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

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[finewithhalf]

[Some things come naturally when you don't want too many questions happening.]

idk

maybe

i just kinda wanna stick with riley tho

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[catchacold]

[That won't work when he actually cares.]

What do you need?

Is Riley okay?

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[finewithhalf]

she had a bad time

her dad was here. he didn't stay.

she needs me.

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[catchacold]

Is her dad good or bad?

Granted. But what do you need?

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[finewithhalf]

[There are a few rapid-fire texts in reply to that.]

> he's good

> the best

> don't tell her I said that

> i don't know

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[catchacold]

Strange.

Where are you?

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[finewithhalf]

her room. it's next to mine.

[Maya's room is 90% Art Studio anyway. She sleeps in Riley's room and just doesn't associate it as being mutually theirs.]

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[catchacold]

Can I check in?

[He wants to check on her - them - but he's also aware that just barging into a teenager's room is creepy no matter the context.]

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[finewithhalf]

if you wanna. door's open.

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[catchacold]

[So it isn't long after that Leonard first knocks the door, then walks right in, given he's already been given the go ahead. He closes the door behind him quietly then leans back against it as he looks around the room, eyes briefly on the sleeping Riley before settling on Maya instead.]

Tough couple of days.

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[finewithhalf]

[She's hovering over Riley even then, sitting next to her and combing her fingertips through her friend's hair. She peels herself away and moves over to a desk, where they ought to be able to talk with some freedom.]

It started out fine. There were parties.

[catchacold]

I never really trust "fine".

[He stays by the door at first, but then pushes away from it so he can stand closer to her, his hand by his side, thumb touching his little finger.]

You didn't get hurt, did you?

[finewithhalf]

[She shakes her head.]

I met one of the mirrors. He seemed nice. Not even that kind of nice that people use when they're lifting your wallet.

[catchacold]

[He has to smirk at the mention of wallet lifting, but then he just nods.]

From what I gather, my mirror is nice too. Go figure. I always thought I'd be the evil twin.

[finewithhalf]

Riley doesn't like knowing about people dying.

[She presses her lips together.]

I don't know how to protect her from it.

[catchacold]

Hard to protect anyone from life. Tends to just happen.

[He glances over at Riley for a moment before looking at Maya.]

What about you, princess? Doubt you like it either.

[finewithhalf]

What do you mean, what about me?

[She looks away from him, touching her hair in a motion that most definitely isn't nervous or unsettled.]

I'm fine. Of course I'm fine what's not to be fine about? I grew up in a sketchy neighborhood that stuff happens all the time. This isn't about me.

[catchacold]

It's a route to go down, you know. Acting like nothing can touch you.

[It's certainly been his route. He moves his hand to hold the opposite elbow loosely, taking a step so he can lean against the desk.]

You think that's your route?

[finewithhalf]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[She curls in slightly.]

[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.]