Homeless forever, probably.

[qaunak]

It's alright, mun. I know there aren't many places out there for someone like me.

But I appreciate the chance at being able to see my sons again. I miss them both, Noatak especially... I thank you for this chance to see who they've become.

Comments

[qaunak]

What happened to you? Are you alright?

[disfavored]

I'll be fine. [That's a lie but he doesn't want to make his mom sad.] I've just missed you.

[qaunak]

You should come home. The house is empty without you there. [You left her all alone.]

[disfavored]

I should.

[But he'd feel bad about getting her hopes up.]

...Just a question but, if you make a mistake, you should do your best to put things right again, right?

[qaunak]

Of course you should, but - what's wrong? [She looks into his eyes with new worry.] What's going on, sweetie?

[disfavored]

Just...something I have to make up for. [KIDNAPPED THE AVATAR] I might not be coming home.

[qaunak]

...what do you mean, you're not coming home? You mean permanently? Tarrlok... [She just got to see you again, she can't lose you again, it's too much. One of these days her spirit is just going to give up and she'll lay down in that big empty house and never rise again at this rate.] Please just tell me what's going on.

[disfavored]

I...did something wrong. I just wanted to be the hero for once, but I went too far, and I have to face what I've done now.

I'm sorry. You deserved better.

[qaunak]

Face what you've done? [Her stomach twists, and she reaches out to place a hand on his shoulder, before moving to finger comb his messy hair.] Tarrlok, please be honest with me. Are you going to be okay?

[disfavored]

[He can't even look her in the eyes when he says it.]

...No.

[qaunak]

[She pulls him close, burying her head in his chest. Both her boys grew up to be such tall, strong men, but she can't protect them now. She couldn't even protect them before. She's never felt so useless.]

I love you, son. No matter what happens, I love you more than the world.

[She never had the chance to tell that to Noatak, she's damn well telling Tarrlok.]

[disfavored]

I love you too.

[He puts his arms around her and holds her close.]

I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to overcome father's influence. I should have just stayed with you instead of trying to save the city.

[qaunak]

You did what you thought was right. You never meant for anything bad to happen, I'm sure. I know you. You've always been kind-spirited. I just wish I had left and come with you, helped influence you towards a better path... [She sighs, but manages a small smile as she looks up a him, even though her eyes are teary.] Just know that no matter what, I'm proud of you. Of who you are.

[disfavored]

...Thank you.

Noatak wanted me to leave with him all those years ago, you know. To get away from father. But I didn't want to leave you all alone.

[qaunak]

You made a very hard choice. But I would have loved you regardless of which one you made, Tarrlok. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy.

[disfavored]

I just wish I could have made both of you happy. And I wish I told you the truth about dad.

[qaunak]

No one can change the past, Tarrlok. We all have regrets. But we're here now, together, and that's what matters.

[She tucks a strand of hair behind his ear, smiling to herself at how tall he's become.] All that's done and not done is forgiven.