Return after a long absence...

[in_his_name]

It's been a long time. Over six months, in fact, since William Prewett was last here. In those few months, he has aged profoundly. Both his hair and a beard have been "allowed" to grow longer than he usually keeps them. While he has always had an athletic build, his muscles have hardened significantly. His face is thinner, as though he's lost the

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[dragons_heal]

Nick stops and silently looks his best friend over, noting the changes. He's thrilled to see him, though the casual observer would never be able to tell.

[in_his_name]

He eventually notices Nick, and blinks a few times just to be sure it's really him. "Hey, mate." He forces a smile, not because he isn't happy to see him (he's thrilled to see his best friend) but because he's just mentally and physically exhausted.

[dragons_heal]

"You look tired." His voice is as soft as ever.

[in_his_name]

"...yeah." He sighs as he answers because it's certainly the truth. He walks over to Nick and gives him a quick but brotherly hug. "I can't tell you how good it is to see you."

[dragons_heal]

Nick hugs him back before taking a small step back. "It's been a long time." He glances at the trunk. "Did you only just return now?"

[in_his_name]

He nods. "Yeah. I was hoping to catch either you or your sister. I found both, luckily." He smiles a bit.

[dragons_heal]

"You saw Cassie?" There's a pause, as a rush of emotions cross his face. Worry being a prevalent one, though it's unclear who the worry is for. He chooses his next words carefully. "Perhaps you should go home and rest." He's wondering what his sister told him.

[in_his_name]

He tilts his head, confused and now concerned. "What do you mean? What's wrong?"

[dragons_heal]

He shrugs a little. "It's been a long few months, Will. Come on, I'll get you a Coke, or some tea."

[in_his_name]

He's quiet for a moment. Torn between just dropping it and prying for more information. He gives Nick a worried look before sighing. "Yeah... you're right. I guess a Coke would be good. They've been few and far between for me for a while."

[dragons_heal]

Nick pats his shoulder. "You must have been going crazy, you addict." And he leads the way to the kitchen.

[in_his_name]

He laughs, the first one of those in a while. "I was, mate. Believe me." He follows Nick into the kitchen.

[dragons_heal]

Nick gestures for him to sit, then grabs Will a Coke and himself a water. He sits across from him, handing him his Coke, and opens his water in comfortable silence.

[in_his_name]

"Thanks, Nick." He takes a sip and savors it for a moment. "Merlin, how I've missed these."

[dragons_heal]

He chuckles a little and sips his water.

[in_his_name]

He laughs and shakes his head. He starts, suddenly remembering something. "Oy, I've got something for you!" He summons the duffel bag back over and reaches into the outer pocket. "Here, catch." He tosses a small, wrapped package at Nick.