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[He was a little surprised to get the invite, not that he isn’t still friends with everyone but things have been a little strained with Genie since his earlier self decided to show up and throw a wrench in everyone’s timeline, it’s not like they haven’t talked since then, they have and they’ve been fine, so being in a secluded forest, basically alone with each other was also going to be fine. Why wouldn’t it be?
For all his stress, the car ride actually was fun, it felt like being in college again, Dagny and Isaac spent half of the time ignoring each other in favor of staring into each others eyes or talking about their love(he didn’t really pay attention), something that was at times terrifying considering Dagny was driving(just because he couldn’t die didn’t mean the rest of them couldn’t, watch the road, not your husband!) but they made it there in one piece, the excitement palpable as they unpacked. The house was beautiful, the vibes were great, everything was going to be fine.
He knows there are scattered plans for the evening, dinner and smores and who knows what else but Sasha can’t help going down by the water as soon as he’s unpacked, sitting by the shore and staring out over the lake. He’s always felt comfortable outside, for a lot of his life he lived outdoors, there is something grounding about nature, about being able to just sit and breathe and not think about anything. Or at least try not to think about anything.]
For all his stress, the car ride actually was fun, it felt like being in college again, Dagny and Isaac spent half of the time ignoring each other in favor of staring into each others eyes or talking about their love(he didn’t really pay attention), something that was at times terrifying considering Dagny was driving(just because he couldn’t die didn’t mean the rest of them couldn’t, watch the road, not your husband!) but they made it there in one piece, the excitement palpable as they unpacked. The house was beautiful, the vibes were great, everything was going to be fine.
He knows there are scattered plans for the evening, dinner and smores and who knows what else but Sasha can’t help going down by the water as soon as he’s unpacked, sitting by the shore and staring out over the lake. He’s always felt comfortable outside, for a lot of his life he lived outdoors, there is something grounding about nature, about being able to just sit and breathe and not think about anything. Or at least try not to think about anything.]
[Despite the fact that he chose the location, the thought of the water still makes Dagny queasy, so while everyone else has been out enjoying the lake, he’s been inside, prepping dinner ingredients for Isaac and putting up decorations, every so often staring out the window and glaring at the water like it’s personally victimizing him.
He’s got a dance playlist on while he chops up some vegetables, putting them all into different bowls so that Isaac can easily grab them once he’s ready. There are some mixed drinks on the counter but no one has really gone crazy, especially considering they are in the water, Dagny put his foot down about some things, not wanting to give himself a panic attack while they are out, and a cake in the oven, which he swears he can make just fine, though the backup from the store is already in the fridge, just on the off chance he’s wrong.
He’s singing and dancing along to Walk the Moon so he doesn’t realize anyone has joined him until he turns around, startling slightly but recovering with a smile.] Back already?
He’s got a dance playlist on while he chops up some vegetables, putting them all into different bowls so that Isaac can easily grab them once he’s ready. There are some mixed drinks on the counter but no one has really gone crazy, especially considering they are in the water, Dagny put his foot down about some things, not wanting to give himself a panic attack while they are out, and a cake in the oven, which he swears he can make just fine, though the backup from the store is already in the fridge, just on the off chance he’s wrong.
He’s singing and dancing along to Walk the Moon so he doesn’t realize anyone has joined him until he turns around, startling slightly but recovering with a smile.] Back already?
[About the second she sees the lake, Imogene knows what she's doing as soon as she's done unpacking. Especially once she bugs her brothers enough to get a rough shape of a plan. There's nothing they need to do now, probably not until it's late enough to light a fire, which means there's nothing stopping her from getting in the water.
She's always loved swimming. Her time on the actual swim team only lasted about two years back in junior high before she ended up dropping it so she had room to try something else, but that's longer than anything else, honestly. She never stopped enjoying it, anyway, so she unpacks as quickly as she can convince herself to before changing into her bathing suit. She spends about sixty seconds looking to see if Isaac's come out yet before accepting that the two of them are probably going to disappear into their bedroom for a little while first, so she heads down on her own, just stopping long enough to grab a towel.
She didn't realize Sasha had come down this way already, and she hesitates for a second, hanging back. But -- they've talked since everything happened, that was fine. And it is nice to have him here. Their past relationship aside, he's still one of her best friends, she doesn't know how she'd have gotten through her college years without him there.
So it's fine. They can be normal.]
It's really nice out here, isn't it? [She's in a pretty good mood right now at least, so the happiness in her voice is mostly unforced, smiling at Sasha as she stops by the shore to kick off her shoes and find a place to leave her towel.]
She's always loved swimming. Her time on the actual swim team only lasted about two years back in junior high before she ended up dropping it so she had room to try something else, but that's longer than anything else, honestly. She never stopped enjoying it, anyway, so she unpacks as quickly as she can convince herself to before changing into her bathing suit. She spends about sixty seconds looking to see if Isaac's come out yet before accepting that the two of them are probably going to disappear into their bedroom for a little while first, so she heads down on her own, just stopping long enough to grab a towel.
She didn't realize Sasha had come down this way already, and she hesitates for a second, hanging back. But -- they've talked since everything happened, that was fine. And it is nice to have him here. Their past relationship aside, he's still one of her best friends, she doesn't know how she'd have gotten through her college years without him there.
So it's fine. They can be normal.]
It's really nice out here, isn't it? [She's in a pretty good mood right now at least, so the happiness in her voice is mostly unforced, smiling at Sasha as she stops by the shore to kick off her shoes and find a place to leave her towel.]
[He can tell it’s Imogene just by the way that she walks up, something he tries not to think about too hard, smiling softly before she even speaks. He turns to her, already nodded, throwing a hand up over his eyes to shield them from the sun.] I was skeptical at first, I thought it’d be colder for April, but it is actually nice.
[They got lucky, although Dagny keeps saying confidently that he knew the weather would be fine, everyone is polite enough to indulge him, it’ll likely get cold once the sun goes down, but for now it’s pretty pleasant.] Did you know this is what they had planned or were you surprised? [A pause] I promise to continue telling D you were surprised either way.
[They got lucky, although Dagny keeps saying confidently that he knew the weather would be fine, everyone is polite enough to indulge him, it’ll likely get cold once the sun goes down, but for now it’s pretty pleasant.] Did you know this is what they had planned or were you surprised? [A pause] I promise to continue telling D you were surprised either way.
Sunscreen, had to get out for a little while.
[She's been pretty diligent about it while hanging around outside, and mostly bugging anyone else who does the same. (Well, she and Isaac are in a constant not-very-serious fight about whether it actually matters for him anymore, but he mostly gives in to her when the time actually comes. One thing to say about studying this stuff, some risks just stop seeming worth it if there's an easy way to counter them.
Also she feels a little bad that they've essentially abandoned him, at least for now. She doubts it's that big of a deal, she really doesn't think Isaac would have gone if Dagny actually minded much, but still.
She's still dripping a little, so she keeps her distance to avoid getting him wet, skirting around him to go grab a soda from the fridge.] How's the kitchen prep coming?
[She's been pretty diligent about it while hanging around outside, and mostly bugging anyone else who does the same. (Well, she and Isaac are in a constant not-very-serious fight about whether it actually matters for him anymore, but he mostly gives in to her when the time actually comes. One thing to say about studying this stuff, some risks just stop seeming worth it if there's an easy way to counter them.
Also she feels a little bad that they've essentially abandoned him, at least for now. She doubts it's that big of a deal, she really doesn't think Isaac would have gone if Dagny actually minded much, but still.
She's still dripping a little, so she keeps her distance to avoid getting him wet, skirting around him to go grab a soda from the fridge.] How's the kitchen prep coming?
[She laughs a little at the reassurance, shaking her head.] No, I just figured I'd leave them to it. I thought we'd take a day trip or something, I didn't expect this.
[She usually likes surprises, anyway, so it works out. Isaac always was the one inclined to bug people for hints about his gifts or where they were going, Imogene likes to wait. And she can get obsessive about planning if she knows where she's going, so sometimes it's nice to let things catch her off guard so she doesn't have a chance.]
Didn't know you were coming, either. [She sounds pleased about it, though, turning a little to keep an eye on him as she moves towards the water, shivering a little as she gets her feet in. It's not too cold, but enough to want to adjust rather than diving straight in.]
[She usually likes surprises, anyway, so it works out. Isaac always was the one inclined to bug people for hints about his gifts or where they were going, Imogene likes to wait. And she can get obsessive about planning if she knows where she's going, so sometimes it's nice to let things catch her off guard so she doesn't have a chance.]
Didn't know you were coming, either. [She sounds pleased about it, though, turning a little to keep an eye on him as she moves towards the water, shivering a little as she gets her feet in. It's not too cold, but enough to want to adjust rather than diving straight in.]
Right. I feel like there’s something important in there about water and sunscreen. [He nods like he understands, always being an active avoider of water, it’s never been something he’s had to be concerned about.
He watches her, setting down the knife and pepper he was cutting to lean back against the counter instead. He’s pretty sure she’s just in here because he is, but he’s not going to complain about the company, even if he’d rather she be out there doing what she wants instead of making sure he’s okay.]
Good, I think. Isaac has a few different recipes he wants to try so I’m trying to prep everything, that way when we are hungry there is less to do. [It’ll also be less work for Isaac when he decides to start cooking, less time spent in the kitchen instead of sitting around hanging out with everyone.]
He watches her, setting down the knife and pepper he was cutting to lean back against the counter instead. He’s pretty sure she’s just in here because he is, but he’s not going to complain about the company, even if he’d rather she be out there doing what she wants instead of making sure he’s okay.]
Good, I think. Isaac has a few different recipes he wants to try so I’m trying to prep everything, that way when we are hungry there is less to do. [It’ll also be less work for Isaac when he decides to start cooking, less time spent in the kitchen instead of sitting around hanging out with everyone.]
[It's way too early in the morning to expect anyone else to be awake when Isaac starts to get a little restless. He'd turned in when everyone else did, mostly so he could cuddle up to his husband for a while, even gotten a couple of hours of sleep out of it. But as usual, his body doesn't need much more than that, and once he drifts awake in the middle of the night, he can't get back to sleep again, and eventually he gives in and slips out of bed.
He makes himself comfortable in the cabin's living room for a while, with a blanket and a book that he doesn't really spend a lot of time reading. Mostly he just relaxes back into the couch, listening to the quiet around them, adjusting to the sounds of the woods. He'd been a little worried it would make him nervous, but it's so different here than it was there, it doesn't really register. And it helps that he's not here alone. If he gets nervous, he just has to go find someone else.
It's still dark when he rolls off of the couch, but instead of going back to bed, he lets himself out the front door as quietly as he can manage. He steals Dagny's jacket on the way, wrapping himself up as he sits on the front steps, settling himself in to watch the sun come up.]
He makes himself comfortable in the cabin's living room for a while, with a blanket and a book that he doesn't really spend a lot of time reading. Mostly he just relaxes back into the couch, listening to the quiet around them, adjusting to the sounds of the woods. He'd been a little worried it would make him nervous, but it's so different here than it was there, it doesn't really register. And it helps that he's not here alone. If he gets nervous, he just has to go find someone else.
It's still dark when he rolls off of the couch, but instead of going back to bed, he lets himself out the front door as quietly as he can manage. He steals Dagny's jacket on the way, wrapping himself up as he sits on the front steps, settling himself in to watch the sun come up.]
With those two? A day trip? That’s far too simple. [The tease is good natured, everyone in the group now has been subject to Dagny and Isaac’s love bombing, they like to spoil their friends and it shows but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to make fun of them for it, at least a little bit.
He watches her for another few moments before standing up and moving to dip his feet in too, exhaling a little breath as the water slides up over his ankles. He knows she sounded pleased but he still asks, just to be sure.] Is that alright? That I’m here? I probably should have asked before, but…[He gestures vaguely. Timelines, travels, he only just found out about this trip this morning though he’s sure other versions of him knew. It makes it difficult to ask for any sort of permission when he’s not even aware of what’s happening.]
He watches her for another few moments before standing up and moving to dip his feet in too, exhaling a little breath as the water slides up over his ankles. He knows she sounded pleased but he still asks, just to be sure.] Is that alright? That I’m here? I probably should have asked before, but…[He gestures vaguely. Timelines, travels, he only just found out about this trip this morning though he’s sure other versions of him knew. It makes it difficult to ask for any sort of permission when he’s not even aware of what’s happening.]
And waiting so it doesn't wash off, yeah. [She doesn't really expect him to pay that much attention, it's not like it applies to him. She glances back over her shoulder as she pulls out a drink, holds up a can with a questioning look, seeing if he wants anything before she closes the fridge.
She'll come settle at the other side of the counter once she does, facing him as she leans against it.]
Well, don't let him make you do all the hard work, he should pull his weight too. [She grins at him, teasing lightly.]
She'll come settle at the other side of the counter once she does, facing him as she leans against it.]
Well, don't let him make you do all the hard work, he should pull his weight too. [She grins at him, teasing lightly.]
[He doesn’t even need to set an alarm to know when the sun is about to rise, maybe it’s from all the time spent sleeping on benches, waking up at first light, or maybe it’s just that he has a really sensitive internal clock but he always wakes up just before the sun comes up. Sometimes he heads back to bed, but today he can’t resist the urge to watch the sunrise, to see the reflection in the lake, to take in the beauty. (That’s one downside to being in the city, the sunrise just isn’t the same).
Grabbing a throw blanket off the couch on his way out, he gently steps outside, closing the door quietly behind him. He’s not entirely surprised to see that Isaac is already up, has probably been up for a while, as he walks up next to him, joining him on the steps with a small smile.] Hey, birthday boy. Good morning.
Grabbing a throw blanket off the couch on his way out, he gently steps outside, closing the door quietly behind him. He’s not entirely surprised to see that Isaac is already up, has probably been up for a while, as he walks up next to him, joining him on the steps with a small smile.] Hey, birthday boy. Good morning.
Yeah, of course. [Honestly she probably answers too quickly, gives away her own uncertainty in how fast she is to reassure him. Like she's trying too hard to make things normal.
She keeps telling herself it doesn't matter now, her Sasha -- that Sasha is somewhere else. It shouldn't affect how things are between them now. If she keeps saying it, eventually it'll be true, probably.]
I'm glad you're here. [She means it, all nerves and awkwardness aside. Tries to make a joke of it after a second:] I mean, I'm gonna need someone to keep me company when those two inevitably get distracted.
She keeps telling herself it doesn't matter now, her Sasha -- that Sasha is somewhere else. It shouldn't affect how things are between them now. If she keeps saying it, eventually it'll be true, probably.]
I'm glad you're here. [She means it, all nerves and awkwardness aside. Tries to make a joke of it after a second:] I mean, I'm gonna need someone to keep me company when those two inevitably get distracted.
[It doesn't matter how long he was gone, Sasha's approach is still familiar enough that Isaac knows who it is as soon as he steps out. He doesn't bother to turn around, but he looks over to give him a grin when Sasha sits, light and easy.]
You're out early. [Not that he's surprised. It's far from the first time the two of them have been the only ones awake. Although it's a lot more pleasant now than it was when Isaac first came back.]
You're out early. [Not that he's surprised. It's far from the first time the two of them have been the only ones awake. Although it's a lot more pleasant now than it was when Isaac first came back.]
[He nods when she holds up a soda, offering a thanks as he takes it from her, opening it to take a small sip before setting it to the side.] I’ve basically forced him to do all the cooking, so it seems a fair trade. [Though it’s not unlike him to try to take on a bit more of the work so Isaac has less. It’s not a big deal, he’s happy to do it.
He stands there for another moment before crossing to move next to her instead, throwing his arm around her, heedless to the water currently dripping off of her, just wanting the contact as they share the space. He used to think she was his soulmate too, even looked around for her name when they got really close, both of them leaning on each other for support and comfort, and even though he knows her mark isn’t written on him anywhere externally, it’s certainly there internally, making it hard for him to resist reaching out to her whenever she is close enough to do so, like he has to store up on all the physical contact before she leaves again and he’s bereft for awhile.]
I’m glad Sasha forced you into coming out. It’s good to be able to celebrate with you here. Holidays aren’t the same when you’re across the country.
He stands there for another moment before crossing to move next to her instead, throwing his arm around her, heedless to the water currently dripping off of her, just wanting the contact as they share the space. He used to think she was his soulmate too, even looked around for her name when they got really close, both of them leaning on each other for support and comfort, and even though he knows her mark isn’t written on him anywhere externally, it’s certainly there internally, making it hard for him to resist reaching out to her whenever she is close enough to do so, like he has to store up on all the physical contact before she leaves again and he’s bereft for awhile.]
I’m glad Sasha forced you into coming out. It’s good to be able to celebrate with you here. Holidays aren’t the same when you’re across the country.
[It doesn't actually take more coaxing than that to get her to lean into him, quietly relaxing that much more. It honestly surprised her how much she missed him once she left, it's almost as bad as missing Isaac a lot of the time. She already considered him family, but being away really put it into sharp relief just how true that was.]
I wasn't forced. [It's a weak protest. She tries not to come out too often because it just makes it harder when she gets back, but it also gets harder when it's been too long since she's come home. It's a fucking tightrope that she's getting really sick of walking, but there's not much else she can do.] But yeah, I know what you mean. It's nice to be home.
[She hasn't been around for their birthday for the last couple of years, it's always felt a little weird. She closes her eyes, quiet for a moment before she adds with a little smile:] Thanks, by the way. For putting all this together.
I wasn't forced. [It's a weak protest. She tries not to come out too often because it just makes it harder when she gets back, but it also gets harder when it's been too long since she's come home. It's a fucking tightrope that she's getting really sick of walking, but there's not much else she can do.] But yeah, I know what you mean. It's nice to be home.
[She hasn't been around for their birthday for the last couple of years, it's always felt a little weird. She closes her eyes, quiet for a moment before she adds with a little smile:] Thanks, by the way. For putting all this together.
Anything for you, Genie. [Which is true but he also is pleased that she’s enjoying herself, feels like she’s had too many days lately where that wasn’t the case, too many phone calls he receives where she’s crying and he just feels helpless knowing he can’t do anything to help her while being out of state. He hopes this heals just a little bit of that pain.
He presses a kiss to the top of her head, giving her shoulder a little squeeze.] Do you think Isaac’s realized yet it’s his birthday? Do you think the banner will even help?
[To be fair, the banner says “Happy Birthday, Gene!” But one would assume that he would understand since he knows they are twins. Sometimes it’s hard to know what he remembers and what he doesn’t, easier to just roll with it as much as possible.]
He presses a kiss to the top of her head, giving her shoulder a little squeeze.] Do you think Isaac’s realized yet it’s his birthday? Do you think the banner will even help?
[To be fair, the banner says “Happy Birthday, Gene!” But one would assume that he would understand since he knows they are twins. Sometimes it’s hard to know what he remembers and what he doesn’t, easier to just roll with it as much as possible.]
You know I’m a sucker for a sunrise. [He pulls the blanket tighter around himself, scooting a little closer to Isaac for the warmth of his body as well, next to the fire the night before it wasn’t so bad, this morning the chill seems to be a bit more oppressive.]
I’m getting the strongest Deja vu, we just did this a few days ago in the when I’m coming from. [Except it was from Isaac’s house in the some semi distant future, and there was a baby on his hip. The early mornings come in handy once their kids start rolling in, as far as he’s been, Isaac never really gets a normal sleep schedule going.] It’s kind of comforting when things repeat like this.
I’m getting the strongest Deja vu, we just did this a few days ago in the when I’m coming from. [Except it was from Isaac’s house in the some semi distant future, and there was a baby on his hip. The early mornings come in handy once their kids start rolling in, as far as he’s been, Isaac never really gets a normal sleep schedule going.] It’s kind of comforting when things repeat like this.
[When she answers back quickly he cuts her a sideways glance, lifting an eyebrow as if calling her bluff. He doesn’t comment on it though, giving her a pass since it’s her birthday, just walking a little further into the water.]
Yeah, [He turns back towards the house for a moment before looking back at Imogene.] I think we may have already lost them. [He smiles slightly, somewhat apologetic, somewhat teasing, they’ve been like this for as long as Sasha has known them, both in the past and the future. They’ll always join the fun eventually.]
Yeah, [He turns back towards the house for a moment before looking back at Imogene.] I think we may have already lost them. [He smiles slightly, somewhat apologetic, somewhat teasing, they’ve been like this for as long as Sasha has known them, both in the past and the future. They’ll always join the fun eventually.]
[He tilts to the side a little so they're pressed shoulder to shoulder, offering more relief from the chill. He doesn't mind the cold too much, but it's nice to get a little more warmth.]
Yeah? [He's curious, contemplative. He tries not to prod Sasha with too many existential questions, but there's always been a part of him that's really interested in what it's like, living the way he does.] Kinda like some things don't change that much?
Yeah? [He's curious, contemplative. He tries not to prod Sasha with too many existential questions, but there's always been a part of him that's really interested in what it's like, living the way he does.] Kinda like some things don't change that much?
[She hums, considering, turning in towards him a little more and wrapping her arms around him, turning it into a proper hug.] Fifty-fifty without it. But the banner might do it.
[Sense of time is something Isaac's never really gotten back, especially when it comes to dates and time of year as opposed to time of day. Even if he remembers when their birthday is, she doesn't really expect him to know what month it is right now, let alone what day. But it's hard to care if he forgets, honestly, she's just glad he's here for it.]
[Sense of time is something Isaac's never really gotten back, especially when it comes to dates and time of year as opposed to time of day. Even if he remembers when their birthday is, she doesn't really expect him to know what month it is right now, let alone what day. But it's hard to care if he forgets, honestly, she's just glad he's here for it.]
Yeah, I got that feeling. [She shrugs, amused, wading in a little deeper.] It's fine, let them get it out of their system so we don't have to cut the campfire short. I want to eat my weight in marshmallows, that's gonna take a while.
[As if it ever seems to work that way. (She doesn't have room to talk, really; the two of them weren't that much better, back when. But that's a subject it's better to avoid thinking about.)]
[As if it ever seems to work that way. (She doesn't have room to talk, really; the two of them weren't that much better, back when. But that's a subject it's better to avoid thinking about.)]
Yeah. [A small smile as he remembers, wondering how much to reveal.] I was at your place for the weekend, I think it was Easter. You had a little one with you though, Claire, I think.
[It isn’t the first time he’s mentioned Isaac’s children, usually he just gets confused and asks where they are, having trouble placing himself in time, making sure no one needs watching. Claire definitely favors Isaac, she was still little when he just came from but he’s seen a lot of her life, she’s more soft spoken than her siblings, introspective, takes time to stop and listen, loves to learn, plays piano like a fiend, it’s always nice when Sasha gets a chance to see Isaac teaching his daughter how to play, it’s like a bit of his younger self shines through. Not that the older one is too bad. He leans against him a bit more, for comfort this time instead of warmth.]
I still get mixed up sometimes, don’t always know how to react or which me people are expecting. It’s nice when moments repeat, makes it feel like I actually know what to do for once.
[It isn’t the first time he’s mentioned Isaac’s children, usually he just gets confused and asks where they are, having trouble placing himself in time, making sure no one needs watching. Claire definitely favors Isaac, she was still little when he just came from but he’s seen a lot of her life, she’s more soft spoken than her siblings, introspective, takes time to stop and listen, loves to learn, plays piano like a fiend, it’s always nice when Sasha gets a chance to see Isaac teaching his daughter how to play, it’s like a bit of his younger self shines through. Not that the older one is too bad. He leans against him a bit more, for comfort this time instead of warmth.]
I still get mixed up sometimes, don’t always know how to react or which me people are expecting. It’s nice when moments repeat, makes it feel like I actually know what to do for once.
[He mostly lets it roll off of him when Sasha brings it up -- doesn't forget, exactly, and he doesn't mind knowing. But he doesn't mind letting most of the future take its time to get here, either. Especially when it comes to something like kids. Isaac's a lot better than he used to be, but his footing still isn't always as solid as he'd like, he's still a little more reactive when things startle him than he should be; there's still a little ways to go before he's going to be ready to be responsible for someone else to that extent.
It's kind of nice, though, knowing they'll get there eventually.]
Yeah. I get that. [Not for the same reasons, sure, but he does understand where Sasha's coming from on a lot of things. Sometimes he freezes without some kind of guide, doesn't know how to handle new things anymore. And god knows he understands what it's like to try to live up to another version of yourself.
He slings an arm around Sasha's shoulders, companionable.] But you know I'll take any version of you, right? We can always work it out.
[It's something he can offer, because he's not sure how many people can. He knows Imogene will accept him at any point, but the differences are too stark for it to be that easy between them. Isaac doesn't have that issue; every version of Sasha he's met is just his friend, and he doesn't really expect him to act any one way.]
It's kind of nice, though, knowing they'll get there eventually.]
Yeah. I get that. [Not for the same reasons, sure, but he does understand where Sasha's coming from on a lot of things. Sometimes he freezes without some kind of guide, doesn't know how to handle new things anymore. And god knows he understands what it's like to try to live up to another version of yourself.
He slings an arm around Sasha's shoulders, companionable.] But you know I'll take any version of you, right? We can always work it out.
[It's something he can offer, because he's not sure how many people can. He knows Imogene will accept him at any point, but the differences are too stark for it to be that easy between them. Isaac doesn't have that issue; every version of Sasha he's met is just his friend, and he doesn't really expect him to act any one way.]
Makes sense, it was a long drive. [Barely a few hours, but probably long for them. Honestly, he shouldn’t tease too much, for all he knows Dagny is still having trouble with the water issue. He’s not sure why he chose to go somewhere he’d be surrounded by one of his biggest fears. He supposes that’s just who he is, self sacrificing to a fault. God love him.
He stares down at the water, trying not to actively watch Imogene as she wades in further. It’s hard when it’s just the four of them like this, feels too much like old times, easier to get confused about when he is.] I’ll stay out there with you, even if they call it an early night. We can see who can eat their weight in marshmallows first.
He stares down at the water, trying not to actively watch Imogene as she wades in further. It’s hard when it’s just the four of them like this, feels too much like old times, easier to get confused about when he is.] I’ll stay out there with you, even if they call it an early night. We can see who can eat their weight in marshmallows first.
Sounds good to me. A fair race. [Nevermind that the two of them spending a late night alone probably isn't a great idea. It'll be fine.
She moves in a little further, leans down, trailing her fingers in the water, sending a little spray his way, not quite enough of a splash to fully hit him.] Guess we've got a couple of days anyway, if everyone's tired out tonight.
She moves in a little further, leans down, trailing her fingers in the water, sending a little spray his way, not quite enough of a splash to fully hit him.] Guess we've got a couple of days anyway, if everyone's tired out tonight.
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