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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 4h

It'll be tough, but I'll certainly try. You should too.

Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 5h

(His expression soured slightly.)

Well... my old man can kick rocks. They're in my head, so they're my eyes. I want to love them again.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 6h

(He nods.)

I was always surprised when Simon and Nora said they loved my eyes. Dusty rose, poppy red, fire in the sunlight...

(He smiled softly.)

Made me forget for a while...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 7h

No, it was.. Alana, I believe... she... seemed to assume I was there to antagonize Vero, or... I don't know...

I'm just glad Vero isn't alone...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 7h

(After a short while, he returned quietly.

He dropped heavily onto the couch next to Simon and dropped his head onto his shoulder.)

... she's heartbroken, of course...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 7h

(With a somber nod, he stood and made his way out, pulling the door closed with a soft click.)

*Great work, Hersh...*

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 7h

Cursed...

(He sighed softly.)

It's the only thing I have ever envied Theo for. If they had just been dark like his and Mum's, there would still be a mirror on the Bostonius...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 8h

Descole was... my tormentor. He whispered in my ears when I would get into fights as a teen, egging me on.

Simon and Randall made him more frequent, and... Theo's assault and the loss of my family solidified him in my head.

He still whispers, but... less frequently.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 8h

(He sat back against the coffee table, quiet. After a bit, he hummed softly.)

I hope life treated you well enough when you went home.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 8h

I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

(He leaned forward, burying his face in his hands.)

H-he helped me... I w-wanted to help him i-in return... I-I'm just happy h-he's safe...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 8h

Indeed... the stream took an old friend back, and... he blamed himself, as I'm sure all Jean Descoles do.

It makes me think of just how much time our younger selves have together... I can't recall when precisely Simon and I were taken back.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 8h

(He grimaced.)

Descole said he couldn't sense him here anymore...

I'm sorry...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 8h

(He sighed softly, relieved.)

*Perhaps they don't share memories...*

It's good to see you again, old friend. We've got our smaller selves next to you, so just be careful.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

(He blinks for a moment, hand falling away.)

*Descole calls me Layton...*

Desmond?

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

(He came in and sat carefully for a few long moments before turning to Vero.)

He's gone home... the Stream acted on it's own and took him to his original world... he should be okay but I don't believe he'll be coming back...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

(He handed Descole a few tissues as his head began to buzz.

Had they simply been... wiped from their memory..? Wiped completely from this world and their own?

His stomach twisted, and he covered his mouth, breathing slowly.)

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

(He took a shuddering breath.)

*No... no, are they—*

N-Nimbus Whistlehill, you-you told me you were looking for them...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

...

...

Do you want to go home..? See if Nimbus is back there?

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

(His posture, his expression, his tone don't bode well.)

We do have an update... it would be best if you're sitting, Vero, dear...

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 9h

(It took him a moment to respond as he steadied himself.)

Can I come in... please..?

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 10h

Even Nimbus..?

(He steadied himself.)

You aren't a curse. If the Stream took them home, then that's what it wanted to do. You know how it behaves.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 10h

(He flinched slightly at Alana's raised voice, but pressed on.)

No, Vero, it's... it's about Marshall.

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 10h

Mac..?

(Then he hears her. He picks up his voice slightly.)

Oh, Vero, dear, it's Hershel. Is it alright with you and your friend if I come in?

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 10h

Shit– sorry...

(Shock him it did, but only slightly.)

Talk to me, Des, if you can. Are you okay?

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Hershel Layton @formerdetective.bsky.social · 10h

(There's a soft knock at the bedroom door.)

Vero, are you in here?

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