[ Marianne almost tells Scott that he doesn't have to meet her outside, but she thinks that maybe he's tired of resting, in the same way she's seen recovering patients push to be discharged early to regain a sense of normal in their lives. So she doesn't protest it, merely hurries along following his instructions. Marianne arrives with a basket dangling from her arm - with medicine as well as food. When she sees him, she gives him a little wave. ]
[Scott's been sitting on his porch when he sees Marianne come into view, a small wave being returned that isn't quite enthusiastic, but at least acknowledging because he's not a complete asshole. He's still tired in a lot of ways and when he looks at his hands, he doesn't see any of the marks, but he's not going to drive her away now that she's here. That'd be really rude.
He pushes back his exhaustion, his feelings, and tries to smile at her with not much success.]
Hey, thanks for stopping by. [He bites his lip for a moment, as if realizing something.] Um, how are you feeling, by the way? I didn't ask earlier...
[ It's a small relief to see that there are no visible marks on him. ]
I'm feeling better now. Calmer than I was.
[ It's been a rough and emotional few weeks. Cooped up at the clinic researching the cure, she'd even gotten frustrated and raised her voice, surprising everyone and herself. Even Marianne had her breaking point. Now she is back to her usual gentle self. She reaches into the basket and takes out a pouch. ]
I brought the medicine. You'll probably want to drink it with water.
[There's visible relief when he hears that she's doing better. H-he's really glad that the corruption is finally leaving his friends, that this fucking nightmare is about over. It's a revelation that breaks through some of the tiredness that's been dragging his movements, with Scott's smile turning a little more sincere as she holds out the pouch to him.]
Thanks for bringing this to me and everything, you're amazing. [His hand curls around the pouch, holding it carefully as if it'll be a cure to all his problems and feelings. He's already healed, but... it's a nice thought. With a small nod, he slowly stands up.]
Um, want to come inside for a while? I need to get water from the kitchen.
[ She feels like she hasn't done much in the end. Marianne won't pry into what happened with Dara, but she suspects it was too little, too late. So all she can do now is be there for him in the aftermath. ]
I brought you some food as well. I didn't know what kind of pastries you liked, there's sweet and savory ones...
[ She'd picked them up from the bakery. Marianne figures he'd be too tired to cook or get food for a while. ]
[Scott's assuming that she's been making these personal trips to anyone that still needs the cure. So here she is, making sure everyone's recovered and everything while he was busy sulking and feeling terrible, stuff that probably didn't help anyone. Sort of makes him want to kick his own ass. He'll do better, after this, definitely. He'll be fully cured without question and then he can help out.
It still sounds sort of tiring.
Ugh, you're doing it again, Summers. Stop it. Chin up because things are going to get better. Like the fact that she brought him food-- pastries, even. That's definitely a huge bonus, Scott actually brightening up as he glances at her basket. He's sincerely in a better mood, but he may exaggerating some of his good cheer--]
Seriously? Man, it's like you read my mind! I've been craving pastries and everything, I'll eat them all! [Okay, he'll probably share some with Kotone, but.]
[ Nothing like a hearty meal to make one feel better, as one of her old classmates might say. She's relieved to see Scott cheer up and her own expression brightens in turn. They all deserve a good meal and rest after being put through that ordeal. Marianne unhooks the basket of food from her arm and sets it on the table. ]
It's been a lot. I hope things will return to normal now.
[The exaggerated cheer lessens, but he finds himself smiling seeing her own brightened expression. He pours himself a glass of water in the mean time, because he really wants to get this part done and over with. Partly because taking medicine is sometimes gross, but mostly, he wants to be 100% sure that the corruption won't seep into his skin and thoughts once more. He'll drink two cures if he has to, as long as they have extra--]
Y-yeah, I think they will. I mean, that's how it always works, right? Something crappy happens, but we pull through. [He fiddles with the pouch, opening it and trying to hide how shaky his hands are. Saying all this almost makes him feel better, because it's true, but it doesn't erase everything he's done.]
[ The powder will taste as medicine does, bitter and hard to swallow. Marianne herself had downed the cure. It didn't taste like much, but she can guarantee it works.
Seeing the way his hands shake, her expression furrows in concern. ]
I think we're more durable than we realize, but that doesn't mean what we went through won't stay with us.
[ What they suffered wasn't easy or fair and she wouldn't expect anyone to shrug it off. She gets the sense that Scott's been pushing himself, trying to be cheerful to not worry her. ]
Scott... Are you alright? [ She adds gently. ] It's okay if you aren't.
[She's more than right about that, how what they went through will stay with them. It'll definitely stay with him, a reminder of how his powers can easily go out of control and that he really has no mastery over them.
Somehow, he manages to get the pouch open despite the shakiness of his hands. It's another thing to make sure that he doesn't spill anything as he lifts it, holding it over his glass and promptly pouring everything in the water. Definitely doesn't look appetizing, worse than any protein powder or whatever, but this is for the best. Mixing it slightly, Scott grimaces and is about to take a sip, when Marianne's comment draws his attention from his glass.]
Um, I. [...He's obvious, isn't he? How much all of this is on his mind still. How afraid he's been about hurting his friends, hurting Kotone.] I... I don't know.
[He frowns at himself, staring down at the glass. So much for not worrying her, but she caught him anyway...] Sorry, I didn't want you to listen to my whining.
[ Marianne reaches out, thinking of helping to steady his shaking hands, but would he feel even worse then? She lowers her hand back to her side, wishing she was better at knowing what to say. ]
It wouldn't bother me. I'm happy to lend an ear.
[ Besides, they have the right to complain after what they've been put through. What had Astralin said back then, when she had been shaken and frustrated with herself? He'd been kind and understanding, sitting with her over a cup of relaxing tea, and that had made her feel better. ]
Shall I boil some warm water and cut up a pastry for us to share? It'll help the medicine go down.
[No, of course it wouldn't bother her, because she's amazingly sweet and supportive and this isn't the first time she's been there for him, huh? She didn't hesitate to help him during the maze and it's kind of dumb, isn't it? That she's once again assisting him with his own issues about his powers and everything. He like totally owes her after everything.
Still, should he tell her? Scott struggles, clearly torn about what he wants to do and sort of hating that she's brought into his mess. As such, he's grateful when she offers to boil some water and cut a pastry for them, pulling him from his thoughts.]
Oh, yeah, that would be great.
[He still takes a large gulp from his drink, however, his face scrunching at the terrible taste but he forces himself to swallow it. He wants at least some of that cure in him as they wait for the water to boil and everything. H-he can endure some bitter medicine for the time being, especially if he won't lose control of himself again.
Hands wrapped around his glass, Scott tries to get that taste down his throat.] Jesus that's worse than the cough syrup back home.
It really tastes awful. I had to down a spoonful of sugar.
[ Marianne sympathizes because she had to take the medicine herself. Several times, in fact, as they researched and tested the cure on themselves. Unfortunately, there was simply no way ground-up minerals would taste good. If they weren't in a pressed for time, maybe they could have gotten more creative about flavoring the medicine, but for now, everyone must suffer through it...
Marianne finds a plate, hoping she's not intruding too much as she retrieves the pastries from the basket and arranges them on the plate like a cute-looking dessert tray for a tea party. It is about the time for afternoon tea, a custom she still takes part in even though she's come to learn it's considered old-fashioned. She sets it out on the table with a smile. ]
Even you needed something to make it go down, huh?
[He can't help but smile at that. For a moment, he worried about sounding kind of whiny about a cure that's only going to help him feel better, but hearing Marianne's own distaste for the flavor helps. Maybe another small reminder that it's okay if he talked about his feelings to her, because it's clear that she'd not only listen, but actually... be understanding. Is there a mean bone in her body? Scott's beginning to doubt that.
When she arranges the pastries, Scott snags one with a grateful smile, not wasting much time before biting half of it one go, letting the chocolate filling flood in his mouth in a grateful noise. Okay yeah, much better. No more chalky taste clinging to his tongue.]
This hits the spot, oh yeah. [He quickly finishes the sweet, tongue licking his lips.] You gotta try some, Marianne.
[ Marianne had brought the treats for Scott to have while he recovered, so she doesn't want to take too much, but she will cut a piece of the pastry and help herself to a sample. Biting into it, she brings a hand to her mouth. ]
It's really good. I'll have to pick up some more for everyone at the clinic.
[ They could probably use a pick-me-up after the long shift. Pouring them both more water, she takes a seat to enjoy the psuedo-teatime, glad to see him smiling again. ]
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[ Marianne almost tells Scott that he doesn't have to meet her outside, but she thinks that maybe he's tired of resting, in the same way she's seen recovering patients push to be discharged early to regain a sense of normal in their lives. So she doesn't protest it, merely hurries along following his instructions. Marianne arrives with a basket dangling from her arm - with medicine as well as food. When she sees him, she gives him a little wave. ]
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He pushes back his exhaustion, his feelings, and tries to smile at her with not much success.]
Hey, thanks for stopping by. [He bites his lip for a moment, as if realizing something.] Um, how are you feeling, by the way? I didn't ask earlier...
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I'm feeling better now. Calmer than I was.
[ It's been a rough and emotional few weeks. Cooped up at the clinic researching the cure, she'd even gotten frustrated and raised her voice, surprising everyone and herself. Even Marianne had her breaking point. Now she is back to her usual gentle self. She reaches into the basket and takes out a pouch. ]
I brought the medicine. You'll probably want to drink it with water.
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Thanks for bringing this to me and everything, you're amazing. [His hand curls around the pouch, holding it carefully as if it'll be a cure to all his problems and feelings. He's already healed, but... it's a nice thought. With a small nod, he slowly stands up.]
Um, want to come inside for a while? I need to get water from the kitchen.
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[ She feels like she hasn't done much in the end. Marianne won't pry into what happened with Dara, but she suspects it was too little, too late. So all she can do now is be there for him in the aftermath. ]
I brought you some food as well. I didn't know what kind of pastries you liked, there's sweet and savory ones...
[ She'd picked them up from the bakery. Marianne figures he'd be too tired to cook or get food for a while. ]
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[Scott's assuming that she's been making these personal trips to anyone that still needs the cure. So here she is, making sure everyone's recovered and everything while he was busy sulking and feeling terrible, stuff that probably didn't help anyone. Sort of makes him want to kick his own ass. He'll do better, after this, definitely. He'll be fully cured without question and then he can help out.
It still sounds sort of tiring.
Ugh, you're doing it again, Summers. Stop it. Chin up because things are going to get better. Like the fact that she brought him food-- pastries, even. That's definitely a huge bonus, Scott actually brightening up as he glances at her basket. He's sincerely in a better mood, but he may exaggerating some of his good cheer--]
Seriously? Man, it's like you read my mind! I've been craving pastries and everything, I'll eat them all! [Okay, he'll probably share some with Kotone, but.]
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[ Nothing like a hearty meal to make one feel better, as one of her old classmates might say. She's relieved to see Scott cheer up and her own expression brightens in turn. They all deserve a good meal and rest after being put through that ordeal. Marianne unhooks the basket of food from her arm and sets it on the table. ]
It's been a lot. I hope things will return to normal now.
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Y-yeah, I think they will. I mean, that's how it always works, right? Something crappy happens, but we pull through. [He fiddles with the pouch, opening it and trying to hide how shaky his hands are. Saying all this almost makes him feel better, because it's true, but it doesn't erase everything he's done.]
We're pretty durable, huh?
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Seeing the way his hands shake, her expression furrows in concern. ]
I think we're more durable than we realize, but that doesn't mean what we went through won't stay with us.
[ What they suffered wasn't easy or fair and she wouldn't expect anyone to shrug it off. She gets the sense that Scott's been pushing himself, trying to be cheerful to not worry her. ]
Scott... Are you alright? [ She adds gently. ] It's okay if you aren't.
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Somehow, he manages to get the pouch open despite the shakiness of his hands. It's another thing to make sure that he doesn't spill anything as he lifts it, holding it over his glass and promptly pouring everything in the water. Definitely doesn't look appetizing, worse than any protein powder or whatever, but this is for the best. Mixing it slightly, Scott grimaces and is about to take a sip, when Marianne's comment draws his attention from his glass.]
Um, I. [...He's obvious, isn't he? How much all of this is on his mind still. How afraid he's been about hurting his friends, hurting Kotone.] I... I don't know.
[He frowns at himself, staring down at the glass. So much for not worrying her, but she caught him anyway...] Sorry, I didn't want you to listen to my whining.
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It wouldn't bother me. I'm happy to lend an ear.
[ Besides, they have the right to complain after what they've been put through. What had Astralin said back then, when she had been shaken and frustrated with herself? He'd been kind and understanding, sitting with her over a cup of relaxing tea, and that had made her feel better. ]
Shall I boil some warm water and cut up a pastry for us to share? It'll help the medicine go down.
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Still, should he tell her? Scott struggles, clearly torn about what he wants to do and sort of hating that she's brought into his mess. As such, he's grateful when she offers to boil some water and cut a pastry for them, pulling him from his thoughts.]
Oh, yeah, that would be great.
[He still takes a large gulp from his drink, however, his face scrunching at the terrible taste but he forces himself to swallow it. He wants at least some of that cure in him as they wait for the water to boil and everything. H-he can endure some bitter medicine for the time being, especially if he won't lose control of himself again.
Hands wrapped around his glass, Scott tries to get that taste down his throat.] Jesus that's worse than the cough syrup back home.
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[ Marianne sympathizes because she had to take the medicine herself. Several times, in fact, as they researched and tested the cure on themselves. Unfortunately, there was simply no way ground-up minerals would taste good. If they weren't in a pressed for time, maybe they could have gotten more creative about flavoring the medicine, but for now, everyone must suffer through it...
Marianne finds a plate, hoping she's not intruding too much as she retrieves the pastries from the basket and arranges them on the plate like a cute-looking dessert tray for a tea party. It is about the time for afternoon tea, a custom she still takes part in even though she's come to learn it's considered old-fashioned. She sets it out on the table with a smile. ]
Here, to cleanse the palate.
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[He can't help but smile at that. For a moment, he worried about sounding kind of whiny about a cure that's only going to help him feel better, but hearing Marianne's own distaste for the flavor helps. Maybe another small reminder that it's okay if he talked about his feelings to her, because it's clear that she'd not only listen, but actually... be understanding. Is there a mean bone in her body? Scott's beginning to doubt that.
When she arranges the pastries, Scott snags one with a grateful smile, not wasting much time before biting half of it one go, letting the chocolate filling flood in his mouth in a grateful noise. Okay yeah, much better. No more chalky taste clinging to his tongue.]
This hits the spot, oh yeah. [He quickly finishes the sweet, tongue licking his lips.] You gotta try some, Marianne.
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[ Marianne had brought the treats for Scott to have while he recovered, so she doesn't want to take too much, but she will cut a piece of the pastry and help herself to a sample. Biting into it, she brings a hand to her mouth. ]
It's really good. I'll have to pick up some more for everyone at the clinic.
[ They could probably use a pick-me-up after the long shift. Pouring them both more water, she takes a seat to enjoy the psuedo-teatime, glad to see him smiling again. ]