend Bruno?? How does that feel.

Martin returns the smile, bright and warm. ]

Thank you, Bruno.

[It feels REALLY weird. A human friend. How novel.]

Y-yeah. Of course.

[ He continues to take small, pleased bites. ]

Do you have books back here?

Um. A few, yeah. Mostly stuff I grabbed when no one was looking.

[He gestures to the small stack on a barrel in front of the arm chair.]

May I look through them?

Uh...

Sure?

[There aren't many, mostly just some old story books Abuela had carried with her.]

[ Ah, yeah. He sees that immediately just sorting through them. ]

Not much for entertainment back here, I see.

Kinda make my own entertainment. Just, y'know.

… You only have yourself and the rats to help?

Yeah. I mean, who else am I gonna ask?

I suppose there’s no one else. Yeah.

But you know, it's great, I mean I get to listen to them, hear all the gossip. I-I'm not sure Isabel really wants to marry that guy Mariano.

Who’s Isabel? And … who’s Mariano?

Isabel is the oldest of my other sister - sister who made all the food.

Mariano's just - He's a good guy, he's just from the village.

So, good people, but a bad matchup?

I think so, yeah.

[Munch munch.]

I think Dolores likes him.

… Oh. Oh dear. That cannot be comfortable for any of them.

No, but. Isabel's pretty determined to do what's best for the family, and Dolores isn't going to get in the way of that because she also wants the family and village happy.

…

Um. I. Don’t take this the wrong way, but. Is anyone in your family happy?

[He gestures vaguely with one hand.]

They're happy when everyone's happy.

Okay, then who is happy in this family?

I-

I just told you, they all are. Just, y'know. Sometimes it's not so obvious and everyone has bad days sometimes.

The fact that you can’t even name anyone specifically is telling, Bruno.

Look, what- What exactly do you want from me here? You show up out of nowhere, start asking about my family, then start criticizing my family. What do you want.

[ Martin pinks at that and withdraws. ]

I - sorry. I just want to help. That’s all.

Every family has something wrong, okay? No family is perfect, and- And everyone has something they're working on. Mamá is doing her best taking care of everyone, and we have to help her. And sometimes that means Pepa has to keep her emotions under control, and Isabela may have to marry some guy she's not interested in, and I have to stay back here, out of sight and not hurting anyone.

It just - It's like that sometimes.

Edited 2022-01-02 17:28 (UTC)

[ Martin makes another face, but he doesn’t comment on any of those things directly, at least. ]

I suppose I don’t have that sort of family, so I can’t comment.

[Bruno, meanwhile, huffs through his nose and sits back a bit. Staring down at his self-made plate with his name, then at the light coming through the crack in the wall.]

....Sorry. I just- They're all I've got.

No, no. That I understand. My - my mum. Like I said.

[ A deep breath. ]

It’s just - in my specific case, I should have walked away years ago.

...Where would you've gone?

Physically? I moved to London. Mentally, well. I should have just cut contact. Stopped trying to see her.

Oh.

Yeah, there's nowhere I can really uh. 'Move' to, not without leaving the encanto.

No, I. I see that. Yes. And you seem …

[ He hesitates. ]

Well, I don’t know your mum, but just from what you’re saying she seems. Ah. Like there’s more hope, probably.

[He seems like he's never known anything else in his life.

He fidgets with his spoon on the plate a bit, thinking about that.]

There's hope for them, I think. If. If she can do it, then things will be better for them.

[ Yeah. That too. But that’s why Martin’s worried. If he literally can’t escape, and this is all he’s known, AND his mother is as bad as Martin’s …

He hopes that last part isn’t true. But he just doesn’t know, does he? ]

She? Your mother?

[He just. Takes an arepa and idly breaks it apart, sharing it with the rats nuzzling their little noses on his arms.]

Mirabel, my youngest sobrina. She, uh. The night she was supposed to get her Gift didn't go so well. Her vision was... Different. I-i dunno what'll happen but if there's hope for this family, it's her.

… how old is she now?

Fourteen now? She was five when she was supposed to get her gift, and then it went bad and I didn't know what it meant, still don't know what it means. But she's- She's trying.

[ He. He doesn’t say anything, but this face clearly says “you’re leaving the future of your potentially toxic and definitely magic family to a FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD???” ]

[Yeah he's good at reading.]

Look, she's smart. She's hard working, she wants so badly to do right. And- and her vision that I had? Definitely has to do with the fate of the magic. So. So yeah.

Okay, okay, I believe you. Different world, different rules.

[He nods, obviously pleased with that. Then thinks again.]

I- boy I wish I knew how to get you home. Not because I don't like the company, just. You seem really kinda stressed out by mi familia, and- And I dunno.

I’m -

[ SIGH. ]

I’m not stressed. I’ll be less stressed. I just care about you? And it seems like you have few that do.

Heh. You jus'...

You just met me, why would you care?

I mean. I care about nearly everyone I meet. So in that you’re not special I suppose.

… But you remind me of my husband so profoundly. Like - if he were ten or fifteen years older and grew his hair out? You’d be identical.

Don't know if that's a compliment or an insult. Either way, congrats or sorry to your husband?

[ A soft sigh. ]

It’s a compliment. The fact that you think it could be an insult means you’re even more like my husband.

I just- I know what I look like. I'm, uh. I'm not a catch.

Though, man, if your husband looks like me, wish I could see that.

I disagree —-

[ And he was about to say it’s too bad he can’t show Bruno, but. He remembers he’s got his phone? He brightens, digging it out of his pocket. ]

Here, give me a moment. Let me find a good picture of us.

Uh.

[Hold on, food is not completely forgotten, but more an afterthought as he takes another bite but adamantly watching Martin.]

Wha-what is that thing?

[ Martin tilts it so Bruno can see. He’s flicking rapidly through pictures on this weird little glass rectangle. Mostly of pastries, and a long-haired cat, and then -

Aha. Here’s a picture taken of Jonah without him noticing, sitting in a comfortable armchair with the cat in his lap. Behind him, dimly, there’s a bunch of plush dormice on the bookshelves. ]

It’s my phone? It has a camera, so.

[ He show Bruno the picture. ]

Whoa...

[He leans in closer to see, wiping his mouth with one hand before touching at just the corner of the phone.]

We only have paintings for this kind of thing. How- Jeez.

[And then he's actually looking at the picture, tilting his head squinting a little. Touches at his own longer curls.]

That's what I'd look like with short hair, huh. Doesn't look a thing like me.

[ Martin looks at Bruno. Back at Jon. Back at Bruno.

… okay fine there are more differences now that they’re side by side but. ]

It’s - personality too. Though okay, yes, your faces are rather different, I admit. Not the point.

[He sits back a bit, taking another bite of food but still watching that picture in Martin's hand.]

I'm just- Sorry, it's just I've seen a lot of weird and scary stuff, but that's .... That takes the cake.

No, no. It’s something different for you.

[ He swipes it to the next one? Jonah’s still in the chair with the cat, but it’s a wider shot of the bakery. The tea thermoses, the glass case, the cute decorations. ]

This is my bakery.

[He leans in closer to look at the new one.

Then jerks back, making a little more noise than he'd like before catching himself and making sure everything's quiet, no one heard, taptaptap knock knock knock. Breathe.]

I've- I've seen that. [He points at the photo.] That was- I saw it years ago, but I've seen it. H-how-hhow do you have that.

[ That -

That was NOT what Martin expected. He startles at that, staring at Bruno with his mouth open. ]

What? What do you mean? I saw it because I was there and I took it, I - how did you see it?

Edited 2022-01-02 19:03 (UTC)

In one of my visions. I was like... I dunno, nine or ten when I saw it, but I remember it. I remembered the mice.

[As if on cue, a couple rats climb to his shoulder to nuzzle at him.]

[ Martin looks between Bruno and his phone again. And at the rats. ]

And ... and you see the future. Right?

[He nods once, not breaking eye contact with that picture.]

Yeah. Usually pretty straightforward, even if I don't always understand what's going on.

So. So what was happening in that vision, at my bakery? Were you there?

Edited 2022-01-02 19:22 (UTC)

No, no I wasn't, it was just - images I saw. That was the last image of that vision.

Then whaat were the other images?

[He finally breaks his gaze from the photo to look at Martin, but it's all fear in his eyes. Then shakes his head sitting back, looking everywhere else.]

It uh - Nothing important, nothing worth remembering. That one though - [He points to the phone.] That's the one that mattered. That's the one I remembered.

[ Uh huh. There's nothing about that that Martin believes. ]

Bruno, please. Whatever you have to say? I'll believe it. But please tell me.

Look, it was. It was weird, and a lot, and I was nine so I didn't understand what I was seeing, so I just remembered that one at the end.

[He rubs anxiously at his arm, the back of his neck.]

If we could get to my room I'd show you. But it's, it's all closed off now.

... Your room? Where is that?

It, uh. It's the tower, upstairs. But way too many stairs and been closed off since I left. Well, 'left', but you know what I mean.

Right, I get it.

Well - let's go break in then.

UUhhh what? Wh-what, no.

That vision might be important. It could even be how you get me out of your hair.

So, let's break in.

It's- I mean, maybe, but it's still a bad idea.

How bad could it be?

You have no idea.

[He pets at one of the rats, then looks at it, gesturing between him and Martin.]

No, but I mean - He ma not even like it? He'll probably look at it and think 'oh no this is bad you're bad luck," and whatever happens is gonna be my fault somehow.

[Just... Habit.]

[ Uh. Martin just sort of. Stares at that. ]

... you aren't bad luck, and we are definitely doing this if the alternative is you talking to rats.

Hey - they're my friends, and they're good listeners.

[But for all that, he's already setting the food aside and getting ready to go through the wall-tunnel.]

Fine. Your friends who are very good listeners, and still objectively rats.

[ Martin moves to follow him then. ]

[He peeks out first - still empty house. Must be a busy day out there today. Then starts sneaking his way down the hall and up the stairs to the little alcove of his door. A sssssslow deep breath before he opens it and steps inside, ushering Martin in and closing it quickly after.]

Casita can't really- really do anything in here? So it's just us.

[ Through the colourful house, then, and down the hall, and up the stairs, and ...

And into a sandy antechamber. Martin glances back at the safety of the house, and then forward at the curtain of sand ahead. ]

Is it safe? It - it is your room, so it has to be safe, right?

Eehhhh. [He waves one hand.] Mas y menos. The worst part is just going through this first door.

I don't know what that means but I am concerned.

[ He comes up to that door? ]

[The sand is hissing down nonstop and Bruno walks up and sticks his hand through it, letting it fall between his fingers.]

It doesn't turn off, you just gotta go through.

... All right. It's just sand, that's - probably fine.

[ He takes a breath and goes through -

and, you know, predictably tumbles down the other side. ]

[Okay Bruno does smile a little at that before taking one solid step after him, letting himself fall straight down into the pile.]

Not so bad, right?

[ Martin's red hair pops back up out of the sand. ]

Y-you could have warned me about that first step!

I told you it was the toughest part, and you stepped through before I could.

[He shakes out his ruana and starts sliding down the pile. And then starts walking to the wall opposite of the stairs, just barely hidden at the edge of the sand pile.]

This way.

[ Martin grumbles under his breath, but just hauls himself back up. ]

Right, fine, well as long as the rest of this is...

[ He says, just now catching sight of those stairs UP. ]

Easy?

Oh yeah, this is easy.

[He tugs a couple vines out of the rocks before tugging at a door here on the ground floor, big and round like the one upstairs. Just inside is another smaller entry room with a couple chairs, shelves along with different hourglasses all having completed their time. The door beyond opens to a larger room with a door on the left and a door on the right. But in front are more shelves with different small panes of green glass with different images in them.]

Lesse...

[ Oh. OH. Martin INSTANTLY looks relieved at that. He was picturing having to go all the way up. Who would even want to live like that?

He gladly follows Bruno in, then, his eyes widening at all the green glass. ]

This is where you lived before?

Uh yeah. Yep, this is my room, just for me, made for me when I got my gift.

[There are a couple chairs to sit in, and a skylight above with a fake night sky, but Bruno is ignoring those and going to the door to the left, cracking it open. The room inside is dark and he ducks in quickly.]

Just - maybe don't touch anything.

Wait. So this is like - a magical bedroom?

[ He sits very primly in one of those chairs, then, keeping his hands in his lap. (Though he does eye that green glass curiously.)]

Uh huh. All of us when we get are gifts, Casita makes us a bedroom. They're all different.

[He come back, nudging that door open a little wider with one shoulder and a wooden box in both hands. Not even waiting, he sits on the floor with it and starts digging through. A few different green panes he sets aside with different images until he gets to one close to the bottom-]

Aha! Mira, mira.

[He carefully holds it up to Martin, showing in that same green holographic looking image the same scene Martin's photo had.]

I had this vision when I was nine.

That's amazing ...

[ Why didn't the Archives make them magical bedrooms??

... actually no that would be terrible. He can just picture what his room would be: a void filled with fog.

He leans over, peering at the glass. Blue eyes going wide. ]

That - that is my bakery. How - why? Is there more?

I told you why, it's a vision, I don't explain them they just happen.

But for that one, no. It's one panel per vision.

Did you have any others around the same time?

[ He keeps tilting that pane of glass back and forth. ]

[As he does, the image shifts. Normal Jonah Sitting With A Cat to A Shadow With Many Eyes Sitting With A Cat.]

I mean, yeah, I used to do visions all the time but I dunno. Eventually I only started doing them when people asked me.

[He pulls out another one from the box, this one of a giant eye in the sky looking down at Casa de Madrigal. His own hand trembles around it before he sets it down and looks at some of the others.]

Just, y'know, visions are bad luck and I make bad things happen so. So just better to only do it when I'm asked, right?

[ That… okay that’s creepy but not surprising, so it’s fine right?

And then he sees the Eye staring down at this place and nearly lets out a noise of terror. ]

Th - that one. There. Did you see it exactly like that?

[He winces, still not looking at it. But nods.]

Yeah. That's how I saw it.

[ Oof. How to say this without completely depressing this poor man… ]

I think - I think your gift in particular has attracted unwanted attention.

I mean - Yeah, it did. Everyone hates me in town, I'd say that's unwanted attention all right.

N-no not. Not that.

[ He takes in a deep breath and delicately taps the pane with the Eye in it. ]

This is an eldritch god of seeing. Monstrous.

[He looks at the glass.

Then shakes his head and looks through the other ones again.]

Just- A dream, a weird dream, is all. Doesn't matter, um. I don't know what other interesting ones I had around that time.

… Bruno, it’s. It’s not a dream. Or at least not just a dream. The Eye might not be HERE but.

[ He rubs at his arms a bit. ]

But it Sees you. That - may mean nothing, but you could be in very serious danger.

[Bruno just. Watches that glass, then shakes his head, scooting away from it and Martin, closing in on himself a bit.]

No, it- It's fine, it's all right, just a vision and no one got hurt so it's fine.

[ Damn it, he hates this. But he has to warn him right? Doesn’t he? ]

It - it’s not your fault. My husband is the same.

I'm not. I'm not believing that, not that your husband isn't the same, but I-i can't believe in that one.

[there's very real fear in his voice at that. Trying hard not to look at it.]

[ God. Martin rubs at his face. ]

I… I could be paranoid. It’s possible. Your casita would normally be some kind of Spiral monster but it’s clearly friendly so…

[He grabs all the pieces of glass and start piling them together, stacking them so the Eye is on the bottom (but does it shift, does it look out to Martin as he does? Hard to tell with the effect of the pane). Another one just has an empty pane with a spider in the corner.]

I think you might be, our house is fine, the magic is- Well the magic is going to get weak and Mirabel will help with that.

Edited 2022-01-03 14:29 (UTC)

[ Yeah he hates that. God. If he warns this place but he’s wrong, he’ll hurt this Jon twin. But if he’s right but he does nothing, it will be so much worse. ]

That might be the case. Maybe - maybe you’re protected.

[ He swallows thickly. ]

Can you revisit a vision after you’ve had it? Can you show me what having one looks like?

[Bruno looks at him, nervous and scared but then at the pile of glass. Nods.]

Y-yeah. I can revisit one. I just - What if I didn't? I'd rather not?

Then you don’t have to. But.

[ He sucks in a breath. ]

If I can see the process, then maybe I can confirm I’m just being paranoid. I should be able to tell.

... [He looks around. Misses his old room, misses the comfort. It really was made for him, specifically, personally.]

Even if it means going up all those stairs? Because- Because I understand if you don't wanna go up that many.

[ That -

Okay Martin does pause to consider that. ]

How many stairs?

Like... A lot? It's a lot of stairs. You saw them when we came in.

……

Why do we have to do it up there?

That's the best place. I have to have lots of room, sand, and it's... I-i dunno, it's made for it.

Fine. Okay. Then - up all those stairs it is.

[ He makes a face. ]

You-

You really wanna... Oh man.

[He takes a deep breath, looking at the stack of panes he recollected. Swallows hard and nods once.]

All right. [Then up to his feet to lead the way back out. And to those stairs with the rock statue of a hand pointing up.]

Can still back out.

[ Martin sure is considering it. Good lord. He winces just thinking about how miserable he’ll be at the top. ]

No. No I. I think this is important. Even if I hate your room.

[He takes a slow, deep breath and starts the climb.]
Okay.... Though, really, I understand if you change your mind, that's fine and I won't judge at all. Like, it's my room and I hate these stairs, haha.

I know you don't want to do this. I am sorry to make you.

[ And he is REALLY SORRY ABOUT ALL THESE BLOODY STAIRS. ]

[Yeah, he can't do anything about the stairs except keep going. Just taking slow deep breaths as they climb. He just pets along the spine of the one rat that came with him on his shoulder.]

Yeah, well. You'll see, it's not all it's cracked up to be. And then you'll hate whatever I show you anyway.

[ Yeah, Martin is like. Immediately out of breath. Just. Fuck this all the way!

... but he winces at that comment too. ]

Has - has no one liked what they saw? E-even once?

...I think Isabela did. Hard to tell with her, but - y'know, it was just about her powers growing over time. All the other nice ones, people just kind of forgot, I guess? Only remember the bad ones where things go wrong that they don't like.

Oh. That's ...

[ Gasp. Pant. ]

I - I probably won't like this one either. If we s-see what I. Think we're. Going to see. But it doesn't make you? A bad seer. Bruno.

Well. Hopefully we don't, hopefully we just get a nice big vision of a bakery with happy people, I'd like that a lot more I think.

I'd - I'd like that too.

[ ARE WE THERE YET ]

So let's just hope for that instead!

[Trying to be chipper, just bounding up a few steps before settling back into a normal walk.]

[ Martin continues to lag behind. ]

R. Right. After I. Get up these stairs.

Y-yeah, I dunno why Casita made my room like this, but. It, it did cut down on a lot of people just asking me for visions all the time. They had to really want it, had to be important. Didn't mind that so much.

... Oh. Oh, that. Casita is looking out for you then.

[ Especially since his actual room is clearly and readily accessible... ]

I-i guess, probably. Casita's always been doing stuff like that for us, keeping us safe and all.

[He does give a little soft pat to the rock wall as they get to the top landing.]

Last stretch. [He grabs for the rope and smiles nervously before going for it.]

What do you mean, last -

[ UH. Does this landing have a chasm in it still, ]

[It does a little, but it's fine don't worry about it. It hasn't degraded too far.

Bruno lands and swings the rope back.]

Used to be a bridge, but it fell years ago.

[ Don't mind Martin then, he's just going to stand on the opposite side of the chasm for a moment and try not to freak out. ]

S-sure! Why not. Just swing over a bloody chasm.

Yeah, c'mon. It's not even that far, I'm right here.

God I hate this so much -

[ But fine, he awkwardly swings across. ]

[Bruno has both arms out and ready to catch him, helping ease him to the other side.]

There you go, you're fine, it's fine.

[ Martin's still trembling, clinging to Bruno just a little. ]

R. Right. Right, just. I'm ready to get this over with.

[Oh, Martin is big and warm. Okay. ok ok ok ok ok that's fine. He pats martin's arm gently once or twice before leading him down the hallway, the big round door ahead looming.

Then it's his turn to cling a little, trembling.]

Just, uh. In there.

[ He sure is. AND soft. He lets go quickly enough once he's settled, only to find himself abruptly holding the smaller man again. ]

R-right. It's - it's going to be okay, all right? I'm n-not going to blame you even if we see something terrible.

[He's starting to shrink into himself a bit as they get to the door. Nods and swallows hard as they stand before it.]

Y-yeah. Sure, yeah.

[It's fine, it's his Gift, it's always been safe. It's just... been nine years. And he doesn't know what happened to his last Vision.

Inside is dark, with the sand center area with spots of green underneath.]

This, uh. This is it.

[ Martin ducks his head to enter, then, and stares around at this ... chamber? ]

Oh ... this is where you have then, then? How does it work?

[He nods, letting go of Martin and moving to the middle of the sand pit.]

Yeah. It's- Kind of a lot, I dunno if you wanna hang back out of the way or come in close.

No, ah. I'll stay close. I came all this way.

[Bruno nods again, motioning with one hand for Martin to step in then. Keeps a hand out because he'll take it as soon as Martin's in reach.]

Then hold on. What, um. Is there anything specific you want me to have a Vision about? Tha-that isn't that eye one.

[ Martin clings then, gently. ]

The bakery? Let's see that.

Okay. Okay. I can do that, just a cute panadería de ratón... Got it.

[He takes a slow, deep breath as he pulls Martin closer to be in front of him. Sets up the four piles around and main stack of sticks in the middle. Exhales slowly as the breeze picks up.

Another careful, long inhale and the wind curls around, kicking up the sand into a dome around them, swirling and lighting up green. Bruno opens his eyes to shine bright green.

The first image, up and to Martin's left, is the outside of the bakery with the fountain in front of it, the doors open. The next image, behind Bruno, is two young men talking, one short and a big younger, the other taller and older but not by much. People passing around them so fast, back and forth.]

Uh- Lot of people around your bakery, is that normal?

[ Uh —-

To his credit, Martin only panics a little? The wind and the sand are alarming - he winds up spitting out a minor mouthful of the stuff - but as soon as Bruno’s eyes go green, he quiets back down. Right. He needs to see if the Eye is here. He needs to find out if Bruno is a true avatar or just an unfortunate coincidence…

The images are distracting though; he can’t help but brighten at both his bakery and its inhabitants. ]

Y-yes! Very much so, it’s one of the most popular places in Sidereal.

[ and then the young men. Pete he hasnt seen, but he recognizes from the movies; Benter prompts a smile immediately. ]

Those two are the Parker brothers. They’ve just arrived.

Okay. Okay! SO definitely the right place.

[He focuses, closes his eyes once to breathe and looks around again. There's so much sand it's hard to focus but even he can't help notice something odd - while there aren't that many more images (only faint impressions in the sand paintings now, distant) there are thin strands along the entire dome around them. Tugging and pulling.

Bruno shakes his head, trying to see anything specific.]

There's... Usually more than this. Usually something to go on.

[The spiders in the sand are so tiny. So small at the edges.]

[ Martin looks up and around, also looking for details - and he freezes as he sees the strands winding around the edges. Web? It has to be Web.

Should he ask Bruno to stop? Maybe but… ]

There’s nothing else? You - you can’t see why this vision is important?

[ Web or no Web, this is a normal scene. Right? Just his bakery and two Spider-Men… ]

No, I-i dunno. I'm not seeing anything else. Just -

[Even the bakery doesn't seem like there's much else to it, just the same strange strands over its doors, over the fountain. It's so difficult to see with the shifting sands.]

… just this.

[ The Web’s influence is clear, but to what purpose? Clearly the Eye can’t see it.

Martin gently puts a hand on Bruno’s shoulder. ]

It’s okay. You can stop now. I think that’s all we’re going to get.

[He nods at the touch, letting things focus on just the single image. Holds his hands out as the sand coalesces and crystalizes between his fingers, a thin pane of green glass. In it, that weird shifting illusion of the bakery doors and fountain, shifted another way with spiderweb strands all on it.

And just like that, the winds die and the sand falls around them, leaving the air stale.]

Um. Th-that's all there was that I could see. Sorry I couldn't see more.

[ Martin reaches out for that glowing green plate? He’s awed by it really - an image of his own bakery, glowing in the darkness of this room. ]

No, it’s. It’s all right. I think something stopped you.

[ He gently smoothes his hand over the glass. ]

Has anyone ever told you how beautiful this is?

[He hesitates handing it to him. But Bruno does... A bit taken aback by the compliment.]

Um. No, no one ever has. Usually they just... Want a vision and go, almost always mad when they see it.

[ Martin is exceptionally gentle with it. Yes the threads are creepy, but the image? It’s beautiful. His bakery… ]

Well, I think it’s gorgeous. If I could get this home, I’d hang it up somewhere.

[Bruno looks especially stricken by that. Not in a bad way, but in that way where it's clear no one has ever been that kind to him about these things. He rubs at one arm nervously.]

Glad, glad you think so. But we should, We should definitely get out of here. Back in the walls.

[ Oh, Bruno. He aches watching that. You need so much love and he wants to hug you so badly. ]

Yes, of course. Can I take this with me?

Yeah, sure.

[He looks around the little vision cave before starting to gently gesture for Martin to leave.]

Let's - Outside, though. Gotta get back before they realize I was up here.

Right. Um.

[ He heads out and looks down at the chasm. ]

Is there a slide down by any chance…?

Oh. Right.

[He steps to the entrance there and presses a little knob of stone; out of the wall going down the opposite direction of the stairs is a gentle stone luge track going down.]

Easier than stairs, right?

Oh. Oh yes, so much easier. Thank you.

[ it’s still nerve wracking but. Martin cradles the glass pane in his lap and carefully slides down. ]

[Bruno watches for a moment, then follows suit but is fairly pleased by the whole thing. Comes out half a skip onto the sand floor with a half-smile.]

Right, so. Just back up and out.

[Don't mind him while he goes beside his actual bedroom door, reaching behind the sand pile to open the stairs leading up to this side's exit, one of the slabs opening just under the sand pouring down, sending it another direction so the exit is visible.]

Back up, vamos.

[ Martin is FAR less sprightly, but he does his best to keep up.

Also he stares at that. ]

How. How many secret things are in here.

Ehhh there are enough.

[Already on his way up.]

W-wait up!

[ he hurries after Bruno. ]

[He does, at least, wait partway up the stairs for Martin before continuing upward. Once at the top, he does his knock routine, the last knock on the wall hitting a tile that sets the stairs back into the wall after Martin's up.]

Almost, almost out of here, almost back safe, just a little further down the hall.

[ Thanks Bruno. He's got longer legs but you are so fast. Also he gapes a bit at the stairs moving back into place. ]

R. Right. Good lord, this place is a maze.

You get used to it.

[He creaks the bedroom door open and peeks outside the crack. Hears the tiles gently tapping from Casita and smiles.]

I know, thanks, Casita.

[And then opens it wider for Martin to follow after him, making sure it's closed fully behind them. Whatever confidence he had for that moment seems to shrink with his shoulders hunching up again once they're in the main house.]

Just going back the way we came.

[ Oh. Bruno ... what caused that? Hell, what caused him to brighten in the first place?

Martin hurries after him, arms wrapped protectively around his vision. ]

Right. Ah. Back to your ... room.

[it Is A Mystery.mp3

He nods though.]

Yep. Back to my room. [It's easy to still sneak around while the family is out. But he can see now the sunlight's shifted, and it's getting late. They'll be coming back soon. He gets the painting door open for Martin.]

We'll have to stay quieter, they'll come back for dinner soon.

[ Martin hurries to clamber in then, also listening for voices. ]

What. What do you do during dinner? Just watch them?

[He's quiet in response to that. Focusing on closing the painting behind them, making sure it's sealed and everything is fine while they walk.]

... Usually I'll get some of whatever Julieta is making when she isn't looking. And eat with them, they just- They don't know it.

[ GOD

No. No that's TOO MUCH. Martin lets out a tiny, miserable noise at the thought of being so close to his family, eating next to him, and still being invisible. It reminds him of his worst days in the Archive - right in the middle of the other employees, but seen by nothing and no one -

Fingers trembling, he oh-so-carefully settles the vision against the wall. And then he surges forward to hug Bruno. ]

[Every meal, day in and day out, for nearly a decade now. Bruno setting up his own portions brought by Casita and the rats and listening to their conversations through the wall...

He doesn't see the hug coming, still just as stiff and unsure as the first one.]

[ Sorry Bruno, he's not letting go. In fact ... is he crying? Yes, he's crying just a little bit. ]

That's miserable.

Oh boy...

[He's not used to people besides Pepa crying on him, and definitely not recently. Bruno awkwardly pats at Martin's arm............ And then is immediately not sure what to do.]

It's, I mean, sure. But it's been like this for a long time now. I-i'm used to it.

That's - that's even worse. That it's gone on this long and you're just numb, because what else can you do?

There isn't anything else I can do. Okay? So. So it's all right. This is better than it used to be, and better than it could be.

[ He sucks in a breath. ]

It can be better, Bruno. It doesn't have to stay like this.

It- I mean, it probably won't be like this forever. Just. Until whatever that vision I had about Mirabel happens. Dunno what it'll be like after that.

… how long until then?

[He shrugs.]

No sé. But she's starting to look like she did in my vision of that time, so soon. Probably.

Stilll. That. That’s too long. It’s been too long…

[He's quiet for a second. His voice is low.]

What would you have me do, then?

I -

[ His voice breaks a little. ]

I don't know. Leave, I'd say, but I know it isn't that simple, I just.

[ He sucks in a thick breath. ]

You deserve better than this.

[A nod. A gentle pat on the arm.]

So do they. So do you.

And I have better. I've found better. Through - through so much suffering.

Well. Sorry to hear it took that, but. Y-y'know, sometimes. Sometimes you work hard for a miracle. And you have to keep working at it to keep it going.

Yeah.

And you work just as hard to make it so other people don't have to go through the same thing.

[He nods, patting Martin's shoulder and opening the little door to his very obviously way better new room.]

Exactly. So.... So it's fine.

[ God. That just makes his heart break all over again. ]

Bruno ...

Hm?

[Sorry, he's already busy gathering up all his rats and giving them affection, cooing a bit. Just absolutely ready to settle down with them and forget everything from the last few hours.]

[ Heartbreaking AND cute, god. Martin watches for a moment. ]

Nothing, um. I think I may be here overnight.

Uuuuuhhhh well. We'll grab you some blankets or something. Casita's great, but tiles aren't great for sleeping on

No, I imagine not. Um.

... Please tell me you have a bed at least?

Oh yeah definitely.

[He just pats what. Looks like a storage chest with blankets and pillows piled on top of it.]

Perfect bed.

.......

My back hurts just looking at that.

Eh, sometimes a bed's a little too soft, sometimes it's a little too hard, can't ever sleep too much, right?

Don't worry, we'll get you something better to sleep on, way better, way nicer. Just need a little bit.

Or if you don't wanna wait, you could take the chair? Either way.

N-no, chair is. Perfectly fine.

[ He just runs a hand down his face, trying not to visibly hate this. ]

[Y-yeah, he sees that. Hunches a little picking up another bite of (now cold) food.]

I'm. Look, I'm sorry it's me you got stuck with. You could probably sneak out and come through the front door and get a better place to sleep from Abeula and the rest.

[ He sighs a bit. ]

I'm - I'm fine with sleeping in uncomfortable places. I am desperately sad about you living back here for years without even a bed.

Oh, don't be. It's- I've been fine. Wouldn't change a thing right now.

Which is also sad, just on a different level ...

[Whatever social skills he has, Bruno is nearing the end of them, starting to look around nervously. What's he supposed to do here? What does he even say?]

Sometimes - Sometimes things just are sad. Sometimes bad things happen and it's no one's fault, and- And you just have to get through it. And I'm fine with that.

[ Sorry, Bruno. He doesn't mean to stress you out. ]

I - I know. I know, trust me, I know. That's ... why it hurts seeing someone trapped in that situation.

Wish I had something happier to tell you. You'll hear them soon though.

[He nods at the painting, where there's a sliver of light that starts as he says it. The soft sounds of other people in the area talking and socializing.]

[ Oh. Martin goes quiet as he leans in to listen. ]

That’s your family…?

[He nods, trying not to look but it's obvious he wants to look. Camilo shifting and making Antonio laugh, Luisa moving some big heavy things to get ready for dinner. Mirabel trying to help here and there where she can and Isabel giving her some sisterly grief. Dolores talking with Pepa about some things she heard around town, and Julieta speaking with Abuela about the meal tonight.]

Yeah, that's... That's my family.

[ Oh … oh. they’re so warm and wonderful? he wasn’t sue what he was expecting. Maybe something more like what he had with his mother.

But this must hurt terribly to be away from. No wonder Bruno hadn’t left. ]

They seem lovely.

Yeah, they are. They're-

[A slow, careful exhale.]

They're great people. Great to the community.

But not to you.

[Bruno hesitates. Then plops down in the chair at his little makeshift table and place setting.]

I wasn't really helping the family. I left because I couldn't let anyone else see that last vision. If I did then...

Then you would hurt them?

[He shakes his head.]

They would've taken it out on mi sobrina. I don't know what her vision means, or what is going to happen, but. It's not her fault.

… Oh. God, yeah, that’s.

[ He rubs at his face. ]

I understand that.

[Just running his fingertips along the edge of that plate art.]

So I can't go back. If I do, then they'll ask about it, and then it'll be a whole thing, and then be mad at me because of it, and then mad at her for something she hasn't even done, so it- It's better. Like this.

Living in the walls. With the rats. Eating scraps.

[Bruno shoots a glance at him, then at the crack in the wood.]

What would you do, then? Hm?

Leave. But.

Easier said than done.

Well, I can't, so-

[He bites his tongue on that hearing activity just outside. Everyone sitting down to eat. But he looks almost angry at Martin for even suggesting it. Instead he'll focus on listening to the conversation. Run of the mill day catch up. But it's all he's got.]

[ Sorry, Bruno. He’s going to keep suggesting it.

… but for now he’s quiet, listening too. Just looking sadder and more tired himself as he watches Bruno during this. ]

[If Martin is really watching, he'll watch Bruno eat a little bit more. Smile a little at a joke, or a funny story from the village. Chuckle quietly to himself when Camilo finds just that right button to press to get on Pepa's nerve for a laugh.

After a bit he'll get up and root around for a couple blankets and a pillow or two.]

Here. Sorry it's not the best.

[ Is that better? It feels worse.

But he's quiet enough. And he's plenty tired when Bruno gathers up those blankets. ]

Thank you. It should be perfectly fine.

[Deeeeep breath.

Nods. Then starts climbing into his own makeshift bed.]

Casita can't do much behind the walls, but if you go through that door and ask, it can help you with anything.

All right. But I'll stay in here so I'm not seen.

Up to you, then.

[Once that's all handed out and there's nothing else for him to do, Bruno looks around. Looks at Martin. Nods, then curls up with his back to the room to sleep.]

[ Martin spreads his blankets and pillows out on the floor then. It's pretty uncomfortable, honestly, but it will work.

And he's exhausted, so it won't take long to drop off. ]

[Once the house settles down for the night, it's all the usual sounds of a house settling. Floor boards creaking occasionally, some of the rats scurrying.

The loudest noise so far is when the blankets start shifting on Bruno's side of the room. Tossing and turning a bit, some faint whispers of pleading.]

[ Martin shifts at that, of course. It's a strange house, and the floor is hard, and he's not next to Jon? That in and of itself is enough to make him jolt awake.

He blinks blearily, listening for a moment. ]

[Some smaller things in the room start to levitate up, faint hints of green in the cracks of the walls. The shadows darkening elsewhere all around.

The rats that are present start scurrying to where Bruno's curled in to himself tight.]

No no, no no nonono

[ UhhHHHHHH

Now Martin is DEFINITELY awake. He scurries a bit himself, scrambling to get to Bruno's side. ]

Bruno? Bruno, I'm here, it's okay --

[He's stiff all around, but one hand lashes out to cling to Martin's arm. His eyes snap open the glowing green already fading. The bits and baubles falling to the floor as he tries to breathe in deep.]

[ OKAY THAT'S CREEPY BUT -

Martin clings in turn, trying to get his arms around Bruno. ]

I-it's okay. You're dreaming. It's all right.

[He clings tightly to him, shifting so it's easier without fully climbing on top of him.]</small. Dreaming, right- J-just dreaming. Just having a dream I haven't had in decades, it's fine. Everything's fine, everyone's safe-

[ There you go. Martin is all soft and warm and big; he's happy to just fully surround Bruno here. ]

Do you want to tell me about it?

It was- It was the dream I had when I was a kid. A-after that freaky eye vision.

[ Oh no. This is probably a bad sign. ]

Yeah? What - what did you see?

I saw that whole- [He tries to gesture widely but can't in a small space being held like this.] wh-whole eye thing, coming down on us. The house was falling apart. Camilo's face was all twisted and gnarled, and Dolores was just... Covered in eyes. Pepa was- [Gulp. As he starts closing in on himself again.] There were spiders everywhere.

[ Martin stiffens at that, his own eyes going wide. No. Nono, he'd hoped that maybe this place was different - Casita had seemed so kind after all, but -

(Stranger, another Eye avatar, the influence of the Web ... ) ]

When ... when did you start seeing this?

When I first had that Vision, when I was nine. I- I used to have that dream after.

And. And Abuela settled it by having me only have Visions when people asked, not. Not just randomly. After a while it stopped.

... And it's just now starting again? Now that I'm here?

I-i-i dunno what caused it. Maybe you, maybe remembering the vision, who knows.

No, ah. It was almost certainly me.

[He shakes his head.]

No, it's- It's just that vision. That's all.

... You said there were spiders everywhere. Right?

...A-at the end, yeah.

Yeah.

That's - you've seen one of the eldritch gods from my world already. The Eye.

Go-

[He's starting to calm down a bit.]

Gods. Gods from your world.

Y-yes. Horrible monstrous ones. And they sometimes end up entangled in regular people? Giving them horrible abilities.

...Well. That sounds horrible.

Yes. Well.

My husband is one of those people. I used to be one of them myself, until several very brave people pulled it out of me. But there are still some ... lingering effects.

Sounds bad.

[He's starting to hunker down in his blanket and ruana.]

Apocalyptic, yes.

... If you saw spiders, that could be me. I still have some connection to the Web.

I-i don't really know what any of that means. But if you being here means it hurts my family...

Then I need to leave. At any cost. As soon as possible.

[Bruno looks up to him, not really thinking much about practically being in his lap, curled up close in his arms. Then nods.]

In the morning. You'll need some more sleep.

[ He opens his mouth to protest but.

But whatever's happening can probably wait until morning, so he nods. ]

All right. In the morning.

[ He's not moving. ]

[He nods. A little too tired to really protest Martin not moving. He just settles in where he is, some of the rats coming to curl up with them as well.]

[ The. The rats are a BIT much for Martin, but he takes in a deep breath and doesn't fuss.

If anything, he's asleep that much quicker with Bruno tucked safely in his arms. ]

[At least they're small and unobtrusive? Mostly there to comfort him.

But he doesn't seem to have any worse dreams the rest of the night. A little strained and not good sleep, but what else is new?]

[ Good rats then. And Martin does love mice so ... that's close enough.

He winds up totally relaxed by morning, arms still curled protectively around Bruno. The floor is not ideal, but having someone in his arms? That helped Martin get decent sleep, at least. He's still asleep whenever Bruno wakes up. ]

[And Martin is much softer and warmer than his box-bed he's slept on for so many years. He only wakes up when he starts to hear the family getting food together.]

Mm?

[ Martin shifts too then, eyes still closed as he reaches a gentle hand up to caress Bruno's hair. Presses a kiss to his forehead. ]

Morning, dear.

[That-

He stills at that, breath stopping. Before he sllllowly turns to look up.]

Um.

Hm?

[ He opens his eyes -

And freezes, immediately going pink. ]

-- Shit! Sorry! I thought - god, I always sleep with my husband like this -

I-it's okay, it's all right! Just a little confused for a second, but it's all right.

S-still, I'm so sorry, god -

[ He gently starts disentangling himself from Bruno, face red. ]

[He'll help disentangle, but even when Martin's pulled away, he's... Cold. Bruno rubs at his arm a little, feeling very small suddenly.]

I, uh. I-i'm not mad or anything, just.

[How does he say he's never had anyone hold him in his sleep before without actually saying he's never had anyone hold him in his sleep before and it was nice?]

[ Martin looks him over at the gesture, still very pink. Rather cool himself now without someone there. ]

J-just surprised?

Yeah. Surprised.

... And. Ah.

Am I the first person to hold you like that since you left?

...You're the. The first person to ever hold me like that. Not since Abuela said I was too big.

[ Oh. Oh no. God, why is every new piece of information always a new heartbreak. Martin just aches looking at him. ]

Then I'm glad I did it.

[ He offers an arm again? ]

[He doesn't look for a second, but then does when he hears the quiet. His breath catches.]

I-i shouldn't, you got your husband, and you know, i-I'm uh. I'm me, so.

My husband will completely understand.

[ He waves his hand a bit, beckoning. ]

[There's the smallest noise of "unsure" in his throat as he looks around, hears the quiet whispers of breakfast gathering happening. Then takes a deep breath and slowly climbs back into that arm.]

[ Good. Good. Martin gathers him up again, then, tucking Bruno's head gently underneath his chin. ]

Much better.

And this is just... Something you do?

[Holding, being close like this. He has so little frame of reference from watching his sisters and their husbands.]

All the time. Whenever we feel like it? Whenever I can get away with it.

Hm.

Lucky guy.

We are both very lucky.

[ He leans his cheek down against the top of Bruno's head. ]

[He freezes again at that. And then slowly fitting into the position, curling into him a little. Just nervous and unsure.]

[ Oh, poor Bruno. Of course Martin will disengage if Bruno seems legitimately uncomfortable, but... ]

It's okay. You can't hurt me. Just tell me if I'm making you uncomfortable.

[While he doesn't seem uncomfortable, he doesn't seem to know what he's supposed to do.]

Um. Sure, all right.

[And settles into him a little more.]

[ That's fine too. Martin is content to just hold him. And ... ah. He glances over at the rats. ]

You can come too if you like. Plenty of room.

[The rats look up at him trying to figure out what the human is saying. But Bruno looks at them and nods, so they skitter up and curl into Bruno.]

[ There we go. There's enough warm and soft to go around for everyone. ]

Comfortable?

Um. Y-yeah. Better than my chair even.

[ Martin laughs gently at that. ]

"Better than a chair." I'll take it.

I- look, I don't exactly have a good frame of reference these days.

No, no, I get it. And that chair is the most comfortable thing in here, so that's quite a compliment.

Hm.

[For now, he settles like this. Warm and soft, listening to his family out there talking and chattering at breakfast. A couple of the rats not bundled up come back with some food, enough for the both of them.]

...Your husband really is a lucky guy.

[ Oh, thank you rats. Martin will take a bit for himself. ]

I mean - I try. It's even nicer with a proper house and the bakery.

[He holds some food carefully, not wanting to move now that he got comfortable. It's nice. It's too nice.]

I'll bet. Must be warm and loving there.

It really is. I love being there with all my heart.

[ He ... pauses, hesitating. ]

I know - I know you want to stay. I won't argue that. But - ah, when I've gone there and come back, it's instantaneous? No one even realises you've left.

...But I would feel the time difference. Wouldn't I?

Yes. You would. It would be like - you would get a chance to live somewhere nice. Eat at my bakery. And then, eventually, you'd wake up here again, and your family would still be in the middle of breakfast.

[He carefully chews his food thinking that over. It sounds nice, on the surface.

But then he hears Pepa laugh, and Julieta saying something to Luisa.]

...I wouldn't have them, though.

... No. Probably not. Unless they found their way to Sidereal as well.

[He hesitates, exhaling a bit.]

I-i can't. I'm. I'm sure it's great. A-a perfect place. But I... I can't.

... Of course. But know it's there, and I'd be happy to have you.

[Bruno nods.]

Yeah. Y-yeah, I'll keep it in mind.

Yeah. It can be - you know. Even if you never intend on coming, have it as a bright spot in the back of your head.

I- Yeah. [Nods again.]

All right. I just... Thanks.

Of course.

[ A pause. ]

Uh, though I still very much need to leave, of course.

Oh yeah, no, definitely. You cannot stay here. Don't know how though.

... Can you take me to the border of the encanto?

[Give him a second, he's gotta think about that...

Nods.]

Yeah. Yeah, I think so. But - look, I'll be honest, I dunno what's out there. I've never been outside, all I know are the stories Abuela used to tell me and mis hermanas growing up. It's not... good.

I believe it. But - I don't have any other ideas.

All right.

Just - let me know when. I'll take you.

After breakfast?

After breakfast.

[And that just reminds him he was holding food. Gonna munch on that. Still half sitting in Martin's lap. Yep.]

[ It's okay, Martin's munching around him so. ]

Is this how things usually go for you?

Usually, yeah. If things break around the house, I'll fix them when no one's looking.

... So you don't talk to them, and they hate your power, but you still fix things behind the scenes ...

[He give a half shrug, tilting his head a bit.]

It's what I can do to help the family...

No, no. I got that. I'm not arguing.

Oh. You just, I dunno. You sounded like you had a thought about it.

Just the usual one.

That it's so very very sad and you don't agree with how I handle things and that I should leave, right, got it.

Yes, all of that. So. No sense repeating it.

Yeah. Yyyyeah I thought so. You do this thing with your face when you're thinking it and trying not to say it.

I - I do not.

[ He makes it again. ]

That. That one.

[POINTING.]

That face.

Okay fine. I am trying to hold it in though.

Well, good news is you'll probably not have to hold it in for long if you're wanting to get out of here after breakfast. So no worries.

Right, right. I don't - mind being here, but I don't want to risk your family.

And that, that means a lot. So. Thank you.

Of course, Bruno.

[ Reluctantly, he moves to get up. ]

[And reluctantly, he moves so Martin can get up.

It's suddenly a lot colder. No bueno.]

What else do you need?

Honestly, I don't know? Maybe a rucksack with some basics in case it takes me a while.

[He nods, already making a list in his head.]

Okay. Okay, can be done, may take a little big to make sure you get enough, but we can do that.

Of course. I don't want to disrupt things still, but I'd also prefer not to starve.

Yeah, no of course not, can't have you starving. We'll get you taken care of.

[Bruno is already getting a bag and tucking some things in .]

Thank you, Bruno.

[His hands pause at that before they start moving again.]

You're welcome.

...

Not used to being thanked, huh.

No, uh. No one's had a reason to thank me like ever, so no, I-i'm not used to it.

Well, you should be thanked more often. You're extremely kind.

Ha.

Sorry, I- it's not that it's funny or anything, but just. I've been back here so many years, I've never had any occasion to be kind to anyone.

Even setting aside the fact the reason why you're back here is kindness ... you're kind to the rats.

Oh, well. Yeah they're my friends, and they haven't done anything wrong. They help me right back.

[But there is something to meeting the guy who created the bakery in his childhood vision that made him love mice and rats so much...]

[ Martin sighs a bit. ]

That doesn't make it not kindness. They clearly love you.

[ He reaches out to gently pet a rat's head with his pinkie. ]

...Guess they know a fellow outcast when they see one.

[He smiles a little watching that, the little rate leaning its head up into Martin's touch.]

[ Martin is so so gentle. Just as fond as Bruno is of them. ]

Could be that too. But I'm sticking with my theory.

That's fine, stick with that theory.

[He just knows the truth, he makes it easy for them to get free food.]

It's a good one. 99% true.

[Help it's again.

Martin, you surely remember this dream? The strange little valley with the colorful pueblos and tall mountains enclosing everything in?

Except the weather is darker now, cloudier with an obvious storm rolling in and everyone tucked behind their doors.]

[ He SURE DOES. And things have happened since then! He frankly doesn’t remember how he got back to Sid, so he’d assumed it was a dream, except…

Except here he is again. And that weather does NOT look good.

He hurries towards that familiar house, trying to keep away from any family members he sees. ]

Bruno? Are you - are you still here?

[ Whispered as loudly as he dares. ]

[The family members he does see are scared, a bit frantic trying to make sure the others are safe. Where normally Martin would see mice scurrying, there's nothing now. But sneaking back through to the wall-room, he'll find Bruno in there cowering a bit in the corner, head down against his knees and fingers gripping at his curls.

But the air feels... odd. Static, and like he's walking through somethings but never quite seeing what's there.]

[ He’s even more concerned then. What the hell is going on? He hopes this isn’t his own fault…

Martin slips back to that portrait hole as carefully as he can, winding his way back to the room and spotting — ]

Bruno? What’s - what’s going on out there?

[He shakes his head, not looking up nor registering someone there that shouldn't be.]

I don't know. I=i don't know, I don't know, it's bad-

Okay, okay, I -

[ He gulps in a breath. ]

What’s happened so far? When did it start?

It-

I was still having that dream, of-of that vision I had when I was a kid. And it just kept getting worse and longer every time, and- a-an-and then I woke up one day and the weather was starting to get bad and it just keeps getting worse and Pepa can't do anything about it and she's always been able to, and now everyone's freaking out.

[ Oh. Oh god. Martin looks up as if expecting that Eye to somehow be visible even inside the walls of the house. ]

And now I’m here too. Again. God, that - that probably means something terrible is on the way.

[Just continuing on-] And they can see me in here, I dunno who it is, but they can see me and it's not- I-i don't- And now you're back, and...

You?

[He finally lifts his head to look up, registering that it's Martin there. But his eyes are bright glowing green, like he's having a vision right now.]

Wh-what are you doing back here? You went home.

[ That glow is both familiar and horrifying; Martin shivers to see it. ]

They? Who’s they? Do you See a person or - or just an Eye?

[ If this is an Archivist of any sort, Martin is sure he can talk to them. Especially if it’s a Jon… ]

Yes, I. I did leave. I don’t know why I’m back here.

I don't know who it is! There's no one new around or that's seen me, but I can feel it. No matter where I go.

H-hey - hey. It’s all right. I’ll help you fix it, okay?

[ He reaches out to touch Bruno’s shoulder gently. ]

[It's nearly impossible to see under the oversized ruana, but he's shaking like a leaf. Scared and tired and scared.]

No, it- I have to fix it, it's my fault.

I can still help you, Bruno. All right? You don’t have to do this alone.

[ He keeps tugging gently at the ruana. Come here, let him hold you. ]

[He moves with the tugging, curling into him and pulling his hood fully over his face to hide from whatever is watching him.]

Shouldn't've given you that vision, I knew better, shouldn't have shown it to you, bad idea, worst idea, always the worst idea.

[ There we go. Martin gently nudges Bruno to hide his face in Martin’s chest while Martin pets his hood protectively. He’ll help hide you. ]

Yes, well, regardless? It’s done. So now we have to figure out what to do next.

I dunno. I don't know what to do next.

[Without Bruno to distract, the room definitely looks like it's seen better days. Nothing's been moved for some time, the corners having more spiderwebs than before. The few rats around are staying close by Bruno's feet though, starting to climb up to get to his shoulder.]

What are you gonna do?

I…

[ Martin has no idea, honestly, so he stares around the room for a moment. God, that’s so sad. And concerning? Get out of here, Web, no one likes you.

(But it makes his heart ache seeing the dust, knowing how sad Bruno must feel to not even want to take care of the basics like this.)

He shifts a bit to let the rats climb up on both of them. ]

I’ll talk to it. Where’s the highest point in this house? Your tower?

...Yeah, but. A-are you sure?

Honestly? No. But.

[ He takes a deep breath. ]

I think it’s worth trying. And it can’t make this worse.

[He looks up at him, those green eyes burning before he looks around again.]

I can lead you there, just... I dunno, just. Come on.

Of course. Lead the way then.

[He starts to lead out the door, then pauses.]

....You said you wanna talk to 'it'. Um. Outside, or inside?

Um. I mean, wherever I can reach it, but ... Outside, probably.

Okay.

[DEEEEEP slow breath as he gets ready to psych himself up.] Okay, okay okay okay.

This way.

[He keeps his hood up, trying to cover his eyes and still be able to sleep and starts leading him through the walls, a different way than they went last time Martin was here. It takes some doing, but they go up some makeshift stairs until he gets to a different little room - like a closet really. But it's easy to get out the window and onto the tile roof.]

Up here.

[ Martin follows closely, a hand resting on Bruno's arm. Just. Following here. Nervous too? God, what is he even doing...

But he blinks at hte closet, and then the window, and. Oh boy. He eyes the roof and the drop VERY nervously. ]

There. There isn't another way?

You said outside, and my tower is still the highest point so...

[YOU ASKED..]

Can't. Can't we go up those stairs and find a window at the top of your tower.

[ He already knows there's no windows and the geometry won't allow for it, but... ]

Uuuhhh if there were any windows up there, I'd say yes, but...

[He hunches in on himself being out in the open like this, looking around, then back at Martin... Genuinely scared. He's being seen, he's being watched, it's watching him now-]

Still don't have to go up there.

[ He would REALLY RATHER NOT ...

But one look at Bruno's obvious terror makes him just. Soften a little. ]

No, I have to try. I'll go.

If you're sure...

[Another breath to steady his nerves and he leads the way further, climbing up the side of the tower carefully. The weather is still bad, but there aren't any obvious signs of anything supernatural beyond that.]

[ Yeah um -

The first time the lightning flashes, Martin presses himself against the roof miserably, just. Okay. Breathing. It's FINE it's just HIGH UP-- ]

[Here and there, Bruno offers a hand down to help him up, but he's trying to hide under his ruana every time it flashes.]

Just a little further.

[ Yeah. Yeah, this is a GREAT PLAN he's come up with, isn't it,

But he gulps a bit and forces himself to press on. Shaking as he goes. ]

Right. Yeah. Gotta - gotta get up to where I can see it.

Right.

[Another five or so feet and they can get to the roof of the tower, clouds gathering uncomfortably around its precipice.]

Uh. So. Whhhhat are you gonna say to it? Whatever it is.

[ HE. HATES. THIS.

But he makes it all the way up to the top, staring up at the sky. ]

I - I don't know? It depends on what's Looking at us. It could be someone I know.

Someone you know? Ay dios...

[He looks up at the sky too, occasionally holding a hand out as support though there's no way his bony scrawny arm could catch and hold Martin if he fell. He does rub at one eye, feeling irritated with all the dust kicking up with the wind.]

All right well... Your weird god. Go for it.

[ Yeah, Martin is pretty sure he will just die if he falls. This is entirely too high.

But he nods, gulping in a breath, and gets right up to the very top. Clinging to the weathervane as he looks up. ]

Jon! Jon, is that - is that you up there! If you See me, say something!

[Bruno watches, staring up at Martin.

But there isn't any response. Not from Jon nor Jonah nor any other iteration Martin's seen. Just a distant rumbling of thunder around and above. But his eyes feel dry, irritated up here with more of the wind. He tucks his head down, one hand holding onto the roofing, the other keeping the rat with him as sheltered as he can manage up here, even as he sees the green glow of his own eyes on its fur.]

Look- I-i dunno if he can hear you up here.

[ Shit. Bruno's probably right. He can scarcely hear himself over the cacophony, much less anything else.

He curses as he wobbles on his perch. Can he see ANYTHING? Is there an Eye in the sky at all? ]

Probably not ...

[There's no Eye in the sky, no. Bruno looks up to see what he can see and it-

He hisses in pain, pressing the heel of one palm to his eye, vision blurred, for the briefest moments he swears he saw Martin somewhere else.]

Look, let's- W-we should move.

[ Where did you see him, huh Bruno? Did you See a cute little cafe again? Or somewhere more terrible than that?

Martin continues staring up for a long moment, but ...

But there's no Eye, is there. Or anything. Damn it, this was a bad idea. ]

Yeah. Yeah, all right. Before we get struck by lightning or something.

[On the top of a roof looking up at him... It's odd, how small Martin seemed for a moment.

He nods, carefully holding his rat friend to his chest until it crawls into his ruana and he can use both hands to start helping Martin down. His eyes are burning trying to see more but he's trying to push past it.]

Yeah, or someone thinks this is my fault some how.

[But he knows it is.]

[ Martin gladly accepts the help. There's a terrifying moment where he hits a loose tile and skids but between Bruno's hands and Casita itself throwing up a brick to brace himself with, he stops quickly. ]

Y-yeah. I don't. I don't want that to happen to you.

[ He levers himself back in through the window the first instant he can. ]

[Casita is eager to help, shifting so there are easier steps for Martin to climb into through the window and down to the floor, evening out once Bruno's back inside. But he feels breathless looking around even when the little rat pokes its head out and nuzzles Bruno's chin.]

Did you manage to get anything out of that?

[ Bless u Casita. He will take very step provided with gratitude and alacrity.

Once back in side he just. Leans agains the wall, trembling a little. ]

Absolutely nothing.

So... What now? Because ah- I dunno what all is going on here.

I ... I have no idea. But at least - at least you don't have an Eye in the sky. That's something.

And that's just normal for your place.

[Stating more of a fact before he rubs at his eye again, leading them out.]

Of course it isn't NORMAL. But it did happen back home, and it was a very bad sign.

[ He follows again. Watching that green glow persist. ]

You seemed pretty at home about it talking about it, so I dunno.

There's been other weird stuff, no eye in the sky though, just other weird stuff.

... What other weird stuff then?

Like - Pepa's weather is getting harder for her to control. It was always kinda a lot for her, but it's getting worse? And- and Isabela's flowers are overgrowing everything if she doesn't focus. It's too much, hard to move around sometimes. I know Luisa's always been really strong but sometimes it's- I-i dunno, it doesn't look right. And Abuela....

[He trails off, arms hugging himself and shivers thinking about it.]

She has this look in her eye sometimes. It... It's bad. There's other stuff, but Abuela's smile isn't... I-i dunno.

[ Oh. Oh god. Martin's head snaps up in horror at all of those thoughts. ]

Like they're becoming stronger? M-monstrous, almost...?

M-maybe.

[He shakes his head, closes his eyes but he still knows exactly where Martin's standing as he moves around to set that little terrified rat on the barrel.]

It's all started to go wrong, an-and I know it's not Casita's fault.

[ Yeah ... yeah. Martin watches that motion, recognizing it. As if he needed more evidence that Bruno's an Eye avatar...

God. What does he do? CAN he do anything? He's lost all of his connections in Sideral, even that tiny link to the Eye himself. ]

I know it isn't either. This is... something else. I think my eldritch gods are somehow starting to emerge here.

[For a long moment he doesn't respond. He thinks back to that one vision tablet, a giant eye looming over Casita. The spiders and thread tendrils around the edges. He instinctively moves to rub at his arm, like there's something there.]

How do we know for sure?

I mean, if a giant Eye turns up in the sky, that will definitely prove it.

[ He hunches his shoulders a bit. Eyes Bruno. ]

... I can. I can probably test it, though. In smaller ways.

...Like how?

[Just petting a rat and looking up to him, eyes bright and scared and unsure.]

N-nothing that will. That will hurt, just.

[ God, he's so sorry, Bruno. ]

Close your eyes?

Uuuuhhhhh...

[He looks down at rat-friend, shrugging and gesturing to Martin. Then exhales heavily looking back to him and nods.

Stands perfectly still closing his eyes.]

[ Martin holds his breath. Then ... carefully moves to the front of him, looking down at the green light still probably visible through Bruno's eyelids. ]

I'm going to another room. Come find me in about two minutes.

[ And with utter silence, he slips off to one of the spare storage rooms. ]

Wai-What?

[He opens his eyes one second too late to see what direction he went. Bruno's left alone, looking around the room nervous like Martin just vanished, or hadn't been there at all.]

Ahhhh ay... Donde...

[All right. He'll wait a minute and breathe. Try to listen, try to distract himself.]

[ Yup. Even without the Lonely, Martin is good at that disappearing trick.

There is absolutely no sound, nor any other indication of where he's gone. Does Bruno Know anyway? ]

[No, there isn't any sign of what Martin did. He isn't sure if it's two minutes or not, but he starts to move quietly, listening as he walks through the walls.

It isn't Knowing, it's not quite as strong as that. But he gets a hunch. A thought maybe this way that has him turning corners, looking closer.]

Martin, this is - A really really bad idea. [Is what he manages in a shout-whisper.]

[ Martin stays absolutely silent in the little storage closet area, hardly even breathing. If Bruno doesn't find him, that's good. It'll be some kind of proof.

He hears Bruno moving and just closes his own eyes for a moment. Waiting. ]

[Still nothing.

Only little pricks in the back of his mind to turn, face that corner. He stopped there and then -]

There's probably spiders in there, come on.

[ Is that close enough? That's ... pretty close.

Also Martin doesn't want to sit here forever. He sighs a bit before creaking open the door. ]

I like spiders, actually.

[He doesn't look surprised at all, watching him through that crack.]

I'm glad you do. Not fun waking up to them on me.

I suppose not.

... You knew were I was, didn't you?

Knew? No. No, I didn't know, I just.

[He shrugs.]

Lucky first guess.

I don't think it was just a guess.

... But it's also not as obvious as full Eye powers either.

[Bruno stares at him...

Before he gives a nervous laugh.]

What? What does that even mean, it- Nah.

I think the Eye has some hold on you. Not much, but some.

...And if that's true, if that's what it really is, what does that mean?

It means you're in some trouble. But it's not surmountable.

Oh, great! That's great.

Then you can help me fix it.

...

I mean - I do know how. Yes.

Then how?

[He almost sounds desperate, he wants this fixed, he wants his family safe.]

[ God. GOD. He doesn't want to say this. ]

To get rid of the Eye's influence, you have to blind yourself.

[Oh. Oh Bruno looks struck, a blade twisted through him in a flash.

A shuddering breath before he shakes his head.]

What else.

[ Yeahhhhh sorry Bruno. Martin looks miserable. ]

There's nothing else.

What if it's not that? What if it's something else.

Then I suppose you'd blind yourself for no reason.

I'm not. Saying you SHOULD, I just. That's the only solution I know of.

Then let's confirm what it is before we jump to any rash stuff!

[BLINDING HIMSELF wild, he's scared and that just did not help.]

Okay, okay. That's. That's fine. Of course.

Let's go back to your room?

[That seemingly settled, he nods before turning to lead the way back. More flowers and fauna have started to grow everywhere along the way.]

We gotta hurry, Isabela's around.

She - she's the one doing that?

[ He eyes the flowers as they go. ]

Y-yeah, that's her gift. Making flowers grow, but usually it's a lot more controlled than this.

Ah. That - even if you blinded yourself, it probably wouldn't help her.

[He hesitates opening the painting door to let Martin in first... But his fingers tremble as he closes it behind them. That iced chill at his feet becoming more pronounced with the shadows.]

And Luisa's strength being too much? Camilo's shapeshifting going weird?

[ Martin shivers, then, and hurries as best he can. ]

The same. They'd - they'd each have to do something drastic to cut themselves off.

[He shakes his head while they walk.]

I still don't understand any of this.

I'm sorry. I wish I had better answers.

[He mutters while they go-] Why can't it be simple, it should be simple.

[Gets the door to his room open, wringing his hands a bit both nervously and feeling like there's threads all around them.]

Okay. Okay, so you think it's your weird gods here, I think maybe something's happened to Casita. What else?

[ Martin similarly waves at the air, instinctively sensing spiderwebs. ]

What do you mean, what else? I don't have any other ideas.

There has to be! There has to be any other reason!

...

[ Martin just stays silent, finding a spot to sit. ]

[Bruno watches him, then starts pacing around the room, gathering a rat here or there, setting another one down. It's all nervous, anxious energy, trying to make sense of it all without losing his mind.]

...Why could I see you up there? Up on the tower, I- For a second, I thought I saw you from up there.

What?

[ Martin straightens at that, looking at Bruno with alarm. ]

What, d'you mean - you saw me like you were looking down at me? From above?

Yeah - It was weird, and I'm pretty sure I was just seeing things because it was weird and freaky and I was really freaked out-

But you definitely saw something. Even if it was - just seeing things.

[ He rubs at his face. There's the full proof of Bruno being an avatar... ]

I-i dunno what I saw. I don't know.

You saw me from above. Like the Eye would.

...If that's true, and. And if that's what I have, then.

Th-then to make it stop, I have to. To-t-to blind myself?

Yes.

[ Said softly, sympathetically. ]

Trust me. If I knew of any other way, I would tell you.

...Is that what your husband did?

[ Something aches in Martin's expression at that. ]

No. We found another way, but it cost everything. You don't want that solution.

['Everything'.

He looks at the crack of his family's family tree wall, hearing them starting to come in. There's a nervous energy out there, no one being sure what exactly is going on anymore.]

...But you're happy now.

[ Martin is very, very silent indeed for a long moment. ]

We were. Yes. We were - incredibly happy. The months I spent with him were the best of my life.

Were?

[Oh no. What happened? The last time he saw Martin, they were happy together, his vision from when he was a kid was proof enough of that.]

Wa-whuuu-what happened?

It-

[ God. It's still fresh. Martin gulps in a breath. ]

His world wasn't ... fully resolved. After a while, things started leaking into the paradise we were living in. More and more over time, until - until we realised he couldn't stay. I told him I didn't care, or that I'd - I'd go back with him at least, but -

[ His voice cracks. ]

One morning, I woke up and he was gone.

Just... gone?

Where'd he go, what happened?

[A great guy like this, his husband must be an idiot to just leave.]

He went home. To keep the Fears from escaping it. To make sure they couldn't spread any further.

[ Martin scrubs at his face with a hand. ]

We should have put his eyes out the first instant he came to the place we were in. Then - then maybe we could have stayed for the rest of our lives.

...But they are spreading...

[He looks around again, feeling it creeping in, an uncontrollable force freezing his veins.]

You said last time that you don't know how to leave or go back to that place, but you're saying he found a way?

Yeah. There's - there's so many versions of him? Making the same decisions. It might be his world, or it could be a different one.

[ Anyway, he nods a bit. ]

Y-yes. There was - a soft spot in the world? That seemed like we could get through. I don't know if he took it or not, though.

[He wrings his hands again, nervously tugging at a loose thread of his shirt sleeve and looking around.

Is he the cause of this? Probably. It is always his fault.]

...When he left you, did. Did it stop? In the place he left you in.

[ Poor Bruno. Martin pulls himself together, damn it. ]

Yes. It - it did. Sidereal went back to being peaceful.

[ And desperately, miserably lonely. ]

....Then I should leave.

[ Martin stiffens at that. ]

I thought - last time, you said you wouldn't. Your family is all here.

I wouldn't before because I wasn't hurting them staying back here. But - but if I'm hurting them now like this...

...

Oh. Oh, Bruno...

I just- I need to know. I need to know if it's me doing this. Because if it is, then- Then I can't stay.

R-right. Let's try to find that out then.

And if it is ... come back to Sidereal with me?

...Wouldn't I risk bringing it there?

Maybe. But. Where else could you go?

I-i don't know. I don't know what's outside this encanto, and I only have the visions of your bakery for somewhere else.

Then we have to go there, and figure it out from there.

[ A pause. And a flicker of hope. ]

Unless ... unless there's a way to my husband's world from here.

Maybe? I dunno. I don't know your stuff or your gods or your world, I just know that it all started going wrong in the last month and- And I don't know how to fix it.

I - I know. I know.

[ He reaches for Bruno's shoulder. ]

We'll figure something out. Even if it means leaving.

[He almost goes stiff just before the touch lands. Looks up at Martin, then out to where his family is settling down for dinner.]

Leaving them...

... I know. We'll try everything else first.

[Bruno gives a big inelegant sniff and wipes at his nose, looking around his room at all his rat-friends.]

Right... I'm- Look, I'm sorry you got dragged back here. I-i know my family stresses you out.

N-no, it's - it's fine? It's good.

[ Martin reaches out to pet a rat-friend. ]

I've been um. Rather lonely recently, so.

Oh.

[Well.. That's just genuinely sad. Martin is such a lovely huggable guy, so it's kid of... really sad that Martin's lonely. He shouldn't be.]

I'm sorry.

[ He shouldn't be, and yet. He swipes at his face but manages a smile. ]

I'm just - just saying. Seeing you again? It's nice. I'm glad this is happening.

[All he can bring himself to do for now is nod, try to keep the anxious shakes from being too visible.]

Right... Right, oaky so. So what now?

Wait, maybe. See if - if something presents itself.

[His eyes shift between Martin, the door, and the painting-crack.]

Llllike what?

I - I don't know? I don't know, okay, I -

[ He rubs at this face. ]

I'm not an expert here. I'm just doing my best!

No, I-i know. It's just.

You know more about this than me, I-i've never seen any thing like this stuff. So I guess I just thought you'd know... Sorry. I'm sorry.

[ Ah. Immediate regret. Martin winces. ]

N-no, it's. It's fine. I'm sorry too. I wish I had better answers.

Well.... We'll find them.

[He isn't so sure of himself. But he trusts Martin.]

Yeah. Yeah, I - I do think so.

So don't stress too much, if you can.

[He laughs nervously.]

Little late on that one.

I know. I'm sorry. I wish I had something better.

[Bruno hesitates, not entirely sure what to do. Everyone's powers are going wrong and this guy is back and it's all wrong.]

...You said your husband had- Had something like this. Did he know what to do? Wh-what did he do?

…

I’m … not sure we should use him as an example for this one.

...There has to be someone. Anyone.

I - well, if he were here, I would ask him?

[ He bites his lip. ]

Things just . Didn’t end well for him. Before coming to Sidereal, anyway.

Yeah. Yeah, you said.

[And now Martin's husband is gone. So who knows. He leans in closer to him, tired really from the adrenaline and fear starting to wear out of him.]

What should we do in the meantime?

[ He eyes Bruno. ]

Have you talked to your family at all, or are you still hiding?

[He doesn't look at Martin, just keeps his head down against him.]

What would I even say to 'em? 'Sorry I've been gone, I've been living in the walls for ten years'?

I mean. That is a start, yes?

[He stops for a second. Leans back to look up at Martin again confused before realizing Martin is dead serious.]

Great. What then. After that.

Then we explain your concerns about - well, everything that’s going on? I can help with that part.

I, uh. You've met me, you know me, I'm not so good with the talking part. So maybe you could, I dunno, maybe- Just. You handle it.

…

You. Want me to talk to your family for you?

I mean, if you're offering.

I - well - okay! But! You have to be there with me. Otherwise they’re just going to scream about some pasty stranger in their house.

No, right, yeah no of course. Maybe- Maybe you can say you just found me somewhere else, I have definitely not been living in the walls for ten years, something else, something different.

… somewhere outside? So I’m bringing you home?

...I guess that works. I've never thought about this before.

You’ve also never had these sorts of disruptions happen before either.

[He rubs at his arm nervously.]

No, no I haven't. Um. It's, y'know, it's new and. I-i dunno, maybe they'll feel a little better seeing you. I do. So they should too.

... I just have that sort of aura, eh?

You do, yeah. It's a good thing.

[ He laughs a little. ]

And you look like you need a hug.

You said that a lot the last time you were here.

And do you need them any less?

[Jon's coming round to their little corner in the bunks with his hands full.]

All right - I've nabbed us both a phone, and I think, um. I have at least narrowed down one of my tasks.

[ Martin, meanwhile, has spent time making their living area more homey? He's gotten the mattress off the top bunk, placing it on their shared bed to make it more comfy, and is in the process of converting said bunk into shelves for storage with the help of some curtains and some planks of wood.

He turns when he hears Jon, though, always happy to see his boyfriend. ]

-- Wait, really? Real phones?

[He holds them up to show. Two phones, seeming in perfectly working condition.]

Picked them up at one of the shops. Seem to be working just fine.

Oh my god.

[ He reaches out for one of them. ]

I really missed having one.

[He hands it over easily, typing up a quick text but not sending it just yet.]

They did seem a bit useless where we were, didn't they?

Oh yes. Somehow, no service in the apocalypse.

[ He's flipping through the apps now. ]

That would have been far too convenient.

[One moment... Ah. He shoots a quick text to Martin's phone with a notification ding and smiles a bit.]

There. That should do it. I think we're about all set then.

[ text?? god he missed texts. He immediately checks it. ]

What's this?

Oh - just making sure you can save my number to your own phone. Wouldn't do to not even have them saved, would it?

That would be terribly ironic, yes.

[ He moves to save Jon's number. ]

Agreed.

[With that, Jon settles one other thing with his phone before tucking it to his pocket for now and assessing the work Martin's been doing arranging their things.]

You've been quite productive.

Right? Rather like it.

[ Martin steps back to admire his work. ]

We - er - we can always put the mattress on the floor if you need more space but ... I thought sharing would be nice ...

[Jon smiles a little more at that, stepping to stand closer to Martin, nearly shoulder to shoulder.]

A bit like the safehouse, I think. I should like that.

Very nearly. Yes.

[ Martin looks a bit shy. ]

I - er - I'm still working on the tea but ...

[ He reaches up to the new shelving, where he's managed to find an old, cracked, but still functional electric kettle. ]

[Jon watches for a moment, then brightens visibly.]

Oh brilliant! I'm sure we can find tea around somewhere, but that's a big part of it done. Thank you.

That's what I thought, yeah. Thought maybe you could help with that? If necessary?

You know, I think I can. And if I'm right, I believe we can earn some extra silver on the way.

... Yeah? What are you thinking?

Well.

I think I have an idea of one thing that gets me some reward, if you're ah. All right with helping a bit.

Oh yeah? What is it?

I did notice I acquired some extra coin when I... Do something like this.

[He'll just casually take Martin's hand, a warm feeling reaching from his fingertips to his wrist and up.]

[ oh? Martin flushes a bit, pink spreading along his own fingertips. ]

Just touching?

Seems that way. At- least from my side of things.

Well - I - er - I seem to have the same one. I think.

[He blinks owlishly once. Twice. Then smiles a little.]

Then that works out doesn't it? We should be on our way then.

Holding hands the whole time...?

I don't see why not. Earn silver on the way to finding tea, multitasking.

Exactly. Really, it's a waste not to always be touching each other.

Exactly. Really, we'd be losing coins at that rate.

Then we're agreed? Permanently attached...?

I believe so, yes. Where you go, I go. That's the deal.

... That's the deal. I'm holding you to it.

[ he smiles gently and leans down to kiss him. ]

Of course.

[He does smile and lean up for that kiss.]

Shall we?

[ Martin doesn't respond verbally, instead leaning into the kiss. And hauling Jon up a little to meet him better. ]

[Jon makes a rather adorable surprised noise as he's hefted up, cupping Martin's cheeks to keep him close then.]

[ Martin laughs a bit. ]

That's such a cute noise.

[IC] Misc. Open Post

Sidereal, Day 82 (Evening)

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so about those dreams

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