A prompt: Claire and Toby reunion on the flying castle with a side of being concerned for crystalized Jim?
Ok, this could be read a couple different ways, platonically, Jlaire, Hammerhunter, Warstaff, or obviously, predictably Jlaireby. I just wanted to leave that up to your imagination.
“Claire! Oh my gosh I’m so glad to see you!” Toby cheered as he ran forward.
Claire immediately opened her arms and braced herself as her friend threw himself at her for a hug. He collided with her and she was thankful for her armor. She held him as tightly as she could.
“Hey TP. It’s so good to see you again. I wish it was under happier circumstances.” Claire’s voice was heavy with emotion and Toby could feel her shoulders were tense under his arms. He turned and glanced to where Jim sat. Or rather, where the crystal Jim was incased in sat. The heavy twinge of guilt and fear filled his mind. He couldn’t lose his best friend. Not again.
“Yeah.” Toby fought back tears for a moment before brightening. “But have you seen this flying castle? It’s so cool!”
Toby grabbed Claire’s hand to show her around the castle, the whole time talking excitedly, his free hand flapping wildly at his side.
“This is really cool TP.” Claire said. Her voice was still tired, but she was starting to relax a little. “I-”
“I’m compartmentalizing.” Toby declared, interrupting her.
“I’m worried about Jim too. I’m not ignoring him or trying to minimalize what’s going on.” Toby was talking very fast now. His hand flapping even faster, his other keeping its tight grip on Claire’s. “I just need to keep it together long enough for Merlin to save Jim’s life.”
Claire watched Toby for a moment. Then she smiled at him.
“I know Toby. Of anyone in Arcadia, I probably know best.” She pulled him into another hug as she spoke. “Remember those weeks where Jim was in the Darklands? We were the only comfort we had during that time. I know better than anyone else the way you worry.”
Toby took a deep, shuttering breath, his face pressed against her shoulder.
“What if Merlin can’t save Jim? He wasn’t exactly the nicest the last time around.”
“Merlin WILL save Jim. And if he doesn’t we will. We never gave up on Jim before. And we’re not going to start now.”
Toby pulled back, to give her a soft smile, tears shining at the corners of his eyes.
“You’re right. We’re Trollhunters. We’ll find a way to save Jimbo.”
