regaining trust is harder than it seems ((Clark, Harry Dresden))

[slayers_desire]

It has been weeks since April's voices were returned to normal, thanks to the efforts of Clark, Ed and Cipher Nine. And while the voices returned to their everyday work, of providing assistance and advice to the Key, it seemed that she wasn't willing to pay attention.

April was scared, truth be told. She was scared in trusting her voices again.

It was J'onn who informed Clark that his wife was refusing to provide advice to the other JLA members. And while no one had suffered yet, it was like the team was missing a big part of their strengths.

Comments

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark has noticed her acting differently, since they got Adam out of her head. And while he's worried about her, he'd hoped that this was something that would fade in time.

But now... it's been a little too long. And he goes to find her, to voice his concerns.

[slayers_desire]

She is in her art corner (the apartment is too small for a large art room, so she works on smaller stuff at the apartment, and uses her studio for the bigger stuff).

She is staring at a blank canvas, frowning.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

An April with artist's block is rarely a happy April, but at least it gives him a gentle opener. "Having trouble with inspiration?"

[slayers_desire]

"Yes." April turns from the canvas, a little happy for the distraction. "I just haven't been inspired lately."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I've noticed... it doesn't seem to be just about your art, either."

[slayers_desire]

"No. It isn't." April sighs softly.

"I really don't know what to do. I just... am having trouble trusting my instincts."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Are you afraid your voices will lie to you again?" She knows full well that Adam is gone, but fears like this aren't rational.

[slayers_desire]

"Yes." April moves in to hug him. "I know Adam is gone... but..."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"But it's hard to trust them when they led you in the wrong direction," he finishes for her, understanding. All he can do is hug her tightly.

[slayers_desire]

"And someone died because of it... I just... I don't want to cause another death..." She has a few tears, knowing that he understands her distress.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I know. I wish I could do something to reassure you that you won't..." But knowing and believing are two different things.

[slayers_desire]

"That is one of the hardest things... I trust you, and Ed, and Cipher Nine. Why can't I just accept your word... that he is gone. That I am okay?"

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I think you feel you can trust us, but not yourself." It's a hard position to be in, and he doesn't really know what to do about it. "I kind of wish I'd been in a situation like this before, just so I could help you now."

[slayers_desire]

"Maybe I should talk to someone who has this type of experience..." She knows he really wants to help. But he just doesn't know how this feels. It isn't his fault.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"That might help, if you already know someone..." He doesn't think this is something she'd want to ask the whole Nexus about.

[slayers_desire]

It takes a couple of minutes before April thinks of someone appropriate. Someone who lives with his own demons.

"I think I do."

"Could you handle the kids?"

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I can manage." He gives her another hug. It's hard to accept that he can't help her with this, but he's glad she knows someone who can.

[slayers_desire]

"Thanks." She gives him a kiss, thankful for his support and love.

Then pulls out her PINpoint to dial Harry Dresden's number.

[thepizzalord]

Flying through space used to be awesome every moment, but now it's just routine. Harry pays little attention to the view out the ports, focusing instead on a borrowed tome, looking for inspiration on spells to try against the Collectors. He looks up when the rotary phone on his desk rings, and picks it up, tucking it between his ear and shoulder. "Harry Dresden."

[slayers_desire]

"Hi Harry. It's April here." She moves away from the blank canvas.

"I was wondering if you had a free moment to see me."

[thepizzalord]

"See you?" The way she phrased that was a little odd, but it's more her tone of voice that tips him off. Something ain't right. "Sure, we've got several hours before we exit the relay. Who's coming to see who?"

[slayers_desire]

"If I am able to come see you, it might be more private. Much as I love the kids, they can create some chaos," replied April.

[thepizzalord]

"Hang on a minute." Harry puts his hand over the receiver and speaks towards the ceiling, although April will be able to hear. "Hey, EDI. You care if I bring a guest onboard?"

A smooth female voice responds. "Am I correct in my assumption that your guest will be arriving through less than conventional means?"

"Well, yeah," Harry admits.

"You realize that protocol demands that all arrivals must go through strict decontamination."

"Hell's bells, EDI, she's not gonna bring anything onboard with her. Besides, you know Shepard, if we follow protocol it's a miracle."

[slayers_desire]

April would rather not have to go through decontamination. She manages a small smile at the overheard conversation.

[thepizzalord]

"If you are determined to circumvent protocol, I can do little to stop you," EDI replies.

"But let me guess, you're gonna report this to Shepard, right?"

"That is likely."

"Well just don't sound an intruder alarm or whatever. It'll be fine. I accept full responsibility for anything that happens because of her, okay?"

"As I said, I can do little to stop you."

"Fantastic." Harry removes his hand from the phone and speaks to April again. "All right, got the go-ahead from mother dearest here. I'll send you the coordinates."