Trucy: *Phoenix and Trucy arrive home to their apartment, and though Trucy has expressed her disappointment at having to leave several times over, she's still full of energy. As soon as they're inside she runs to check on Twitch, and then dashes back into the kitchen to refill her water*
Trucy: She's fine, Daddy! But she needs food and water, quick! *rushes about urgently*
Wright: *though he looks a bit sleepy around the eyes, Phoenix appears greatly content after their trip to Hazakura. He drops the duffle bag of their luggage right by the door and heads to the fridge when Trucy announces her rabbit's status* Right, I'll get her food.
Wright: *pulls out a tupperware of leafy greens, pops the lid, and gives the insides a cautious examination before heading to Trucy's room with it*
Trucy: *takes the tupperware from him quickly, hunkering down next to Twitch's cage* Good girl, Twitch! You're so brave, staying here by yourself. *strokes Twitch's back* Daddy, I think she missed me!
Wright: *chuckles, leaning back and watching her work* A ha ha. I think she did. She'll probably want to stretch her legs in a bit too. *tilts his head, thinking back to Valant's instructions--they're getting a bit foggy*
Trucy: *lifts Twitch out of the cage, cradling her carefully in her arms* Is it okay if she watches TV with me on the couch, Daddy?
Wright: Sure. *glances down at his watch and then hums, standing up straight* I'd better get fa start on dinner right now. Is pasta okay?
Trucy: Yup! *Trucy carries Twitch into the family room and flops onto the couch, clicking on some afternoon kids show* Can I have chocolate milk with dinner too?
Wright: Let me see-- *opens the fridge again and finds the carton of chocolate milk. He shakes it with a hand as he checks the expiry date--it's nearly empty, but there should be enough for a child's cup or two* Yeah, you can. *glancing to the fridge's door* Oh, right... I forgot to pick up some parmesan, though.
Trucy: We can have just regular noodles! I don't mind!
Wright: Heh, alright. *takes out a pot and fills it up with water, placing it on the stove. He glances back over to Trucy after he turns on the heat* Are you going to get some practicing in tonight? You haven't really gotten the chance to for the last few days...
Trucy: *wiggles on the couch a little.* Yeah... but I'm okay. We just got back. I'm too tired to practice.
Wright: *nods* It was a pretty long train ride. *turns to open up various cupboards, fetching the spaghetti sauce and a saucepan*
Trucy: *sneaks glances back at the kitchen.* Do you... want me to practice, Daddy?
Wright: Huh? *the question is surprising enough that he stops trying to open the jar of sauce and glances over to his daughter again* I don't want to make you do anything, Tru. But I thought you liked to practice magic. You've really gotten much better at making things appear and disappear.
Trucy: I guess so... *looks down at Twitch, playing with her ears.* It's not really that special.
Wright: Not... all that special? *stops and frowns, a drawer half opened* ...You really think so?
Trucy: Of course not! It's not... *stops, clapping her mouth shut. She glances back to Phoenix warily* It just isn't.
Wright: ... *turns the heat to low, heading to the fridge to pour a cup of that chocolate milk* What made you change your mind? You love performing for other people. *thoughtfully* ...And you didn't show Iris or Mr. Armando any of your new tricks during our trip...
Trucy: *doesn't answer for a long time, just staring down at Twitch. When she does speak, it comes out as a bitter little mumble* Magic is stupid.
Wright: Hey... *heads over to the couch, squatting down in front of it and offering her the cup, along with a slight smile* Hey. I like magic. And I especially like seeing you perform. It seems to make other people happy, too -- that isn't stupid, is it...?
Trucy: But it... *Trucy glances up at him, and sighs, as if she's the elder of the two of them, coming to a difficult decision. She stares back at Phoenix with a serious look and speaks gently* Daddy. Magic isn't real, you know.
Wright: *raises an eyebrow-- and though he looks earnestly concerned, there's a tug at the corner of his mouth* Right... I know. That doesn't change how I feel about it, though. And I have a hard time believing that's why you're feeling this way now.
Trucy: *looks distressed at first that Phoenix seemed to already know about magic. She finally accepts her cup and takes a slow sip* I just don't want to do it anymore. There's no reason to.
Wright: *considers for a moment, and then studies her face carefully* What about the Gramarye Troupe?
Trucy: *lowers her gaze uncomfortably, and it takes her a while to answer again.* They're not coming back anyway. They don't care if I do magic or not!
Wright: *his eyes flash in confirmation, but his expression turns troubled--he reaches up to rub the back of his neck as he stands and seats himself on the couch beside her* You're sure they won't come back, then...?
Trucy: Of course they're not! They didn't come back for my show, or Christmas, or my birthday... *sniffles as her eyes begin to water* I don't need them anyway.
Wright: Hey... hey. *places a hand on her back* Tru... *breathes out heavily, clearly feeling out of place--but he continues anyway* ...Just because they're not here doesn't mean they're not thinking about you.
Trucy: *She shakes her head fiercely* I don't care! I have you now! *forgets about her milk, and it sloshes in the glass as she twists to face him better* You're a better daddy anyway! I don't want my old one to come back!
Wright: *takes the cup from her, placing it on the ground--and pulling her closer to him after he does so* Tru... it's not a contest. You can have two daddies who care about you. Even if one doesn't--*correctively, hurriedly* can't be here to tell you.
Wright: *glancing off thoughtfully for a moment* It's not because he doesn't care for you that Zak isn't here. Do you know why he had to leave...?
Trucy: Because he got in trouble. *rubs her eyes, but it doesn't keep her from crying* I don't care! If he wanted me he should have taken me with him!
Wright: *his jaw sets for a moment and he frowns-this has come up all too recently before, and some part of him deeply agrees--but he doesn't comment, instead making an effort to soften his expression, and to wrap her in his arms* Shh... Take a deep breath, Tru. *offers his hoodie's sleeve as a wipe*
Trucy: *Trucy let's Twitch hop off the sofa as she climbs into Phoenix's lap and huddles against him. She hides her face in his elbow as if she can keep him from seeing her cry*
Wright: *lets her huddle against him and just holds her quietly, stroking her back lightly, and waiting for her to calm down*
Trucy: *Gradually she relaxes, but she doesn't pull her face away from his sleeve yet. She whispers,* I'm sorry...
Wright: *kisses the top of her head gently* It's okay. Everybody needs a good cry sometimes. *his voice remains gentle, and though it starts out doubtful and reluctant, it gains surety as he continues* Don't be angry at your dad-- at Zak, alright? Being on the run isn't easy, even for a grown up... and I'm sure he didn't want that sort of life for you.
Trucy: But... But what if... *Trucy sniffles, holding tightly to his arm* What if he comes back? Will he be mad at me? I want you and Iris to be my Daddy and Mommy now...
Wright: *cradles her tightly, rocking her just a little from side to side* ...If he comes back, we'll plan from there. We'll make it work, Trucy-- I won't just let you go.
Trucy: *sniffles again, but she does continue to calm down. She twists so she can peek up at him through her bangs* Promise?
Wright: *smiles, leaning down to rest his forehead lightly against the top of hers* Promise.
Trucy: Okay. *wriggles until she can wrap her arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly* Thank you, Daddy.
Wright: Anything for you, Tru. *and both by his countenance and his voice, it's clear he means it*
Wright: *seconds later, there's the sudden sound of loud hissing by the stove as water in the pasta pot boils over--and Phoenix glances up hurriedly, suddenly remembering his unattended cooking*
Trucy: *looks over with much less urgency* What's that noise?
Wright: *was about to set her aside, but instead he scoops her up and heads over to the kitchen hurriedly with her in his arms* I forgot to watch the stove--don't ever do that when you start using it, okay? *turns down the heat on the stove and moves around the kitchen with her to dump the pasta in*
Trucy: *wraps her legs around him and holds on tight as they move around the kitchen* Can I sprinkle cheese on my pasta?
Wright: *pouring the sauce into a saucepan to heat that up too-- it takes some fumbling to get the jar open with the way he's holding her* We're out of parmesan, but I think we have some cheddar left... is that okay?
Trucy: Oh yeah... chedder is okay too. *Trucy leans her head against Phoenix's shoulder as she watches him work.* Can I have lots of sauce on mine?
Wright: Mmhmm. *stirs the sauce and then the pasta, sneaking her a kiss on the cheek as he attends to his cooking* And after we're done dinner... let's go out for some dessert.
Trucy: *Trucy brightens considerably.* Ice cream?
Wright: *chuckles* Sure. How about something special-- one of those bowls with a whole bunch of scoops.
Trucy: Mm, okay! Oh, wait! *Trucy wriggles, trying to climb down him.* I have to put Twitch back in her cage!
Wright: Alright--I'll call you when the spaghetti's ready. *drops her down to the ground gently*
Trucy: *scampers back into the family room, and has to pull Twitch out from under the sofa before hurrying her back to her cage*
Wright: *stays in the kitchen, thoughtfully stirring the pasta and the sauce, testing the tenderness of the former from time to time. He frowns slightly as various thoughts cross his mind, and works somewhat mechanically as he mulls over them*
Trucy: *skips back into the kitchen carrying her milk glass, putting it on the table by her usual seat.* Do you... really like magic, Daddy?
Wright: *smiles softly when she comes back, and deciding that the pasta's ready, he gets out the strainer* Mm-- I like seeing you perform. You're really good at it, you know?
Trucy: *hops into her seat and leans forward so just her chin is resting on the edge of the table* In that case...maybe I'll still do magic sometimes. A little. Since you like it.
Wright: *chuckles* I'm glad. *strains the pasta and divides it onto two plates* I think Iris likes it when you do magic for her, too--are you still going to let her watch? *pours the sauce onto both plates, making sure to give Trucy's extra*
Trucy: *sits up properly* She does? Really? *grins, then frowns, then looks thoughtful* I'll do magic for her too then.
Wright: *lightly* And Pearls and Maya too, right? *goes to the fridge to fetch the pre-grated cheddar* Pearls really believes in magic, you know. And Maya too, I'd bet...
Trucy: She does...? *taps her chin* But she was the one trying to convince me her spirit power thingy was real.
Wright: *sprinkling the cheese on, he speaks perhaps a bit too lightly* Oh, it is. You might see it in action one day, if you ask her.
Trucy: *turns her head away so Phoenix won't be able to turn and see the doubtful face she's making* Maybe I should!
Wright: Mm. Make sure she warns you before she does it, though. *sets the plates down, one in front of Trucy and the other by the seat beside her, placing down a pair of forks as well. Then, he turns to the fridge to get the remaining chocolate milk*
Wright: *carefully, as he glances inside the fridge-- he keeps his tone light and casual* Tru... I know it was a while back, but on the day we first met...
Trucy: *stabs her fork into the spaghetti and starts to spin it* Mm-hmm? I remember...
Wright: Remember how you gave me that piece of paper in the lobby? *reaches over to grab her cup, refilling it* Do you remember anything about who gave it to you...?
Trucy: Who gave it to me...? *takes a bite, getting spaghetti sauce on her cheeks* It was a man.
Wright: Mm. *sets the cup back in front of her, and rounds the counter to sit beside her* How did he look like?
Trucy: Hmmmmmm... *continues to eat as she thinks it over* I only remember he was wearing a wig. A stupid one. A performer always knows. *nods seriously*
Wright: *chuckles, finally picking up his fork* Ah, okay. I guess he must've looked pretty silly.
Trucy: Yeah, I guess. But that day was really busy, so I didn't ask him about it. *takes a sip of her chocolate milk* Did you know him Daddy?
Wright: Yeah, I think I do--I was just wondering if it was him. *spins his pasta up with his fork* ...How's the spaghetti, Tru?
Trucy: It's good! *continues to make a little mess as she eats* Can I have spaghetti in my lunch when school starts again?
Wright: Mm hmm. *watches her eat more than he eats himself, smiling slightly--the sight is amusing* You'll have to be careful when you eat it at school, though. *grabs a tissue and dabs at the corners of her mouth*
Trucy: Hm? Oh, oops. *wipes her mouth, but the moment she resumes eating it gets on her face again.* I'll be careful.
Wright: *chuckles and leans on his hand, not bothering with the tissue again* Fourth grade, huh...? You're growing up so fast.
Trucy: *drinks more of her milk.* Yup. I should probably get a boyfriend soon.
Wright: *sputters*
Wright: B-boyfriend...?!
Trucy: Yeah. But all the boys in my class are stupid, so maybe I should find a fifth grader...?
Wright: I think it's a bit too early for you to date... *his expression turns stern* And I don't know if there's anyone good enough for you, even in fifth grade.
Trucy: Really? *brightens* What about a middle school boy like Woxxer?
Wright: *raises an eyebrow doubtfully* That kid...? Not until you're thirty-five. ...Or I learn to play the piano. Whichever comes first.
Trucy: *pouts at him* But you don't even practice the piano! We don't even have one!
Wright: *chuckles, leaning down to her eye level and poking her on the nose* I know. *grins* I'm not gonna let go of you so easily, Tru.
Trucy: *tries to keep pouting, but she gives up and just smiles.* You're silly, Daddy. *finishes off her chocolate milk and then her spaghetti*
Wright: A ha ha. *he's only eaten half of his plate by the time she finishes, but doesn't seem like he wants to continue-- he rounds the counter to the kitchen to put her stuff in the sink, and place a cover on his* ...You ready for dessert, Tru?
Trucy: Yup! *Remembering her face, Trucy grabs another tissue and makes sure she's clean* Can I get green ice cream?
Wright: *raises an eyebrow, heading to the door* Green ice cream? We can check and see if they have any... Why green?
Trucy: Because it tastes good. *steps into her shoes and gives the toes a tap to make sure they're on*
Wright: *slips into his sandals, and pats his pockets to check for his keys* Blue ice cream tastes pretty good too though, doesn't it?
Trucy: Yeah, but I like the green ice cream better. *holds the door open for him* Especially when there's chocolate in it.
Wright: *steps through the door, chuckling again* Alright, we'll get the kind with chocolate in it, then.
Trucy: Great! *steps out and pulls the door shut behind her, then takes Phoenix's keys so she can lock it herself* Let's go!
Wright: Right! *glances down at her and then grins, scooping her up in his arms with a growl and sprinting off with her to the elevator*