TEST DRIVE MEME #21

[abraxasmods]

Test Drive Meme

Important Links

Setting ⦁ Game History ⦁ NPCs ⦁ Arcana ⦁ FAQ

Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for Abraxas! This meme is run a little bit differently than most in that you'll be asked to choose one of three different arrival scenarios below for your character to take.

If you have any questions about this mechanic or anything else related to the TDM, please take a look at the questions below or ask one of your own under the Questions header below. You can also find answers to questions asked on previous TDMs in their respective question threads.

The upcoming December application round is our final one before Abraxas enters endgame. Abraxas is scheduled to end in June of 2025.

Summoning

You awaken suspended in the abyss, silent darkness stretching out in all directions. If you try to yell, you'll find that the sound doesn't carry. If you try to move, you'll find it's impossible to tell whether or not you're getting anywhere. If you reach for an item you were carrying the last time you remember being awake, your hand will only touch bare skin.

You're naked and floating helplessly through the void, and what little air you have in your lungs is running out.

There's a pinprick of light that almost looks like a faraway star but as it grows it becomes clear that it's actually quite close. It's hard to make out any individual objects as if you're looking from beneath rippling water.

A hand plunges through and you realize water is just what it is. Whether you take hold of the hand or not it will grab you and yank you up through the surface, lifting you out until you're sprawled on solid ground - still unclothed.

Arrival

You'll find yourself summoned to one of the following three major territories: the extravagant and magical Kingdom of Thorne, the bustling and advanced Free Cities, or the tightknit and faith-driven rural community of the Solvunn Commune.

If you had any powers, they feel unusually weak. Attempts to use magic or enhanced strength or powers of any sort fizzle out without any effect, but they don't feel completely gone, either. After a week or so, your abilities will return.

When you gather your bearings at last, you look up into a series of unfamiliar faces...and equally unfamiliar surroundings.

Go to scenario

Kingdom of Thorne ⦁ The Free Cities ⦁ Solvunn Commune

Welcome to Thorne

Set into an indent on a marble slab behind the fountain is a card bearing the image of one of the Arcana. An apprentice mage - the one whose hand lifted you out of the fountain - brushes the water off on their robes and runs back to join a group of three others, who all stare intently at another mage in stark modern robes and a large scroll. Two hunting dogs stand by, watching you curiously but politely. The sharply-dressed young looks up from his scroll with a pleased smile.

"There we are." He places a hand at his chest in a short bow. "I am Mace Hemmet, the High Mage of the Kingdom of Thorne, here to cordially welcome you to our nation. You must be surprised, hm? Just calm yourself, I promise we'll explain everything in a moment."

Regardless of your response, he fluidly rolls the scroll back up and motions for one of the young apprentice mages over. "Let's settle our new guest in. New clothes, the works." He snaps his fingers. The dogs perk to attention and follow him out of the room.

The apprentice hurries forward with a fine silk tunic, pants, and some basic sandals. With a wave of their hand, the clothes reshape to fit you perfectly. Once you're dressed, the apprentice leads you into the hallways of Castle Thorne, prattling on about the kingdom, names of royals and nobles, and, of course, the reason why you're here: the world itself is in great peril, and tales of your exploits have reached far and wide across universes. If asked about these exploits, the apprentice will simply shrug. The High Mage was happy to see you and that's good enough.

◎ Surroundings

Castle Thorne is where not only royals and members of the court reside but includes the surrounding city itself. With winter starting, the weather is cold and icy rains become more frequent. Leaves are beginning to turn yellow and orange. The castle is enchanted to be at a comfortable temperature.

As you walk or look around, you take in some of what's going on around you:

• The city of Castle Thorne is largely safe and the main roads are clear, but debris and fallen trees are still a danger if you stray too far towards any off-beaten trails. The Castle itself bustles with preparations for the upcoming Dimming. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon that took place recently.


• The North Wing, devoted to housing the Summoned, is tightly guarded against outsiders. As one of the Summoned, you're free to come and go. The guards aren't keeping anyone prisoner. They're there to protect you, and they take their jobs seriously. The mood in Thorne is grim but determined.


• When visiting Borrel, you'll see a large amount of construction going on, as new warships are being built at a rapid pace, using the aid of magic to speed things along.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, Castle Thorne and its surrounding city have much for you to indulge in.

Fireside Logs
In preparation for the colder weather, and to appease the working class, enchanted logs are to be delivered around Nott. These logs are bespelled to last several weeks longer than a typical log. Help stack the logs onto horse-drawn wagons or make the deliveries yourself. Nott can be a little rough with pickpockets and thieves, and many aren't fond of the monarchy, so it's best to travel with a friend. While you're there, why not have a drink at the taverns or visit the fish market? Just be sure to return by dark or else a guard may be sent to fetch you home. Thorne wouldn't want you to be in any danger!

Magic Lessons
Regular magic lessons are held by apprentice mages as part of their training, usually involving learning to cast a small spell. Join if you wish! The spell they will be teaching is conjuring a modest heat spell that can cast a warming bubble over you. Perfect for when the weather gets cold! The spell relies on Academic Magic which involves a few words said correctly. You'll likely need a few lessons to grasp it unless you're well-versed in magic already. The class of fresh-faced students means there's a constant gush of steam as the spells fail. It isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying...and cause everyone in the room to become very damp.

Painting Session
You're encouraged to explore Thorne's proud naval history in Borrel. Here, you can join a paint and wine session where you can follow a guided instructor to paint a displayed model of Thorne's famous naval warships. To finish your masterpiece, decorate the frame with Borrel's famous sea glass. The paints and brushes are enchanted to help you along, but it requires a little concentration. Growing frustrated with your progress might cause some splatters or turn the colors muddy. Not to worry! You can always start again with a fresh canvas.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to rest, you're shown to the North Wing, which has been set up as living quarters for you and your fellow newcomers. There are four people to a room, but each generously sized bed has opaque curtains that can be drawn around it. You can meet your roommates here and discuss your shared situation (those who were previously brought in may have a great deal of information to tell you).

As an important figure to the kingdom, you can't move out of the city of Castle Thorne without permission. If you're feeling restless, though, short trips to Nott or Borrel via portal are allowed, or you can visit Nocwich. Besides, Thorne gives you everything you need: fine clothes, great food and wine, massive libraries, and all the magic and knowledge you could want. Isn't that plenty? You won't be given money as you're provided for, so if you want to do some personal spending later, you'll have to find a job in Borrel or the city of Castle Thorne. Or, you can do jobs in the castle itself.

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Welcome to the Free Cities

Dry warmth hits you at once as you're set on a hard floor of dull ruddy stone. Men and women in unfamiliar uniforms of brown and red leather stand in a semi-circle around a small pool of water - the very pool you were just pulled from. The water is still now, rimmed in pale gold tiles with odd symbols etched into them. Across it is a raised pedestal with a card bearing an Arcana symbol.

A guard covers you with a simple robe and returns to their place in the semi-circle. Before you stands another woman, dressed in a more elaborate and decorated uniform than the others. A sword rests at her hip. She carries an air of authority as she approaches you with a nod and a warm smile. "Sorry about the circumstances. Take a minute, catch your breath. I'm Prime Minister Marlo Reiner and you're in The Free Cities. That nice lady over there will explain everything to you and get you settled."

A robed mage off to the side approaches to help you up. She brings you out of the cave through a corridor that angles upwards until you emerge in what looks like some kind of storage facility. You'll learn you're in the Cadens Desert Outpost 003, a military base on the outskirts of the major city of Cadens. You're told the world is in delicate and dangerous times, and you're needed to help. You're important and they're very grateful you're here.

◎ Surroundings

While you're currently at the outpost just outside of the city proper, Cadens on the whole is a large bustling city. The climate is warm and dry, the winter sun remains bright at midday. At night, temperatures dip toward freezing. Bring a coat if you're not used to the chill. Look to the west and you'll see a long stretch of desert wasteland. This is the infamous Badlands. The soldiers don't recommend going out there unprepared - you're likely to face a slow death to the elements or be eaten. Reaching Cadens is possible by wagon, a trip of about 2 hours each way. You're asked to return by sundown for your safety... but no one will chase after you if you don't.

You'll be given a military style uniform with your Arcana stitched on it where a formal rank would normally be. As you walk or look around, you take in some of what's going on around you:

• The mood in the Free Cities is hopeful. It seems they've come into a recent victory, and the upcoming Festival of Enlightenment is putting all in good spirits.


• Soldiers continue to patrol the streets, keeping order as citizens begin to settle back into their normal lives in the aftermath of the attacks. Theft has become a larger problem, given the damage to some shops and merchant stalls, and the price of staple goods has risen greatly. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon that took place recently.


• City guards are present around an inn and tavern at the heart of Cadens - The Sarstina - where the Summoned like you are often found. They're here for your protection, not to prevent you from moving freely.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the land, the barracks and Cadens have much for you to indulge in.

Loose Balls
In the holiday bustle, one of the delivery wagons has overturned, scattering colorful round ornaments all over the street. Distraught merchant Jilliane Tuttle is desperate to gather up her wares and will beg anyone she sees for help. Why not lend the poor lady a hand? Be careful, though! The orbs are designed to light up, and the damage might cause some of them to give a light shock when picked up. Try to bring as many of the ornaments back to Jilliane as you can. She'll reward you with a few silver coins for your help.

Talent Show
To raise much-needed funds, children at an orphanage in Libertas are putting on a talent show for passersby and will insist on your participation if they corner you. They'll cajole you into doing everything from acting in a puppet show portraying grand battles against strange monsters to assisting with dance rehearsals. Be sure to bring your enthusiasm! Naturally, as with all talent shows, there might be a terrible emergency that needs your help. You could find yourself being asked to help with costume problems or to locate missing instruments and props.

Traveling Merchants
Word of new arrivals spread quickly to enterprising merchants. Many will arrive with samples of their wares, offering free things to try. These items include miniature pastries, trinkets powered by New Magic similar to those cheap flashing toys one find at a carnival, ales, fresh fruits, and healing elixirs. Not all of the elixirs are of proper quality. Some are akin to snake oil and might have adverse (though harmless) effects - take care not to accidentally turn your hair bright green or similar. All of the merchants will be gathered at a central point in the barracks so they'll be hard to miss. Maybe you can make a friend or two while perusing.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready to turn in, the barracks are waiting for you. They have a communal bathing room at the end of the hall, with curtains that can be pulled around the individual raised round tubs for privacy. Each barracks room is rather sparse. Six simple beds are set against the wall, three on each side of the room, each with a trunk at the foot of it. You can greet your roommates here, most of whom will be new arrivals, as well. There is a great deal of new recruits around you this time. The Free Cities has been hard at work filling its ranks.

If you plan on making use of your assigned quarters, you'll have your basic needs met: uniforms, a roof, bland food from the mess hall, and access to the training grounds. You won't be paid unless you formally enlist with the army. The longer you take advantage of the barracks, the greater the pressure to enlist. Some soldiers will start to see you as a freeloader if you refuse to join them yet continue to use their resources. If you're set on not enlisting, you'll eventually have to strike out on your own. The government won't provide for you and handouts are rare. You'll have to work to earn every copper and loaf of bread. Whether that's honest work is up to you, but you will want to start making money. Nearly everything in the Free Cities has a price - including the portal to Aquila. Luckily, the portal to Libertas is free if you want to stretch your legs.

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Welcome to Solvunn

You're in a grassy clearing amid a circle of large stone slabs stacked to look like doorways. In the middle is the same glimmering pool you were just pulled from. An elderly mage stands before an ornate altar. He holds an old leather-bound book in one hand and the other is a card bearing an arcana symbol. "I detect no ill will from the gods," he says. "It seems we've been blessed with success."

Those who gathered all breathe a sigh of relief and now seem pleased. One offers you some clothes of leather and knitted wool that seem to fit you perfectly. A rough-looking man steps forward once you're dressed and motions with his head outside of the stone circle. His speech is informal, his consonants harsh.

"Hold your horses, I can see all those questions coming about! Rowan March, at your service. I'm one of the council members of Solvunn. There's a lot to discuss, but it's best talked about over a hot meal." He leads you to a horse-drawn carriage and helps you up into the back. He talks the entire ride to the center of the Primary Settlement. You're told that the world hangs upon the brink of disaster and that there are those in this world who are happy to see it fall to ruin with their meddling.

You're important. The gods have graced them with your presence. They're delighted you're here.

◎ Surroundings

The Primary Settlement is full of greenery, blessed with the fresh ocean breeze. Now in winter, the weather is frosty. The occasional light flurry of snow leaves a thin carpet of white over the meadows, though it soon melts. Shops, farms, and homes around you are all modest and unassuming. You get the sense that the people here prefer to blend in with their neighbors than stand out.

As you walk or look around, you'll be greeted warmly, even eagerly...though there's an edge of awestruck nervousness to some. Though the settlement is often quiet and calm, there's still plenty to take in:

• A few strings of animal bones decorate and hang among the trees in the forest, while the Tertiary Settlement has an abundance of broken seashells scattered across its shoreline, as if a large amount has recently shattered and has not yet all been swept away by the tide.


• Offerings to shrines have increased in preparation for this year's Winter Solstice. The mood is light and cheerful.


• Fishermen in the Tertiary Settlement are thriving since the arrival of a new God. Extra fish means you'll likely be offered jars of pickled herring, fresh cod, and plenty of shrimp to feast on. You may hear rumors of a strange phenomenon that took place recently.

◎ Exploring

Despite the troubles that plague the commune, the commune and its settlements have much for you to indulge in.

Red Herring
Each winter, cured fish are prepared in glass jars decorated with holly and delivered as-ordered to residents in the commune, a task organized by Fin McGill, whose parents evidently believed he would follow in their fishing footsteps. These small fish take on a rusty hue when salted and smoked. Unfortunately - once again, for the second year in a row - his careless son (Finnie Jr.) has once again mixed up the batches of fish: the jars of herring have been mislabeled as mackerel and vice versa. A frantic Fin is asking anyone available to help correct the mistake before the wagon comes to collect his goods. You can swap the labels and move the jars to the right crates to make sure everything reaches its proper destination.

Shrine Offerings
As a new arrival, you'll be encouraged to perform your first offering. Solvunn believes offerings in the tradition of High Magic will ensure continued protection from the Gods. Create a bundle using a combination of fruit, wine, flowers, or an animal you've hunted. It must be picked and put together by your own hand. Once you're ready, you can approach any shrine belonging to a God that speaks to you: is it Cadaevos, who purifies the community and soul? Endrborrin, who brings forth spring and change? Vagn, who oversees one's journey in death? It's a good idea to travel with a partner. While the woods are mostly safe, they can be dangerous if you're not careful. Perhaps, along the way, you can talk about what the concept of gods and blessings mean to you.

Evening Feast
Potluck-style feasts are common in the settlement as a way to strengthen the community. You'll be invited to join in one of these feasts at any time, held outdoors in a lush grove filled with wildflowers. As a new arrival, you won't be expected to bring anything yourself but you'll make a better impression if you do so even if it's merely a few apples you picked in the morning. Want to help hang decorations before the feast? Your assistance is more than welcome! Place flowers, pin ribbons, or lay the tablecloths. The food is simple and hearty, ranging from stews, roasts, fresh bread, and puddings. If you're shy, someone will be there to fill your cups and plates if you won't do so yourself. Eat, drink, and be merry - it's what the gods would want.

Nocwich
Nocwich, which is shrouded in an eternal darkness and is home to the werewolves and the vampires, opens on the first weekend of every month for a total of 3 days. Shortly after arriving, you'll be given a pendant that allows you to travel to and from the portal. In Castle Thorne, the portal is a short walk around the back of the castle. You can enter Nocwich freely and explore what's available in Oleuni Square and Luna. You won't be able to enter Ikorr nor will you be able to exit into another territory's portals. Once there, you're welcome to meet those from other territories, take in the sights, and - if you've come by some money or a generous soul - even make a few small purchases. Inns are available for a fee if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you'll need to return home through the portals each day.

◎ Settling In

When you're ready for your bed, you're brought to the center of town and escorted to an apartment above one of the establishments in town. The living conditions are temporary if you'd like them to be: the local families would also be happy to host you in their home. In return, you'll be expected to contribute to their household, taking upon daily chores and repairs. While money has its uses, many establishments and craftsmen are happy to barter with your time or skill for their goods. You'll find your willingness to trade and your friendliness with the natives more valuable than gold.

Goat-drawn wagons can help you get to the other settlements, but you're encouraged to remain in the Primary Settlement. If you insist, though, no one will stop you from leaving. Just be sure you have an invitation to the Secondary Settlement. There are tales of uninvited travelers to the Secondary Settlement disappearing without a trace. The gods are as hungry as they are protective.

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Questions & Answers

If after reading these you're still unsure about anything, or your question wasn't covered, please feel free to hit up our Questions thread below!

How many slots are open?

Please check the Taken page for how many player, franchise, and canon slots are available. Activity Check will be processed before applications open, so the count may change between now and then. Existing players can apply for a second character without restriction.

How do I choose a scenario for my character?

Pick whichever situation appeals to you most. Which territory your character is drawn into has nothing to do with their morality, beliefs, or how highly they regard themselves and their accomplishments. Anyone can be put into any one of the situations.

What happens if my character refuses to comply with the NPCs?

They will be forgiven for their moment of panic or anger if they have one, and leaders will try to calm them and persuade them further. If they put up too much of a fight and/or start actively attacking anyone, they will be warned that everyone is willing to put them back in the well where they came from (see below), and if they continue to fight they will make good on that promise.

My character intends on causing a lot of trouble (destroying parts of the cities, murdering the NPCs, etc.), what would happen to them?

Characters who make too much trouble for the mages and other NPCs would be thrown back into the well (which will mean drowning in the void, not returning home). Brawling with other PCs and causing minor damage is fine and will be greeted with a cranky attitude and intervention from various NPC guards, and there will be plenty of opportunity for destruction and murder later, but for now, the Abraxans have no desire to keep huge liabilities around.

Is the power loss for characters permanent?

No, but it does take a week or so for their powers to be back in full, and certain powers (determined on a case-by-case basis) may require nerfs. If your character has world-breaking powers, please discuss with the mods what modifications may be necessary.

Can my character leave the bounds of the territory?

No, they must remain within the territory except when visiting Nocwich. Review the Travel section on each territory's Setting page for where characters can go within their borders.

Can my character eventually change territories?

Yes, but tensions between the major territories are at an all-time high. Doing so is possible, but will require some plotting with the mods once you're in-game!

How much will my choice of scenario affect my character's plot later on?

This choice will determine where your character initially lives as well as the bias of the information they receive from NPCs (although other PCs can and most likely will give it to them a bit more straight). It will also affect your character's day-to-day life and development. Characters who seek technological advancements or combat will find more of it in the Free Cities. Those interested in court politics, the Singularity, and magic will have the most access in Thorne. Anyone who wishes to uncover the secrets of the Gods and other mysteries will best do so in Solvunn.

This is not to say characters are locked out of other scenarios completely. With effort and the help of friends, anything is possible! Don't get too anxious about your choice. Every character in each scenario can work their way towards many individual goals. Additionally, once in-game, the Horizon, Nocwich, and certain events will let characters make easy cross-border CR.

Are TDM threads mandatory for my application?

No, you may use other samples, but we encourage you to post to the TDM and get a feel for this game and its mechanics. You'll still need to choose one of the three scenarios on your application.

What if I haven't settled on a sign yet?

Your Arcana sign won't have an immediate impact on your character beyond them seeing it on themselves or being told what it is by the locals. You're welcome to disregard those aspects in your prompts or try out different signs.

Can my character go to the Horizon?

For the purposes of the TDM, we suggest against using the Horizon. If you're interested in threading with characters outside your borders on the TDM, you can utilize the Nocwich prompt which will allow all characters to meet in person regardless of arrival scenario. In situations where Nocwich is closed, you can put up prompts for multiple scenarios, though only the one you choose in the application can become canon.

What about making use of the network?

Much like Horizon they would need to be introduced to it by another PC, as no NPCs would be aware of the network or be able to access it. We would advise against using this mechanic for TDM top-levels.

Can I try out more than one arrival scenario on the same TDM?

Yes, although only threads taking place in the arrival scenario you formally choose upon applying can count as canon. However, you're welcome to try out as many as you like on the TDM.

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Comments

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie is generally helpful and well-liked around the commune, but he can tell that the activity of fish sorting just isn’t meant for him, and it’s not as if he can just leave Robin here. Neither of them are really needed here. The locals and other Summoned will surely help the poor guy out.

So long, Fin. And thank of all the fish, he quips over his shoulder, laughing as he and Robin trip off together. He’s still grinning when they separate, but that smile fades when he finally takes a look at Robin’s shirt and grimaces because honestly, it really does look like it’s been knitted out of goat eyelashes. It makes him itch just by looking at it, and he reaches up to scratch his collar almost sympathetically. ]

Oh, man, you really got the bottom of the barrel as far as clothing goes, huh? So, uh…Absolutely. But you underestimate my ability to multitask.

[ His grin returns, and he gestures for her to follow him. When compared to the Free Cities, Solvunn is still quite small, but he’s noticed a boom in activity and population of Summoned as of late. There’s more to do and more to see than when he arrived, but that doesn’t mean he can poke a little fun at how pastoral it all is. ]

Alright, I’m only gonna go over this once—

[ He claps his hands together loudly and begins to point out the things around them. ]

Over there’s a farm, goat pasture, a shrine—one of like, five hundred, apothecary, another goat pasture, cheese shop, and would you believe it? Another goat pasture.

[ He whirls around to face her again, grinning as he tucks his arms behind his back. ]

And if you and your eyelash shirt would follow me…it’s just a short walk this way to my humble abode.

[nolicense]

[ robin groans with relief. ]

You are my hero.

[ she deeply sympathizes with his inability to multitask; if she tries to do two or more things in tandem, she just ends up doing all of it far, far worse. it's a little comical.

she follows eddie when beckoned, the need to scratch taking a brief interlude after getting in a few good rakes of her nails. she nearly bumps into him when they stop for him to give her the bare-bones version of the exclusive munson tour. to her credit, her head twitches in each direction that he points. she doesn't need to remember the farms or the pastures, they're kind of self-explanatory just by looking at them, but she earmarks the shrine (1/500), the apothecary, and the cheese shop. she's not sure how important the first two will be, but who can resist good cheese? ]

I'm starting to think there are more goats here than in the entirety of the Midwest... I feel like maybe I should be a little worried about that? Hold up-- you have a house?

[ robin lengthens her stride until they're walking abreast. ]

God, can you imagine if you had a goat phobia and had to live here? Nightmare fuel. You wouldn't happen to know the latin for 'goat', would y-- WAIT. Capricorn... capra-- capraphobia!

[ she holds up a hand and hi-fives herself. fuck yeah. ]

... I mean. Probably. It might be called that. And if I'm wrong thennn we never had this conversation.

[ if her line of thinking were a roller coaster, it would be fashioned out of only loops and corkscrews. a real vomit comet. ]

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie’s stops in his tracks for just a moment, turning to Robin with wide eyes. ]

Holy shit, there’s a word for that?

[ He could have really used that word a few months back. He’d always been ambivalent toward the goats, a bit annoyed by them, but that was before one grew razor teeth and ripped his arm to shreds. Claire had healed him up nicely (he doesn’t even have a cool scar to show off), but he’d ended up with a genuine fear of them for a time. He’s reached the point where he can exist around them again, but he still chooses to steer clear of the livestock as much as possible. It’s not an easy feat. ]

What about ducks? Sure, goats are one thing, but ducks? They’re just pure evil. Anyone in their right mind would have a phobia of them.

[ He's totally erious, but that one is just Eddie being Eddie. And maybe just a touch of childhood trauma. ]

Oh yeah, absolutely have a house. Well—that’s if your definition of a “house” is a shared room that neither of us is paying rent on? But, uh, it’s in a house.

[ He grins, turning to walking backwards so he can continue to talk with her face-to-face as they make the short journey. ]

Honestly, the locals just kind of fall over themselves to take Summoned in. And, uh...I guess the family that took us in just never got sick of us.

[nolicense]

I don't know if that's the exact word, but yeah. If it exists and someone's afraid of it? There's a word for that. You can develop a phobia for literally anything if it's traumatizing enough.

[ she gives him an inquisitive look when he mentions ducks. evil ducks, apparently. her shoulders lift to her ears; a contrite gesture.]

Sorry, Eddie, can't relate. I think ducks are cute. Especially the fuzzy little babies.

[ robin leans in his direction and wiggles her fingers close together as if she's cupping one and ruffling its cute fluffy feathers. but she's not really trying to upset him; uncommon or "silly" phobias aren't funny to the person who has them. she'll be ready to shield his terrified eyes if they ever come across a waddling of ducks.

her eyebrows lift specifically when he says he doesn't pay a cent for room and (probably) board. ]

Wow. No rent is a pretty sweet deal...

[ then her freckled cheeks dimple as she smiles impishly. ]

Did you say 'us'?

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie looks looks utterly appalled as Robin leans in a and mimics holding one of those evil fluff balls—and even worse,defends them. ]

It’s a defense mechanism, Robin. They have to be cute so you don’t clock their villainy early in life.

[ Obviously.

The lack of rent is good, and one excellent thing about Solvunn is that despite all the goats, the locals are kind and the Summoned can basically coast by on their sparkling personalties alone. But Robin questions the us, and Eddie raise his eyebrows. ]

Did I?

[ He grins mischievously, but he says no more. He’s interested in seeing just how long it takes for Robin to figure out that they’re not the only two freaks from Hawkins here, though he absolutely will answer if asked. As far as the level of closeness they have going on…he’ll let Steve tell her about that. Or she can find out on her own. It shouldn’t take long. Sorry in advance, Robin. ]

Right this way. Mere moments away from sweet relief.

[ They don’t need to walk much further. Eddie leads her to one of the many farmhouses dotting the commune, swings the door open, and ushers Robin inside. The home is warm, inviting, well-lived in, and currently very quiet. The family is most likely completing their daily chores, and wherever Eddie’s mysterious roommate is remains an enigma.

The room is on the smaller side, but large enough to fit two beds, a writing desk, and a smattering of personal belongings. It’s been kept relatively neat as well. All Eddie needed to do back home was close a door and his mess magically disappeared from view, but you learn to be a bit tidier when you’re living in such close quarters with a second person.

Whoever that second person is, there are clues that the shaper-eyed individual might catch to imply that the two of them are pretty comfortable with one another. If there was ever a clear divide in the room, it no longer exists. One of Eddie’s acoustic guitars and notebooks has drifted onto the bed that isn’t his, and one of the three shirts he snatches up from his own bed is decided not his, but it is clean and he offers it to her regardless. ]

I don’t think we’re far off from being the same size—respectfully, of course--so I can offer you black, black, or, uh…sure, dark blue.

[ He beams and offers up three shirts, all made out of something that looks like linen—maybe a little thinner than the cooler weather calls for, but softened with wear and much better than the eyelash shirt she’s wearing now. ]

[nolicense]

[ her eyes narrow with good-natured suspicion. fine, keep your secrets, munson.

robin steps into the house and takes a moment to observe the entryway. it's cozy, welcoming, and without a single modern amenity in sight. it's not like she'd expected there to be a television or a microwave, the roads around here weren't even paved. but she knows she'll yearn for the comforts of home regardless, like her bed and running water and watching movies with steve. he never seemed to mind when she wanted to talk during, or when she'd pause like a hundred times to argue about/discuss actor performances or plot or special effects.

shit, she's just going to miss him; she really is grateful eddie is here, serving as her tether to familiarity.

once in his room, robin takes quick stock of the space. it's obviously lived in, but it's far less of a wreck than eddie's room back in hawkins, which means his roomie likes to keep things neat. it's a little surprising eddie's even obliged... which tells her they're not just any old roommate. they're important to him. curious, veryyy curious.

then he's offering her a choice of three shirts. ]

You life-saver.

[ she picks the dark blue. ]

I'll tell you when you can turn back around.

[ him facing the wall is a given, duh.

once he's turned his back to her, robin lifts the thick woolen shirt up by its hem and pulls it off her head, turning it inside out when it's peeled from her arms. she drops it to the floor and gives herself a cursory look; there are angry stripes where she'd scratched particularly aggressively, and a faint stippling of irritation.

she slips on the new shirt, shoulders sagging when the material is soft against her skin. ]

Sweet, sweet relief... okay, I'm decent again.

[ sure, it's on the thin side for the weather right now, but she figures she could bum a comfy jacket off him too if she shivered and chattered her teeth pathetically enough. and it's comfortably warm in the house right now anyway.

she scoops up the long-sleeve shirt she'd ditched to the floor, turning it back right-side in. she holds it aloft pinched between her thumbs and forefingers, her nose wrinkling with disdain. ]

I should probably return this, even though I think it should be buried. Or burned. Or re-gifted to my worst enemy.

[satanicpanics]

[ Fortunately, when you live in such close quarters with another person, you tend to force yourself to keep a little tidier. Eddie could close his door back home and, just like magic, make his mess disappear from his uncle’s views, but he doesn’t have that luxury here. There is far more stuffed under his bed than the other, though. It’s perfectly viable storage space!

He holds up his hands defensively and turns around, drifting instead over to one of those guitars in the corner to busy his hands by picking out a portion of an old Sabbath tune. His back stays politely to her the entire time until she gives him the okay. ]

We’ll offer it to the gods later.

[ They really…shouldn’t do that, but Eddie has grown disillusioned with the gods and he’s going to make it everyone else’s problem. ]

Alright, now that that’s taken care of—

[ He grins, and as if reading her mind, plucks a jacket off of a nearby hook and holds it out to her. ]

We’ve got one more stop on the tour. You got it in you?

[nolicense]

Ha, could we? Wait... that better not be why they have more goats here than people.

[ sacrificing a living thing just to seek an audience with some dude(s) in the sky? no. nope. not happening! count her out. she looks queasy just thinking about it, rubbing at her upper arms to try and chase away the prickle of gooseskin there.

lobbing a molotov cocktail at vecna-henry-one had been one thing; it had been kill or be killed, and she hadn't shown steve 'young frankenstein' yet.

thoughts of having to slaughter a defenseless animal (thankfully) flee her mind when eddie holds out a jacket. robin is quick to shrug into it, clutching each side around her to trap her body heat. ]

Another? [ she grumbles dramatically, as if he's totally inconveniencing her. which he isn't. not in the slightest. ] I guess. But I'm extremely busy, so, you know. Wrap it up?

[ she bites her bottom lip around a cheeky smile and bobs her eyebrows at him before dipping out of his room to bounce down the stairs. ]

[satanicpanics]

Honestly? I think they just like goats. Most of the offerings i’ve seen have been like…fruit and wine.

[ Which isn’t to say that an animal never gets sacrificed. Plenty do, but the goat aren’t there just for that purpose. Though it’s probably a good thing that the topic of the actual human sacrifice that happened a few years back has finally faded from the settlement. Robin can remain blissfully unaware of that for now. ]

Yeah, another. I think you’ll be able to clear your busy schedule for this one.

[ He laughs and places the guitar back in its corner, then bounds down the stairs at her heels, flying to open the door before she can just so he can swing it open with a theatrical bow.

He points out a few more things along the way—a couple more shrines and farmsteads and the brightly painted shed where Nanaue lives, glossing casually over the fact that he is indeed a bipedal shark man and they do indeed have a band together. That’s not what he means to show her, though.

Offering aid to others like this is typical Solvunn, and how the Summoned often earn their keep and the good will of the locals. At many of the homes dotting the commune, people are helping to mend roofs and fences before the worst of the winter chill sets in. It’s one of these homes that Eddie leads Robin to. It’s not special, not interesting in the slightest, but Eddie grins mischievously as he peers up at the roof. With a quick glance to make sure Robin is still with him and suitably confused, he cups his hands to his mouth and calls out to someone: ]

Hey, Harrington! You’re gonna wanna kiss me when you see what I brought you!

[hairington]

[ it is typical in solvunn, but it also feels a little more typical for some more than others. eddie and steve have officially lived in solvunn long enough to see the waves of summoned settling into the primary settlement, enough time passing, and then watching most of them head out to other settlements or areas away from the constant focus of the natives. they've watched the community open up to the summoned, and then close, and then open back up again. it's weird to think about, especially for people like he and eddie - so used to hawkins where barely anyone moved in, let alone moved out, but-

anyway, that's not the point. the point is that one of the only routines that steve has held onto is going around helping out - building up good karma, yes. helping add to whatever barter system exists around here, yes. but also- he just does better when he's busy. and considering there isn't much else to do around solvunn in general (when everything is normal and not exploding), that's usually where he can be found.

so he's not actually shocked to hear eddie calling out for him (lately eddie's been coming to drag him away from jobs and errands more often, and it only makes him smile a little bit), and it's also why he doesn't immediately look up when he hears eddie's voice, focusing instead on the hammer and nails in his hand. ]

You say that like you have to have a reason for me to! [ he calls back over his shoulder, leaning in and hammering the rest of the nail into the wood before he nods to himself and sits up, wiping his hands off on his trousers. ] And, if it's another pet, we're going to have to talk to-

[ that is when steve finally looks down and over to where eddie's standing, when he finally sees the other figure standing with him. his eyes widen, his entire body stilling, when he sees her. she's in- she's in clothes from here, which means that she was summoned a little bit ago, but not too long. he hopes not too long. ]

Robin. [ but steve's voice is quiet, more to himself than anything. she's here. it's been... god. a year? more? the last time he saw her was when he was... fuck. it was back after the pit, when she'd come running once they'd all been saved, and steve could barely stand up straight let along process it. she'd only stayed for a few weeks after that, before disappearing like most of the summoned do, but right now? right now? she's just kind of standing there with Eddie, she is here and-

what is he even doing?

a moment later he's moving, taking a few steps down the roof slope and jumping down off the ledge - probably only making it with a little more of his training, with a little magical agility help - and then he's rushing towards the two. ] Holy shit, Robin- [ sorry, Eddie, but steve's focus is on her, not you, for right now. ]

[nolicense]

[ more shrines and farmland? who'd'a guessed! at least knowing all the difference shapes and styles the shrines come in lessens her chance of picking one to sacrilegiously sit on or something.

she almost thinks the colorful shed is their final destination, but they do little more than acknowledge it and move on.

when they cross into the yard of a house that looks like any other, robin stares up at it with a hand shielding her eyes from the sun, one eye scrunched shut. she's trying to find what about it that sets it apart from the other homes neighboring it and comes up empty-handed. aside from someone doing patchwork on the roof, she can't place why eddie looks so damn excited. robin is about to open her mouth to ask for an explanation or a hint of some kind when her gaze naturally drifts back to the person up top doing repairs. even before "harrington" leaves eddie's mouth, she just knows; she knows the set of those shoulders, the color of that hair. and there's no mistaking it when he answers. she doesn't even quite register what he's saying.

she takes several steps past eddie, closer to the side of the house, but not enough to block steve from view. ]

Steve?

[ her voice is louder, her face splitting with a smile bright as a star. it's immediately traded out for an expression of shock when he's stepping off the ledge, her hands flying up to grip at her hair. ]

What are y-- Steve! You can't just go jumping off roofs like that, are you out of your mind? You're not invincible, dingus!

[ robin wants to hit him, at least one good punch to the shoulder, but she wants to hug him more. she'd been staring down the barrel of what could be-- what, days? months? years? without him always a call away, or within arm's reach. it hadn't even been twenty-four full hours since she'd been pulled from the pool but that prospect had sat in her stomach like a heavy stone.

even though she'd seen him just the day before, something about the way steve looks at her with such yearning and disbelief... even if it doesn't make a lick of sense to her, robin suspects that hasn't been the case for him.

she wraps him up in firm, full-bodied hug. ]

Hi.

[ she says softly against his shoulder. ]

[satanicpanics]

[ It’s exactly what Eddie expected. He knew that the moment he reunited these two, he’d become the immediate temporary third wheel, and he can’t be too mad about it. He can’t be mad about it at all. He sees the way Robin’s face lights up when the realization hits her, and the way Steve doesn’t even hesitate to leap from the roof, and he can’t help but laugh because it’s sort of like excited puppies seeing one another of the first time.

Seeing the two of them this happy—especially Steve, how has been through so much bullshit in the last year alone—is genuinely heartwarming. Even for someone with as much self-proclaimed cynicism as Eddie. ]

Well, I’m, uh…just gonna let you two get reaquainted. Robin—

[ He inclines his head toward her with a bright smile. ]

Don’t have him out too late. Steve—

[ An inclines his head in his direction as well, practically beaming. ]

I’ll collect on that payment later.

[ He tucks his hands behind his back and bends slightly at the waist in a half-bow, and tries to slip away before he has to answer for his extreme lack of subtlety or interrupt their reunion. It’s not that he doesn’t want to stick around—he very much does—but this seems like it should be their moment.

Good thing he’s not gonna get a say in it either way. ]

[hairington]

[ he both does and doesn't hear her initial shock at him jumping off the side of the roof, but he doesn't care that much, doesn't care much at all, given how all of his attention is on her and how she's here and how some dark, small, deep part of him somehow feels guilty for the passage of time.

steve doesn't want to focus on it right now, so he pushes by it instead, focusing entirely on wrapping around her shoulders and squeezing her tighter than he probably needs to. tighter than he probably should. he knows it's not the same for her, that if she was just summoned then they were probably just together, or had seen each other maybe hours, at most a day, before.

but it hard not to feel it - the months, the years, the lifetimes thanks to the lingering sense of the crater's hallucinations, that separate them. hi she says, softly against his shoulder, and steve isn't going to cry. he won't. but god- the huff of a laugh he breathes out is a little more vulnerable than he means it to me. ]

Hi. [ he whispers back into her hair, decidedly not thinking about every single moment that he's very specifically wished she'd been here. very specifically refusing to let himself think about everything that's happened, everything he and eddie have gone through, that she has no idea about. it's crushing, in a way. enough so that steve doesn't know if he can break this hug, this silence, until he hears eddie's voice.

eddie. eddie- right. eddie's talking about them getting reacquainted and robin not keeping him out too late (something steve would normally roll his eyes at, if he weren't already at a kind of emotional reaction capacity), and steve suddenly feels like he can move again. ]

Wait- no, hey. [ he unwraps from robin, but not far- one hand still on her back, or shoulder, or wherever it lands while he's only half-pulled out of this hug as he looks up to eddie, reaching for his arm before he actually starts walking away. ] We have to update her on everything. You just- [ eyes back to robin, assuming she's going to confirm what he's about to say. ] -got here, right? I mean, they tell you all that shit about the gods but it's not the whole story, not by a long shot. And you- [ his eyes ping-pong back to eddie. ] -you can't leave the whole thing to me. I'm going to forget something, and Robin's going to ask a lot of questions. I know she will- so, we can just all go get food at the inn or something and start working through it. The Mercillus' will understand. And you're probably hungry. [ he means robin, when he says that, but that's also his way of saying he's hungry. ] Okay? [ looking to eddie, expectantly, waiting for him to agree, and then he looks back to robin. ] Okay?

[ a beat, and then he seems to relax a little, to smile a little, and hugs her again. ] I can't believe you're here. Finally.

[nolicense]

[ it shouldn't be possible that steve hadn't seen her just yesterday when he'd dropped her off at home, but it shouldn't be possible that eddie is here, either. she thinks, somehow, steve hasn't seen her in a while, a long while; he's holding on to her like she might slip right through his fingers, easy as sand.

robin has the least reason out of any of them to cry, but that doesn't stop her eyes from filming. it hurts to think that she hadn't, hasn't, been here for him, as if she'd chosen not to be here. as if any of them had even a shred of control about all of-- this.

the guilt still gnaws all the same.

she hears eddie, too, talking some utter nonsense about leaving them alone to get reacquainted; she half-pulls out of the hug at the same time steve does. she's glad steve bodily grabs him before she has to. ]

Oh, ho! Nice try. Good effort!

[ as if, eddie.

robin's attention flits back and forth between them as steve talks, nodding when he asks if she'd just arrived. she whispers in eddie's direction when steve implores him for help: ]

So many questions.

[ and that's a threat, munson.

the mention of food has her rocking onto the balls of her feet. ]

Hungry? Try starving. Seriously, I was this close to eating pickled fish, and without the buffer of pizza this time. [ right. context. ] I was helping some guy named-- get this-- Fin McGill fix the labels on his pickled fish jars when Eddie found me. Fin McGill, Steve.

[ yeah, it's still funny.

robin tucks her free arm back around him again when he pulls her close, hooking her chin over the hill of his shoulder. she still smells faintly of her favorite shampoo from back home. ]

I'm glad you're here, too. It would've royally sucked being here without you... [ then, softer: ] I'm-- I'm sorry I haven't been. Because I know I haven't been. You've been here and I haven't. I- I don't know how but, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Steve.

[ one of her hands shifts higher, cupping high on the back of his neck, her fingers in his hair. ]

[satanicpanics]

Whoa, Jesus—

[ He holds up his hands defensively as they both reel around to stop him from leaving, and he stops in his tracks without much fight. ]

You know, you two two are really twisting my arm here, but…okay.

[ Which is to say they’re not twisting his arm at all. Anything more than a “yeah, see you later” would probably have gotten him to stay. Steve is right, after all. There’s a lot that Robin will need filled in on, and the typical arrival spiel from Rowan March doesn’t begin to cover it--and doesn’t even touch on the shit that’s more central to the three of them. It kind of makes his head spin just thinking about it, and covering it all really is a two person job. It would seem cruel to leave Steve to flounder his way through it.

He rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t try to hide the way he’s smiling fondly—for both of them, and the way they’ve both just lit up in one another’s presence.

He almost asks again if they’d like for him to step away, because they’re clearly both emotional and he’s unsure how much of that they two of them are willing for him to see. But he stays because they asked him to, and he lets them have their moment. Though he does interject: ]

Uh, Eddie rescued you. You were about to be saddled with hours of unpaid fish labor.

[ It’s all kind of unpaid labor here, though it earns you points with the locals. He just can't imagine that helping Fin McGill swap out labels is the best introduction to life here in Solvunn. ]

[hairington]

[ steve very nearly misses the way robin's eyes are starting to blur, can see the way her expression shifts to something akin to guilt, and he-

god. he hates that he feels relieved that he can still recognize it all. that he can still pick up on her tells, on her shifts in expression. it tightens something in his chest to see her immediately react with guilt, but he can't help but smile, but laugh, and if it weren't for eddie trying to leave he would have pulled her into another hug.

he missed her so much. so fucking much that even as every habit, every instinct is to reach for eddie with both hands, he can't take the one from her. which is...weird? in a way? to think about? so he decides to just kind of brush on by it.

robin sides with him, adding in her comments and agreements and it feels- okay, he has to stop because it's getting weird, but he keeps noticing. how much he missed her echoes, her over the top weird whispering (for what reason? he's never figured out). but it does work, Eddie stops easily enough and steve can go back to the conversation, to robin, already monologuing. he laughs, though his brow creases a little, trying to follow what she's even saying. ]

Finn? Wait- I know that guy. He used to be out in the- actually, doesn't matter. That's where you ended up in town? Of all the places, you went with the pickled fish? Robin, come on.

[ not that there's a whole lot of other options, but at least the primary settlement has more of a town than the secondary. but that's also a conversation robin's not really prepared to have, nor should she. baby steps is really the only way steve's figured out how to do this whole thing, and that's what he's going to try for with robin, too.

they hug, and eddie is still there, still kind of watching, and steve meets his eye with a small smile (a thank you, in some ways, but also just relieved he's not going far. that steve has both of them within arms reach).

and then robin has to go and be robin, observant, quick, and just freaking her in a way that steve has missed almost every single day. every day. he breathes in and the smell is... it's familiar, but distant, like a memory he'd nearly forgotten but hadn't fully let go of. she goes on apologizing, about not being here, about not knowing, about how he has been and she apologizes again and steve just kind of... holds onto her for another moment. ]

Hey- [ this time it's soft, said over her own shoulder where he's tucked against her. his arms around her squeeze, tightly, just once. ] It's not like you knew, or had any choice in the matter. I'm just glad you're here at all. [ another squeeze, and then this time steve straightens and pulls away a little more, about to open his mouth to say something about how they can get into it at the tavern with food and probably a drink, how yes, he and eddie have been here for years, how freaking venca is here too, but then there's the eddie rescued you and steve just sort of snorts, looking over to eddie again. ]

Yeah? You're pretty good at that- you know, the whole getting people out of work thing. [ he says it casually, like it's not the first time he's made that joke, but then his attention is back on robin. ]

Okay- come on. Real food, and we can start on the questions. [ and whether robin was planning to start moving, steve is going to walk, with his arm still curled around her so she doesn't really have a choice in the matter. they walk (steve assuming eddie will walk with them, of course, so he doesn't wait) ] What all have you seen so far? Besides Finn's fish jars.

[nolicense]

It's not like I knew either of you were here! And he really seemed like he needed the extra pair of hands.

[ and that's just so her, isn't it? to let herself be stopped by anyone who makes a compelling enough plea for help. even if the task is as mundane as swapping labels around. robin is always the one leaving a penny instead of taking one.

she goes soft in his arms; she knows he's right, logically. she has nothing to be sorry for. she didn't even know abraxas existed until a couple hours ago. but guilt sticks to her like gum stubbornly stuck in her hair. she'll get over it given enough time. if there's anyone to blame it's probably whatever the singularity is, as rowan march described it. ]

How much you wanna bet if he worked with us at Family Video we'd be picking up all his shifts?

[ she impishly sticks the tip of her tongue out at eddie after pulling out of the hug enough to face him. ]

He has a face that's hard to say no to.

[ and she used to think it was difficult to deny steve's big ol' bambi eyes. eddie, somehow, has him beat.

as steve turns to guide her in the direction of the tavern, she stretches out her free hand and wiggles her fingers at eddie, the other looped around steve's back. she doesn't really expect eddie to take her hand in his, but it's the universal language for c'mere. ]

Um, that Rowan March guy gave me a basic tour. He showed me where the communal lodging is and the center of town... Eddie gave me a more comprehensive one. So I've seen the apothecary, the cheese shop, no less than five farms, aaand-- [ the arm around steve's waist tightens for a moment. ] your house. Your host family's house, I mean. He showed me your room because they gave me like, the itchiest sweater and I was breaking out in a rash...

[ her voice slows, a light flicking on somewhere in her mind. she turns her head to point a sly grin in eddie's direction. ]

... so that's why it doesn't look bomb recently went off in there. Stevie's keeping your mess in check.

[satanicpanics]

Uh, no. I’d make you work lives so exciting, you’d be begging me to pick up shifts.

[ They’re totally right, though. He can admit that outside of his very specific focuses, his work ethic is more than a little lacking. Outside of the short amount of time he spent working in a divebar (underage, for pennies, only allowed to serve what was in a can or a bottle) never actually worked a real job.

He tips his head and grins, holding Steve’s gaze for just a little longer and with just a little more intensity than one might consider “normal”. ]

But you know, Steve, it’s funny, because, uh…I don’t recall ever hearing you complain.

[ Huh, what’s that about—anyway.

Obviously he won’t let the two of them leave without him, but when he quickens his stride to catch up, he doesn’t fall into step beside Robin. Maybe it’s to prove a point, or maybe he’s just drawn in like a magnet, but he drifts to Steve’s other side instead—which would probably be totally normal if not for the way he casually trails his fingers across his shoulders to get there, believing he’s just out of eyeshot of Robin until he leans forward to stick his tongue out at her like the grown adult he is. It’s all very good natured, though, even if he does roll his eyes at the way she smirks and brings up the cleanliness of their shared room. ]

Keep it up, Buckley. See if I ever rescue you from pickled fish or itchy wool again.

[ Lies. He would do it again in a heartbeat, if only because he feels like he still owes for her help back home.

He steals another quick glance at Steve, then gestures to the shirt Robin has exchanged her itchy wool sweater for. ]

And, uh, that’s yours. So, uh, direct all complaints over there.

[hairington]

[ steve could say something about how he always needs a hand, how finn and most everyone else in the settlement generally does. it's the way this place works, for better or for worse, and it'll be something that robin will understand soon enough. he can't fault her for falling victim to finn's requests, because it is just like her, and it's how he knows she'll do just fine around here, too.

robin goes soft in his arms, but steve doesn't let go of her just yet. not until she mentions eddie at family video, how they would end up picking up his shifts, and steve's chest tightens strangely at the idea. at how long it's been since working shifts at family video has been anything more than moments in the horizon, a memory years in the making. then steve blinks, and eddie is looking at him with a smile, and robin is saying something about how he has a face that's hard to say no to and steve almost says something about how she has no idea, but instead he just kind of shakes his head and starts them off in the direction they need to go.

he nods along with robin's list, glad that eddie found robin when he did because it means they don't have to do nearly as much themselves. robin says your house just as steve feels eddie's fingertips trail across his shoulderblades, and without realizing he's doing it, steve turns to face towards eddie on instinct, huffing out a fond laugh and shaking his head as he elbows at eddie's side, though not to push him away. ]

Will you two stop. Jesus, it's like I'm back with the kids again. [ his other arm slips around eddie's shoulders in a way that is definitely more familiar than robin's ever seen, and they keep walking. steve laughs, feeling lighter, feeling complete in a way he doesn't know if he has while he's been in abraxas. ] She'd have ended up with half my closet whether you gave it to her or not. [ and then, to robin-] And he's not nearly as bad as he used to be. It's taken two years to get him to where we are now and he still won't make the bed, but it's better than nothing.

[ steve's tendency towards cleanliness is something only a select few people know about him, habits instilled in him from an early age from his parents, but the two people on either side of some of those few.

it's still mid day, which means most everyone is still working away at their daily tasks. they don't see many others on the path as they walk, but steve couldn't be less concerned. his entire world feels like it's silo'd to just the three of them, and he's... really kind of okay with that. ]

It helps that there isn't much stuff here to leave around- they're not big on stuff around here, so they don't have much of it. Everything's real- borrow this, barter that, help out here and someone will give you enough food for the winter, that sort of thing. [ a beat, and then he shakes his head. ] It sounds... worse than it is, somehow, but it isn't that bad.