ic inbox ;;

[finewithhalf]

If you're looking for me, I'm out. Drop me a message, and I'll get back to you when I feel like it.

Comments

[catchacold]

You're human, Maya. Caring doesn't make you weak. Just means you're a decent person. Just means you can understand your friend enough to be there for her. You don't want to stop feeling.

[If he was anyone else, he might have reached out to put a hand on her shoulder by this point, but instead he just pats himself down and pulls out a pack of gum to hold out for her.]

[plutonicideals]

And it's okay to not be fine, too. Even if you say you are.

[She'd been listening. And she finally decides to add her own two cents, because while she's had a hard time coping herself, she knows when Maya isn't doing too well too.]

[finewithhalf]

Well good morning to you too, Bubblegum.

[The greeting is stiff and tight-lippedas she accepts the offered gum, though she'll stop to raise an eyebrow at it because really, Lenny?]

[catchacold]

[What was Maya expecting, a hug? He doesn't do those, contrary to prior evidence.]

Morning.

[He nods at Riley, than puts a piece of gum into his own mouth.]

Did you ever have self-defence classes at school? Do they teach anything useful?

[plutonicideals]

[She doesn't pay much mind to the tone of Maya's greeting.]

No. They probably existed, but they weren't really required.

[finewithhalf]

Riley's.. not always the best when it comes to things that require movement.

[She means it kindly, really. It's also a convenient way for the conversation to shift away from her.]

[catchacold]

Sure, I get that.

[But since he's not one for kiddie gloves...]

Seems like more of a requirement in a place where your evil self can step out of any mirror and attack.

[plutonicideals]

Someone offered to teach self-defense, but I really... didn't think it'd be something we'd have to do.

[finewithhalf]

You don't have to, Riles.

[Maya straightens then, watching Riley's expression intently.]

You just stay with me and I'll worry about keeping you safe, okay? That's my job.

[It might be the only one she'll ever take seriously.]

[catchacold]

[He turns his focus on Maya, frowning a little. There's something familiar about her stance, about that intent in her eyes. He nods, more to himself than anything, and looks at Riley again.]

You shouldn't worry. Maya can keep both of you safe.

[If he has anything to say about it.]

[plutonicideals]

I... I want Maya to stay safe too, though. I don't want that to just be a thing she has to worry about.

[It's said stubbornly, a frown on her face as she considers... everything. That this even has to be a thing is way beyond anything she ever imagined or wanted from a place like Wonderland.]

[finewithhalf]

You're not a thing, Riley. Okay? And -- and Lenny's here and there's lots of people who can worry about you too. So you don't have to worry, all right?

We can -- we can go back to the gardens and make sure that little guy with the dumb name is doing okay. That's normal, right?

[catchacold]

She's staying safe, Riley. I know how to keep people safe.

[The way he looks, dressed all in black, it should be easy to believe even without any further knowledge of him.]

I'll check on you if things go down again. You can hit me up too.

[He shrugs, looking down for a moment before continuing.]

It's calm right now. Normal. So relax.

[plutonicideals]

[Oh, it is. Riley hasn't had any reason to necessarily distrust anyone here so far... and anyone that's here to check on them can't be a bad person.]

Okay. I just—I don't want that kind of thing to happen again. To anyone.