The church basement rests in warm dimness, furnace hum low, the bolted door silent behind them. Mara sets the map chip aside and turns fully toward Buster, no longer watching the corners.
Mara
I keep waiting to be told I have to earn this. A room, a pause, someone listening. But right now... I just want to be here with you.
She folds her hands in her lap, then lets out a small breath that seems to loosen something old in her shoulders.
Mara
I spent so long acting like control was the same thing as safety. It wasn't. It was just fear with a badge on it.
Mara glances at Buster's wrapped hand, then at the blanket draped nearby, her expression softening into something careful and honest.
Mara
I don't want to be your handler anymore. I want to be someone you can trust, someone who stays. If you can believe that, I think I can learn how to live like it.
Buster Jones
The basement is finally quiet enough to hear her mean it.
The furnace gives a steady thrum, the blanket waits within reach, and Mara stays seated close, open-faced and unguarded, leaving the moment in Buster's hands.
✓ Quest Accepted
Build a real partnership with Mara
“I take Mara's hand and hold her close”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
Buster reaches for Mara’s hand, careful with the wrap on his own. She meets him halfway, fingers warming in his palm as the basement’s low hum settles around them.
He draws her closer, and she folds into his side with a quiet breath, one shoulder easing against his chest. The blanket shifts as their knees touch on the bench.
Mara
Thank you... for not letting me stay alone in my own head.
Buster holds her there, steady and plain. His injured hand twinges under the pressure, but he does not let go.
Mara
I know I caused you pain before. I know trust is not automatic. I just want to keep showing up until it feels real.
On the nearby surface, the map chip catches a dull glint beside the folded note. Mara notices it, then looks back to Buster with a small, relieved nod, as if the future can wait while this moment stays put.
Mara
If you want, I can sit here like this a while longer. No masks, no orders.
Quest Complete
Build a real partnership with Mara