Deos fortioribus adesse.

Michael "Mike" Kahale. 19 years old. Legionnaire and son of Venus. Native of Hilo, Hawaii. “Nana ka maka, hana ka lima. (Watch and you will learn how to do it.) ” – Hawaiian Proverb

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

… I’m still gonna miss her. People aren’t spare parts, they can’t be replaced.

I know. You don’t have to tell me that. But you’ll see her again.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

[He pushed himself closer to Mike] I know, and I know it had to happen and it wasn’t like we were attached at the hip but… I don’t know how you deal with feeling responsible for everything all the time. It’s killing me.

Well, good thing you’re not me and it’ll fade eventually. Meanwhile I’ll just remind you it’s not your fault.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

Technically, yes, but…

[He put an arm around Q] Her leaving has nothing to do with you, Q. As arrogant as it sounds, I’m sure of it.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

Yeah, that’s still the plan. [He breathed in and sighed slowly] … I thought Laurel and I were a team. And we were, until I got sidetracked, I guess… She was supposed to be the pilot of the robot I was gonna build, remember? But I just… didn’t make it, and it feels like I let her down.

Q… I don’t think that’s true. I think she’s just ready to move on.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

Well, I am supposed to leave for New Rome. [He half-smiled looking at Mike] … But it’s… I mean, I don’t feel like it’s a bad thing, but it didn’t happen the way I always thought it would.

Is that still your plan? [Mike asked, his eyes lighting up. He was not-so-secretly always afraid Q would decide New Rome wasn’t for him and go somewhere else] How did you think it would happen?

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

[Q shrugged] Somewhere. Wherever the road takes her, I guess.

I’m sure you’ll see her. You’re going to leave eventually too. 

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

[He looked at the green knitted cover on his stump. Funny enough, he was getting used to that bright green spot on the corner of his vision] No… [He rested his head on Mike’s shoulder] Laurel left camp this morning. Forever.

[Mike blinked surprised] Where is she going?

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

Yeah, I figured that much… [He sighed and patted the spot next to him on the dock. He’d gone to the lake while his siblings spent their time in the forges,

[Michael sighed and carefully sat on the spot next to Q. He looked at him with concern] Is this about your arm?

[tinqerer]

… you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I’m okay, would you?

[mikekahale]

I know what “okay” Q looks like... this isn’t it. 

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

Now that’s up to you, Centurion. I can give only half hugs.

Another duty to add to my long list. I’ll perform it with the best of my ability.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

I like hugs. A lot.

I know. I’ve noticed that... I’m working on being a less awkward hugger.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

You’re pretty great at this support thing.

I just do a lot of hugs.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

I think so?

[Mike nodded, understanding, and pulled him into a tight hug]

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

It’s still your shirt, it’s symbolic. I won’t be a weirdo and smell it every time I feel lonely.

... Is a shirt really going to be enough?

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

[Q shook his head, smiling a little] One is fine, Mike.

What if the smell goes away?

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

It would help with the loneliness thing.

[Mike became sad, because Q shouldn’t have to feel lonely. He should always be there for him, but he couldn’t] Of course I’ll give you one of my shirts. As many as you want.

[mikekahale]

tinqerer:

… I’m gonna be a sappy boyfriend, you’re warned. [He breathed in] One of your shirts?

That would really help you?