finewithhalf | ic inbox ;;

[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.

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?

[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.

[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.

Riley doesn't like knowing about people dying.

[She presses her lips together.]

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

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.

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.

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?

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

[She curls in slightly.]

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.]

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?]

[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?

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

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

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.]

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.

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

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.]

[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.]

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?

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.

[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.

ic inbox ;;

text;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject