#with him while Willy thinks he's in total control. And Barrys really the only one to see through the whole thing

[hyperionshipping]

"forced proximity prompts ˗ˏˋ꒰ 🐚 ꒱ — “god, here- just hold my hand.” " For Willy?

Willy stood still, his eyes scanning over the body of water. Tricks glanced backwards, head tilted slightly. His eyes flicked downwards, then back up, taking the sight in. Willy Stampler was scared.

A grin slowly creeped onto Tricks' face. "Willy, c'mon," he said, gesturing. "We gotta go this way if we're gonna get anywhere."

"No."

"No?" Tricks turned, hands on his hips. His ear twitched, and he flashed Willy a toothy smile. "It's just some water. It ain't even deadly." He was teasing him now. "I mean, I guess some water here is. But I assure you this is just a little ol' pond. Hell, kids play in it." Willy glared at him, taking a small, but subtle, step back.

"I'm going a different way. You're all backwards here. Not a damn bridge anywhere to use."

"Watch your tongue, Stampler."

Tricks sighed, rolling his eyes. He didn't know what Willy's deal was entirely. The pond wasn't even full. It was low for the season. "God, here- just hold my hand." Without waiting, he grabbed Willy's hand. Willy was about to protest, but Tricks dragged him forwards, wading into the water. "This is the quickest way. You know, your magic won't get you everything." Tricks squeezed Willy's hand harder as they walked through the pond. "Don't worry," Tricks cooed, "I won't let any scawy monsters hurt you Willy. I like you. You're an interesting thing. Look! Almost done."

Willy stayed silent, listening to his own heartbeat. This thing holding his hand was a monster. It was also the only competent monster he'd talked to in Faerûn.

Once they had crossed the pond, Willy wrenched his hand out of Tricks', glaring at him. "Don't touch me again. Helpful or not. I don't want you touching me."

Tricks huffed, then sighed, rolling his eyes. "You're not gonna get anywhere talking to people like that. Trust me. Ruling out of fear only gets you so far."

"And what would you know?"

Tricks grinned, waving his hand. A shimmer of dancing lights was cast, making longer-than-normal shadows dance across his face. "I know lots of things Willy! I've been using magic a lot longer than you have!"

Willy scoffed. "Right. I'm gonna let the kid tell me about magic. Nice shadow puppets. I have actual power. That's cute."

"I like to think so Willy!"

"Right. Sure. Whatever."