CMO for Mock Murder R2

[guardingthelight]

This is the callout post for anyone (with original Eraqus' contact info) to reach out to him.

He's currently only available via phone (text/call/possibly video), and might eventually answer most any text. He will answer phone calls from just about anyone. I welcome spontaneous texts for this one, too. There's no need to plot much of anything out, for this, especially if it's a simple message.

I'll update this as things change, especially if/when he becomes available as an in-person hangout.

Comments

[guardingthelight]

I'll hold you to that, then.
Give me about fifteen minutes?

[found_way]

i wont be expecting you

[guardingthelight]

[ omg sky you nerd

It's about fifteen minutes later, Eraqus will be finding his way there - he asked a few people along the way. When he approaches, his expression softens quite a bit... ]

... Sky?

[found_way]

[!!!]

No way, Era?!

[He sure is rushing over and practically tackling him.]

[guardingthelight]

[ There's a laugh as his arms wrap around Sky, his smile warm, fond... ]

You're-... [ pulling back, looking at him for a moment, taking a soft, deep breath ] ... I'm really glad you're doing better.

[ Very lightly, very briefly, one hand brushes against Sky's face and he smiles, in spite of the threat of tears. ]

[found_way]

[O-oh... his breath stutters a little with the brush to his face, and he shyly raises his hand to catch Eraqus' hand.]

... yeah. [His voice is quiet.] Don't remember how I used to be before, but... [There's a lot of tension here. He whispers:] I got a lot worse before I got better.

[guardingthelight]

[ His expression dims... ]

I'm sorry I wasn't there, Sky... I'm sorry for everything you had to endure, but... I'm incredibly proud of you. You accomplished a remarkable thing, you know.

[ There's a smile lingering on his lips. ]

And I'm here now - although, I believe I always was, in some ways. Especially considering... Era. [ dim, brief smile ] So, even if your mind forgot about this version of me, I know there's no chance I didn't remain somehow.

But, all that aside, I'm completely here now, and I... [ resting a hand over Sky's heart. ] ... won't be going anywhere, ever again. I promise.

[found_way]

[There's a bit of a nervous laugh at that first part, and he's glancing away, something a little... haunted to his gaze? It takes considerable effort to shove it down and look back to Eraqus.

He looks down at the hand, then covers it with both of his own, closing his eyes briefly.]

Eraqus, I... [There's a strained smile.] ... killed someone. Or I... thought I did, at least. I might as well have killed her.

[His breath shakes, and his hands slowly fall away. He's rapidly becoming pale.]

I... dragged it out...

[guardingthelight]

[ Mmmm...

He clearly doesn't like what he's hearing, but it's not in a sense of... outright condemning - or even judging, really - Sky, himself.

But... ]

... That nightmare truly was... cruel. I can't begin to imagine how difficult it was for all of you, but... especially you. You'd already been through so much, lost so much. And perhaps... you'll never be able to fully let go of that pain, but...

[ His free hand lifts, covers Sky's. ]

I'll help you in whatever way I can.

[found_way]

[He swallows thickly, and when he slowly looks up to Eraqus, his eyes are glistening. He takes an unsteady breath, then lets his head pitch down and rest on the other teen's shoulder.]

... I know you will.

[His body is tense. He's trembling slightly, and a small sob slips out, before he gives a small, wry laugh.]

Heh, I'm probably even more pathetic now than you remember me being.