Dr. Rylee Grace!

Universe’s best dimension hopper!

[hopping-dimensions]

"Testing, 1, 2, 3, Rocky, I think we have a connection!"

"Hello! I am Doctor Rylee Grace from Universe 1647. I currently reside on Erid with my lovely wife Simone, and my two best friends Rocky and Adrian! I was sent into space by Emmett Stratt, but I'd rather not bore you with the details that you already know!"

"Some days get so boring that Rocky and I just mess around and do whatever we want, and that was how we discovered dimensional travel! Turns out if you are bored enough, you can do anything you set your mind to!"

"I have seen many, many dimensions! Rocky and I travel a lot. Our favorite dimension to travel to travel to is Universe 936, aka the universe you are reading this from. Simone is not one for this kind of travel however, so she may not comment much until I can convince her to join me in the chaos."

"Asks will be 100% SFW! Anything else will be deleted. I am Ace and very uncomfortable with those questions, but I am willing to answer anything else you may ask for an hour a day, or even contact a friend from another dimension if you ask nice enough :)."

Family relationships!

Post by @hopping-dimensions

💬 0  🔁 0  ❤️ 0 · Rylee: · Ooc post whoagh: Have some notes on Rylee & her thoughts on her family, in case anyone is wondering! She is

[spirallingcounterclockwise]

You Were Loved (Burial)

another rp drawing because i have no chill but i genuinely like this one haha

Rylee may have made the worst mistake of her life. She got curious and flew too close to the sun, and learned that her sisters were in fact both alive. And they hadnt saved her.

[sierrasix-official]

Heya Court! I’m starting to get ready to leave, so I wanted to check up and ask if you or Driver need anything ❤️

@hopping-dimensions

We're alright, thanks Rylee. Have a safe trip back.

Said like he's about to collapse

[hopping-dimensions]

Are you sure? I can have my friend Monty bring you food at a moment’s notice. Or I can bring some medical supplies myself if you need them. 😊

[sierrasix-official]

...I need some medical supplies for Driver, I haven't restocked my kit since he got stabbed so I'm a little short on bandages and disinfectant. Which I'm probably also going to need when I go find the bastards that did this to him.

[hopping-dimensions]

I am on it! I’ll grab those and run them to you! If you need, you can borrow my astrophage gun. 😇

[sierrasix-official]

Heya Court! I’m starting to get ready to leave, so I wanted to check up and ask if you or Driver need anything ❤️

@hopping-dimensions

We're alright, thanks Rylee. Have a safe trip back.

Said like he's about to collapse

[hopping-dimensions]

Are you sure? I can have my friend Monty bring you food at a moment’s notice. Or I can bring some medical supplies myself if you need them. 😊

[sierrasix-official]

Papa, @sizzleq2 wants to make astrophage grenades, and I think it's an awesome idea. Especially cuz we could use it on the COI!

So, uh, how would one go about making astrophage grenades?

No.

Not without supervision, and that supervision needs to be a responsible adult who knows about astrophage. It's dangerous.

[hopping-dimensions]

Oh dear gosh this makes me a bad influence doesn't it-

[sierrasix-official]

Only a little, at least you're not talking them into eating taumoeba again. I'm still not sure what that stuff is, but the stuff I saw looked like snot. In a pouch.

[sizzleq2]

U don’t have to worry anymore @sierrasix-official @colt-seavers-official is helping me make the bombs :)

[sierrasix-official]

...I like that even less somehow. Colt, do you even know what you're doing?

@colt-seavers-official

[colt-seavers-official]

'Course I do, don't worry about it. I'm super good at this stuff *actively dressed in a house robe, baseball cap, fluffy pink slippers and heart sunglasses*

[hopping-dimensions]

As the person who invented them, please don't. It's a very precise science that will end up vaporizing a city if you do it wrong-

I appreciate the enthusiasm though!

[sierrasix-official]

Papa, @sizzleq2 wants to make astrophage grenades, and I think it's an awesome idea. Especially cuz we could use it on the COI!

So, uh, how would one go about making astrophage grenades?

No.

Not without supervision, and that supervision needs to be a responsible adult who knows about astrophage. It's dangerous.

[hopping-dimensions]

Oh dear gosh this makes me a bad influence doesn't it-

[sierrasix-official]

Only a little, at least you're not talking them into eating taumoeba again. I'm still not sure what that stuff is, but the stuff I saw looked like snot. In a pouch.

[hopping-dimensions]

Coming from someone who had to live off that stuff for...a while...it's not healthy. Would never recommend it to anyone. Ever.

And no I also do not plan on telling the kids how to make Astrophage bombs. I personally like getting to visit your dimension, thank you.

[sierrasix-official]

Papa, @sizzleq2 wants to make astrophage grenades, and I think it's an awesome idea. Especially cuz we could use it on the COI!

So, uh, how would one go about making astrophage grenades?

No.

Not without supervision, and that supervision needs to be a responsible adult who knows about astrophage. It's dangerous.

[hopping-dimensions]

Oh dear gosh this makes me a bad influence doesn't it-

[hopping-dimensions]

A loud beep got her attention. Oh biscuits, that was the warning. At least she only had a half a day here. Talk about cutting it close. She set a reminder for herself, 'Check Mary's records for Courtney Gentry & Colleen Seavers.' and put it away, wondering how she should tell everyone goodbye.

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee had made her way back to where she met Court yesterday. Rocky followed along with more pastries and a sandwich for Court. She had no clue as to whether or not the other had eaten, but figured she'd try to relieve some stress from the other.

"Surely Court knows we're coming...right?" She asked her Eridian companion.

( @sierrasix-official )

[sierrasix-official]

There were thankfully more people to keep an eye on Ryland so Court was outside the med bay for a quick break, eyeing a pack of cigarettes he'd confiscated from Colt before ultimately deciding that habit wasn't worth resurrecting as he handed them off to Silverbird. "Get rid of those, Bird. And don't try eating them."

He looked up from chastising the Eridian who looked like they wanted to do exactly that when he noticed Rylee walking up the beach, and he raised a hand in greeting. Yesterday he'd...fucked up, to put it mildly. His lack of social skills had really come back to bite him when he'd brought up her sister and he'd just as soon not think about that anymore, actually. That look on her face had hurt too much.

"I have eyes everywhere kid, saw you coming a mile away," he commented lightly, half his mouth pulling up in a smile before it faded away. "How'd the visiting go yesterday?"

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee chuckled. "Of course you do." Her smile widened. "It went wonderfully! Sebastian's really great at what he does."

She came to join him on the beach, sitting near him, but careful to leave a little distance in case she made Court uncomfortable.

"We brought you some lunch. And breakfast too, in case you didn't have either." Rocky padded up to the man, sliding the bag off her carapace. "It's just a sandwich." She commented.

[sierrasix-official]

He thought for a minute and conceded that the last thing he'd eaten was that takeout at Driver's the night before, and his stomach gave an interested growl that had him grimacing. Rocky and Silverbird both chirped at the sound in alarm and he snorted a laugh. "Okay, sue me, I forget to eat...constantly. I was more worried about Ryland than food."

Court took the food gratefully and rummaged through it, and he fought the urge to put most of it away for 'just in case.' That was an old habit he may never end up breaking. "I've only met Sebastian once, he seemed...I'm going with enthusiastic, about jazz. Not really my thing but whatever makes the guy happy."

He ate a little of the sandwich, fighting the urge to inhale it, and he looked up at Rylee with a complicated expression. "...M'sorry about yesterday. That wasn't my business to bring up, should've kept my nose out of it."

[hopping-dimensions]

Her smile fell only a bit into a sadder smile. "No, it's okay. I only just regained my memories about the two of them a few years ago, and built up the dream in my mind that if they were alive, they would've stopped Stratt from putting me on the Mary. I-I still haven't really come to terms with it." She admitted.

Rocky began to chitter with Silverbird happily.

"I'd recommend trying out Seb's. That's the place he owns. I think Driver was planning on going there at some point, maybe the two of you could go together."

"He was asking about you, by the way. He was a bit worried." She admitted. "I didn't say too much, just that you were stressed, and then he told me to make sure you actually got a break." She smirked at Court with a knowing glance.

[sierrasix-official]

"...For whatever it's worth, if I'd known Ryland was going I would've stopped it. The project was so secret I couldn't get clearance to look at anything about it beyond what the public knew, and there isn't much I can't get access to," Court grumbled, staring at the other half of the sandwich in his hand. He didn't mention that he would've blown Stratt's head off her shoulders if he'd known Ryland wasn't going willingly, but he had a feeling Rylee understood better than anyone.

Driver coming up again made his ears go a faint pink, but he didn't react much more than that. "He- I'm alright, really. If he asks me to go to Seb's I will, since he seems to be making it his mission to make me relax." Court had a sneaking suspicion that Driver was going to be making him take more breaks...but he wasn't as put-off by that as he thought he'd be. "Appreciate you not telling him too much, by the way. He knows what he needs to for now, he has enough going on without worrying about me too."

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee hummed in acknowledgement. “I guess. Maybe I’ll have to find their death certificates as closure.” She smiled sadly.

“He’d probably love to go with you. And he’s definitely trying to make you take a break. I think it’s wonderful that you two have each other. But you also need to make him take a break. Both of you need breaks. I swear I’m going to kidnap both of you and put you on the Mary where there’s almost nothing going on to take a break.” She laughed. “And you really think I’m just going to spill everything you told me when it took you a while to even mention something happened to Ryland? I know you two are close but both of you are so shrouded in secrets.” She commented with a chuckle.

[sierrasix-official]

"Secrets keep you safe, it's...at this point it's less of a conscious choice than a knee-jerk reaction," Court muttered softly, and he began fidgeting with a chunk of the bread in his hand until it was nothing but a tiny ball. "I don't know how to take care of somebody anymore, Rylee. Not in a way that doesn't end up with them needing a funeral. But...I can try. I think one chronically overworked person is enough in a- whatever he and I are doing."

He said it matter-of-factly, they still hadn't really put a label on things and that was fine. They were grown men with enough baggage between them to kill a normal person, labels were for people with the luxury to focus on them. "And I'd prefer to never set foot in space, actually. Solid ground is where I belong." Court chuckles to himself, shivering slightly at the idea. "If anything it sounds like you need one. If you're anything like Ryland you're probably running on...coffee and spite, maybe a nap somewhere between if Rocky's not on your case like our Rocky is for Ryland. Am I in the ballpark?" Yes, he was deflecting the conversation away from himself, but he'd said plenty for the time being.

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee hummed. “Well, the way I see it, you take care of your brothers well enough. That’s why you’re here, right? And I’ve seen how Driver looks at you. I may not be good with words because I’ve only had my wife and two Eridians to talk to for about 5 years, but I know you’re doing just fine. I know they love you dearly.” She returned with a smile. “And that’s all someone really needs.”

She laughed after a few minutes of silence. (She hoped it was at least comfortable). “Right now? Yeah, no, you’re right. I was up late last night. Couldn’t sleep. Ended up going out to buy a cd. Metalstorm, I believe. Don’t have that one on the Mary. Anyways, yeah. You’re right.”

[sierrasix-official]

Talking about the boys was safe territory, he could do that. Court let out a quiet laugh and shook his head, remembering every single Incident they'd gotten into since he arrived and practically feeling a new grey hair sprouting up. "They don't make it easy for me to take care of them, that's for sure. Even mostly confined to this dome they somehow manage to get themselves nearly killed on a regular basis...It's a talent, I guess. You'd think one of their partners would be up to the task of keeping them breathing, but..."

Court trailed off and tapped his finger on his knee rhythmically, his agitation seemingly focused into that one digit. The knee itself was only held back from jiggling up and down by Silverbird loafing on his foot to chirp to Rocky. "The only Metalstorm I know is the last movie Colt worked on before I wound up here. I used to try to keep track of him that way, didn't work very well once they figured out a better way to cover his face though."

[hopping-dimensions]

She smirked. “I bet those two were trouble. But hey, they’re doing okay, even if they’re constantly in trouble. That may be how they handle being stuck in the dome. Why do you think I travel the dimensions.” She smiled.

“Yeah, I saw something about your Colt being the stunt double in this movie. That’s why I picked it up.” She glanced over to him. “It’s wonderful that you’ve been there for these two. That just proves how great of a brother you really are.”

[sierrasix-official]

"...Wasn't, for most of their lives. But thanks." His smile was strained at the edges so he dropped it, now tightly wrapping the rest of the bag so nothing fell out and stuffing it carefully into Silverbird's bag. "No trying that either, last time you tried to eat human food you were sick for two days. Leave it in the bag." he mutters to the Eridian, who squawks indignantly before wiggling their carapace in a little whistling laugh. "Silverbird's as bad as a toddler that eats cheese puffs off the carpet..."

Court leaned back against the rock and braced himself on his hands, staring up at the simulated sunny sky. "I'm proud of them both, though. And you. Nobody in this family gets to have it easy in any universe, but all of you did some amazing stuff. As long as you're happy, you're doing something right."

[hopping-dimensions]

She stared at him, just blinking. She didn’t know what to say. “I-“ She tried. Wow. How long had she ever been told anything like that? She held back tears as she tried to find something to say. His words rang through her head, interrupting all of her thoughts.

She tightens her hands around her pants. “You-you mean it?” She choked out.

[sierrasix-official]

He glanced up when he heard her breath hitch around tears and moved closer, enough that he could rest his hand on Rylee's shoulder in a gentle squeeze. "Meant every bit of it, I'm not really in the habit of lying to people's faces unless I'm getting paid to," he hummed, keeping his tone as soft as possible.

"All I ever wanted was...for them to get out of that shit hole. I wanted them safe and happy, even with me not there to make sure of it. They're both happy, safe is a work in progress," he sighs, shaking his head with a faint smile that looks very worn around the edges. "But you're smart like they are, I have every reason to be proud. I'm sure your sisters would be proud of you too, Rylee."

[hopping-dimensions]

She nodded, letting a few tears fall. Court somehow had a way with words that was absolutely breathtaking.

“Happy is okay. Happy-happy is good for now.” She repeated. Images floated through her mind as she remembered why she had been stuck on the Mary for so long. “You-you should feel proud as well. Do you really think they’d be this happy without you? I’m sure they got along fine without you, but they seem almost infinitely better with you around. I think you’re the reason they have as much courage to get through all their troubles because they remember you’re there now.”

[sierrasix-official]

Court was quiet for a long, long minute while he absorbed what she'd said; He didn't want the praise or feel he deserved it, he'd just been a shield for them and they flourished after they got out...but they wouldn't have gotten out if he hadn't gunned their father down. They all would've died in that house. He tensed and quickly removed his hand from Rylee's shoulder before he could bruise her, and he clenched his fists in his lap to keep the memories at bay.

He had saved them. They wouldn't be here to be brave without him.

"I- Mm. I did what I had to, they're...they grew up into good men, both of them," Court said shakily, mostly speaking to the ground because he didn't trust himself to look up. Having the space to experience his emotions was quickly becoming something Court was deeming 'not worth the trouble', all it did was make him feel like he was going to throw up half the time, when it wasn't turning him into a mushy-brained idiot every time he thought about Driver's fingers running through his hair.

[hopping-dimensions]

“You did what you had to, yes. But you also did so much more. They have a family the can talk with, and that they can enjoy time together with. Because of you. They wouldn’t be here, be this happy, without you.” She turned to smile at him. “There’s a difference between hurting, and protecting. And from what I can tell, you’ve done a whole lot of protecting.”

She grabbed a small handful of sand, holding it in her hands.

[sierrasix-official]

He'd done a lot of both, but he didn't say as much as he folded his arms over his chest. She didn't need to know any of that. "I think you're laying it on a little thick...but I appreciate it. I did my best for them. Can't tell you how many bruises I got so they could have a half-decent childhood, but it was worth it."

Restlessness was getting the better of him, he could tell, but all he needed was something for his brain to focus on that wasn't Ryland...or himself. Court dug in one of his pockets and produced a pack of watermelon gum that was already half gone, and once he'd popped a piece into his mouth he extended the open end towards Rylee with a raised eyebrow. "So where are you headed when you leave here? This dimension I mean, are you headed back to your wife and Rocky's mate?"

[hopping-dimensions]

She nodded, upset at herself silently for overstepping.

"Yep, I have to head back. Let the stabilizer charge and wait out the cooldown over there as well." She smiled. "And fix this one. Time travel is no joke, and definitely strains the device."

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee had made her way back to where she met Court yesterday. Rocky followed along with more pastries and a sandwich for Court. She had no clue as to whether or not the other had eaten, but figured she'd try to relieve some stress from the other.

"Surely Court knows we're coming...right?" She asked her Eridian companion.

( @sierrasix-official )

[sierrasix-official]

There were thankfully more people to keep an eye on Ryland so Court was outside the med bay for a quick break, eyeing a pack of cigarettes he'd confiscated from Colt before ultimately deciding that habit wasn't worth resurrecting as he handed them off to Silverbird. "Get rid of those, Bird. And don't try eating them."

He looked up from chastising the Eridian who looked like they wanted to do exactly that when he noticed Rylee walking up the beach, and he raised a hand in greeting. Yesterday he'd...fucked up, to put it mildly. His lack of social skills had really come back to bite him when he'd brought up her sister and he'd just as soon not think about that anymore, actually. That look on her face had hurt too much.

"I have eyes everywhere kid, saw you coming a mile away," he commented lightly, half his mouth pulling up in a smile before it faded away. "How'd the visiting go yesterday?"

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee chuckled. "Of course you do." Her smile widened. "It went wonderfully! Sebastian's really great at what he does."

She came to join him on the beach, sitting near him, but careful to leave a little distance in case she made Court uncomfortable.

"We brought you some lunch. And breakfast too, in case you didn't have either." Rocky padded up to the man, sliding the bag off her carapace. "It's just a sandwich." She commented.

[sierrasix-official]

He thought for a minute and conceded that the last thing he'd eaten was that takeout at Driver's the night before, and his stomach gave an interested growl that had him grimacing. Rocky and Silverbird both chirped at the sound in alarm and he snorted a laugh. "Okay, sue me, I forget to eat...constantly. I was more worried about Ryland than food."

Court took the food gratefully and rummaged through it, and he fought the urge to put most of it away for 'just in case.' That was an old habit he may never end up breaking. "I've only met Sebastian once, he seemed...I'm going with enthusiastic, about jazz. Not really my thing but whatever makes the guy happy."

He ate a little of the sandwich, fighting the urge to inhale it, and he looked up at Rylee with a complicated expression. "...M'sorry about yesterday. That wasn't my business to bring up, should've kept my nose out of it."

[hopping-dimensions]

Her smile fell only a bit into a sadder smile. "No, it's okay. I only just regained my memories about the two of them a few years ago, and built up the dream in my mind that if they were alive, they would've stopped Stratt from putting me on the Mary. I-I still haven't really come to terms with it." She admitted.

Rocky began to chitter with Silverbird happily.

"I'd recommend trying out Seb's. That's the place he owns. I think Driver was planning on going there at some point, maybe the two of you could go together."

"He was asking about you, by the way. He was a bit worried." She admitted. "I didn't say too much, just that you were stressed, and then he told me to make sure you actually got a break." She smirked at Court with a knowing glance.

[sierrasix-official]

"...For whatever it's worth, if I'd known Ryland was going I would've stopped it. The project was so secret I couldn't get clearance to look at anything about it beyond what the public knew, and there isn't much I can't get access to," Court grumbled, staring at the other half of the sandwich in his hand. He didn't mention that he would've blown Stratt's head off her shoulders if he'd known Ryland wasn't going willingly, but he had a feeling Rylee understood better than anyone.

Driver coming up again made his ears go a faint pink, but he didn't react much more than that. "He- I'm alright, really. If he asks me to go to Seb's I will, since he seems to be making it his mission to make me relax." Court had a sneaking suspicion that Driver was going to be making him take more breaks...but he wasn't as put-off by that as he thought he'd be. "Appreciate you not telling him too much, by the way. He knows what he needs to for now, he has enough going on without worrying about me too."

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee hummed in acknowledgement. “I guess. Maybe I’ll have to find their death certificates as closure.” She smiled sadly.

“He’d probably love to go with you. And he’s definitely trying to make you take a break. I think it’s wonderful that you two have each other. But you also need to make him take a break. Both of you need breaks. I swear I’m going to kidnap both of you and put you on the Mary where there’s almost nothing going on to take a break.” She laughed. “And you really think I’m just going to spill everything you told me when it took you a while to even mention something happened to Ryland? I know you two are close but both of you are so shrouded in secrets.” She commented with a chuckle.

[sierrasix-official]

"Secrets keep you safe, it's...at this point it's less of a conscious choice than a knee-jerk reaction," Court muttered softly, and he began fidgeting with a chunk of the bread in his hand until it was nothing but a tiny ball. "I don't know how to take care of somebody anymore, Rylee. Not in a way that doesn't end up with them needing a funeral. But...I can try. I think one chronically overworked person is enough in a- whatever he and I are doing."

He said it matter-of-factly, they still hadn't really put a label on things and that was fine. They were grown men with enough baggage between them to kill a normal person, labels were for people with the luxury to focus on them. "And I'd prefer to never set foot in space, actually. Solid ground is where I belong." Court chuckles to himself, shivering slightly at the idea. "If anything it sounds like you need one. If you're anything like Ryland you're probably running on...coffee and spite, maybe a nap somewhere between if Rocky's not on your case like our Rocky is for Ryland. Am I in the ballpark?" Yes, he was deflecting the conversation away from himself, but he'd said plenty for the time being.

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee hummed. “Well, the way I see it, you take care of your brothers well enough. That’s why you’re here, right? And I’ve seen how Driver looks at you. I may not be good with words because I’ve only had my wife and two Eridians to talk to for about 5 years, but I know you’re doing just fine. I know they love you dearly.” She returned with a smile. “And that’s all someone really needs.”

She laughed after a few minutes of silence. (She hoped it was at least comfortable). “Right now? Yeah, no, you’re right. I was up late last night. Couldn’t sleep. Ended up going out to buy a cd. Metalstorm, I believe. Don’t have that one on the Mary. Anyways, yeah. You’re right.”

[sierrasix-official]

Talking about the boys was safe territory, he could do that. Court let out a quiet laugh and shook his head, remembering every single Incident they'd gotten into since he arrived and practically feeling a new grey hair sprouting up. "They don't make it easy for me to take care of them, that's for sure. Even mostly confined to this dome they somehow manage to get themselves nearly killed on a regular basis...It's a talent, I guess. You'd think one of their partners would be up to the task of keeping them breathing, but..."

Court trailed off and tapped his finger on his knee rhythmically, his agitation seemingly focused into that one digit. The knee itself was only held back from jiggling up and down by Silverbird loafing on his foot to chirp to Rocky. "The only Metalstorm I know is the last movie Colt worked on before I wound up here. I used to try to keep track of him that way, didn't work very well once they figured out a better way to cover his face though."

[hopping-dimensions]

She smirked. “I bet those two were trouble. But hey, they’re doing okay, even if they’re constantly in trouble. That may be how they handle being stuck in the dome. Why do you think I travel the dimensions.” She smiled.

“Yeah, I saw something about your Colt being the stunt double in this movie. That’s why I picked it up.” She glanced over to him. “It’s wonderful that you’ve been there for these two. That just proves how great of a brother you really are.”

[sierrasix-official]

"...Wasn't, for most of their lives. But thanks." His smile was strained at the edges so he dropped it, now tightly wrapping the rest of the bag so nothing fell out and stuffing it carefully into Silverbird's bag. "No trying that either, last time you tried to eat human food you were sick for two days. Leave it in the bag." he mutters to the Eridian, who squawks indignantly before wiggling their carapace in a little whistling laugh. "Silverbird's as bad as a toddler that eats cheese puffs off the carpet..."

Court leaned back against the rock and braced himself on his hands, staring up at the simulated sunny sky. "I'm proud of them both, though. And you. Nobody in this family gets to have it easy in any universe, but all of you did some amazing stuff. As long as you're happy, you're doing something right."

[hopping-dimensions]

She stared at him, just blinking. She didn’t know what to say. “I-“ She tried. Wow. How long had she ever been told anything like that? She held back tears as she tried to find something to say. His words rang through her head, interrupting all of her thoughts.

She tightens her hands around her pants. “You-you mean it?” She choked out.

[sierrasix-official]

He glanced up when he heard her breath hitch around tears and moved closer, enough that he could rest his hand on Rylee's shoulder in a gentle squeeze. "Meant every bit of it, I'm not really in the habit of lying to people's faces unless I'm getting paid to," he hummed, keeping his tone as soft as possible.

"All I ever wanted was...for them to get out of that shit hole. I wanted them safe and happy, even with me not there to make sure of it. They're both happy, safe is a work in progress," he sighs, shaking his head with a faint smile that looks very worn around the edges. "But you're smart like they are, I have every reason to be proud. I'm sure your sisters would be proud of you too, Rylee."

[hopping-dimensions]

She nodded, letting a few tears fall. Court somehow had a way with words that was absolutely breathtaking.

“Happy is okay. Happy-happy is good for now.” She repeated. Images floated through her mind as she remembered why she had been stuck on the Mary for so long. “You-you should feel proud as well. Do you really think they’d be this happy without you? I’m sure they got along fine without you, but they seem almost infinitely better with you around. I think you’re the reason they have as much courage to get through all their troubles because they remember you’re there now.”

[sierrasix-official]

Court was quiet for a long, long minute while he absorbed what she'd said; He didn't want the praise or feel he deserved it, he'd just been a shield for them and they flourished after they got out...but they wouldn't have gotten out if he hadn't gunned their father down. They all would've died in that house. He tensed and quickly removed his hand from Rylee's shoulder before he could bruise her, and he clenched his fists in his lap to keep the memories at bay.

He had saved them. They wouldn't be here to be brave without him.

"I- Mm. I did what I had to, they're...they grew up into good men, both of them," Court said shakily, mostly speaking to the ground because he didn't trust himself to look up. Having the space to experience his emotions was quickly becoming something Court was deeming 'not worth the trouble', all it did was make him feel like he was going to throw up half the time, when it wasn't turning him into a mushy-brained idiot every time he thought about Driver's fingers running through his hair.

[hopping-dimensions]

“You did what you had to, yes. But you also did so much more. They have a family the can talk with, and that they can enjoy time together with. Because of you. They wouldn’t be here, be this happy, without you.” She turned to smile at him. “There’s a difference between hurting, and protecting. And from what I can tell, you’ve done a whole lot of protecting.”

She grabbed a small handful of sand, holding it in her hands.

[jazzyious]

DAD DAD DAD *SCURRIES BACK INTO THE medbay from somewhere * guess what @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

What? What happened?

[jazzyious]

*grins and turns around. I was wearing a completely backless halter top. This reveals a full back tattoo. It was a pair of wings with stars down my spine that leads into a Gothic style star tramp stamp (ooc I didn't actually get a tattoo btw)

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…oh. It’s- it’s very cute! Where did you get it done? I-I just want to talk to them!

[jazzyious]

What's wrong dad. Sizzle designed it

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Interesting… so- so who tattooed you? Just so that I can talk to them… just to talk to them.

[jazzyious]

Why dad, I think it looks good. Why would you need to talk to them

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No reason… it looks great! I just wanna… just wanna thank them! Totally…

[jazzyious]

Your not supposed to be out of bed, how would you do that

[sizzleq2]

*IM IN THE MEDBAY TOO* uhh…so u don’t like it @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No, I love it! It’s cute! I just want to talk to the person that tattooed them!

[sizzleq2]

me, I drew the design nd tattooed it

*starts slowly backing away to the door*

what did u want to say to that person

[ryland-grace-official-account]

When I get you… I swear to the gods… I gotta get into my wheelchair first…

[sizzleq2]

SHE ASKED FOR IT!!!

*bolts out of medbay*

@thatonechaosgoose WHERE R U I NEED BACKUP

[jazzyious]

....... @ryland-grace-official-account how much trouble am I in

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re not in trouble, but Sizzle on the other hand…

[jazzyious]

.....*tony makes whining sounds from his pen and I quickly pick him up*....will petting tony make you feel better?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…yes.

[jazzyious]

*holds tony up to him*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

 *I pat Tony grumpily.*

[jazzyious]

Do you want to feed him?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I nod.* Yeah…

[jazzyious]

*i set tony on his lap and give him a bottle for tony and a bag of shrimp*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I grumpily start feeding Tony.*

[jazzyious]

*tony makes very cute happy sounds*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I try to keep being grumpy, but this is cheering me up.*

[jazzyious]

See, he's magic

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hush… I’m still upset.

[jazzyious]

*tony whines as he finishes his bottle*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Good tony… 

[jazzyious]

Are you still upset *I offer tony a shrimp and he eats it*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…a little.

[jazzyious]

*i turn to grab something, tense and accidentally show him my very infected back tattoo *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Dear God… I need you to talk with Alec and get that cleaned…

[jazzyious]

*i quickly turn around* what are you talking about

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Your back… it’s very infected…

[jazzyious]

No picture no proof *tony makes a anxious sound *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Pass me my phone, I’ll take a picture.

[jazzyious]

....no *i put his phone on the top shelf*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hey! You know I can’t reach above my head! Give it back!

[jazzyious]

No thank you, im good

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re being so mean! 

[hopping-dimensions]

She makes her way into the room. “Hello, Mr. Grace. Sizzle tells me that you’re upset at them. Would you like to talk about it?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Depends, where are they?

[hopping-dimensions]

“I don’t know. But can I ask why you are upset with them?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

They tattooed one of my kids without my knowledge… and it’s infected now.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay, I understand that you are upset. However, what I was told is that the other person wanted it. While it may be infected, it will heal. If you attempt to be upset at someone, you may end up saying something wrong. So let’s please calm down and have a civil talk.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Fine. Sure. We can talk.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Thank you.” She smiled, grabbing a chair and sitting down, cane now resting in front of her, proudly displaying the xenonite pole.

“I understand why you may be upset. That was one of your kids, right? They wanted a tattoo. So they asked another kid to give them that tattoo. The tattoo area became infected because the first kid didn’t tell the other about them being sensitive. So you are now mad at the kid that gave them the tattoo. Is there anything I am missing from your point of view?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…no, that sounds about right.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay. I’m glad that we got that settled. From what I heard from Sizzle, they were asked to do the tattoo. They wanted to do it, possibly to help out and to be a good sibling. I do not claim to know exactly what Sizzle was thinking at the time, but from my research I know that siblings usually want what’s best for each other. Sizzle made the necessary steps of asking the person they got the ink from whether it was safe ink to use, without knowing about the other kid’s sensitivity. They then did the tattoo, and the area got infected.”

She sighed, that was a lot of explaining. “Now, do you think it’s rational to be upset at Sizzle?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…I suppose not.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Glad we got that out of the way. I know you probably have a lot of drugs running through your system right now, which is why I’m taking it easy on you. Anger and drugs are not a good combination. But I’m glad we got this sorted. Could you possibly apologize to Sizzle now? I’m sure they’d really appreciate it.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Sure… @sizzleq2… I’m sorry for being mad at you.

[hopping-dimensions]

“There we go. See, that was easy.” She smiled at him. “Is there anything else you need while I’m here? I may not be a medical expert, but I do know my stuff, so to speak.” She asked sweetly, adjusting her cane to the side of the chair now.

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Not really… unless you can get me more morphine…

[hopping-dimensions]

She laughed. “As much as I’d love to help you there, you don’t really need more drugs. I have to go now, but I’ll be just outside. I promised I’d help Court make sure none of the kids were getting into trouble.” She stood up, grabbed her cane. and moved the chair back to where she had pulled it from, heading towards the door.

[jazzyious]

DAD DAD DAD *SCURRIES BACK INTO THE medbay from somewhere * guess what @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

What? What happened?

[jazzyious]

*grins and turns around. I was wearing a completely backless halter top. This reveals a full back tattoo. It was a pair of wings with stars down my spine that leads into a Gothic style star tramp stamp (ooc I didn't actually get a tattoo btw)

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…oh. It’s- it’s very cute! Where did you get it done? I-I just want to talk to them!

[jazzyious]

What's wrong dad. Sizzle designed it

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Interesting… so- so who tattooed you? Just so that I can talk to them… just to talk to them.

[jazzyious]

Why dad, I think it looks good. Why would you need to talk to them

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No reason… it looks great! I just wanna… just wanna thank them! Totally…

[jazzyious]

Your not supposed to be out of bed, how would you do that

[sizzleq2]

*IM IN THE MEDBAY TOO* uhh…so u don’t like it @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No, I love it! It’s cute! I just want to talk to the person that tattooed them!

[sizzleq2]

me, I drew the design nd tattooed it

*starts slowly backing away to the door*

what did u want to say to that person

[ryland-grace-official-account]

When I get you… I swear to the gods… I gotta get into my wheelchair first…

[sizzleq2]

SHE ASKED FOR IT!!!

*bolts out of medbay*

@thatonechaosgoose WHERE R U I NEED BACKUP

[jazzyious]

....... @ryland-grace-official-account how much trouble am I in

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re not in trouble, but Sizzle on the other hand…

[jazzyious]

.....*tony makes whining sounds from his pen and I quickly pick him up*....will petting tony make you feel better?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…yes.

[jazzyious]

*holds tony up to him*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

 *I pat Tony grumpily.*

[jazzyious]

Do you want to feed him?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I nod.* Yeah…

[jazzyious]

*i set tony on his lap and give him a bottle for tony and a bag of shrimp*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I grumpily start feeding Tony.*

[jazzyious]

*tony makes very cute happy sounds*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I try to keep being grumpy, but this is cheering me up.*

[jazzyious]

See, he's magic

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hush… I’m still upset.

[jazzyious]

*tony whines as he finishes his bottle*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Good tony… 

[jazzyious]

Are you still upset *I offer tony a shrimp and he eats it*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…a little.

[jazzyious]

*i turn to grab something, tense and accidentally show him my very infected back tattoo *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Dear God… I need you to talk with Alec and get that cleaned…

[jazzyious]

*i quickly turn around* what are you talking about

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Your back… it’s very infected…

[jazzyious]

No picture no proof *tony makes a anxious sound *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Pass me my phone, I’ll take a picture.

[jazzyious]

....no *i put his phone on the top shelf*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hey! You know I can’t reach above my head! Give it back!

[jazzyious]

No thank you, im good

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re being so mean! 

[hopping-dimensions]

She makes her way into the room. “Hello, Mr. Grace. Sizzle tells me that you’re upset at them. Would you like to talk about it?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Depends, where are they?

[hopping-dimensions]

“I don’t know. But can I ask why you are upset with them?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

They tattooed one of my kids without my knowledge… and it’s infected now.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay, I understand that you are upset. However, what I was told is that the other person wanted it. While it may be infected, it will heal. If you attempt to be upset at someone, you may end up saying something wrong. So let’s please calm down and have a civil talk.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Fine. Sure. We can talk.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Thank you.” She smiled, grabbing a chair and sitting down, cane now resting in front of her, proudly displaying the xenonite pole.

“I understand why you may be upset. That was one of your kids, right? They wanted a tattoo. So they asked another kid to give them that tattoo. The tattoo area became infected because the first kid didn’t tell the other about them being sensitive. So you are now mad at the kid that gave them the tattoo. Is there anything I am missing from your point of view?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…no, that sounds about right.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay. I’m glad that we got that settled. From what I heard from Sizzle, they were asked to do the tattoo. They wanted to do it, possibly to help out and to be a good sibling. I do not claim to know exactly what Sizzle was thinking at the time, but from my research I know that siblings usually want what’s best for each other. Sizzle made the necessary steps of asking the person they got the ink from whether it was safe ink to use, without knowing about the other kid’s sensitivity. They then did the tattoo, and the area got infected.”

She sighed, that was a lot of explaining. “Now, do you think it’s rational to be upset at Sizzle?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…I suppose not.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Glad we got that out of the way. I know you probably have a lot of drugs running through your system right now, which is why I’m taking it easy on you. Anger and drugs are not a good combination. But I’m glad we got this sorted. Could you possibly apologize to Sizzle now? I’m sure they’d really appreciate it.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Sure… @sizzleq2… I’m sorry for being mad at you.

[hopping-dimensions]

“There we go. See, that was easy.” She smiled at him. “Is there anything else you need while I’m here? I may not be a medical expert, but I do know my stuff, so to speak.” She asked sweetly, adjusting her cane to the side of the chair now.

[jazzyious]

DAD DAD DAD *SCURRIES BACK INTO THE medbay from somewhere * guess what @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

What? What happened?

[jazzyious]

*grins and turns around. I was wearing a completely backless halter top. This reveals a full back tattoo. It was a pair of wings with stars down my spine that leads into a Gothic style star tramp stamp (ooc I didn't actually get a tattoo btw)

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…oh. It’s- it’s very cute! Where did you get it done? I-I just want to talk to them!

[jazzyious]

What's wrong dad. Sizzle designed it

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Interesting… so- so who tattooed you? Just so that I can talk to them… just to talk to them.

[jazzyious]

Why dad, I think it looks good. Why would you need to talk to them

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No reason… it looks great! I just wanna… just wanna thank them! Totally…

[jazzyious]

Your not supposed to be out of bed, how would you do that

[sizzleq2]

*IM IN THE MEDBAY TOO* uhh…so u don’t like it @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No, I love it! It’s cute! I just want to talk to the person that tattooed them!

[sizzleq2]

me, I drew the design nd tattooed it

*starts slowly backing away to the door*

what did u want to say to that person

[ryland-grace-official-account]

When I get you… I swear to the gods… I gotta get into my wheelchair first…

[sizzleq2]

SHE ASKED FOR IT!!!

*bolts out of medbay*

@thatonechaosgoose WHERE R U I NEED BACKUP

[jazzyious]

....... @ryland-grace-official-account how much trouble am I in

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re not in trouble, but Sizzle on the other hand…

[jazzyious]

.....*tony makes whining sounds from his pen and I quickly pick him up*....will petting tony make you feel better?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…yes.

[jazzyious]

*holds tony up to him*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

 *I pat Tony grumpily.*

[jazzyious]

Do you want to feed him?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I nod.* Yeah…

[jazzyious]

*i set tony on his lap and give him a bottle for tony and a bag of shrimp*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I grumpily start feeding Tony.*

[jazzyious]

*tony makes very cute happy sounds*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I try to keep being grumpy, but this is cheering me up.*

[jazzyious]

See, he's magic

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hush… I’m still upset.

[jazzyious]

*tony whines as he finishes his bottle*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Good tony… 

[jazzyious]

Are you still upset *I offer tony a shrimp and he eats it*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…a little.

[jazzyious]

*i turn to grab something, tense and accidentally show him my very infected back tattoo *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Dear God… I need you to talk with Alec and get that cleaned…

[jazzyious]

*i quickly turn around* what are you talking about

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Your back… it’s very infected…

[jazzyious]

No picture no proof *tony makes a anxious sound *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Pass me my phone, I’ll take a picture.

[jazzyious]

....no *i put his phone on the top shelf*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hey! You know I can’t reach above my head! Give it back!

[jazzyious]

No thank you, im good

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re being so mean! 

[hopping-dimensions]

She makes her way into the room. “Hello, Mr. Grace. Sizzle tells me that you’re upset at them. Would you like to talk about it?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Depends, where are they?

[hopping-dimensions]

“I don’t know. But can I ask why you are upset with them?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

They tattooed one of my kids without my knowledge… and it’s infected now.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay, I understand that you are upset. However, what I was told is that the other person wanted it. While it may be infected, it will heal. If you attempt to be upset at someone, you may end up saying something wrong. So let’s please calm down and have a civil talk.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Fine. Sure. We can talk.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Thank you.” She smiled, grabbing a chair and sitting down, cane now resting in front of her, proudly displaying the xenonite pole.

“I understand why you may be upset. That was one of your kids, right? They wanted a tattoo. So they asked another kid to give them that tattoo. The tattoo area became infected because the first kid didn’t tell the other about them being sensitive. So you are now mad at the kid that gave them the tattoo. Is there anything I am missing from your point of view?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…no, that sounds about right.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay. I’m glad that we got that settled. From what I heard from Sizzle, they were asked to do the tattoo. They wanted to do it, possibly to help out and to be a good sibling. I do not claim to know exactly what Sizzle was thinking at the time, but from my research I know that siblings usually want what’s best for each other. Sizzle made the necessary steps of asking the person they got the ink from whether it was safe ink to use, without knowing about the other kid’s sensitivity. They then did the tattoo, and the area got infected.”

She sighed, that was a lot of explaining. “Now, do you think it’s rational to be upset at Sizzle?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…I suppose not.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Glad we got that out of the way. I know you probably have a lot of drugs running through your system right now, which is why I’m taking it easy on you. Anger and drugs are not a good combination. But I’m glad we got this sorted. Could you possibly apologize to Sizzle now? I’m sure they’d really appreciate it.”

[sizzleq2]

I would, thank u @hopping-dimensions

[hopping-dimensions]

“There’s no need to thank me, I’m always happy to help.” She smiled at Sizzle.

[jazzyious]

DAD DAD DAD *SCURRIES BACK INTO THE medbay from somewhere * guess what @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

What? What happened?

[jazzyious]

*grins and turns around. I was wearing a completely backless halter top. This reveals a full back tattoo. It was a pair of wings with stars down my spine that leads into a Gothic style star tramp stamp (ooc I didn't actually get a tattoo btw)

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…oh. It’s- it’s very cute! Where did you get it done? I-I just want to talk to them!

[jazzyious]

What's wrong dad. Sizzle designed it

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Interesting… so- so who tattooed you? Just so that I can talk to them… just to talk to them.

[jazzyious]

Why dad, I think it looks good. Why would you need to talk to them

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No reason… it looks great! I just wanna… just wanna thank them! Totally…

[jazzyious]

Your not supposed to be out of bed, how would you do that

[sizzleq2]

*IM IN THE MEDBAY TOO* uhh…so u don’t like it @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No, I love it! It’s cute! I just want to talk to the person that tattooed them!

[sizzleq2]

me, I drew the design nd tattooed it

*starts slowly backing away to the door*

what did u want to say to that person

[ryland-grace-official-account]

When I get you… I swear to the gods… I gotta get into my wheelchair first…

[sizzleq2]

SHE ASKED FOR IT!!!

*bolts out of medbay*

@thatonechaosgoose WHERE R U I NEED BACKUP

[jazzyious]

....... @ryland-grace-official-account how much trouble am I in

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re not in trouble, but Sizzle on the other hand…

[jazzyious]

.....*tony makes whining sounds from his pen and I quickly pick him up*....will petting tony make you feel better?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…yes.

[jazzyious]

*holds tony up to him*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

 *I pat Tony grumpily.*

[jazzyious]

Do you want to feed him?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I nod.* Yeah…

[jazzyious]

*i set tony on his lap and give him a bottle for tony and a bag of shrimp*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I grumpily start feeding Tony.*

[jazzyious]

*tony makes very cute happy sounds*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I try to keep being grumpy, but this is cheering me up.*

[jazzyious]

See, he's magic

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hush… I’m still upset.

[jazzyious]

*tony whines as he finishes his bottle*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Good tony… 

[jazzyious]

Are you still upset *I offer tony a shrimp and he eats it*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…a little.

[jazzyious]

*i turn to grab something, tense and accidentally show him my very infected back tattoo *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Dear God… I need you to talk with Alec and get that cleaned…

[jazzyious]

*i quickly turn around* what are you talking about

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Your back… it’s very infected…

[jazzyious]

No picture no proof *tony makes a anxious sound *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Pass me my phone, I’ll take a picture.

[jazzyious]

....no *i put his phone on the top shelf*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hey! You know I can’t reach above my head! Give it back!

[jazzyious]

No thank you, im good

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re being so mean! 

[hopping-dimensions]

She makes her way into the room. “Hello, Mr. Grace. Sizzle tells me that you’re upset at them. Would you like to talk about it?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Depends, where are they?

[hopping-dimensions]

“I don’t know. But can I ask why you are upset with them?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

They tattooed one of my kids without my knowledge… and it’s infected now.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay, I understand that you are upset. However, what I was told is that the other person wanted it. While it may be infected, it will heal. If you attempt to be upset at someone, you may end up saying something wrong. So let’s please calm down and have a civil talk.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Fine. Sure. We can talk.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Thank you.” She smiled, grabbing a chair and sitting down, cane now resting in front of her, proudly displaying the xenonite pole.

“I understand why you may be upset. That was one of your kids, right? They wanted a tattoo. So they asked another kid to give them that tattoo. The tattoo area became infected because the first kid didn’t tell the other about them being sensitive. So you are now mad at the kid that gave them the tattoo. Is there anything I am missing from your point of view?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…no, that sounds about right.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay. I’m glad that we got that settled. From what I heard from Sizzle, they were asked to do the tattoo. They wanted to do it, possibly to help out and to be a good sibling. I do not claim to know exactly what Sizzle was thinking at the time, but from my research I know that siblings usually want what’s best for each other. Sizzle made the necessary steps of asking the person they got the ink from whether it was safe ink to use, without knowing about the other kid’s sensitivity. They then did the tattoo, and the area got infected.”

She sighed, that was a lot of explaining. “Now, do you think it’s rational to be upset at Sizzle?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…I suppose not.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Glad we got that out of the way. I know you probably have a lot of drugs running through your system right now, which is why I’m taking it easy on you. Anger and drugs are not a good combination. But I’m glad we got this sorted. Could you possibly apologize to Sizzle now? I’m sure they’d really appreciate it.”

[jazzyious]

DAD DAD DAD *SCURRIES BACK INTO THE medbay from somewhere * guess what @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

What? What happened?

[jazzyious]

*grins and turns around. I was wearing a completely backless halter top. This reveals a full back tattoo. It was a pair of wings with stars down my spine that leads into a Gothic style star tramp stamp (ooc I didn't actually get a tattoo btw)

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…oh. It’s- it’s very cute! Where did you get it done? I-I just want to talk to them!

[jazzyious]

What's wrong dad. Sizzle designed it

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Interesting… so- so who tattooed you? Just so that I can talk to them… just to talk to them.

[jazzyious]

Why dad, I think it looks good. Why would you need to talk to them

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No reason… it looks great! I just wanna… just wanna thank them! Totally…

[jazzyious]

Your not supposed to be out of bed, how would you do that

[sizzleq2]

*IM IN THE MEDBAY TOO* uhh…so u don’t like it @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No, I love it! It’s cute! I just want to talk to the person that tattooed them!

[sizzleq2]

me, I drew the design nd tattooed it

*starts slowly backing away to the door*

what did u want to say to that person

[ryland-grace-official-account]

When I get you… I swear to the gods… I gotta get into my wheelchair first…

[sizzleq2]

SHE ASKED FOR IT!!!

*bolts out of medbay*

@thatonechaosgoose WHERE R U I NEED BACKUP

[jazzyious]

....... @ryland-grace-official-account how much trouble am I in

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re not in trouble, but Sizzle on the other hand…

[jazzyious]

.....*tony makes whining sounds from his pen and I quickly pick him up*....will petting tony make you feel better?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…yes.

[jazzyious]

*holds tony up to him*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

 *I pat Tony grumpily.*

[jazzyious]

Do you want to feed him?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I nod.* Yeah…

[jazzyious]

*i set tony on his lap and give him a bottle for tony and a bag of shrimp*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I grumpily start feeding Tony.*

[jazzyious]

*tony makes very cute happy sounds*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I try to keep being grumpy, but this is cheering me up.*

[jazzyious]

See, he's magic

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hush… I’m still upset.

[jazzyious]

*tony whines as he finishes his bottle*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Good tony… 

[jazzyious]

Are you still upset *I offer tony a shrimp and he eats it*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…a little.

[jazzyious]

*i turn to grab something, tense and accidentally show him my very infected back tattoo *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Dear God… I need you to talk with Alec and get that cleaned…

[jazzyious]

*i quickly turn around* what are you talking about

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Your back… it’s very infected…

[jazzyious]

No picture no proof *tony makes a anxious sound *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Pass me my phone, I’ll take a picture.

[jazzyious]

....no *i put his phone on the top shelf*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hey! You know I can’t reach above my head! Give it back!

[jazzyious]

No thank you, im good

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re being so mean! 

[hopping-dimensions]

She makes her way into the room. “Hello, Mr. Grace. Sizzle tells me that you’re upset at them. Would you like to talk about it?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Depends, where are they?

[hopping-dimensions]

“I don’t know. But can I ask why you are upset with them?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

They tattooed one of my kids without my knowledge… and it’s infected now.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay, I understand that you are upset. However, what I was told is that the other person wanted it. While it may be infected, it will heal. If you attempt to be upset at someone, you may end up saying something wrong. So let’s please calm down and have a civil talk.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Fine. Sure. We can talk.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Thank you.” She smiled, grabbing a chair and sitting down, cane now resting in front of her, proudly displaying the xenonite pole.

“I understand why you may be upset. That was one of your kids, right? They wanted a tattoo. So they asked another kid to give them that tattoo. The tattoo area became infected because the first kid didn’t tell the other about them being sensitive. So you are now mad at the kid that gave them the tattoo. Is there anything I am missing from your point of view?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…no, that sounds about right.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay. I’m glad that we got that settled. From what I heard from Sizzle, they were asked to do the tattoo. They wanted to do it, possibly to help out and to be a good sibling. I do not claim to know exactly what Sizzle was thinking at the time, but from my research I know that siblings usually want what’s best for each other. Sizzle made the necessary steps of asking the person they got the ink from whether it was safe ink to use, without knowing about the other kid’s sensitivity. They then did the tattoo, and the area got infected.”

She sighed, that was a lot of explaining. “Now, do you think it’s rational to be upset at Sizzle?”

[jazzyious]

DAD DAD DAD *SCURRIES BACK INTO THE medbay from somewhere * guess what @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

What? What happened?

[jazzyious]

*grins and turns around. I was wearing a completely backless halter top. This reveals a full back tattoo. It was a pair of wings with stars down my spine that leads into a Gothic style star tramp stamp (ooc I didn't actually get a tattoo btw)

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…oh. It’s- it’s very cute! Where did you get it done? I-I just want to talk to them!

[jazzyious]

What's wrong dad. Sizzle designed it

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Interesting… so- so who tattooed you? Just so that I can talk to them… just to talk to them.

[jazzyious]

Why dad, I think it looks good. Why would you need to talk to them

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No reason… it looks great! I just wanna… just wanna thank them! Totally…

[jazzyious]

Your not supposed to be out of bed, how would you do that

[sizzleq2]

*IM IN THE MEDBAY TOO* uhh…so u don’t like it @ryland-grace-official-account

[ryland-grace-official-account]

No, I love it! It’s cute! I just want to talk to the person that tattooed them!

[sizzleq2]

me, I drew the design nd tattooed it

*starts slowly backing away to the door*

what did u want to say to that person

[ryland-grace-official-account]

When I get you… I swear to the gods… I gotta get into my wheelchair first…

[sizzleq2]

SHE ASKED FOR IT!!!

*bolts out of medbay*

@thatonechaosgoose WHERE R U I NEED BACKUP

[jazzyious]

....... @ryland-grace-official-account how much trouble am I in

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re not in trouble, but Sizzle on the other hand…

[jazzyious]

.....*tony makes whining sounds from his pen and I quickly pick him up*....will petting tony make you feel better?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…yes.

[jazzyious]

*holds tony up to him*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

 *I pat Tony grumpily.*

[jazzyious]

Do you want to feed him?

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I nod.* Yeah…

[jazzyious]

*i set tony on his lap and give him a bottle for tony and a bag of shrimp*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I grumpily start feeding Tony.*

[jazzyious]

*tony makes very cute happy sounds*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

*I try to keep being grumpy, but this is cheering me up.*

[jazzyious]

See, he's magic

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hush… I’m still upset.

[jazzyious]

*tony whines as he finishes his bottle*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Good tony… 

[jazzyious]

Are you still upset *I offer tony a shrimp and he eats it*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

…a little.

[jazzyious]

*i turn to grab something, tense and accidentally show him my very infected back tattoo *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Dear God… I need you to talk with Alec and get that cleaned…

[jazzyious]

*i quickly turn around* what are you talking about

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Your back… it’s very infected…

[jazzyious]

No picture no proof *tony makes a anxious sound *

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Pass me my phone, I’ll take a picture.

[jazzyious]

....no *i put his phone on the top shelf*

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Hey! You know I can’t reach above my head! Give it back!

[jazzyious]

No thank you, im good

[ryland-grace-official-account]

You’re being so mean! 

[hopping-dimensions]

She makes her way into the room. “Hello, Mr. Grace. Sizzle tells me that you’re upset at them. Would you like to talk about it?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Depends, where are they?

[hopping-dimensions]

“I don’t know. But can I ask why you are upset with them?”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

They tattooed one of my kids without my knowledge… and it’s infected now.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Okay, I understand that you are upset. However, what I was told is that the other person wanted it. While it may be infected, it will heal. If you attempt to be upset at someone, you may end up saying something wrong. So let’s please calm down and have a civil talk.”

[ryland-grace-official-account]

Fine. Sure. We can talk.

[hopping-dimensions]

“Thank you.” She smiled, grabbing a chair and sitting down, cane now resting in front of her, proudly displaying the xenonite pole.

“I understand why you may be upset. That was one of your kids, right? They wanted a tattoo. So they asked another kid to give them that tattoo. The tattoo area became infected because the first kid didn’t tell the other about them being sensitive. So you are now mad at the kid that gave them the tattoo. Is there anything I am missing from your point of view?”

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee had made her way back to where she met Court yesterday. Rocky followed along with more pastries and a sandwich for Court. She had no clue as to whether or not the other had eaten, but figured she'd try to relieve some stress from the other.

"Surely Court knows we're coming...right?" She asked her Eridian companion.

( @sierrasix-official )

[sierrasix-official]

There were thankfully more people to keep an eye on Ryland so Court was outside the med bay for a quick break, eyeing a pack of cigarettes he'd confiscated from Colt before ultimately deciding that habit wasn't worth resurrecting as he handed them off to Silverbird. "Get rid of those, Bird. And don't try eating them."

He looked up from chastising the Eridian who looked like they wanted to do exactly that when he noticed Rylee walking up the beach, and he raised a hand in greeting. Yesterday he'd...fucked up, to put it mildly. His lack of social skills had really come back to bite him when he'd brought up her sister and he'd just as soon not think about that anymore, actually. That look on her face had hurt too much.

"I have eyes everywhere kid, saw you coming a mile away," he commented lightly, half his mouth pulling up in a smile before it faded away. "How'd the visiting go yesterday?"

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee chuckled. "Of course you do." Her smile widened. "It went wonderfully! Sebastian's really great at what he does."

She came to join him on the beach, sitting near him, but careful to leave a little distance in case she made Court uncomfortable.

"We brought you some lunch. And breakfast too, in case you didn't have either." Rocky padded up to the man, sliding the bag off her carapace. "It's just a sandwich." She commented.

[sierrasix-official]

He thought for a minute and conceded that the last thing he'd eaten was that takeout at Driver's the night before, and his stomach gave an interested growl that had him grimacing. Rocky and Silverbird both chirped at the sound in alarm and he snorted a laugh. "Okay, sue me, I forget to eat...constantly. I was more worried about Ryland than food."

Court took the food gratefully and rummaged through it, and he fought the urge to put most of it away for 'just in case.' That was an old habit he may never end up breaking. "I've only met Sebastian once, he seemed...I'm going with enthusiastic, about jazz. Not really my thing but whatever makes the guy happy."

He ate a little of the sandwich, fighting the urge to inhale it, and he looked up at Rylee with a complicated expression. "...M'sorry about yesterday. That wasn't my business to bring up, should've kept my nose out of it."

[hopping-dimensions]

Her smile fell only a bit into a sadder smile. "No, it's okay. I only just regained my memories about the two of them a few years ago, and built up the dream in my mind that if they were alive, they would've stopped Stratt from putting me on the Mary. I-I still haven't really come to terms with it." She admitted.

Rocky began to chitter with Silverbird happily.

"I'd recommend trying out Seb's. That's the place he owns. I think Driver was planning on going there at some point, maybe the two of you could go together."

"He was asking about you, by the way. He was a bit worried." She admitted. "I didn't say too much, just that you were stressed, and then he told me to make sure you actually got a break." She smirked at Court with a knowing glance.

[sierrasix-official]

"...For whatever it's worth, if I'd known Ryland was going I would've stopped it. The project was so secret I couldn't get clearance to look at anything about it beyond what the public knew, and there isn't much I can't get access to," Court grumbled, staring at the other half of the sandwich in his hand. He didn't mention that he would've blown Stratt's head off her shoulders if he'd known Ryland wasn't going willingly, but he had a feeling Rylee understood better than anyone.

Driver coming up again made his ears go a faint pink, but he didn't react much more than that. "He- I'm alright, really. If he asks me to go to Seb's I will, since he seems to be making it his mission to make me relax." Court had a sneaking suspicion that Driver was going to be making him take more breaks...but he wasn't as put-off by that as he thought he'd be. "Appreciate you not telling him too much, by the way. He knows what he needs to for now, he has enough going on without worrying about me too."

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee hummed in acknowledgement. “I guess. Maybe I’ll have to find their death certificates as closure.” She smiled sadly.

“He’d probably love to go with you. And he’s definitely trying to make you take a break. I think it’s wonderful that you two have each other. But you also need to make him take a break. Both of you need breaks. I swear I’m going to kidnap both of you and put you on the Mary where there’s almost nothing going on to take a break.” She laughed. “And you really think I’m just going to spill everything you told me when it took you a while to even mention something happened to Ryland? I know you two are close but both of you are so shrouded in secrets.” She commented with a chuckle.

[sierrasix-official]

"Secrets keep you safe, it's...at this point it's less of a conscious choice than a knee-jerk reaction," Court muttered softly, and he began fidgeting with a chunk of the bread in his hand until it was nothing but a tiny ball. "I don't know how to take care of somebody anymore, Rylee. Not in a way that doesn't end up with them needing a funeral. But...I can try. I think one chronically overworked person is enough in a- whatever he and I are doing."

He said it matter-of-factly, they still hadn't really put a label on things and that was fine. They were grown men with enough baggage between them to kill a normal person, labels were for people with the luxury to focus on them. "And I'd prefer to never set foot in space, actually. Solid ground is where I belong." Court chuckles to himself, shivering slightly at the idea. "If anything it sounds like you need one. If you're anything like Ryland you're probably running on...coffee and spite, maybe a nap somewhere between if Rocky's not on your case like our Rocky is for Ryland. Am I in the ballpark?" Yes, he was deflecting the conversation away from himself, but he'd said plenty for the time being.

[hopping-dimensions]

Rylee hummed. “Well, the way I see it, you take care of your brothers well enough. That’s why you’re here, right? And I’ve seen how Driver looks at you. I may not be good with words because I’ve only had my wife and two Eridians to talk to for about 5 years, but I know you’re doing just fine. I know they love you dearly.” She returned with a smile. “And that’s all someone really needs.”

She laughed after a few minutes of silence. (She hoped it was at least comfortable). “Right now? Yeah, no, you’re right. I was up late last night. Couldn’t sleep. Ended up going out to buy a cd. Metalstorm, I believe. Don’t have that one on the Mary. Anyways, yeah. You’re right.”

[sierrasix-official]

Talking about the boys was safe territory, he could do that. Court let out a quiet laugh and shook his head, remembering every single Incident they'd gotten into since he arrived and practically feeling a new grey hair sprouting up. "They don't make it easy for me to take care of them, that's for sure. Even mostly confined to this dome they somehow manage to get themselves nearly killed on a regular basis...It's a talent, I guess. You'd think one of their partners would be up to the task of keeping them breathing, but..."

Court trailed off and tapped his finger on his knee rhythmically, his agitation seemingly focused into that one digit. The knee itself was only held back from jiggling up and down by Silverbird loafing on his foot to chirp to Rocky. "The only Metalstorm I know is the last movie Colt worked on before I wound up here. I used to try to keep track of him that way, didn't work very well once they figured out a better way to cover his face though."

[hopping-dimensions]

She smirked. “I bet those two were trouble. But hey, they’re doing okay, even if they’re constantly in trouble. That may be how they handle being stuck in the dome. Why do you think I travel the dimensions.” She smiled.

“Yeah, I saw something about your Colt being the stunt double in this movie. That’s why I picked it up.” She glanced over to him. “It’s wonderful that you’ve been there for these two. That just proves how great of a brother you really are.”

[sierrasix-official]

"...Wasn't, for most of their lives. But thanks." His smile was strained at the edges so he dropped it, now tightly wrapping the rest of the bag so nothing fell out and stuffing it carefully into Silverbird's bag. "No trying that either, last time you tried to eat human food you were sick for two days. Leave it in the bag." he mutters to the Eridian, who squawks indignantly before wiggling their carapace in a little whistling laugh. "Silverbird's as bad as a toddler that eats cheese puffs off the carpet..."

Court leaned back against the rock and braced himself on his hands, staring up at the simulated sunny sky. "I'm proud of them both, though. And you. Nobody in this family gets to have it easy in any universe, but all of you did some amazing stuff. As long as you're happy, you're doing something right."

[hopping-dimensions]

She stared at him, just blinking. She didn’t know what to say. “I-“ She tried. Wow. How long had she ever been told anything like that? She held back tears as she tried to find something to say. His words rang through her head, interrupting all of her thoughts.

She tightens her hands around her pants. “You-you mean it?” She choked out.

[sierrasix-official]

He glanced up when he heard her breath hitch around tears and moved closer, enough that he could rest his hand on Rylee's shoulder in a gentle squeeze. "Meant every bit of it, I'm not really in the habit of lying to people's faces unless I'm getting paid to," he hummed, keeping his tone as soft as possible.

"All I ever wanted was...for them to get out of that shit hole. I wanted them safe and happy, even with me not there to make sure of it. They're both happy, safe is a work in progress," he sighs, shaking his head with a faint smile that looks very worn around the edges. "But you're smart like they are, I have every reason to be proud. I'm sure your sisters would be proud of you too, Rylee."

[hopping-dimensions]

She nodded, letting a few tears fall. Court somehow had a way with words that was absolutely breathtaking.

“Happy is okay. Happy-happy is good for now.” She repeated. Images floated through her mind as she remembered why she had been stuck on the Mary for so long. “You-you should feel proud as well. Do you really think they’d be this happy without you? I’m sure they got along fine without you, but they seem almost infinitely better with you around. I think you’re the reason they have as much courage to get through all their troubles because they remember you’re there now.”