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“…why aren’t you with your dad?” Nathair asked, sounding too whiney even for him to stand. “He seems nicer…” He squeezed his eyes shut and tightened his jaw.

Leana glanced toward him, cocking her head, before glancing at her father, who sat on the floor, looking at a young man. “I think… you need me more, right now.” She whispered, almost to herself, still cradling her hand.

–

Nithel was listening to Alixer, one brow up, one brow down, as the youth continued.

“Sorry, this is super awkward. I’m introverted but I can’t get my mouth to stop moving in new situations. A lot of people think I’m odd the 1st time they meet me. Which, I am but it still feels awkward when people tell me I am.” Alixer shifted uncomfortably under their gaze.

Nithel smiled, softly. “Everyone’s ‘awkward’ in their own way.” Another word, he almost didn’t know. Nithel glanced over his shoulder, as Alessio headed over to a little girl. Nithel’s heart tensed, at how… broken she looked. And somehow tensed further, when he saw the young Ohel glaring at him. Nithel sighed, and looked back at Alixer, “Have you left your family, then?”

Ohel continued to glower at Nithel’s back. The urge to cry assailed him, and he fought it. Don’t. You. Dare. Ohel looked at the big lady, who welcome them to their home. Then he looked down at himself. You’re… a child again… Ohel’s eyes narrowed, but a moment, before he sprung to his feet, and walked over to Grimme, shyly. He tugged on her sleeve gently, his dark puppy-dog eyes looking up at her. “Where can I… use the restroom?” His cheeks turned rosy.

—

Leana’s eyes narrowed on the boy approaching. Nathair leapt back with a noise between a growl and a yelp when he got too close to touching his hair.

“Are you a non-human? Like my family?” He wanted to make ‘friends’-

Leana’s jaw dropped, and she scooted a bit between them. Non-human? But the boy’s eyes were so innocent? He didn’t mean anything by it.

“NO!? Just shut up get away from me!!” Nathair yelled clamping his hands over his ears, face tightening, as if in pain.

Leana stared up at him, her blue eyes wide, and starting to pool again. *considering risking hugging him again* But then Alessio was there. Leana scooted to the side, looking at the girl Alessio pulled along with sadness but curiosity. But, realization dawned and her eyes widened. Crorie!?

Nathair flinched as Alessio reached out, and put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s ok,” he murmured. “Trust me.”

———————

@this-is-not-an-alien @hannahrenner @ragnarok @sarafini