Cora? Got your ears on? Who: Billy Batson and Cora Mallory Where: Their houses What: Billy wakes up and makes a telepathic call for help and friendship. When: A few hours after his trip with Barbara Warnings/Rating: PG Status complete
After his reunion with Barbara, and all that had happened there, he wanted to talk to Cora, and see how she was settling. It was around 9 a.m., the next day, and he had no clue of she would be up or not since their schedules were messed around now. But he wanted to talk to her, so he cautiously poked the place in his mind where the link to Cora had been and hopefully still was.
Cora? Got your ears on?
Cora was doing her best to reset her internal clock to California time, and to the 21st Century, so she’d gone to bed when it got dark, and set her alarm to go off when she knew her mother would be getting up to open up shop. She’d already helped clear away breakfast, and was relaxing with a book when the ‘Billy center’ of her brain lit up, making her smile.
Hey. How are you?
I'm doing good, Cora-Cora. How has your first day back been? He had been okay so far. Things had gone both worse and better than he had feared. We should make a day to hang out again soon.
We really, really should, she agreed, sending the mental equivalent of a hug through the connection. It was weird falling asleep and waking up in my own bed. Without you. But I guess it could be worse. She could have woken up with yet another new face, or something. But so far, no new Dreams. I decided not to try and go back to school right away, just to catch up slowly, and earn my diploma online.
Same here. Just trying to decide whether to head out in yesterday’s clothing to go shopping or just stay here all day. Feels like a lazy day, but at the same time, I’m not used to not doing all this work anymore. Feels odd not having to hunt or chop wood, and the like. He stretched.
And you being not here is odd, too, but I am glad you are feeling okay. And yeah. I dunno what I’ll do. I was only a few months from graduation anyway.
Do you want company? I could grab mom’s shopping list, and we could go together. She was a little anxious about seeing the world as she remembered it, unsure how exactly she would fit in. But knowing Billy was right there with her made it easier, and even a little exciting. It would give us a chance to talk in person, too.
Sure. I did a little shopping early this morning with Barbara, but not a lot. Didn’t want to stay out too long then. Felt a little… uhm. Weird. Yet. He grinned to himself. And hanging out with you is something I’d love to do.
Weird, like culture shock, or weird like you’re coming down with every cold virus known to 21st Century man? Cora couldn’t help but feel a little concerned. She would hope after surviving what they had, their immune systems would be pretty tough, but who knew? It was a big change.
Just the first. I turned on the television and then turned it right back off. I couldn’t deal with the crazy. He hadn’t really lasted on the internet, either. It had felt odd. So far he had no sickness he thought.
You feeling okay?
Physically, fine. A little bit overwhelmed with changes, but okay. She couldn’t look at the Valarnet yet. Too much input. How did things go with Barbara?
Better than I had hoped. She admitted she loved me and I realized I really was still in love with her. I love you too, but differently. Somehow. relief surged along the link. How did it go with Nate?
Cora smiled softly to herself, feeling a pang of something bittersweet that Billy’s palpable relief quickly soothed. It went well. I think he was as nervous as I was, but he’s always so patient and understanding. She sighed. I suppose I’ll have to let you go. I was just getting used to...us. But I can’t help being happy for you.
Billy’s mind touched hers and that love and support and desire surged forward, swirling around and enveloping her for a moment. Perhaps we were not yet meant to be. Perhaps never. But no matter where you go or who you are with, I will always love you, wife of mine.
His words rung with magic, certainty, and love. There was a shadow of regret, but it was sung out of the way by his love for her and his gladness they had both found the way they wish.
You’re a good man, and a dear friend, Billy Batson. I hope that you and Barbara will be very happy together for many, many years. But you will always have a special place in my heart.
And I am holding you to that breakfast some day. Whether or not romance comes attached to it. He smiled warmly and closed his eyes, imagining her as he had seen her that day, and letting her, for one moment, hear and feel the warmth and love he felt for her, and always would, before closing that door and letting it sink into him. Now… shopping and lunch?
Cora let the love and admiration that she felt for Billy resonate through their link. She did not regret what they had shared, and she looked forward to their continued friendship, even as their paths turned toward new experiences. They were were they belonged, now, and everything would be all right. I’ll see you soon, Captain.
See you soon, Captain. He let his contact fade and got ready to go out again, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and ready to go. He was looking forward to this. ~fin~