Forward Progress

[potholeoffortune]

We have plans!

Oh, it is nice to be (almost) all back together. Like old times, except in a tiny living room, rather than an 19th century cafe. And there's twice as many of us, in a way. Maybe 1.5 times.

Maria might be Musichetta.... I had wondered. Both hoped, and feared it. Either way wouldn't change my love for her, of course. But, the possibility feels right somehow.
Hopefully my bad luck can focus the shadow's attentions on me, rather than having it notice her. Though, since I hoping for it, perhaps misfortune won't play along.

It is hard to believe that we've finally come out of the poly closet to the others. We've debated over it for so long now, it's a little strange to have it done with.
Everyone has been amazing. I had thought they would. Even Barry, and he's had to deal with the worst of it. I fully accept any teasing he'll dish out in return.

Comments

[personalpandemic]

1.5 times as many of us. I like it. It's... surprisingly easy getting along with Joly. I guess it means that I like myself. I hope it's the same for all of you guys.

I'm still so torn about Maria. On the one hand, Musichetta! Joly would be thrilled, and it does have a wonderful romantic overtone to it that I love, of us reincarnating together and finding each other over and over again. On the other hand, I don't want Maria having to face that thing. I don't want it tormenting her. Especially since we don't know what happened to Musichetta after Joly and Bossuet died. Gah, I'm getting worked up again thinking about it.

I'm so relieved to not have to worry about when and if to tell the others any more. They've been the best people. Ever. I just... we are so lucky, Lyle. We are so, so incredibly lucky.

[potholeoffortune]

It's the same for me. But then, I like to think I'm pretty easygoing. :)

Lesgles had to deal with many similar things. Apparently bad luck is hereditary? Or, er, the soul equivalent?

Ditto about Maria.
It would be wonderfully romantic to have Musichetta back with us. Together for eternity. <3 (Or however long the whole reincarnation thing goes on for.) But, like you said, I don't want her to be targeted the way the rest of us have been. I wish there was something we could do to keep her hidden from it.

We are very very very lucky. And there's not many things I get to claim that about. The two of you, and our whole band of friends... it more than makes up for the rest of Fortuna's pranks.

[personalpandemic]

I still can't tell if you have the worst luck in the world or the best, because you keep surviving everything that happens to you! You have for two lives now, apparently. Well... just about everything.

Fortuna must just love you. She finds you fascinating and has decided to follow you around, like Grant follows Eric, her little wheel constantly spinning new trials and tribulations for you.

[artistwithoutacause]

I resent that comparison!
I might try Eric's patience, but I like to think I'm not that much of an obstacle.
Annoying, yes. Creator of tribulations and misfortune, I'd rather not.

[personalpandemic]

The trials and tribulations wasn't meant to reflect you and Eric. Sorry about that. You're just... the first thing my mind goes to when thinking of one person following another around.

You're not an obstacle for us, though. You're our friend, and I'm certain that Eric feels the same way.

[artistwithoutacause]

It's ok. 'S just a sore point for me.

Anyway, I think you and Lyle are far more "attached at the hip" than Eric and I.
He's my roommate, and I try to be good company. But I hardly ever see you two apart from each other.

[rebelover]

Oh, you two.
I hope you won't be disappointed if I turn out not to be her.
It's an awfully romantic idea. But even after that dream, I can't really say. Maybe, but then I didn't have another voice in my head. It could have just been a dream brought on by what's happened with you.
Don't worry so much about me. There's no saying I'm in any danger. While it seems like you most definitely are. I'm far more worried about you!

And yes, the Independents have been wonderful about us. It's a little embarrassing to be out to them, but also a relief.

[personalpandemic]

I'm good at worrying about people, though. It's one of my specialties. You and Lyle just get to bear the brunt of it.

I am also worrying about me, don't worry. I would like to not have my soul eaten. And I'm worrying about Eric. And Grant. And Barry. And, you know, everyone else. There's plenty of worry to go around!

[potholeoffortune]

We won't be disappointed. We're happy to have you, whether you are Musichetta or not.

We'll make it through, one way or another. Eric's getting a plan now, I can see it. And we're (almost) all together, so we can keep each other safe. We'll sort this out.

[agentofagency]

We have plans. We have each other. It's all we've ever needed.

I'm glad that the three of you feel comfortable being out around us now. I know it's never an easy decision to make, but I hope you know that you're always safe and welcome with the Independents.

[potholeoffortune]

We know. And thank you.
We couldn't ask for better support.

[rebelover]

You have my gratitude as well, Eric.

It really is nice not having to worry about secrecy among the group anymore. I know it was really weighing on their minds.

You've all been very sweet and accepting about it. It means a lot.

[agentofagency]

You're very welcome, as are they. You're all part of the Independents. You're all very important to us. We're all just happy to see you happy.

[artistwithoutacause]

You might want to rethink that last statement.
Don't underestimate Barry's jibes.