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[unpavemypaths]

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[unpavemypaths]

You're probably right. But I still feel bad.

Really weird. I feel like I've gone from a front-row seat to what's going on with him to looking through a window.
I mean it's good. He's happy with his soulmate, and he's taken care of.
I'm just used to being the one taking care of him, I guess.

[Even before Isaac came back, really. Trying to find out what had happened and figure out how to get him back took over most of her life for a few years there.]

[growingsideways]

It'll be a favor for me this time, not you. Just works out that you benefit from it as well.

Your seat's still there. You're just taking a break to focus on yourself.
I think that's good.
Great even. You deserve a life too.

Just wait til they have kids.
Pretty sure you go right back to the front-row for that one.
You might even be on the stage...if that's how the metaphor works.

[He doesn't like to give away too much, but he's seen Genie worry about Isaac too much in life. He'd like her to be able to focus on herself more. Besides. He loves those dumb brats. It'd be nice to share that with someone else.]

[unpavemypaths]

In that case, I won't stop you. It'd be nice to come back anyway, even if it's for a weekend. I was around for spring break but I barely stopped by.

I don't think I remember what that's even like. Besides, I'm pretty sure I signed away my rights to one when I started med school.

It works, I get the picture.
I'd better be, anyway. Someone needs to spoil them rotten.

[If he's going to share bits with somebody, she's probably a good choice, anyway. She has her own little bits of the future she's used to keeping secret, or at least trying to; she's not likely to spill what he tells her. Sometimes she's already aware of it anyway, if not in much detail.]

[growingsideways]

Well you can stay here this time, if you get tired of the newly weds.

At least that's something you chose. Besides, you're good at it. The world needs more healthcare people like you.

[He's specifically thinking of his mom when he says it. The nurses she's had over the years have been varied in their professionalism and their compassion. He knows Genie knows about her. He used to talk about her a lot more when he was younger, the earlier versions of himself missed her so much, losing his mom and traveling came around the same time, they both get lumped together as far as trauma goes.]

We fight for that job but I think you win out. You're their aunt after all.
I'm just the weird guy who rants about confusing things that haven't happened yet.

[unpavemypaths]

Maybe. I'm less likely to walk in on anyone there at least.

Thanks. I'm doing my best, anyway. People deserve the best they can get.

I'm willing to split the job. I need backup in case I get busy. Besides, everyone needs some weird ranting in the family, and your kind's a lot more interesting than some.

[growingsideways]

You clearly haven't met Mercy and his emo beau yet.
Not to talk you out of it, I still think you should stay here. I'm just not sure that's the best incentive.

I'll take that. Maybe a 40-60 split in your favor.
That seems fair to me.

[unpavemypaths]

Okay, that's fair. I just figured maybe they'd keep to their rooms.
But on the other hand it's much less awkward if it's not my brother.

Sounds like we've got a deal.

[growingsideways]

Just be careful opening the library door. Not like I don't get it. But still, it's a public space.
Kids these day. [As if they didn't get into trouble themselves.]

Remind me to shake on it later. When you're back out here.
It's a few years out still, we've got time.

[unpavemypaths]

Got it, knock before looking for books. At least the place is big enough that the chances must be lower.
Are they also blasting their music and walking on your lawn?

I will.
Thank god. They'd better at least wait until I move back.

[growingsideways]

Hey. Show a little respect, Genie. That's an elder you're bullying right now.

They do.
But you could always try to move back a little sooner in case I'm wrong.

[unpavemypaths]

Sorry, grandpa. Should've been on my best behavior.

Tell that to the schools.

[growingsideways]

I'll forgive you this time. It's hard to keep track of where I'm going or coming from. I'm sure you didn't know.

Is it too late for me to change my mind and tell you to drop out?

[unpavemypaths]

Very gracious. I'll watch my mouth until I'm sure I'm older than you in the future.

Little bit. I think two years was the point of no return.

[growingsideways]

And when that happens you have my permission to bully. My earlier self needs it.

Two years. Was I gone all that time?

[unpavemypaths]

I'll tell him that you said that.

I haven't exactly been close by. We might just keep missing each other.

[growingsideways]

Please do, the little punk.

Could be. I remember being gone for a bit. I just didn't think it was that long.

[unpavemypaths]

Hey, don't be too mean, I like that punk.

[Not that she doesn't like the older version of him, too.]

I'm not exactly caught up with what's going on in the house lately anyway. I think it's been a while since Isaac's seen you, but I'm not sure how long. Or if he's just forgotten to say anything.

[growingsideways]

You're allowed to. I have to be a little more critical.

I need to reach out to Izzy, but if I remember correctly, he's pretty distracted this year.
Besides, I figured I should let you know first. [It was a promise that he made to her when she was younger, that he would reach out whenever he was able to. It wasn't that Isaac didn't worry about him as well, but Genie was always more outspoken about her concern. And Sasha was always trying to put it at ease.]

[unpavemypaths]

I promise I won't tell anyone if you cut yourself some slack once in a while.

Distracted's a good word for it. He might take a while to get back to you.
But thanks.
It's good to talk to you again.

[growingsideways]

You're being too nice, Genie. Save it for the punk.

I figured. I'll text him.
Should we take bets on how long it takes him to respond?

You too. Although I think it's been longer for you than me. I just danced with you at a wedding a little bit ago.

[unpavemypaths]

You're my friend either way, telling you not to be hard on yourself is part of the package.

I wouldn't expect anything before tomorrow morning at least. Maybe tomorrow afternoon.

I figure. But it has been a while for me, so.
Still got that to look forward to, at least.

[growingsideways]

Alright. I'll do my best, then.

Is he sleeping now? He could always respond while his hubby is asleep.
I assume the puppy has to take a nap at some point. All that excitement must wear him out. [He's being a little rude again, though if anyone were to understand it's likely her. For a while it was just the three of them, it's hard for him to lose either of them to someone else. Even if technically he left first.]

You have plenty to look forward to, a dance with me isn't that special.

[unpavemypaths]

He stopped answering me about an hour ago. So either he finally passed out or he's busy and I'd really rather believe it's the first one. I guess it depends on if it starts up again tonight.
I do mostly hear from him when his husband's asleep though, I'll give you that much.

Sure, but a party with some of my favorite people where I get to give a speech and embarrass my brother? Why wouldn't I look forward to that?

[growingsideways]

Ew, Gene.
I'll text him in the morning.

Your speech is beautiful.
So is your dress. And the party. It's a good wedding.

[And hopefully the compliment he slipped in there just gets ignored.]

[unpavemypaths]

Yeah, I would too.

Good. If it wasn't and you didn't give me warning, I'd never forgive you.

[She's kidding -- she generally doesn't blame him for keeping anything to himself. As nice as it would be sometimes to have a warning.

The compliment isn't missed, but it's also probably safer not to say anything about it.]