undergrounds | [Open] Let your life blaze and burn so the whole world can see

1. Healing at Hillingdon House

Now that things were fairly settled with her home and business, Liadan was trying to establish a routine visit to Hillingdon, to see if anyone required her healing services. It was also a good way to get some adult conversation in that didn't revolve around childcare, as well as stay apprised of any new developments in the supernatural community.

Her neighbour, Mrs. Buchanan, was available to watch Johnny on Sunday afternoons after church, so that seemed the best time for her to head over. She gathered all the supplies she might need and headed over.

2. Playing at the park

It was getting a bit cooler these days but Liadan still took the children outside regularly, so they could burn off some energy. As they played, she had to remember to keep a close eye on Olivia, who was the only one of them who had developed any powers at the moment. Thankfully, her telekinetic skills were fairly weak so far, so the worst she could probably do would be to levitate sand in someone's face.

While the other children ran around on the equipment, Liadan pushed the youngest, Anna, on the swing, smiling as the girl squeeled with glee each time she sailed up towards the sky.

3. At the pharmacy

Liadan was getting used to comparing brands at this point but usually she was doing it at the grocery store, trying to pick out the best food. This evening, however, she was trying to decide which of the many brands of pregnancy test was the best.

Part of her wondered if she really even needed to take one. She'd only felt this way once before, back when she was pregnant with Johnny. But even though she trusted her feelings, it was always nice to have evidence to back them up.

She also wondered what Bran would think. They hadn't exactly planned this, though they hadn't done anything to prevent it either. And that night in Manchester had been so wonderful. So he might not be surprised at all but she wasn't sure.

As she walked to the counter with the test selected, she figured she'd find out what he thought fairly soon. And then the real planning would have to begin.

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Faolan struggles with himself as he passes her back the box and then tries to think of what a person should say in such circumstances. Obviously she doesn't know whether she's expecting another child or not, that's what the test is for. But on the other hand, she wouldn't be looking for the test in the first place if she hadn't suspected... Gods be merciful, but he's not any good in a situation like this.

"I..." he says, before trailing off and starting again. "They are. Still." He should be watching where he's going more carefully, especially if he's nearly bowling over potentially pregnant women now.

"Are..." He tries, trailing off once more, needing to gather the courage to continue to ask, "Are you alright?" He doesn't just mean because he'd knocked into her either. He knows what her life is like, with Bran gone most of the time and all. He wonders how she's doing, having to come into a pharmacy for a test like that at a time like this.

Faolan's concern is sweet, though Liadan can't help but wish that Bran was in his place right now. She imagines both of them would handle such an encounter with the same amount of awkwardness.

"Yes, I'm fine. Obviously, this is a bit of a surprise but I think it is a welcome one."

She hopes Bran will agree about that. After all, it wasn't like they had taken measures to prevent it from happening, other than only seeing each other on an infrequent basis.

He doesn't really know what to do in this sort of a situation, but he's glad at least that she isn't upset. She is a friend to him, however awkward a friend he is in return. She had helped him, after all, and she would no doubt need to help him again. The least he could do was be there for her in return, if and when she needed a friend in return.

He flicks a gentle smile at her, moving to stand. "I... I'm glad," he says awkwardly, but it's the truth, and it's honest. "Does Bran know?" The next logical question to follow, of course.

Liadan appreciates that Faolan is trying his best, despite the awkwardness. He has been a good friend to her since she arrived in London, better than perhaps he realizes.

"No," she replies. "I wanted to be completely certain before telling him. Hence the test."

Certainly better than he realizes, for Faolan has never considered himself to be a very good friend at all. What was it that Lancelot had said about him? He makes friendship with him exciting. Which is to say -- to Faolan at least -- that he's a great deal of trouble. Sometimes more than he supposes he's worth.

"I see," he replies. He's never really been in such a situation to know what to say next. His sister had been with child, but he hadn't been around all that long before... He quickly turns his thoughts away from such things.

Everything since Liadan had arrived in London had been exciting, so friendship with Faolan fit right in.

"And how are you?" Liadan asks, realizing that a change of subject would be for the best. "Are you doing anything exciting for the holidays?"

Faolan opens his mouth slightly, before shutting it, contemplating his answer carefully. She has been good to him, and she is one of the few people in the city now that he might actually consider a friend, which says something about Faolan, considering he knows her mostly through her husband and still so little about her in general. But he has no reason to lie to her, so after a moment, he tells her the truth. Awkwardly, of course, but.

"I'm. Staying with a friend," he replies, his face flushing slightly as he continues on, to specify, "An, ehm. A... Special friend..."

Liadan raises an eyebrow at "special friend" but doesn't comment. She's pleased that Faolan has someone in his life. She's also more than a little surprised, since he didn't exactly strike her as the social type.

"That sounds lovely."

He doesn't know whether it's better or worse that she doesn't ask him to elaborate further. Perhaps he shouldn't have said as much in the first place, now he just feels oddly embarrassed about it.

"Yeah..." he says, awkwardly, looking down at his feet as he does. "I'm. Looking forward to it."

"I can tell," she replies, her tone a touch sardonic.

Liadan has never been one to pry into someone's business, unless there was reason for concern. Though there were times, such as when Niamh had been in trouble, that she wishes she was. She might have been able to get her sister away from danger sooner, had she asked questions earlier.

"Would you like to go get a coffee - or herbal tea, in my case?" Hot beverage have a way of diffusing awkwardness.

Faolan flicks a smile and nods gratefully in response to her suggestion.

"I... Yeah, please, let's," he says. "It's a better place to hold a conversation, than..." He gestures to their surroundings, where they stand in the aisle of the pharmacy.

Liadan laughs. "Let's go pay then and afterwards, you can tell me whatever you want about this special friend of yours."

Faolan nods gratefully once more, and then steps up to the counter to pay for his things. Waiting patiently for Liadan just outside the shop and trying not to be too embarrassed about the fact that for once, just this once, he really would like to tell someone about it all. That he trusts Liadan enough to be able to confide in her the fact that, for the first time in as long as he can remember, he has something in his life that truly makes him happy. Even if it is still new and a little bit frightening.

[Open] Let your life blaze and burn so the whole world can see

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