TAKE ME HOME | open, return

[BRUCE H]

[align=center][div style="width: 500px; text-align: justify; font-size: 9.7pt;"]The change in weather was a welcome one to anyone who had ever set foot on this godforsaken mountain in the dead of winter. Bruce had grown accustomed to coming back from patrol with slow melting on his eyelashes and in his hair, the wind blowing it down his collar and up his sleeves. Each patrol had ended with him grumpily dragging Dick to bed until his fingers no longer felt frozen, and while that wasn't a particularly negative memory, he's much happier with summer. Even now, the temperature isn't too warm. He finds two layers comfortable, though most days he's down to one anyway. Working indoors meant that he didn't have to deal with the chill, and it was all heavy lifting these days as they worked on sprucing up the lodge a bit more. Things were clean and open, ready for them to go scavenge some more, or trade with St. Peter's. Give it a little longer, and they'd actually have something to trade.

All in all, the world, for at least a short moment, seems right.

There's a new wedding band on his hand, and everything about him seems cleaner, more whole. Despite the fact that his hair is getting long enough that the faint waves are once more visible, and the stubble is ever-present, he's settled back into a form that feels good for him. A comfortable, healthy weight; his skin still faintly darkened from his months in the sun with his family. All in all, Bruce feels content. That much is obvious when the first thing he does is drop to his knee and pet one of the dobermans that rush towards him. Ace promptly drops into a playful butwiggle in front of the other, silvered muzzle open in an excited pant, and the two of them race off for a short lap around them before turning back to their owners. Win can't help but laugh. Recently, all Ace has had is Max, and now Cam's asshole husky again. It was good that they had friends. However, something very small puts a damper on his mood.

The boy that she has in tow isn't his, and the pain he feels in his chest is somewhat sharp. "Meg. Welcome back. Where's Damian? How has he been?"

[silent.]

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/ sorry this is so long,, i didn't want to post with two sub accounts, so i had to write two people in one post and somehow make it work :^) don't feel the need to match muse !!

It’s the changing of the seasons that finally brings them back to their old home, the beginnings of summer giving way to a subtle, budding warmth that would have been, for the most part, considered foreign in the near past. The air itself retains its usual crispness, a chilling breeze whipping against her olive toned features, causing dark, ebony locks to blow in every conceivable direction. It is, however, manageable, especially with the notable twinge of rising temperatures, and so she continues forward through the patching snow, boots moving against the unpleasant slush. The journey itself had been undoubtedly long --- perhaps even too long for her particular zone of comfort. Rugged terrain, and not to mention nature’s cruel elements, were unfavorable factors when it came to travel, more so when in the company of a young child.

Yet through the wind, rain, and now the steadily rising temperatures, the little boy marches confidently at her side, completely unfazed by the drastic change in terms of his environment. She can’t exactly say she’s surprised, for to her son, every new journey is considered a thrilling adventure. Much to her maternal distain, he was meant for the freedom offered by the open road, the unknown beckoning him forward and drawing him in.  He was an untamable entity, ready for just about anything, and as much as it frightened her, she knew very well the importance of allowing him to eventually find his own way. At least once he was old enough, that is. Until that time came, however, Hadrian would remain both comfortably and safely by her side, learning and growing at his own pace.

“Mamá, mou leípei i Kóni.” The statement slips passed the child’s lips with unpresentenced ease, his native tongue a reminder of Megaera’s own mixed heritage, and her insistence on teaching her children the language she had grown up speaking. He proceeds to stare up at his mother, obvious uncertainty reflected in his forest green eyes, tiny fingers immediately reaching for his hers in a search for comfort only she could give.

She doesn’t hesitate to clasp her hand around his much smaller one, her response soft as she adjusts the pack hanging limply against her shoulders. “Xéro, mou leípei kai egó. Allá éprepe na meínei píso me ton bampá gia na veltiotheí.” The language is most likely something uncommon to most, yet it’s obvious by the mere tone alone that her words are nothing short of tender and reassuring. It’s natural for him to miss his twin sister. The two were inseparable up until this point, and perhaps that was why Hadrian had at first struggled with idea of making this journey without her. The health of her children always came first, and even though it pained her, she knew it was wisest to leave Connie behind with her father, Russell, while she recuperated. “Besides, we’re already here, sweetie.”

The dirt path they had treaded all morning eventually gives way to the beginnings of the lodge. Recognizing the area almost immediately, the two Dobermans accompanying them sprint forward, rolling themselves alongside the grassy trails before giving their barks of approval. The sheer power of the noise alone will most likely be enough to alert others of their arrival.

They were home.

( Translation 1: Mama, I miss connie,
Translation 2: I know, I miss her too, but she had to stay behind with dad in order to get better. )

[ashen]

build our fate over hollow ground—

[table]