[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.]
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.]
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.]
[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.
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.]
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?
text;
It started out fine. There were parties.
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[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?
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I met one of the mirrors. He seemed nice. Not even that kind of nice that people use when they're lifting your wallet.
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From what I gather, my mirror is nice too. Go figure. I always thought I'd be the evil twin.
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[She presses her lips together.]
I don't know how to protect her from it.
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[He glances over at Riley for a moment before looking at Maya.]
What about you, princess? Doubt you like it either.
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[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.
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[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?
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[She curls in slightly.]
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[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.]
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[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.]
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[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?]
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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?
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No. They probably existed, but they weren't really required.
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[She means it kindly, really. It's also a convenient way for the conversation to shift away from her.]
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[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.
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[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.]
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You shouldn't worry. Maya can keep both of you safe.
[If he has anything to say about it.]
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[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.]
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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?
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[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.
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Okay. I just—I don't want that kind of thing to happen again. To anyone.