[video | action open to Heimdall]

[whatagoodgirl]

I... I don't understand...

[The small, slender Japanese girl with the high ponytail and downtilted eyes might be familiar to some. She's standing in front of Heimdall House with a newcomer's letter in her hands, dressed in the same uniform as the first time she arrived, but it doesn't quite fit right anymore - she's gotten taller since she made it, started to fill out a little. At least in Asgard, which proves that she hasn't been completely reset.

The confusion on her face starts to contort into alarm as her words confirm that truth.]

Isn't - it over? I remember Freyr - when he - wasn't that the end? But now it's like none of it ever happened... the letter, and the maid, and everything looks just like the first time...

[And now edging into panic as she leans against one of the house's walls, wrapping her arms around her middle and shivering.]

What's going on?!

((ooc: and the thing is done ;D))

Comments

[whatagoodgirl]

No, it's a good thing. I'd rather have bad news than no news at all.

[She can't quite keep her gaze focussed on one thing, constantly taking in the familiar but oddly nostalgic sight of the grey buildings and people, the mounds of snow.]

Has it been quiet here since the war? Or are the gods twice as bad now that the sickness is worse again and two of them are gone?

[dragonspeak]

It's been quiet. I think they're in shock...a bit. They must not have expected everything that happened since the battle, but they've started pulling new Travelers in again.

[The house comes into view at last and Merlin scuffs his boots against the stone steps to some of the snow off before he pushes the front door open.]

You might not see some of them until later, if they're not here. They're probably at the Citadel giving lessons right now.

[whatagoodgirl]

Yeah, I think I've seen some of them. I recognized the looks on their faces.

[She follows after him, cleaning her shoes as well and then toeing them off once she's inside, but keeping the cloak on. She can't quite hold back a relieved sigh at the warmth of the house.]

That's okay, there's time. [It's an odd feeling, being able to say that. She has time again. Everything felt so rushed, so panicked last time she was here.] Can I make us something to drink? Hot chocolate, or tea?

[dragonspeak]

[Merlin debates for a second, fiddling with his clasp.]

Some tea might be good.

[Then his eyes widen comically.]

Er, wait. I'm supposed to be the one offering you that, not the other way around.

[whatagoodgirl]

Oh - I'm sorry! [She bows, stepping out of the way of the kitchen.] I'm just used to... well, I always offer. But it's your house, you're right.

[dragonspeak]

[The ridiculousness of the situation just makes Merlin chuckle. He steers Nakama into one of the chairs.]

You think about other people too often. Let someone else take care of you for once.

[whatagoodgirl]

[She opens her mouth to object, but she's already being plopped down into a chair, so she just tucks herself into her cloak and settles there.]

Alright. Just this once.

[dragonspeak]

Not just this once.

[He's not taking no for an answer! Merlin sets two cups of tea down on the table, pushing one toward her.]

I've got about a month's worth of fussing over you to make up for, you know.

[whatagoodgirl]

A month? [She nearly drops her teacup, but manages to keep it stable with both hands.] Has it really been that long?

[dragonspeak]

Just about, I think. It's been some time.

[He takes a sip of the hot liquid, looking off to the side.]

I've got to find you a Yule present, as well.

[whatagoodgirl]

Oh, Merlin, no! You don't have to do that! You already gave me a cloak, and besides, I can't get anyone anything back for awhile...

[She stares down into her cup, looking troubled. Will her bosses at Tailor Made remember her? Will she have to start all over? They were like a second family to her, too, and now she might be dropped right back down to the bottom of the ladder... or not even accepted at all.]

[dragonspeak]

It's a good thing I don't have to, then isn't it?

[That's another thing he's grown to really love about Asgard. The fact that he can, and has the means, to give the people around him gifts when he wants to.]

I want to.

[whatagoodgirl]

[She sighs, taking a sip of her tea to stifle further objections. She's gotten much better at things like this, but sometimes the kindness still feels like too much, more than she deserves.

When she lowers the cup again, she is smiling, though.]

I - okay. Thank you.

[dragonspeak]

That's more like it.

[It's sort of amazing, how one person's presence can change his mood so much. Then again, Nakama had always had that sort of effect on him.

He taps the table with a finger.]

Think you should give your friends a call? If you'd rather rest and take care of everything else later, you're welcome to stay here as long as you like.

[whatagoodgirl]

No, you're right... I should talk to them. I'll just be a second.

[She opens up her holographic screen, and there are already messages from both Shou and Karu. They both seem shaken, but since Shou is sobbing and demanding she come home, she slinks quietly out of the living room and back into the entrance hall to take that one first.

Eventually she reappears, looking a bit emotional (but not all of the emotion is bad).]

They, um - they want me back.

[dragonspeak]

That's great.

[Merlin beams at her, glad that she's getting such a reception. She deserves it.]

You said the house was in Sigyn, right? Why don't I walk you there? I should head to the hospital for my shift anyway.

[whatagoodgirl]

Are you sure? You've already done so much...

[dragonspeak]

You know I wouldn't offer if I didn't want to.

[His smile turns teasing.]

You'll have so many friends trying to see you in the next few days, I should get a head start.

[whatagoodgirl]

[She blushes deeply, standing and pulling up her hood in advance of going back out into the cold - but mostly to hide her face. She knows it's true, can finally accept it, but it's still so strange.]

I'll make time for everyone. [Quietly, muffled by the edges of her hood.] You've all been so good to me...

[She chokes up a little, and finally just heads back for the entranceway to put her shoes back on.]

[dragonspeak]

You say that like you don't deserve it. But you do.

[Still grinning, he drains the rest of his tea. Then Merlin pulls his own cloak back on after looping his satchel over one shoulder.]

Ready?

[whatagoodgirl]

Merlin. [She looks a bit pleading when she lifts her head from slipping on her shoes - she's working on it, okay. Don't expect too much too soon.]

Yeah, I'm ready.

[dragonspeak]

One day, you'll just accept it.

[Another chuckle, and he leads them back out into the cold.]

So tell me about these friends of yours. I don't think I've ever stopped by your house before.

[Maybe he should remedy that.]

[whatagoodgirl]

One day. But it might take time. I've got a lot to forget first.

[She's quiet and pensive until Merlin speaks up again. So many people have asked her this, but she never knows how to answer.]

They're both... full of good. They have their flaws, like anyone else, but they took - take really good care of me. Shou is louder and more in your face, and Karu is more gentle and quiet. They kind of balance each other out.

[Sometimes. And sometimes they crash together and create frightening sparks. But Nakama can cope with that, knowing how strong and caring their hearts are.]

[dragonspeak]

They sound like good people.

[Another playful flick of her hair, this time with a small smile.]

I'm glad you have them to look after you. You should introduce me to them some time--between the three of us and your other friends, we'll get you to see how important you are to all of us.

[whatagoodgirl]

Oh, yeah, sure! As soon as we're all settled again, we'll have you over for a proper visit. I'd say right away, but... um, Shou was crying, so he probably won't want to meet anyone new today.

[She's trying really hard to smother a smile. It's not mocking of Shou in any way - just affectionate, amused by the big man with his big emotions.]

I do know, Merlin. Honestly. It's just... hard to know how to react sometimes.