Midsummer Bash

[puppy_lancer]

Characters: Lancer, the people he invited to the party, and everyone else who wants to stumble in
Setting: Floor 25, July 5, afternoon
Format: Open
Summary: Lancer throws a party for midsummer, since the Tower obviously needs a breather.
Warnings: None so far.

[To be honest, Lancer wanted to have the party in the evening, sometime around twilight. That would have been the most romantic time for it. Unfortunately, when in the Tower, one had to account for things like monsters. As a result, he had to hold it during the afternoon. But it wasn't too bad of a compromise.]

[This was, of course, a more simple affair than Diarmuid's birthday. For food, he had hauled a couple of tables up here and lined the table with dinner food. The centerpiece was a cake which had a heart drawn on it in red frosting. In one corner of the meadow, he had used some boxes and tarp to make some sort of booth where people could hide from the sun (and steal kisses off of each other). In the center of the meadow, he had piled a large stack of wood, perfect for lighting a bonfire by the party's end. The structures had all been surrounded with wreaths made from the meadow's flowers.]

[As soon as he's done with the setup, Lancer will sit down next to the firewood pile, waiting for people to come.]

Comments

[puppy_lancer]

[He nods.]

I'm glad you had Aengus, though. From everything the legend said, and everything you said, he seems like a good Dad.

[A pause.]

You think he'd be happy seeing you now?

[oathshackledbird]

He was the best father.

[Diarmuid smiles widely, obviously much happier talking about Aengus than Donn.]

I know I would be happy to see him. Father...

[He sighs and shakes his head.]

I often wonder if he blamed himself for what happened to me. He watched me every night but the night I died, after all. I would not want him to feel that way. I would rather we spend whatever time we would have together talking and things like that, not placing blame when it doesn't lie with either of us.

[puppy_lancer]

...Maybe he does. But like you said, it's not your fault.

Besides, he could watch your wife and kids.

I didn't leave any kids for my mom to look after.

[oathshackledbird]

It's not his fault either. I expect he did watch over my children at least. My wife...perhaps not so much, but she always knew how to watch out for herself. I'm sure she was fine.

[Diarmuid gives his brother a stern look when he hears those whispered words.]

That wasn't your fault. That was her fault. She shouldn't have sent him after you like that...

[puppy_lancer]

[He quickly shakes his head.]

I was the one who didn't listen.

[oathshackledbird]

And she was the one who turned him into a weapon of revenging knowing you would not!

[Diarmuid's words are sharp.]

You are not to blame in this!

[puppy_lancer]

[For a second, he stares at Diarmuid in surprise, but then he sighs and goes back to his usual grin.]

Whoever is to blame, it's all in the past now. That said...mind lending me one or two of yours?

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid raises an eyebrow at his brother.]

Why so surprised? And what do you mean borrow one of mine?

[puppy_lancer]

Nothing. You've just been a little more forceful the last few days.

[Though by the smile on his face, it's obvious that Cu Chulainn doesn't consider that a bad thing.]

You know, borrow them the next time someone happens to ask me about my family. Just so I can show them off a little.

[oathshackledbird]

They aren't mine to loan out you know!

[Diarmuid gives him an annoyed look.]

But, most of my 'kids' here like you. If you ask them, I am sure they won't mind.

[He pauses then, worried by something his brother just said.]

What do you mean I've been more forceful?

[puppy_lancer]

You've just been more confident lately. You've been getting good at keeping me in line.

[oathshackledbird]

[Shame enters Diarmuid's eyes.]

I've gotten good at striking out at you lately. That is nothing to be proud of, but at the same time...it had to be done.

[puppy_lancer]

It's nothing to be ashamed of either. Sometimes I do dumb things. Guess now I need to behave better so you don't need to strike out at me as much.

[oathshackledbird]

Maybe...but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still be yourself. I hope you know that. I don't expect you to change who you are. I just want you to think more so that you stay safe.

[puppy_lancer]

[He nods.]

I can understand that completely.

[oathshackledbird]

[A relieved look crosses Diarmuid's face.]

I'm glad you do. I have to admit, I was worried you might not understand why I was doing what I was.

[puppy_lancer]

Nah, I'm not so stupid that I can't understand even that.

[He knows how much work it can be on his loved ones sometimes.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid shakes his head.]

I didn't mean to imply you were. I guess I was just afraid you might try to force yourself to change because you thought we knew better or something like that...

[puppy_lancer]

Don't worry. I'm not that easy to change.

But...have I ever made you feel like that?

[oathshackledbird]

You mean like I have to change?

[Diarmuid shakes his head.]

No, not in a bad way. I know there are things about me that need to be changed and those are the things you and others have been helping me work on. You haven't ever asked me to change something I didn't already know needed to be changed.

[puppy_lancer]

That's good to know.

[He reaches over and gives his brother a quick hug.]

Even if you know, take it slow, okay? Don't rush it.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid laughs lightly and then gives his brother a gentle smile.]

It's probably a good thing you feel that way. I'm not sure this is something I can rush. Look at how long it's taken me just to get this far.

[puppy_lancer]

And you've come very far. In just a matter of months. Some others guys would take years.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid closes his eyes and blushes slightly.]

Yes, but most normal people aren't having to deal with the things we are. I suspect that has had a lot to do with it. Sometimes even as hardships tear you down, they are also building you back up.

[puppy_lancer]

Right, I get that. We're heroes, so we can take more than most people can.