shroudedinsecrecy | INBOX (IC)

[It wasn't what he was thinking.]

[...okay, it was half what he was thinking. Klavier had totally intended it to be a date. Iris had assumed it was a friendly get-together. With coffee. Then there was the part where, after learning the truth about her past--well, the part that involved a certain young Phoenix--he was starting to encourage the idea of her going back to Phoenix....]

Really?

[Just how many were there?]

Who did I miss?

Mr. Wright said someone called Larry is here, and "Scuttlebutt"--whoever that is.

[A pause. This time he's mindful of the name he says to her, having remembered why Maya's name sounded to familiar to him.]

...he also said Maya Fey is here, too.

[Larry. It took a second for her to recognize the name, as she was used to calling him Laurice...but that paled in comparison to when Apollo named her cousin.]

...Mystic Maya...

[So much sadness in that name. Sadness and guilt.]

Is she...how is she?

[The last time she'd seen Maya, it had been shortly after her trial. Maya had come with Phoenix and the violent little one to visit her at the detention center. She'd seemed all smiles and cheerful, but Iris suspected otherwise beneath that mask. It was one she'd worn too many times in the past not to recognize.]

I haven't met her yet.

[His specialty might be sight, but that doesn't stop him from hearing the emotions in her voice.]

Maybe you should talk to her when you have the chance--you'd know where you stand with her afterwards, at the very least.

[Silence. For a long time. Thinking.]

...you're right. I should.

It's the absolute least of what I owe her. After...everything.

I can't speak for her, but I'd think she isn't the only one who needs this.

You're owed some closure, too, Iris.

[She would have been inclined to agree, except for one thing. Something she knew Apollo would have had no way of knowing when he suggested the idea of closure.]

She came to see me. After the Trial. While I was back in the detention center, awaiting the conviction for my actual crimes. Feenie and the little one were with her at the time, but...all she did was smile. It was hiding a great sadness, but it was still meant for me. There was no hatred in her eyes. She didn't blame me. I know that much, and I can accept that.

Telling her, now, wouldn't get me any closure, because it hadn't happened for her yet. Which means she would only know what I tell her without knowing and experiencing everything for herself. For all I know, she could end up hating me because of what happens to her mother. Or she could brush it off a little too easily, thinking it wasn't too late to chance everything.

If I do tell her...it would be for the sake of honesty. Not closure.

[That definitely makes him pause. Geez, and I thought my timeline was messed up.]

It's brave of you to tell her, Iris. It won't be an easy conversation, but at least you won't have to hide anything from her once it's done.

[And just think, they've barely touched upon long lost younger sisters and/or cousins....]

I...suppose.

I don't want to hide anything. I'm tired of hiding things. I just...don't know if it would be fair to put so much on her so soon. Before it ever even happens.

[He doesn't know Iris or Maya well enough to give her the reassurance she needs. Instead, he frowns and thinks about this.]

Have you asked for Mr. Wright's opinion? He has a better idea of what happened in that case, and he personally knows you both.

...no. I haven't.

I didn't even think of asking him.

Why not?

[He's genuinely curious, since it seems like Phoenix would be the obvious choice.]

I'm...not sure.

[He would have been the obvious choice, yes, most any other time.]

I suppose...I've been a bit distracted. There's been so many different things going on, I can barely keep track of it all.

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