Read a fic recently where Nile convinces the group to accept Booker back early despite the obviously sour feelings that Joe, Nicky and Andy still have, and Booker goes with them because ~loneliness~ despite knowing not everyone is happy having him back. Which obviously is good for no one in the long run.
What I want is kind of the opposite. Nile convinces the Old Guard to drop the exile thing and when they go to get Booker, he realizes that they actually do need time away from each other in order to heal and mend their relationships. Basically, I'm asking for struggling-with-depression Booker who has enough self-awareness to realize that although 100 years of exile is a bit excessive, they're a group of friends whose relationship needs space and time to heal.
+Booker picking himself up from his slump and either seeking help or developing healthy interests ++ Old Guard being taken aback and a little annoyed at first that Booker didn't come back with them, but realizing its for the best. +++ Healthy long-distance communication (texting/phone calls/letters) helping to rebuild their bonds with Booker
(I dunno man, I'm just a shameless Booker-apologist, I just want the sad french man to heal mentally and one day have nice things when he's ready for them)
Booker/Healthy Relationships
What I want is kind of the opposite. Nile convinces the Old Guard to drop the exile thing and when they go to get Booker, he realizes that they actually do need time away from each other in order to heal and mend their relationships. Basically, I'm asking for struggling-with-depression Booker who has enough self-awareness to realize that although 100 years of exile is a bit excessive, they're a group of friends whose relationship needs space and time to heal.
+Booker picking himself up from his slump and either seeking help or developing healthy interests
++ Old Guard being taken aback and a little annoyed at first that Booker didn't come back with them, but realizing its for the best.
+++ Healthy long-distance communication (texting/phone calls/letters) helping to rebuild their bonds with Booker
(I dunno man, I'm just a shameless Booker-apologist, I just want the sad french man to heal mentally and one day have nice things when he's ready for them)