[ at this rate— talking has been the thing that most helps him rather than not. falco peers at the priest while cradling the lunch box being closed in his lap, saving the remaining pastries for the mandalorian and the child, that he'll be staying with tonight. ]
That's fine . . . Don't worry about it. [ he's only been honest until now and even when it's dark, having someone around like that felt like he was looking at the warmth of a candle fire cupped in his hand. ] I like talking— It helps.
[ Abel hopes that the subject matter won't upset him, but... considering the nature of their talk so far, maybe it was inevitable. ]
What is it like for you, back at home...?
[ there's unrest, and some sort of dispute between two peoples - he's gathered that much. but he means more personally. what is his home life like...? is he happy? is he safe? ]
[ he wants to believe he still has a home, at least. falco nods, let’s a quiet oh slip past his lips, and uses his hands to help with speaking. ]
I lived in an internment zone with Mom and Dad until I was . . . Five, I think? In a city called Liberio. It’s in Marley. [ whether that would make a difference since so many worlds are different, he still said it. the time is a little muddled because he was certainly too young, and there was a stop in celebrating birthdays the second he was strong enough to carry a rifle. ] I was out for most of the time, so, things would change a lot. But it was . . . Alright. [ his “alright” is a little doubtful, mostly because it wasn’t the best and he wants change, but there’s fear of being ungrateful. things could be better, but they could also be much worse. oh— a little twinkle, even if he uses past tense: ] And I had a big brother, so we were together more than with our parents when we were out.
[ he tries to picture what kind of place Falco was describing, what sort of world it was, what kind of society... 'monsters,' he had said. the 'giants.' a people who could turn into monsters... hm. ]
...And where did you go, after that?
[ Abel tilts his head, the question lingering alongside concern in his eyes. had something happened to his family...? ]
The Continental Mainland. A four year war started between Marley and the Mid-Eastern Allied Forces, so we were stationed to take back Fort Salva on the coast.
They’re too old to, I think. [ and actually being taken to serve, in that case, was a death sentence for treachery. he’s been threatened of that already, that the whole family would be made part of the raiding fleet if he stepped out of line. ] It was just me and Colt.
Then - you mean, you and your brother? You... were serving?
[ child soldiers?? he wishes the idea were more outlandish than it was... but that kind of life for a kind-hearted boy like this... ah. it makes him vaguely sick to think about it. the concern in his eyes deepens... ]
[ it wasn't what he wanted, but among all the options? it was the best one. ]
I had to for my family at first, but now . . . [ oh, hold on. there's something in his pocket. it isn't anyone's, actually, he got it from fruit's basket and he carries it around just to soothe his memory since he had not photographs, but. there it is. a polar bear keychain. ] It's for someone else. And I'll be really happy if it works out for her.
[ oh, Falco :( Abel gently takes the polar bear keychain as he holds it out, and it just punctuates how decidedly unfair the entire situation was. he's so young, and it wasn't exactly rocket science to figure that he was far from the only child soldier in a war to serve someone else's ends ]
...That seems terribly like you. [ his smile is rueful as he turns the little bear over in his hands. ] Thinking of someone else, while going through something like that.
[ how many people has he mentioned gabi to? he likes talking about it, no doubt— it soothes his memory and makes his center bubble and flutter, as any thing would get to talk about someone dear. he might be young, but he's transitioning to the age, and he can't ignore it readily. his overall demeanor has changed for the better: a genuine smile creeps back onto his face and before he knew it, his ears and cheeks were burning red.
soon, all of south sister will know of gabi braun. ]
Her name's Gabi, she was the top of our class and everyone back home respects her tons. [ eldians, at least. some marleyans cared for her and never said. do you see this, abel? he is absolutely twitterpated and it's not even spring. ] She's a crazy fighter, and maybe when our home is safe again and we don't need to fight anymore, I— I can ask her out on a date.
[ look at him!!!!! and this confidence!!!!!!! falco wouldn't be saying it, under normal circumstances. he'd be focused on the more urgent things like the world being trampled, and the aftermath, but that was the thing, now. he had far too much time on his hands than he's used to. most of that time was spent thinking of wonderful possibilities to keep his little head on straight— he'd told her he dreamed of marrying her and that was never touched back up on, so . . . so! he needs to start somewhere, on the less catastrophic turn of things.
it's all a little dream that does him well, even if it's not possible, and even if his life is short. ]
[ he's a little taken aback by just how fond Falco is of this girl, and the name is definitely imprinted upon his memory. though he wouldn't wish this place on anyone... by the sounds of it - perhaps in some ways, it was an improvement from their home life. 'she's a crazy fighter.' he's talking about a child around the same age as him, isn't he...? these kids...
he places the little bear very gently back into Falco's palm, and his smile is warm and affectionate. ]
H-haha, a date, hm~? Ooo, so your feelings run that deep! Wow, Falco, I'm impressed...! Acknowledging your feelings so openly is very mature of you! [ he isn't teasing, either!! the sincerity behind Falco's statements spoke for themselves; he clearly felt extremely strongly about Gabi and it was quite touching. ]
She's a very lucky girl, to have someone who cares about her so much. I'm going to pray for the both of you and I expect an invitation to the wedding, got it...?! I'll find a way to get there, so don't forget about me!
[ falco’s mouth opens and closes quite a few times since getting the bear returned to him and getting a wedding day mention. he’s has always thought of it in the purest way, and precocious as it was— a boy can have his dreams, even more so when he won’t live long enough to fully accomplish them. ]
Sh—She didn’t say anything about that, yet— [ yet implying that he’s spoken of the matter before, but he’s getting too eggplant purple to talk about it fluidly. ] But we’re still sticking together so—?
[ so maybe?! he’ll probably figure it out in a few years. ]
[ Abel places his hand over Falco's over the little keychain and gives it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. ]
Then we have to do everything we can to make sure you get back to her, don't we...? She's definitely going to be waiting for you.
[ the boy was strong, and it was clear that he'd be stronger when he thought of her. maybe it was that bond that would help him from falling into despair and keep the mark on his neck from worsening, if push came to shove. ]
I'm going to do all I can to make sure it happens, so... you can count on me. Alright, Falco...? If you ever feel scared, or lost... or even if you just want to talk about her together, you let me know. Anytime, day or night. You call me and I'll be there.
[ and with that, he stretches to his feet and breaths a quiet sigh; though Falco has given him a lot to think about... a good deal of it concerning, he felt content that he had made a new friend today. after the way they met, he had hardly expected things to go so well. ]
So who are you headed off to meet? I’m curious who you like spending your time with here, Falco~!
Oh, a baby...? [ wait what there is a baby here, excuse him... he's just going to keep that particular concern to himself, clearing his throat and motoring right along ] W-wow, that must be quite exciting! Watching over a baby...
We really were . . . He's brave, really considerate, and looked a lot like me, just older? Did I mention he was a strategist? He was even allowed to advise our captain and— he always took care of me.
[ it's a lot of gushing, a touch the same as when he spoke of gabi if not just more familiar and looking up to the eldest—and that wording might've been a fast way to throw a bucket of cold water on something so warm. falco seems wistful as they walk, still a smile to him that's as longing as any for a brother already gone. it didn't help too much to add that falco felt blame for it, but before he can feel any more melancholy: ]
Oh, but— Please don't feel bad for asking! I like talking about him.
[ ...mm, it definitely doesn't escape his notice that Colt is being spoken of in the past tense. even if the verbiage hadn't tipped him off, then...
that quiet sadness in Falco's smile would have. so... his older brother was...
...his brow furrows, softly ]
Falco, I'm... sorry. [ ...the priest can't help but ache in particular empathy, on this subject. ] He sounds... he really sounds wonderful. I would've really liked to have had the chance to meet him.
[ the people who've been kind and look after him the same way, colt would be grateful. falco's hand reaches to pat at the priest's arm. it's alright. ]
[ he's trying to imagine what Colt was like - imagining a taller, broader-shouldered Falco. a strategist, he said... sharp witted, probably friendly if his younger brother's disposition was any indication. he's smiling softly to himself, when the question stirs him from thought.
...Abel glances down at him as if surprised - really, it's been a very long time since anyone had asked him much of anything personal. there's a hesitation before he answers ]
No, I... [ ... ] ...not anymore. [ it's a bit quiet. ] I have a younger sister, but... we don't see each other very often. I guess you could say work keeps us apart.
[ ...the rest, for a long time have been--
--he nudges gently at his glasses, and smiles brightly ]
I have many good friends by my side, and I can't help but think of them as family now... so I'm never lonely! I'm just glad they're patient and kind enough to put up with me, you know...? I really should be more grateful, I think. Maybe I'll try to remember to say 'thank you' when I get home.
[ a sister . . . falco may not understand the context that abel truly means, but in its simplistic form, he thinks he can relate— like how the military kept him and his brother from their parents for quite a while, yes? he thinks he can understand. as they walk, falco’s softened smile seems to grow the more he mentions friends, and at that . . . he hasn’t thought of it like that. ]
That’s a good idea . . . Maybe I should do that more, too. [ oh— he points!! ] It’s that house, over there.
[ a house rather than a cottage all the way down the street, but it’s good to point things out already. ]
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That's fine . . . Don't worry about it. [ he's only been honest until now and even when it's dark, having someone around like that felt like he was looking at the warmth of a candle fire cupped in his hand. ] I like talking— It helps.
[ he has a green light to ask away. ]
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What is it like for you, back at home...?
[ there's unrest, and some sort of dispute between two peoples - he's gathered that much. but he means more personally. what is his home life like...? is he happy? is he safe? ]
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I lived in an internment zone with Mom and Dad until I was . . . Five, I think? In a city called Liberio. It’s in Marley. [ whether that would make a difference since so many worlds are different, he still said it. the time is a little muddled because he was certainly too young, and there was a stop in celebrating birthdays the second he was strong enough to carry a rifle. ] I was out for most of the time, so, things would change a lot. But it was . . . Alright. [ his “alright” is a little doubtful, mostly because it wasn’t the best and he wants change, but there’s fear of being ungrateful. things could be better, but they could also be much worse. oh— a little twinkle, even if he uses past tense: ] And I had a big brother, so we were together more than with our parents when we were out.
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...And where did you go, after that?
[ Abel tilts his head, the question lingering alongside concern in his eyes. had something happened to his family...? ]
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[ and that’s the full turn. ]
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Were your parents enlisted?
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They’re too old to, I think. [ and actually being taken to serve, in that case, was a death sentence for treachery. he’s been threatened of that already, that the whole family would be made part of the raiding fleet if he stepped out of line. ] It was just me and Colt.
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[ child soldiers?? he wishes the idea were more outlandish than it was... but that kind of life for a kind-hearted boy like this... ah. it makes him vaguely sick to think about it. the concern in his eyes deepens... ]
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[ it wasn't what he wanted, but among all the options? it was the best one. ]
I had to for my family at first, but now . . . [ oh, hold on. there's something in his pocket. it isn't anyone's, actually, he got it from fruit's basket and he carries it around just to soothe his memory since he had not photographs, but. there it is. a polar bear keychain. ] It's for someone else. And I'll be really happy if it works out for her.
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...That seems terribly like you. [ his smile is rueful as he turns the little bear over in his hands. ] Thinking of someone else, while going through something like that.
Will you tell me about her...?
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soon, all of south sister will know of gabi braun. ]
Her name's Gabi, she was the top of our class and everyone back home respects her tons. [ eldians, at least. some marleyans cared for her and never said. do you see this, abel? he is absolutely twitterpated and it's not even spring. ] She's a crazy fighter, and maybe when our home is safe again and we don't need to fight anymore, I— I can ask her out on a date.
[ look at him!!!!! and this confidence!!!!!!! falco wouldn't be saying it, under normal circumstances. he'd be focused on the more urgent things like the world being trampled, and the aftermath, but that was the thing, now. he had far too much time on his hands than he's used to. most of that time was spent thinking of wonderful possibilities to keep his little head on straight— he'd told her he dreamed of marrying her and that was never touched back up on, so . . . so! he needs to start somewhere, on the less catastrophic turn of things.
it's all a little dream that does him well, even if it's not possible, and even if his life is short. ]
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he places the little bear very gently back into Falco's palm, and his smile is warm and affectionate. ]
H-haha, a date, hm~? Ooo, so your feelings run that deep! Wow, Falco, I'm impressed...! Acknowledging your feelings so openly is very mature of you! [ he isn't teasing, either!! the sincerity behind Falco's statements spoke for themselves; he clearly felt extremely strongly about Gabi and it was quite touching. ]
She's a very lucky girl, to have someone who cares about her so much. I'm going to pray for the both of you and I expect an invitation to the wedding, got it...?! I'll find a way to get there, so don't forget about me!
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Sh—She didn’t say anything about that, yet— [ yet implying that he’s spoken of the matter before, but he’s getting too eggplant purple to talk about it fluidly. ] But we’re still sticking together so—?
[ so maybe?! he’ll probably figure it out in a few years. ]
I won’t!
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Then we have to do everything we can to make sure you get back to her, don't we...? She's definitely going to be waiting for you.
[ the boy was strong, and it was clear that he'd be stronger when he thought of her. maybe it was that bond that would help him from falling into despair and keep the mark on his neck from worsening, if push came to shove. ]
I'm going to do all I can to make sure it happens, so... you can count on me. Alright, Falco...? If you ever feel scared, or lost... or even if you just want to talk about her together, you let me know. Anytime, day or night. You call me and I'll be there.
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[ for everything, really, snacks included! ]
I was going to stay at a friends house tonight— do you want to walk with me?
[ until where abel sees fit to follow, of course. ]
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[ and with that, he stretches to his feet and breaths a quiet sigh; though Falco has given him a lot to think about... a good deal of it concerning, he felt content that he had made a new friend today. after the way they met, he had hardly expected things to go so well. ]
So who are you headed off to meet? I’m curious who you like spending your time with here, Falco~!
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[ he hops off his porch, grabs his backpack to swing around his shoulders and snags the lunchbox he was given. ]
I like taking care of Leon— he’s a baby Mister Mandalorian’s looking after, so while we talk and he gets some rest, I get to watch him.
[ he....... baby. large sibling, protect. ]
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[ not that all babies weren’t special, but— it always did seem that he was being understood whenever he spoke to it. that and the magic. ]
Colt got to do it when I was that size. I didn’t think I would’ve, so I’m glad for that.
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[ he smiles fondly at him as they walk; it wasn’t hard to see the boy had warm feelings for his sibling. ]
What is he like, Falco? Are the two of you close?
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[ it's a lot of gushing, a touch the same as when he spoke of gabi if not just more familiar and looking up to the eldest—and that wording might've been a fast way to throw a bucket of cold water on something so warm. falco seems wistful as they walk, still a smile to him that's as longing as any for a brother already gone. it didn't help too much to add that falco felt blame for it, but before he can feel any more melancholy: ]
Oh, but— Please don't feel bad for asking! I like talking about him.
[ it made him feel closer, somehow. ]
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that quiet sadness in Falco's smile would have. so... his older brother was...
...his brow furrows, softly ]
Falco, I'm... sorry. [ ...the priest can't help but ache in particular empathy, on this subject. ] He sounds... he really sounds wonderful. I would've really liked to have had the chance to meet him.
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[ the people who've been kind and look after him the same way, colt would be grateful. falco's hand reaches to pat at the priest's arm. it's alright. ]
Do you have close family, Father Abel?
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...Abel glances down at him as if surprised - really, it's been a very long time since anyone had asked him much of anything personal. there's a hesitation before he answers ]
No, I... [ ... ] ...not anymore. [ it's a bit quiet. ] I have a younger sister, but... we don't see each other very often. I guess you could say work keeps us apart.
[ ...the rest, for a long time have been--
--he nudges gently at his glasses, and smiles brightly ]
I have many good friends by my side, and I can't help but think of them as family now... so I'm never lonely! I'm just glad they're patient and kind enough to put up with me, you know...? I really should be more grateful, I think. Maybe I'll try to remember to say 'thank you' when I get home.
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That’s a good idea . . . Maybe I should do that more, too. [ oh— he points!! ] It’s that house, over there.
[ a house rather than a cottage all the way down the street, but it’s good to point things out already. ]
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