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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[sandra__dee]

Cassandra's wandering through, her goal being the kitchen and a cup of tea after a long day of work, when she spots him and freezes. It takes her a moment, not noticing the changes, just seeing that one of her best friends is here, before she runs over and practically flings herself at him. "Will!" This might be a little bit of clinging.

[in_his_name]

For a moment, he's utterly bewildered and has no clue who has just tackled him. But once he realizes it's Cassandra -- one glance at that familiar blonde hair and he just knows -- and he's clinging back to her as though it's been years, rather than months. "Oh-- Cassie... I-- Merlin..." is all he'll manage to stutter for now. He's in shock.

[sandra__dee]

She buries her face in his shoulder and tightens the grip of her arms around his waist. "OhImissedyou," she mumbles to his shoulder.

[in_his_name]

Unable to say anything coherent, he continues to hold her close as though she might vanish at any moment. He's not letting go anytime soon. He squeezes his eyes shut just as a few stray tears leak through. He'll never own up to them, though. Don't hold your breath on that one. It's been a long, difficult six months -- harder than he ever would have imagined -- and he's just grateful to be home and in the company of someone he loves.

[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."

[doesherhomework]

"Oh, are you?" Betty asks, groping her way down the hallway while loaded down with a pizza box and a vat of pretzels, as well as a six-pack of beer. "Great, you can help out with the extra food. Mind taking some of this stuff?"

[in_his_name]

He blinks at her a few times before nudging his bags aside with his foot. He holds out his arms willingly. "Not a problem. And you are?" His expression is curious.

[doesherhomework]

"Betty Stoker," she replies, pushing the pretzel drum into his hands. After a hasty redistribution of her bounty, she flashes him a grin. "Thanks, sweetheart, I think you saved my life."

[in_his_name]

He grins back at her. "Glad I could be of assistance. And nice to meetcha, Betty." His Irish accent becomes more pronounced suddenly. It usually does when he talks to girls. He's convinced himself that they think it's a turn-on XD.

"I'm Will, by the way. I'd offer to shake your hand, but," he gestures to the pretzel drum and grins again.

[blessedbenedict]

Sean studied Will thoughtfully. The boy -- young man looked older. Wiser. A little more jaded, perhaps. He smiles, cautiously, and waves.

"Welcome back, Will. Cassandra will be happy to see you."

[in_his_name]

His expression is cautious but polite. "Thanks, Sean. Have you been well?" He pauses a moment before proceeding. "I did actually see her and catch up with her just a bit."

[blessedbenedict]

"That's good... I'll ask her when work for her, but you should come over for dinner sometime."

There's a faint line of worry between Sean's eyebrows, though it's likely he doesn't notice it. It tends to appear when the thinks about his wife in relation to Will. How Will would probably be a better match. How her life would be so much easier if she had married an Auror, instead of some Muggle med student. He twists the ring on his finger, and the wary smile stays plastered to his face.

[in_his_name]

He smiles faintly. "That'd be nice. Thanks."

Will doesn't pick up on Sean's apprehension, but he's already worried from his conversation with Sandy. He hesitates before speaking again. "Sean... can I ask you something?"