what comes up when rain comes down?

[enigmaster]

Inter-Dimensional Pen Pals Omakes

Comments

[queenofmonsters]

[it's cool, bb, she's got this. She'll wait until most of the class has filed out before approaching. Because Edward is clearly disassociating. Quite badly. She'll pull out a chair from one of the desks next to theirs, settling herself down into it, crossing one leg over the other]

Edward. [her voice is calm, measured, watching as the last of the kids (save for Oswald) file out] I'd like you to look at me, please.

[enigmaster]

[It takes him a few seconds, the words registering... a little slow. But Edward does look up, finally. A little dazed, still.]

[queenofmonsters]

Good boy. [Her voice is calm and measured, low.] I'd like you to recite for me the ingredients for a Pepperup Potion, please.

[enigmaster]

I... I don't... um...

[He frowns, a little confused, but he tries to think.]

Um... bicorn horn... mandrake root...

[And he continues listing the ingredients.]

[queenofmonsters]

[Fish listens, waiting until he's finished] Good. Now the ingredients for a Draught of Peace.

[she glances at Oswald, who is still just...hovering.] Oswald, while Edward's doing that, please retrieve the blanket from the green cabinet in my office.

[enigmaster]

[Edward doesn't really get the point of this, but he's also not exactly in a place where he can actively question it either. So he just keeps doing what she asks. Listing ingredient after ingredient.]

[queenofmonsters]

Excellent. [her eyes flick briefly to Oswald as he moves to do her bidding, but after that, her attention is purely on Edward] What is the process for brewing a Confusing Concoction?

[She rises to her feet, briefly, listening still as Oswald returns with the blanket. And she will unfold it, before placing it around Edward's shoulders. It's a weighted blanket. It should help ground him, at least]

[enigmaster]

[He keeps rattling off answers. And there's... a weight, suddenly, which he barely notices at first until he blinks a few moments later.] What's...? [And he looks up... a little more properly, this time.]

[queenofmonsters]

It's a weighted blanket. [She answers calmly, watching him for signs of distress, or any change in his mood] What do you do after you add the crushed beetle legs?

[enigmaster]

[He answers, again, almost a reflex by now. And he frowns, as the rest of what's happening begins sinking in.]

I... Why?

[He's not sure about the purpose of the blanket or... or any of this, really.]

[queenofmonsters]

Because I'd like to know. [calmly, still] Or are you asking about the blanket?

[enigmaster]

Um, yes. About... about the blanket.

[queenofmonsters]

A weighted blanket can help when someone is disassociating. I've found it feels grounding.

[enigmaster]

Disa...

[He frowns again, the term not really that familiar to him, not exactly in an area he knows much about. But he can get the gist behind what it... might mean, he thinks, maybe and...

Suddenly, he looks up a little sharper.]

I'm--

I'm fine.

[queenofmonsters]

I understand. [Her voice is still measured, calm. But still--professor mode. No argument.] You were on the fifth step of the Confusing Concoction. I'd like you to finish it, please. What do you do after you crush the beetle legs?

[enigmaster]

...

[He slumps a little in his seat. And gives her the answer, because apparently this is just what they're doing now.]

[queenofmonsters]

[It super is, buddy. She'll encourage him to finish up, then, reciting the brewing process for that, then two other potions.]

[enigmaster]

[He does so, answers everything she asks on command. And after those, he looks up again, looking... embarrassed, kind of.]

Can-- Can I go now, or...?

[queenofmonsters]

[Better. Still not great, but better. She pushes to her feet, still calm, reaching out to take the blanket]

Yes.

[she folds it up, then, and bends down to slip it easily into Edward's bag]

The two of you will need to eat before lunch is over. Both of you.

[she eyes them both, critically]

Sleep with that blanket tonight and return it to me tomorrow, Edward. Understand?

[enigmaster]

[Edward stares, confused, as she puts the blanket in his bag. Staring at it a little, like he's not sure what to do with it. What to do with any of this, in all honesty.] ...Um. O-Okay. Sure. [He stands up, looking a little uncomfortable. And just... turning to leave, because he really just wants to get out of here and forget about all this.]

[queenofmonsters]

[He turns, and Fish reaches out a hand to gently rest on his shoulder, holding him there with just her fingertips for a moment]

You're doing very well, Edward. I'll see you tomorrow.

[enigmaster]

[Edward stops, surprised at that and-- tenses up at the touch, looking just a little like a deer in headlights. As if waiting for something, even with as gentle as that is.] Oh. [He nods, a little. Like he's not sure how to respond.] Right... Right, Professor.

1/2

[queenofmonsters]

Do make sure Oswald actually eats, won't you? You're actually both growing now, and him eating like a bird still is wholly unacceptable. [dryly]

2/2

[agoodname]

Wh--Professor! [it's a whine, and he's moving to catch up with Edward] I eat enough!

[enigmaster]

I will. [He rolls his eyes slightly at Oswald, which is a little more like himself. Just keeps walking.] C'mon.