Chapter Text
Molly was pleased to see that Caleb was loosening up throughout the conversation. He appeared to be much more comfortable talking about magic.
"So, Mr. PhD. What made you go after Transmutation instead of like, Evocation?"
That was apparently the wrong thing to ask. Now Caleb's gone completely still. Molly watches the muscles in his jaw strain as if he was biting back words. The tiefling glances across the table. Fjord and Jester's eyes dart back and forth nervously between the two men. Molly just misses Fjord beginning to reach out a hand, only to be gently stopped by Caduceus who looks as nonplussed as ever.
Caleb opens his mouth and sighs, biting his lip before finally speaking.
"I do not have good experiences with that type of magic. It's not something that I wish to speak about." Caleb's voice is flat and Molly notices the white-knuckled grip on his forearms.
What had happened to this poor man?
"Shit. Sorry I brought it up. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."
The tension bleeds slowly from his shoulders as he processes that Molly isn't going to pry. He still can't meet those scarlet eyes but allows himself to refocus on the tattoo that stretches just below his cheekbone. A sliver of a smile returns to Caleb's face.
"I-thank you, Mollymauk. I would be happy to tell you about my current research, if you'd like."
The bar door slams open. Everyone at the instinctively turns to Jester, who is taken aback as much as everyone else.
"Guess who, bitches!"
Caleb instantly perks up at the unmistakable voice of Veth, who struts in with a red-face Yeza in tow. Beau hoots from her place at the bar, nearly spilling her drink on surrounding patrons. Molly and the others can't hear the exchange of words but Beau physically steers Veth to look straight at Caleb. The halfling is positively beaming at her boy.
Veth bolts over to meet Caleb with a hug. There's some soft whispering before Caleb lifts her up to stand on the bench.
"Veth, this is Mollymauk Tealeaf. Mollymauk, my best friend Veth Brenatto."
"Molly to my friends."
She makes no moves to extend a hand and instead looks him up and down with a stern look on her face.
"I approve."
Molly and Caleb lock eyes over her shoulder and Caleb gives him an apologetic shrug. He's stopped trying to rationalize her behavior. Veth jumps down and lets Caleb back into his seat.
"So, what are you guys doing over here?"
"We were...oh! Molly and I were discussing my schoolwork." Caleb clears his throat. "That is, if you were still interested of course. It is not exactly the most exciting thing."
"Caleb! Don't say that!" Veth looks excitedly at Molly. "Caleb's...he's done amazing things so far! He is very talented."
Caleb is beet red.
"I am, uh...I am currently working with transmutation regarding how it relates to people and society. My goal is to find a way to change a body in a more permanent way. One that can't be dispelled by any sort of conventional means. Ideally, it would be permanent, though so far there is no research that supports the possibility. I have a specific use intended, but if it is successful, it could be utilized in many ways. I think it would be particularly useful for improving the quality of living for things such as gender and health issues like-"
Caleb looks up some time later to find that the other four had migrated over to the bar. Molly's leaning on the table, chin propped up on his hand.
"Ah! I'm sorry, I have been blathering on."
"It's ok!" Molly laughs. "I may not understand all of it but I like hearing people talk about things they are passionate about. And magic interests me."
"Oh! Do you study magic too?"
"Heh, it's nothing like that."
For the first time since they've met, Molly's words are devoid of the usual mirth.
"I use magic...or used to before." he resumes, "It's complicated." Molly twists the bottle in his hands over and over as he stares somewhere past Caleb. He sucks in a breath.
"It's something that I don't really wanna talk about."
And how would you? How do you explain to someone about magic that isn't yours? About a life that's so far gone but still manages to haunt you every single day?
"Of course, Mollymauk. I admit I am interested, but you were very understanding of me earlier."
"Thank you, by the way...for your patience with me. I know I am not the easiest person to talk to or be around. The rest of the group, we've been friends for many years. They are used to my...eccentricities."
Oh no, this won't do. Caleb's talking as if he's something to be dealt with. And Molly's having none of that.
"There's nothing wrong with being eccentric. I mean, look at me!" Molly laughs and strikes a pose. He hits his mark, as Caleb begins to chuckle again.
"But really, Caleb. You're just fine to be around. Everyone has their issues, you just gotta find a way to work with them. I like talking to you and if there's anything I can do, just let me know."
"Oh. Thank you, I will."
Caleb's regarding him with what Molly can only describe as awe and that strikes something buried far in his chest. The thought of something so basic and decent eliciting that response pains him...and is deeply familiar.