[PRP] Homecoming (Just Lance x Blind Love)

[moonstonedazzle]

It was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining, birds were singing, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was the perfect sort of day to go on a quest, to find the perfect ring for his perfect love. She deserved the sun, the moon, all the stars in the sky and nothing less. He wanted to shower Blind Love in affection and material goods alike. Anything and everything she desired, things she didn't even know she wanted, he wanted in her stead. No matter what it was she asked of him, he would get it. Which meant the ring had to be perfect. She would never ask it of him, but he would do that much for her. If he couldn't bring her the moon, this would do instead.

It made sense to bring Sanctuary. A father-daughter bonding day, out to see the world. Sanctuary could offer the feminine touch he so lacked, the keen eye he did not possess. Whether it was finding a stone to polish in a mine, or a premade ring in the store, Sanctuary would have the eye for it. There was giddy in him at the prospect. Would it be a diamond? Or was there another stone- something more unique, more original? There were always pink diamonds. Something that would match her fur, brilliant and beautiful, just as she was.

The plan was perfect. The morning was beautiful.

It was a shame it had all gone so, so wrong.

Three years, now. Three years he had been gone. There on the street one moment, and spirited away the next. But there was no dragon to face, no monster at the end of the road. Only another pony, in want of a perfect pony family. A pretend husband, a pretend daughter. Three years of misery, trying to keep his baby safe. Trying to keep alive the memory of his love. He wasn't sure which was worse- the days he could barely recall Blind's face, when the memories were fuzzy and distant, or the days she was so vivid she was a heartbeat away. What he wouldn't have given to hold her in his arms, to kiss away her tears.

Days turned into weeks. Hours bled together until he was not sure how long he had been away. In the dead of the night, when the other pony got careless (he would not remember their name or their face, he would not), he stole away. Took Sanctuary with him and ran, never looking back. Until his hooves all but bled and his heart could take no more, he ran.

And found himself at Her doorstep once more.

The key was long gone. Left back there, where he refused to return. But he would always, always find Blind Love once more. Just Lance raised a hoof, exhausted and weary, and knocked. With the last of his strength, a desperate plea. Please. Please be here. Even if she hadn't waited, even if she did not love him any longer... just let her hear this. Let her know he was alive, and he was so sorry.

Just Lance curled around Sanctuary, peacefully asleep, and waited.

[Nym]

It had been a beautiful night. The moon was bright, the birds were sleeping, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was the perfect night for a romantic dinner, cooked by her loving hooves and waiting for his discovery. It was his favorite, something he had said to her during one of her many questions, peppered throughout their days together. It was all like a fairytale; a home they shared together, children who looked just like them, a bed that they returned to together, each night. It was a family- a home, and with him, she finally knew what that was- the thing she gave her customers time and time again with each successful matchmaking. She had always wondered, in a way, what love would be like for her. She understood it, sure; you had to when your entire life was bringing together lone souls. But until Just Lance she had never had it for herself. It was fine, really, but it was lonely. She had never complained, but at times she wondered if she could have the same happiness her customers had. Then, he came, and at first, it felt too good to be true. He was everything she had dreamed of; gracious, kind, passionate, and romantic. And then they had children! It hadn't been planned, but Blind Love would have been delighted at the prospect had it been presented to her. It had all been her perfect fairytale, and Blind Love had been happy. Had been. Until it all came crashing down. He vanished. He left her life as abruptly as he had entered it, taking her daughter with him. It had been soul-shattering- you never forgot a pain like that. She had waited at that table before a cold meal. Waited and waited. Waited until the nerves frayed at her core and she felt something else form; fear. He had never made her wait so long, and never would do so with their daughter in tow. Something was wrong. Something that couldn't be begged away, even though she tried. She wept and sobbed and pleaded, but they never came home no matter how long she waited. It was there, at that table, where she remained for a good few weeks after reporting them missing; hoping if she kept remaking that same meal time and time again that they'd show up to finally taste it. Hoping and waiting and hoping and waiting and hoping and waiting. Until she couldn't anymore. Her sons needed her. The house had become a mess despite their attempts to care for themselves and their shellshocked mother. Slowly, like molasses, Blind Love picked herself back up. She returned to her business and her duties, although it took a good year for the smile to return. It took another for her to even utter his name again, pained at the corners of her mouth as she always struggle to smile through the words. They were gone, and while she never fully became the person she used to be she found her way back to the mother her sons expected. And, with due time, Blind Love began to try and build a future. Love hadn't come to her. She had truthfully tried, hoping maybe it'd repair the hole a bit more. No- that was a cop-out; honestly, if she was truthful to herself, she was going through the motions for her children. They didn't need another parent, no, but she wanted the best life she could give them. Something more than the memories of the empty shell that had laid on the kitchen floor after search attempts ceased. Something other than the heartbroken pony who had been on the tip of tongues for a year. If she tried hard enough-really tried-then maybe she could force something happy for Mercy and Paladin. Maybe she also could force it for herself, someday. Nowadays things were... nicer. Not as pleasant as before, no, but she had started to connect with others again. Paladin was slowly befriending other kids finally, although he worried her at times. He had taken too much responsibility on back when she was at her worse, and now Paladin didn't know how to be the child he ought to be. She hoped his new friendship with Bright Gallery would help him further, but she tried not to dig too hard into his ongoing's. It always added unnecessary pressure, and Paladin was perceptive. He'd notice her prodding and begin to fuss over it, and the last thing Blind Love wanted was for him to worry about her anymore. Everyone had had enough of that. Still, she was grateful for the companionship of her newest friend; Fair Pace, who she was returning home from seeing. She often stopped by with small goodies she baked here and there, having a habit of baking too much for her and her sons. Maybe it was an excuse to force herself out of her shell- make her actually see another face that wasn't just paying for her services. Whatever it was, it was welcomed, and she felt newly rejuvenated as she returned home with an empty basket at her arm. Maybe she'd try and make lemon bars next and see if Fair Pace and Bright Gallery enjoyed those, as well. Yeah, she'd do just tha- The basket fell from her arm without a thought, rolling forward and past her feet and tapping the white and blue form. She would have profusely apologized any other day, with any other person. With anyone who wasn't the ghost of him- or was it? Her eyes stung, her mouth dried, and she fought the urge to heave as a sinking pit fell within her stomach. No- she thought she had been over that- seeing them in every corner. No, this wasn't a phantom. No- this was- this- "Lance?" Her voice was a feeble croak, wavering and straining as she hesitated. In all the dreams she had run to him and swaddled him close, but in reality, she felt frozen. He wasn't there- she wasn't there; they couldn't be. It was impossible. "Sanctuary?" Her next inquisition was stronger as she set eyes on the small form of her daughter. Her daughter. The realization hit her hard and fast, throwing her into action as she swept to their side and began fussing, pushing hair from their faces and weeping. They were warm and real, and Blind Love didn't know how else to react other than touch the two of them, feeling for what felt like the first time their existence in the world.

[moonstonedazzle]

She wasn't home. It was... fitting, perhaps. The home they'd shared was empty. Maybe someone else had moved in, in the space he'd been gone. A happy family had come to occupy this space he had abandoned. As much as it hurt, there was comfort in the thought, too. That his own misery would not stretch out and occupy everything it could. Just Lance laughed quietly to himself, a sound more broken than amused. Of course she wouldn't be here. He had been a fool.

At the clattering basket, he managed to look up. And like a dream, there she was. Sunrise on the horizon. The North Star, there to guide his weary bones home.

There had been a story he'd read with his sponsor, once. A man lost at sea, fighting twelve years to come home. Torn from his love, rebuked at every corner. It had all sounded so fantastic at the time— drama, adventure. The great unknown, trying you again and again. But there had been nothing gallant about this. Nothing heroic and brave. Only his own love of Blind, guiding him along the way. Pushing him to run, when he had nothing left in him to give. Calypso, Circe? They had not been so enticing, had not any warmth or love to offer him. Only a sham of what awaited him at home, an old woman playing pretend at the things she could not have.

"Blind Love," he breathed, little more than a whisper. It was well and truly her. Just as beautiful— no, more beautiful than he remembered. Even wracked with grief, she was a vision of perfection. He tried to stand, shaky on his hooves, but could find not the strength to do so. Instead, she came to him. His laughter turned to sobs, something sharp and painful that wracked his body.

"Blind, darling, I'm so sorry— I— I kept her safe. I promise you, I kept her—"

—

At the jostling that wasn't papa's running, Sanctuary found herself waking up. She blinked several times, the night air suddenly all too cold and unfamiliar. If they weren't running anymore, there must've been a reason. She squinted up at the new shape in her vision, trying to distinguish what she saw, and—

"Mom....?"

[Nym]

Blind Love felt everything in her body want to cave in and lay herself across her lost family, but she couldn't. If she crumbled she wouldn't get up again, burdened by her own relief and sharp panic building in her throat. No- they needed to get inside, where they were all warm and safe once. She had questions--hundreds of them-- but right now she had to step forward and bring Just Lance and Sanctuary to safety. Whatever had happened to them had done something to Lance, evident in his inability to rise or meet her, and while the bile built and her heart hammered she couldn't overwhelm him with her fears. Had they been hurt? This entire time? While she-

Focus!.

"Baby," she whispered to her daughter, scooping Sanctuary into her arms. Ah- it felt like before; so comforting and warm, as if Sanctuary had never left. Hadn't been missing for years. She cradled Sanctuary and shushed Lance, instinctively leaning down to brush her forehead against his. It was muscle memory and her heart yearning to touch the phony she had dreamed and mourned for -- to comfort him.

"Shhh, you're here. You're here, and I'm here, just- wait one second, I-" she trailed off as one arm wrapped around Sanctuary and another fumbled in the basket and brought out a key, unlocking the door clumsily. She gathered herself and hesitated in the doorway, wobbling as she tried to juggle holding her daughter and helping Just Lance. With a sharp huff, she set Sanctuary down gently against the seat set near the door, where her sons often sat as she prepared to take them to school. The oddity of it all felt like metal in her mouth and she pushed it down, focusing now on gently slipping herself under Just Lance and lifting.

He was far lighter than she remembered.

Just Lance had always dwarfed her. She was a small phony, so it wasn't a hard thing to do, but he also had been strong and almost knightly in appearance. His body wasn't as warm, either. Still, she struggled despite the differences, attempting to slowly move him into the house and, once she had, she kicked the door shut and tenderly set Just Lance down.

"Are you okay?" She touched his face again, peering at his face with worry. "Are you okay?" She repeated, turning back to look at small Sanctuary.

[moonstonedazzle]

As soon as she was scooped up, Sanctuary fluttered her wings and threw herself at her mom. The tears were fat and ugly, rolling down her cheeks before she even knew she was crying. Any words were replaced with ugly little hiccups as she buried her face in her mom's mane. Her real mom, the mom that she knew and loved. Not the pony pretending to be mom, who made her call her Mother and keep her dress prim and proper. The mom that knew what songs she liked, how to make cookies. The mom that just let her be... her. Not a perfect little filly, just... her. Who she was at her core.

When she was set down, her hiccups turned more violent. Sanctuary shrieked, like she might wake up from the dream if her mom let go. She didn't want to wake up. She didn't want to be back there. No matter how nice the house was, no matter how much the food cost, she didn't wanna go back. She wanted mom's hugs, and her bed, and her stuffed animals.

"M-mom, no, please- I- mom, come back...!!!"

--

Lance winced at Sanctuary's cry, trying to stand on wobbly legs with her support. He couldn't even find the energy to be too proud, feel any shame in needing her help. All he could do was go along with her, leaning against the doorway and offering Blind a tired smile.

"My da-- Blind Love. I'll be okay, I promise. I'm just a little shaky. I think Sanctuary-" Another hiccuping sob, and Lance tried to move to grab her, falling short once more. But it was okay. He turned with a tired eye to Blind, and offered her a tired smile.

"She's been so strong. She's been such a brave girl, waiting for you. I promise. I'm okay," Just Lance assured her, keeping on his own four hooves. He wasn't what mattered now. No. What mattered was getting Sanctuary back home, back to her loving mother and siblings. To the life she deserved, that she'd been robbed of these three years. But he'd done it. She was home.

"I'm... I'm tired," he admitted, throat dry with the words. He hadn't thought about it, hadn't let himself consider the exhaustion or the ache in his bones. All he could do was run. Through the trees, over the rivers. Through unfamiliar cities and past uncaring faces. But he'd done it. He'd made it home. Back to friendly faces, warmth and love.

"It's- she never hurt us. It was... hard. Really hard. But she never hurt us."

And, oh. Oh no. There were tears in his own eyes. Lance tried not to hide his eyes in embarrassment, instead regarding her openly. Blind Love deserved that much, at least.

"I'm sorry it took so long to get out. To... to come back home."

[Nym]

Sanctuary shrieked and wailed and cried and Blind Love felt the world cave in just a bit more, reminding her of the mistakes she had done and the ones that would come. Of course, Sanctuary wailed, she shouldn't have let go. Blind Love felt the overwhelming pressure build in her chest as she snapped to her daughter and gathered the filly into her arms, softly shushing and humming as she buried her face into Sanctuary's hair and gently rocked her. Her heart hurt and her eyes grew damper as she hid her face into familiar beautiful teal locks, a sob catching in her throat. She wanted so badly to join Sanctuary; to holler and scream and weep with her about the world and how it had taken, but- it felt wrong. Wrong to cry while Just Lance and Sanctuary crumbled in her hallway- their hallway.

What had happened to them? What had broke Just Lance down to this mere whisper of his true form and caused her daughter to cling to her as if something might snatch her away? Blind Love tightened her hold on Sanctuary- no, she'd never let someone take her daughter again.

She listened to Lance, biting back her own tears and forcing her chest to stay even. She had cried enough earlier, now it was time to be whatever strength they needed. She shifted, peeking from Sanctuary's hair to watch Just Lance, almost flinching as he corrected himself. He was going to say 'my darling', his phrase for her. One of them, at least. She had ached for three whole years to hear him say it again, replaying old videos she had once taken so carelessly just to catch his voice and endearments. It felt strangled, now, as if something heavier had clawed into his throat and forced him to rescind the saying.

No- this wasn't about her right now.

Still, he remained there, alone, speaking as if he had somehow let her down. As if he had done something. She felt even more twisted, her heart sinking as the worst possibility showed itself before her. There had been a time she wondered if he had left on his own. It wasn't her first thought, no, but two years of being alone often caused one to begin to explore the other options. The better options, in truth; she had been told that they were likely dead, after all. Leaving her was better than dead.

But, no- something had hurt them. Claimed them for their own. She kept an arm around Sanctuary, extending another towards Lance and gesturing: come here.

"It's okay." It wasn't but she was so determined to stop her own feelings from spilling over. "You're home," she added, voice cracking and faltering. "You're both home- I-" Another sob caught in her throat and she buried herself back into Sanctuary, her arm drooping, hoping Lance would slide under it. Sanctuary looked so tired, and she was too young for any of this. Blind Love needed to get her somewhere warm and comforting before she even thought to ask Just Lance what had happened. In fact, they both needed it.

"Can we-" her voice hitched and hiccuped. "Can we be together before we talk about- can I take you both to my- our room?" The boys wouldn't be home for hours and while she knew she could pull them out of school she needed to calm down first and come up with a plan. Honestly, though, she wanted to curl up with her daughter and Lance in bed. Rub their backs as they rested and ensure Sanctuary knew she was home. Ensure Just Lance felt the comfort he clearly needed.

[moonstonedazzle]

Sanctuary seemed to immediately be calmed by her mother's hold, burying herself into her fur and mane even more. It didn't matter that mama was crying, that mama was holding her too tightly. What mattered was that it was mama. Her real mama, the one she remembered and dreamt about. Her own house, her own room. The tormented wailing subsided, turning to a gentler, quieter cry. All she could do was think I'm home, I'm home, I'm home.

Just Lance watched them, the war drum of his heart at last calming down. For all he had failed them- his daughter, his... His... whatever Blind Love was to him, now (did she live here alone? Was she seeing anyone? Had she started over, trying to make a new life for herself...?), He had made it back to her. More important, their daughter was back to her. He let himself feel some relief at the sight. What was a touching reunion on surface, something to be cheered and celebrated.

But what right did he have to that joy? His hardest fight hadn't been enough. Every attempt at cleverness had kept them bound longer, every show of strength had fallen short. Something in him knew it was not entirely his fault- he had not chosen to go, had not wanted to stay- but couldn't he have done more? Shouldn't he have done more? True love was meant to conquer all, and yet he had failed his love.

Did he even deserve to love her, now? To look fondly on Blind Love and their time together at all?

He came when Blind Love reached out to him, slotting himself against her and closing his eyes. How cruel that this still felt so perfect. That after all these years, he still melted into this touch. Just Lance sighed quietly, not letting him dwell too much in her, even if he wanted nothing more.

"Y-yes. We can. I'll. I'll follow you. Wherever you want us, I'll follow." It sounded like too much and it sounded too hollow in his ears. He turned to look at Blind with a shaky smile.

"Lead the way."

[Nym]

Lead the way.

She hesitated for a moment, drinking in Just Lance's warmth and pressure against her side and the weight of her daughter in her arms, wondering for a brief moment how long they could stay in place. No, there were things to be done -- Sanctuary needed to be tucked in and Lance was likely exhausted. He looked it, anyway. She lightly leaned against Lance, taking the faintest of seconds to be selfish before pulling away and stumbling upright, slowly sliding Sanctuary onto her back with a shush and soft murmur of affection.

"It's just a second," she assured the likely discombobulated foal, now struggling with how to address Just Lance. Did he need help? Juggling the two of them and their vastly different sizes was harder than she would have thought, but she was happy to do so -- happy they were there to even be juggled. She nosed his side, pushing against him to help him upright and then using her side for him to brace against as she wobbled the three of them to her bedroom.

It was the same as before all of it -- the same walls, the same covers, the same furniture. The single room left unaffected by time, as if she had frozen it in place. She had, hadn't she? Even as the house adjusted to a family of three and two growing boys this single room had remained in place. She hadn't been able to bring herself to change out the things she and Lance had picked together -- hadn't been able to wipe him away yet, if ever.

"Here we go." With the gentlest touch she slid Sanctuary onto the king-sized bed and pulled the edge of the comforter back, tucking Sanctuary neatly into the middle, where she could be held by both parents. With Sanctuary settled she turned to Lance, who she had left sitting on the ottoman at the end of the bed.

"Lance-" she cut off immediately, voice drying at the absurdity of the situation. He was right there, she could touch him--she had, even!--, but he felt so far away. Had he moved on from their lives together? What had happened? Where had they both gone for so long?

A part of her felt heat at the edges; something foreign and hateful bubbling under her layers. 'It's- she never hurt us. It was... hard. Really hard. But she never hurt us.' She had never felt that strange feeling before; fury, rage, hatred. She didn't know the story, but the words that Lance had given her hinted at something or someone, and Blind Love struggled to swallow that budding poison seeping in her chest. Someone to blame, finally. She was a trembling mess of emotions, but right now all that mattered was getting her lost family back together. Get them safe.

So she bit back her questions and reached out for Lance, favoring the unspoken to word what she couldn't. 'Come here,' she pleaded with those arms and soft eyes. She had maneuvered to sit beside Sanctuary, giving just enough space for Lance to choose to curl beside Sanctuary's back or against Blind Love.

[moonstonedazzle]

"O-okay, mama. Okay," Sanctuary hiccupped, trying to wrap her arms tighter around her mother. If she never let go, she would never lose her again. They would always be together. She could have a real life. See her brothers again. The thought was comforting, something that could help her calm down again. She was okay. She was okay. With every breath, the hiccups subsided and she felt calmer. Safer. The longer she could hold on, the more real her mother was. The less likely she was to wake up and have this all be a terrible, horrible dream. She even smelled the same, just as good as she remembered.

She blinked up as she was tucked into bed, a quick fumble of her hooves as she reached out for Blind Love one more time. But no. No. It was okay. She was okay. Mama wasn't going anywhere. There wasn't any nasty, fake moms at the end of this dream. Papa had run, and run, and run some more, and they were home now. They were home. Another deep breath, and she could feel her eyes growing heavy. A surprising tiredness she hadn't felt before.

"'m sleepy," she mumbled, like it was a great revelation. But just... smelling mama, being here. She felt so happy, so safe, that she could just nod off and it would all be okay for ever and ever.

"Yes," Lance answered, snapping more upright from his exhaustion at his name being called. He regarded her openly, the weariness on his face. It just felt so good to see her, to see Sanctuary, safe and together. He had done something right for it, at least. He had saved his daughter, and found his way back home. As he took the moment to just stare at her, to remember what it felt like to see Blind Love, to drink down the details of her face and to fall in love with her all over again... there was the strangest feeling. On top of the exhaustion, the tiredness, he felt... sorrow. Tears spilling down his face openly, despite the lack of words to accompany them. The lack of the apologies, the things he couldn't say. Couldn't explain. Several times he opened his mouth, gaped, and found himself closing it once more.

Instead, he came to her as he called, finding her side and burying his face against her neck.

"I missed you. There wasn't a day that went by I didn't miss you. I'm so sorry."

[Nym]

Blind Love shifted to gently pet Sanctuary's forehead, soothingly humming low and sweet.

"I know, baby, but you can sleep now. I'll be right here." She wouldn't leave for the world right now. Maybe to collect her sons, but otherwise...

Lance pressed into her and she reached out, curling her arms around him and melting into the touch. The familiar warmth, his scent, his everything -- he was home. She bit down on her wobbling lip, trying her best to swallow what she could until, without warning, she felt a hiccup of a quiet sob, burying her face into what she could. She couldn't wake Sanctuary, but-

"I missed you so much," she cried, clinging onto Lance. "I thought you were gone- I thought-" She had been so alone; so lost in her grief and a world that had carried on without the pieces of her heart. She did her best to stifle her sobs and recollect herself, although she did so poorly.

"Where did you go?" It spilled from her before she could bite it back, guilt fluttering in her stomach. "You don't have to answer that right now- I'm sorry."

@moonstonedazzle

[moonstonedazzle]

With her mother's warm face and kind words, Sanctuary knew she would be alright. It was easy, in the moment, to forget the place she'd been. The people who had wanted to make a pretty family of pretty ponies. Wanted her to wear dresses, play silly games. This was home. She was home. Even as her mama and papa spoke, Sanctuary felt herself slipping away. This feeling, this place? This wasn't the dream anymore. This was real. This was home. Bit by bit her breathing evened out, slowed down, and Sanctuary fell asleep.

"I..." The words felt so paltry to Lance, now. So insincere. There wasn't an answer really for the question that abated the guilt, the shame. Even in his own ears it sounded like a lie. A hollow pleasantry to make her feel better. Like he had gone off to do something wrong, and was scrambling for a pretty lie to make it better. It... He could have fought harder. Tried harder. Bucked and kicked and thrown his weight into it every hour of every day. But he'd just been so, so tired.

Lance hung his head in shame.

"I had gone to get you a ring. And one of my sponsors... Had other plans," he recalled, the words dry in his throat. It was a million years ago, a lifetime away, and it was just yesterday. He could still see the stores, could feel the things he'd felt... And yet.

"I had thought Sanctuary would help me pick out the best one. Something beautiful, just like you deserved. If I had known..." If he could've saved her, he would've. Given his life for hers and he would have, again and again. He let out a shaken sigh, feeling like he could melt.

"It was a performance. Ignore the fact you're trapped here, smile and laugh, pretend to be a happy family. The people want you to be happy."

He looked up to her, barely able to maintain the eye contact, and looked away.

"I should've fought harder. Done more to break down the gates and the walls. I'm... I'm so sorry."