[OPEN] Inner Glow

[graveling]

Who: Angel and Y'all
What: Springtime shenanigans
When:Anytime between mid-March and the April Event
Where: Various
Warning(s): Mention of minor non-specific injury in first prompt.

1. Got to fill your cup and find the way out of your own maze [Temple]
Whatever one's reason for stopping by the Temple of Sacred Roots, there's a decent chance to find Angel there. Right now, he's doing a lot of cleaning that Degas hasn't had the energy or strength for--dusting high shelves and cabinets, taking down curtains to be washed, doing windows. After all, his beehives are mostly getting situated right now, so he has some extra time to turn to the physical space of the temple.

If you hear singing from where he's working, well. Yes, you absolutely do, but he'll pretend otherwise if called on it.

And perhaps you come on a day where Angel's sustained some minor injury, and there's an unmistakable golden glow as a cut or bruise heals. He does not bleed blood, but on sanctified ground, he bleeds light.


2. Now there's a category for every song [Flowers?]
Angel thought he knew what he planted on the farm, in terms of flowers. But something's popping up, especially near the beehives, that's unfamiliar. Pointed clusters of teal-blue flowers that seem eerily, perfectly bee-sized. It concerns him a little, which is going to lead to Research.

Perhaps you find him in the library, trawling through books about plants. Or if you're known to be a scientist or druidic sort, you're likely to be approached by Angel with a sample in hand. Either way, he's got some funky plants he doesn't yet understand.


3. Don't keep your aching, celebrating, wonder-making heart alone [Wildcard]
Find me on Discord to plot or just throw anything at me!

Comments

[graveling]

"They still burn. You still burn."

Angel nods slightly, approvingly.

"Their love is something you get to pass on to others. It's good."

[pineapplesalmon]

Now César has more tears to deal with, so he covers his face with his palm and croaks out: "... And I can accept love from others in return."

A pause for breath, and then he can say so much more. "I can be the man Magne needs me to be because of them. But not just her. How to love people. How to be a source of safety and compassion. How to be a big brother and a friend."

[graveling]

"Do you need a glass of water and a handkerchief?"

Practical concerns.

[pineapplesalmon]

César gives a singular laugh. "... wouldn't be a bad idea." A breath. "I think I'll be at this a bit."

[graveling]

"You get to take your time. I'll be right back."

He comes back with cold water and a hanky after a few minutes.

[pineapplesalmon]

When Angel comes back, César is silently crying into his hand.

[graveling]

Angel watches, not sure if he should get close, should offer a hug, should reassure Cesar it's okay to cry aloud. So instead he ends up doing none of those and just. Zombie stares.

[pineapplesalmon]

César looks up to see where Angel had gone and startles a bit when he realizes Angel's already back. That prompts another short laugh despite the tears.

"... sorry." He flashes a brief smile, then looks down at his wet hand. "Thank you. I-I could probably use the handkerchief first."

[graveling]

"You can even dip the hanky in the water and wipe yourself up. I remember hearing cool water on the face helps with calming, in people with nervous systems that work."

This is how one gently teases an upset nerd.

[pineapplesalmon]

César makes an amused noise as he quietly takes both, handkerchief with his wet hand. "Less messy than splashing water on my face. Had to do that a lot before I got here."

He dips a third or so of the handkerchief in water and washes his face off, just taking a moment to breathe. Just having someone around that cares for him helps. Extra that they've gone out of the way to help. César blinks a few more tears, surprisingly able to hold a conversation.

"It feels like I can survive losing them here. Back home... I'm slowly breaking."