"I'm not surprised." [Her smile twists a little, glancing over, voice lowering slightly.] "I think every time I come back, I have to convince him all over again I'm not expecting things to be the same."
Oh. [He feels like he's repeating himself but that didn't even occur to him and his heart breaks just a little bit for his husband. He'll have to try to remind him later that he's happy to have this version of Isaac, no matter how he was in the past, he loves the man he's with now.]
No wonder he's been quiet...[His voice is soft and he looks back in the direction Isaac went even though there is no way he'd be back yet.] It's kind of nice having you here already. It's like I have an Isaac translator or something -- not that he's difficult to understand. He just...keeps a lot to himself.
I get it. I've had a lot of practice in figuring out the right questions. [And it's kind of nice to hear, in a slightly selfish way. The distance can feel impossibly big sometimes, exhausting to be that far away from each other, especially now that Isaac has someone else that close. It's nice to remember that she hasn't been completely displaced, not yet.]
I guess we are still in the dating phase. It wouldn't make sense for me to have all the answers yet. [Which makes him flush slightly, it will never not be a little bit exciting-embarrassing-exhilarating how they got married on a whim. He wouldn't take it back for anything but it definitely isn't the most normal way to have a relationship.]
[A wry little smile curls up the corner of her mouth, an expression that looks strikingly similar to Isaac.] I think they need a new name for whatever phase the two of you are in, honestly. But it sounds like it's been working out.
[Seeing the similarities in their expressions and faces will never not be a little surreal. They really do favor each other in a lot of ways. He supposes that does make sense, they are twins after all.] I think so. Unless I'm reading this really wrong. I think we do well together. Oh! [He points at Imogene, remembering something.] He's been responding better to the new playlist I made for him. I doubt he remembers the music, but I think it might be closer to his genre preference. I used some of the artists you recommended.
"Good to hear it. I'll see if I can think of anything else."
[She straightens up abruptly when Isaac breaks through the crowd again, stepping closer to hold out a hand, and then rolling her eyes when he adjusts the two bags more comfortably instead, leaving her with just the laptop bag she's holding.]
How much did you pack? Feels like a lot for eight days. [Instead of teasing it's just pleased; it's pretty clear that if she suddenly announced she was staying longer, Isaac would be the last one to complain. He moves closer to Dagny once he has the bags settled in place, shooting him a questioning glance, trying to figure out if they need to do anything else before heading out to the car.]
"I brought some work with me. And some other stuff."
[When he sees Imogene straighten, he follows her line of sight and smiles when he catches sight of Isaac, partially from amusement of seeing him weighed down with the bags but mostly just happy to see him back.
He reaches out after Isaac settles, putting an arm around his shoulders and pressing a quick kiss to his temple, still feeling a little heartbroken at the idea that Isaac would feel somehow like he isn't enough because he isn't the person he used to be. When he pulls back, he takes one of the bags from Isaac before gesturing for them to follow along to the car, something he's borrowing from his parents for the time being while Imogene is out, not bothering to keep one for himself since he lives in the city.]
Will you have to do much work while you're here, Imogene? Maybe I'll move my desk into the guest room so you'll have somewhere to set up. [Speaking mostly to himself, he is definitely going to do that as soon as they get home.]
[He leans into the touch immediately, something Imogene clearly is filing away as she watches them. Isaac doesn't seem entirely aware of that, leaning in to press a kiss against Dagny's cheek in return, letting him pull one of the bags away, settling into step next to him.]
"Not a lot I have to do, but there's a lot I could do. There's always something I could do." [There's a laugh in her voice though, the complaint light.] "I'm sure I can find a spot, though, don't worry about moving furniture around."
No worries here, it's a quick fix, super easy, then at least you'll have somewhere to work that's quiet. And if you want to come out and join us, you can do that too.
[It's said in a light tone but still in a way that won't allow for any arguments, he's already made up his mind about it, there is no point trying to stop him.
There isn't much more of an opportunity to talk as they walk, the airport a little too crowded and busy for that. When they get to the car, Dagny opens the trunk, taking the suitcases from everyone and loading them himself, letting the other two get settled before he gets in himself, moving around to the front to start the drive back home.]
Is there anything you wanted to see while you're here? Anything you've been missing? [He directs his question towards Imogene, curious if she has any plans for her vacation or if she is leaving it all up to them.]
[She'll still probably try to talk him out of it when they actually get there, but weaving through the crowd doesn't seem like the best time to argue. It's easier to just focus on getting outside, Isaac falling behind a couple of steps once they reach the door, fumbling his sunglasses out of his pocket one-handed. He lingers back by the trunk to make sure Dagny doesn't need a hand, leaning in to kiss him quickly before climbing back into the car.
He's in the front seat when Dagny slides in; Imogene is fully spread across the back seat to stretch, groaning softly as she leverages herself back up to sitting, sliding into one seat to buckle in.]
"Good pizza." [Is the immediate answer, and then a hum as she considers.] "I haven't really planned on much, besides meeting up with a couple of people on Monday. I figured I'd see what came up."
[Once they are out of the airport traffic and on the freeway, Dagny reaches over to place his hand on Isaac's thigh, no longer having to pay as much attention to the road. He smiles at Imogene in the rearview mirror at her responses.]
Pizza we can do, there are a few good places near us. We could do all of them if you want. A great Chinese food place too. [He's tried not to make too many plans, not knowing what Imogene had planned for herself, but he does have a few things up his sleeve.] Perfect. I have one day trip in mind, but it doesn't have a specific date. We can play it by ear.
[It's hard for her to stop watching the two of them; the casual touching is a little strange to see, the way Isaac leans into it immediately, but only in good ways. It's a little bit of a load off of her mind already to see how comfortable things seem to be, the bit of worry that's hung around since Isaac broke the news starting to fade quickly now that she sees the two of them together. She's doing her best not to be too obvious about it, but it's probably not quite enough to not get caught.
There's clear surprise on her face when Dagny says he's made plans, but she smiles, not bothered by it. She's still a little worried about being an intrusion, so it's kind of nice to know he's at least thought that much about it.] "That sounds good."
[She's apparently happy for him to keep the plan to himself for now, okay with being surprised. Isaac covers Dagny's hand with his own, holding him there as he shifts a little in his seat, twisting slightly to look into the back.] We can take a look and see if there's anything interesting going on, too. Museums and stuff?
"Yeah. But we can also stay home and watch movies. Don't make me pack them for no reason." [She nudges at the back of Isaac's seat, and he resettles trying not to look a little guilty, aware it's at least partly an out in case he's not in the mood to deal with people.]
[It's hard not to catch the way that Imogene's eyes seem to follow Dagny's hands whenever he reaches for Isaac. She hasn't said anything about it though and honestly he's not sure he would be able to stop even if he tried, so he figures it is easier to just keep doing what feels natural, it would be more awkward for him to hold back.
What is more difficult for him to adjust to is the way that the siblings interact. It's like they have a language of their own that he doesn't know. Judging by the way Isaac's face falls after she mentions staying home, it's clear they he missed something that is going unsaid. He squeezes Isaac's leg gently, not wanting to bring any vocal attention to it.]
You packed movies? Are we that out of touch? [To be fair, he's pretty sure he hasn't watched a movie since him and Isaac got married. They've just been busy.]
[His fingers skim up Dagny's arm gently, an affectionate touch, offering him a little sideways smile. Trying to offer reassurance. Things are fine, really; he's just a little too worried about proving that he's doing okay, sometimes.]
"I like movies. We didn't get through the ones I brought last time."
[Isaac snorts quietly at that, trying to put it behind him.] Yeah, and whose fault was that?
"You brought out the board games."
You thought you could beat a hundred year old ghost at Trivial Pursuit.
"I still think he was cheating." [They're overlapping each other slightly, already apparently aware of what the other is going to say.]
[It's all Dagny can do to try and keep up, still mostly focused on driving, although his face shows the amusement he feels, excited about this new side of Isaac that he hasn't witnessed before, as well as entertained by the content of their conversation. He stays quiet for the most part, just listening to them interact.
He is curious why Isaac hasn't introduced him to any of his ghost friends, especially since he supposedly talks about Dagny all the time. But it's not an insecurity to share right now, not while everyone is having fun.]
[It's easy for the two of them to fall into rhythm, letting the conversation drift from idle bickering into questions and catch-up. Imogene's classes, what's going on with the attempts to transfer, second-hand information about how the few people she still keeps up with are doing, whether she's planning on checking in with the professor while she's visiting; if Isaac's found a replacement for the campus gym now that he's farther away, if he's picked up anything new while she's been distracted this month. Neither of them forget about Dagny being there at any point, and Isaac stays in contact the entire time, but it's hard not to fall into old habits. Some things go half-explained unless prompted, sometimes things get dropped with what's clearly a conclusion for both of them and doesn't sound like much from the outside.
There's enough to fill the ride back for the most part, occasional little bursts of silence between questions until they're parked and climbing out of the car. Imogene ducks into the trunk before either of the others get a chance to so that she can at least grab one of the bags, pulling it over her shoulder and gesturing for them to lead the way, falling a step behind so she can look around the area.
Isaac reaches for Dagny's hand almost automatically, but he keeps glancing behind him until they actually reach their door, like he's half-expecting to find that she's not there the next time he looks.]
[Despite the fact that conversation flows without him, he doesn't really feel left out at all. Both the siblings are good at making sure Dagny feels included and Dagny is fine to just let them catch up. He knows there is plenty of people and places that only they are aware of, and he knows he'll be included when it matters, he doesn't have to be involved in everything they do.
After they park, Dagny grabs the rest of Imogene's bags, walking with Isaac through the apartment apartment lobby and showing her the way up to their place. Judging by how Imogene keeps looking around, he has a feeling she's going to love the windows in the living room, the view really being the best part of their space.
He opens the door when the get there, holding it for both Isaac and Imogene to enter before him.]
This is our place. Feel free to make yourself at home. Kitchen, living room, hallway through there, guest room, bathroom, our room...[He does a quick walk into the center of the room, pointing in the direction of things as he goes. A quasi tour they can actually give her a tour. Gesturing to the floor to ceiling windows last.] Our view of the beautiful city.
[Isaac leaves him to take care of the explanation, grabbing the bags so he can set them down in the guest room, the siblings making faces at each other when he tugs Imogene's off of her shoulder. The windows do seem to catch her attention more than anything else, moving closer to get a better look.]
"Whoever you killed to get this, it was worth it." [She lingers for a few more moments before turning away, shaking her head.] "God, I miss this place." [There's a little bit of wistfulness in her voice, but she offers a grin easily enough, turning to take in the rest of the apartment.]
I actually saved someone to get the place, the only person who died for it was me. But I agree, it was worth it. [He's not sure if they are all at a place where he can joke about this, but he assumes it's good company to at least try.
He walks over to the open kitchen area, gesturing to the fridge, offering to get her anything she might need while still talking to her.] Do you think you'll move back when you graduate?
[It gets a huff of a laugh out of her, anyway, and no negative reactions. It's been long enough to adjust to the idea of it, at least without having to see it in action.]
"Definitely. Hopefully before that if I'm lucky. Transfers are almost impossible but I'm working on it." [She drifts towards the kitchen, glancing at the fridge.] "Water?"
[He nods, reaching into the fridge to pull out a water bottle for her before walking a bit closer to hand it over, staying near her after he does.]
Well, if you need any help from us, or a place to stay while you work on things...you're always welcome.
[He leans over from where he's standing so that he can call out to Isaac, definitely going for an embarrassing pet name since his sister is there.] Hey, Love Muffin, do you need water or anything?
"I'll let you know. And if you need me out of your hair for a while, that's okay too." [It's mostly joking, but not entirely. She's a little bit surprised by how open Dagny is about all this, she'd rather not overstay her welcome.
She snorts quietly to herself when he calls out, uncapping the bottle and taking a long drink. Isaac's reply comes from the bathroom instead of the guest room, calling back:] I'm okay. [He doesn't take much longer to reemerge, nudging Imogene lightly as he joins the two of them.] There's towels if you want to take a shower.
I doubt that will happen. I actually love being around people. My social battery actually fills up the more people are around. [Basically making him the exact opposite of Isaac. Maybe that's why they get along so well, they compliment each other.
He smiles as Isaac returns, resisting the urge to move himself to be closer to his husband, turning to grab a water bottle for himself instead, and taking a drink while the siblings chat again.]
[Isaac doesn't seem to have the same need to resist; as soon as Dagny's done with his drink he shifts to move over to him, an arm winding around his waist. He's gotten used to sticking close, especially when they're home. It isn't even something he thinks twice about at this point.
Imogene's still watching the two of them at that little bit of contact, thoughtful. Things fall quiet for a minute, but it's a comfortable enough silence at least, not really searching for anything to stay, before she moves to set the half-full bottle down on the counter.]
"Guest room's that way?" [With a little point, and she goes on after Isaac nods:] "I think I am gonna grab a shower. I'll be fast."
[Isaac leans a little more into Dagny, watching her go before he fully switches his attention to his husband, giving him a small smile as he checks, slightly belatedly:] Do you need anything?
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2025-03-20 04:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-03-20 05:45 am (UTC)No wonder he's been quiet...[His voice is soft and he looks back in the direction Isaac went even though there is no way he'd be back yet.] It's kind of nice having you here already. It's like I have an Isaac translator or something -- not that he's difficult to understand. He just...keeps a lot to himself.
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Date: 2025-03-20 06:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-03-20 06:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-03-20 06:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-03-20 06:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-03-20 07:20 am (UTC)[She straightens up abruptly when Isaac breaks through the crowd again, stepping closer to hold out a hand, and then rolling her eyes when he adjusts the two bags more comfortably instead, leaving her with just the laptop bag she's holding.]
How much did you pack? Feels like a lot for eight days. [Instead of teasing it's just pleased; it's pretty clear that if she suddenly announced she was staying longer, Isaac would be the last one to complain. He moves closer to Dagny once he has the bags settled in place, shooting him a questioning glance, trying to figure out if they need to do anything else before heading out to the car.]
"I brought some work with me. And some other stuff."
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Date: 2025-03-20 07:53 am (UTC)He reaches out after Isaac settles, putting an arm around his shoulders and pressing a quick kiss to his temple, still feeling a little heartbroken at the idea that Isaac would feel somehow like he isn't enough because he isn't the person he used to be. When he pulls back, he takes one of the bags from Isaac before gesturing for them to follow along to the car, something he's borrowing from his parents for the time being while Imogene is out, not bothering to keep one for himself since he lives in the city.]
Will you have to do much work while you're here, Imogene? Maybe I'll move my desk into the guest room so you'll have somewhere to set up. [Speaking mostly to himself, he is definitely going to do that as soon as they get home.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 08:01 am (UTC)"Not a lot I have to do, but there's a lot I could do. There's always something I could do." [There's a laugh in her voice though, the complaint light.] "I'm sure I can find a spot, though, don't worry about moving furniture around."
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Date: 2025-03-20 08:19 am (UTC)[It's said in a light tone but still in a way that won't allow for any arguments, he's already made up his mind about it, there is no point trying to stop him.
There isn't much more of an opportunity to talk as they walk, the airport a little too crowded and busy for that. When they get to the car, Dagny opens the trunk, taking the suitcases from everyone and loading them himself, letting the other two get settled before he gets in himself, moving around to the front to start the drive back home.]
Is there anything you wanted to see while you're here? Anything you've been missing? [He directs his question towards Imogene, curious if she has any plans for her vacation or if she is leaving it all up to them.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 08:31 am (UTC)He's in the front seat when Dagny slides in; Imogene is fully spread across the back seat to stretch, groaning softly as she leverages herself back up to sitting, sliding into one seat to buckle in.]
"Good pizza." [Is the immediate answer, and then a hum as she considers.] "I haven't really planned on much, besides meeting up with a couple of people on Monday. I figured I'd see what came up."
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Date: 2025-03-20 09:11 am (UTC)Pizza we can do, there are a few good places near us. We could do all of them if you want. A great Chinese food place too. [He's tried not to make too many plans, not knowing what Imogene had planned for herself, but he does have a few things up his sleeve.] Perfect. I have one day trip in mind, but it doesn't have a specific date. We can play it by ear.
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Date: 2025-03-20 09:39 am (UTC)There's clear surprise on her face when Dagny says he's made plans, but she smiles, not bothered by it. She's still a little worried about being an intrusion, so it's kind of nice to know he's at least thought that much about it.] "That sounds good."
[She's apparently happy for him to keep the plan to himself for now, okay with being surprised. Isaac covers Dagny's hand with his own, holding him there as he shifts a little in his seat, twisting slightly to look into the back.] We can take a look and see if there's anything interesting going on, too. Museums and stuff?
"Yeah. But we can also stay home and watch movies. Don't make me pack them for no reason." [She nudges at the back of Isaac's seat, and he resettles trying not to look a little guilty, aware it's at least partly an out in case he's not in the mood to deal with people.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:00 am (UTC)What is more difficult for him to adjust to is the way that the siblings interact. It's like they have a language of their own that he doesn't know. Judging by the way Isaac's face falls after she mentions staying home, it's clear they he missed something that is going unsaid. He squeezes Isaac's leg gently, not wanting to bring any vocal attention to it.]
You packed movies? Are we that out of touch? [To be fair, he's pretty sure he hasn't watched a movie since him and Isaac got married. They've just been busy.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:26 am (UTC)"I like movies. We didn't get through the ones I brought last time."
[Isaac snorts quietly at that, trying to put it behind him.] Yeah, and whose fault was that?
"You brought out the board games."
You thought you could beat a hundred year old ghost at Trivial Pursuit.
"I still think he was cheating." [They're overlapping each other slightly, already apparently aware of what the other is going to say.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:30 am (UTC)He is curious why Isaac hasn't introduced him to any of his ghost friends, especially since he supposedly talks about Dagny all the time. But it's not an insecurity to share right now, not while everyone is having fun.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:58 am (UTC)There's enough to fill the ride back for the most part, occasional little bursts of silence between questions until they're parked and climbing out of the car. Imogene ducks into the trunk before either of the others get a chance to so that she can at least grab one of the bags, pulling it over her shoulder and gesturing for them to lead the way, falling a step behind so she can look around the area.
Isaac reaches for Dagny's hand almost automatically, but he keeps glancing behind him until they actually reach their door, like he's half-expecting to find that she's not there the next time he looks.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 11:14 am (UTC)After they park, Dagny grabs the rest of Imogene's bags, walking with Isaac through the apartment apartment lobby and showing her the way up to their place. Judging by how Imogene keeps looking around, he has a feeling she's going to love the windows in the living room, the view really being the best part of their space.
He opens the door when the get there, holding it for both Isaac and Imogene to enter before him.]
This is our place. Feel free to make yourself at home. Kitchen, living room, hallway through there, guest room, bathroom, our room...[He does a quick walk into the center of the room, pointing in the direction of things as he goes. A quasi tour they can actually give her a tour. Gesturing to the floor to ceiling windows last.] Our view of the beautiful city.
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Date: 2025-03-20 11:20 am (UTC)"Whoever you killed to get this, it was worth it." [She lingers for a few more moments before turning away, shaking her head.] "God, I miss this place." [There's a little bit of wistfulness in her voice, but she offers a grin easily enough, turning to take in the rest of the apartment.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 11:27 am (UTC)He walks over to the open kitchen area, gesturing to the fridge, offering to get her anything she might need while still talking to her.] Do you think you'll move back when you graduate?
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Date: 2025-03-20 11:35 am (UTC)"Definitely. Hopefully before that if I'm lucky. Transfers are almost impossible but I'm working on it." [She drifts towards the kitchen, glancing at the fridge.] "Water?"
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Date: 2025-03-20 09:52 pm (UTC)Well, if you need any help from us, or a place to stay while you work on things...you're always welcome.
[He leans over from where he's standing so that he can call out to Isaac, definitely going for an embarrassing pet name since his sister is there.] Hey, Love Muffin, do you need water or anything?
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:15 pm (UTC)She snorts quietly to herself when he calls out, uncapping the bottle and taking a long drink. Isaac's reply comes from the bathroom instead of the guest room, calling back:] I'm okay. [He doesn't take much longer to reemerge, nudging Imogene lightly as he joins the two of them.] There's towels if you want to take a shower.
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:21 pm (UTC)He smiles as Isaac returns, resisting the urge to move himself to be closer to his husband, turning to grab a water bottle for himself instead, and taking a drink while the siblings chat again.]
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Date: 2025-03-20 10:46 pm (UTC)Imogene's still watching the two of them at that little bit of contact, thoughtful. Things fall quiet for a minute, but it's a comfortable enough silence at least, not really searching for anything to stay, before she moves to set the half-full bottle down on the counter.]
"Guest room's that way?" [With a little point, and she goes on after Isaac nods:] "I think I am gonna grab a shower. I'll be fast."
[Isaac leans a little more into Dagny, watching her go before he fully switches his attention to his husband, giving him a small smile as he checks, slightly belatedly:] Do you need anything?
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