IC Contact + Overflow

[gunslingerqueen]

Wanna continue a TFLN thread? Wanna text or call Nariko, or just play in general?

Here's the place to do it!

Comments

[gunslingerqueen]

[Alright, well, this is just adorable.]

Clearly, she had a good example in the kindness department! I’m kind of surprised you didn’t whip out a picture or something.

[She has … an entire small photo album of nothing but her brother. So, y’know, if he does, then he’s got company at least!]

[hairrowing]

[he blushes hot red because--

yes maybe he does have his wallet halfway to the table to show her]

I'm not embarrassing.

[gunslingerqueen]

Being a little embarrassing is a good thing. Free yourself. Be absolutely mortified.

[He can't be worse than the scrunchy hand motions she's making at that wallet.]

[hairrowing]

[and now he's rolling his eyes-- yes the scrunchy hand motions are incredibly embarrassing

he hands the wallet over, and the multiple pictures of his adorable and sweet little sister spill out]

[gunslingerqueen]

[That ...... That's a lot of pictures, Gladion.]

Oh, wow!

[She picks up one, two, and then three, holds them like cards, staring with an unreadable expression for a few seconds, and then:]

She is so freaking cute!!! Oh my god!

[hairrowing]

[he waits with bated breath-- both for any embarrassment, and also whether or not this friendship can be salvaged if she says something in the negative.

then, he smiles]

Yeah, I have to agree she is.

[gunslingerqueen]

I probably shouldn't be too close, you're really cute, too! It stands to reason she would take after her big brother.

[The wallet is a real one for keeping all of this in for him, seriously.]

[hairrowing]

[he makes a face, and it isn't very flattering]

Don't say that. I think we take after my mother, though.

[gunslingerqueen]

Handsome? Dashing? Heartthrob in the making?

[Okay, okay, she should have picked a word a boy might like better than 'cute' but she does try to make up for it!]

Yeah? What's she like?

[And, for once, there is mindful hesitation, an invitation to sidestep it entirely. Nariko is ... Hardly the one to go around asking people about their mothers, given her own.]

[hairrowing]

[continues to just Make Faces because he's a boy, and boys are just. BOYs


his expression sobers into something contemplative]

She's very intelligent. And beautiful. A powerhouse.

[gunslingerqueen]

[She tries so hard not to snicker at him and probably only succeeds because of the resulting topic - teasing it put on hold in favor of ... well, that.]

Huh.

[Not the most satisfying response, admittedly, but it's just also how she'd describe her own mother so it's A Lot.]

Is she a good mom to you?

[hairrowing]

[he pauses, brow furrowed as he contemplates]

Not for a long time, no.

[gunslingerqueen]

[Oh, Gladion ...]

I'm sorry for that, then.

[Not an it was my responsibility apology or it's going to be okay one, because maybe it won't be, or still isn't.

It's just a pure, honest you shouldn't have to carry that weight, and I am sorry its had to make you strong, variety.]

[hairrowing]

Mmmm.

[just a grunt, a sigh. there's not much he can do for it at the moment....just keep trying to find a way to, to stop her.]

[gunslingerqueen]

Is this why you ended up joining a gang?

[Look, Nariko will buy a house if he actually needs somewhere stable to live! That is too much!!]

[hairrowing]

I needed to be stronger...and I thought they'd help me.

[it did not help, actually it was Worse]

[gunslingerqueen]

Doesn't sound like it worked out.

[Gentle, assessing and then:]

So, you still have unfinished business to deal with?

[hairrowing]

Mmm. I can always be stronger.

[a little shrug]

Yeah.

[gunslingerqueen]

[Hm.]

Let me help.

[hairrowing]

With-- with the gang? [worried]

[gunslingerqueen]

I mean, yes? If you need it? You shouldn't even be in a gang!

[Where were your after school programs!!!]

But I meant, let me help you get stronger. So you can deal with the unresolved stuff.

[hairrowing]

[well, true]

Stronger how? The only way I know is by battling.

[gunslingerqueen]

Oh, I have no idea!

[Look just try to stay with her here.]

But I don't think I could have even had the strength or resolve to make the choice that I did without my Leah, at least.

[To be fair, she chose very badly, but if her hindsight keeps him, or anyone, from making the same mistake, then it is worthwhile.]

In the end, it was my responsibility to deal with but I couldn't have faced her without Leah at my side. So, I think sometimes you just figure things out better when you aren't in it alone.

[hairrowing]

Mmm...I guess that's true. But how can you find someone who understands the situation? The same way you do?

[he isn't going to drag Namine into something she doesn't want to be involved in]

[gunslingerqueen]

Well...

[Porque no los dos.meme, Gladion!!!]

There are some things you can't figure out just by thinking about it, right? Better to move forward awkwardly then be fixed in the same spot.

[Her chin goes onto one palm, but the other is offered to him.]

It might just be me for a bit, but let's stumble together, okay?