heartgear

Siblings

Added 2025-06-13 16:00:22 +0000 UTC

The kettle clicks. She stands, mechanically pours, and places a mug of peppermint tea in front of Lloyd. He picks up the mug in both hands, breathing in the steam, and takes a slow, careful sip. Sarah clears her throat, folding her hands uncomfortably as she turns to Lyra.

"And w… what would you like?"

"I..." Lyra starts, her antennae rising, glancing at Lloyd's mug. He sets it down with a soft clunk.

"Mum, c-could I maybe - “ Lloyd starts.

“ - I would like - “ Lyra interrupts.

They look at each other. Without another word, Lloyd slides the tea over to Lyra. “...coffee?" He asks.

"C-coffee? But you’ve always -"

Lyra takes the mint tea in both hands, her movements slow and wary. She lifts it to her mouth, takes a sip, and lowers it again. Lyra stares down at the drink, her antennae dipping into the steam, and smiles.

Sarah stares at the both of them, unable to think of a single thing to say.

"Is instant okay?" She asks, finally. Lloyd nods, still not looking up.

"Thanks."

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Excerpt from Imago Ch27: Children of Two Worlds

My favorite part of this chapter was needling out the things of L that were Lloyd, and the things that were Lyra, and they at points surprising ways that L was not just Lloyd