Roll up, Roll on, [for Rictor and Martini]

[mad_asahatter]

The change had been apparent to her. Perhaps to no one else, but at least to her. It wasn't a sharp breaking, nor a clean slice. Splinters. That's what it was. Splinters. Snapping, breaking, creaking and cracking splinters

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[movetheearth]

Sprinting through the corridors Ric was swearing at himself, at the world, at anyone that stood in his way as he raced to get outside and say goodbye. Swinging the external door open Ric barged outside, showing past an MP and pausing to wait for Martini to catch up. He'd gotten the message and within moments had thrown his coat and boots on to go see her.

He saw Ophelia and for a moment he faltered, not wanting to say goodbye and not wanting to accept that although he'd finally found her after all this time he was going to have to let her go. Fighting the urge to beg her to say Ric crossed the short distance to her in three strides.

"Phe..." Ric didn't wait for an answer, merely pulled her into his arms and held her tightly to him. He didn't hide his emotions from her, the sadness he felt at having to say goodbye, the pain at losing her, the joy at knowing she was okay though and loved him.

[time_schizo]

Not even Mark's speed could match Ric's in their desperate race through the camp. Martini caught his breath and stood back, letting Ric have his own moment with Ophelia. His mind refused to accept the possiblity of Ophelia leaving him. She had become such a dear friend, someone who accepted and understood him for who he was, instead of just seeing the madness.

People came, people went. It was the pattern of his life. So why didn't this ever get any easier? Poor Ric had turned away, overcome by emotion, so Martini approached his waif-like friend. He couldn't think of anything to rhyme, so he was merely honest, speaking softly. "I'll miss you." He engulfed her in a tight hug.

[mad_asahatter]

The air left her in a gasp as Ric pulled her into a hug. It took her less than a second to relax and hug him back, smiling softly. Everything he felt just pushed into her and she smiled through it, even the pain.

Her hands soothed over his shoulders, but she left him his emotions, unwilling to numb him, selfishly wanting him to miss her.

When Martini pulled her into another hug following Ric's release, she grinned again. "Dear friend, so true. She'll miss you too." It wasn't like she wanted to go, but she'd been told she had to, so she would. The least she could do was strengthen what was there.

"Hold on tight and don't let go," she pulled from Martini enough to touch a hand to Rictor's elbow, "what you've got can only grow."

[movetheearth]

Ric bit at the flesh of his hand, staring up at the sky as he willed the tears to not fall. He felt like such a girl for wanting to show these emotions but it was the knowledge he had to let go of someone he really cared for that scared him most of all. He could barely watch Martini and Ophelia hug, turning away to compose himself.

The gently touch to his elbow forced Ric to face Ophelia and he glanced at Martini, reaching out to take his hand, fingers interlinking as he sought comfort from his lover. Ric raised his other hand, cupping Ophelia's cheek and stroking the pad of his thumb over the smooth skin slowly.

"Going to miss you Princess Ophelia," He leant in, resting his forehead against hers but still reluctant to let go of Martini's hand as he whispered to her. "You promise to keep safe, to let us know where you are right?"