heartlands | limelight inbox

Then, honestly, that's my answer.

[ he offers a weak sort of shrug. ]

I know I should be happy because that was a whole goal I had? To find him.

But even knowing that a couple people were looking for him and that a lot of things happened to make it happen, it feels too easy? Fast? I don't feel prepared for it at all - like conceptually a whole family being involved did not register in my brain.

You don't need to feel like you should be happy if it's complicated. There's a lot of nuance, especially when there's more people than you bargained for.

[after a moment]

Do you want me to meet them? I mean, would that help, or would that just be more overwhelming?

There's so many more people.

[ The offer makes him go silent as he looks away. He squeezes his hand and then asks: ]

Do you want to meet them?

They did ask if I could come by for dinner as much as possible while we're here - which is, totally fair. And I know they're trying really hard not to put too much pressure, but it does get overwhelming.

I only want to meet them if you think it would help you out. If you think it would just make things more complicated or overwhelming, I don't mind at all just listening to you vent.

[gives a hand squeeze in return]

And keep in mind you can say no to dinner with them whenever if it's too much.

... I want you to meet them, too? Especially him. You're just as important to me and - You'll say it won't sound stupid, but it kind of sounds stupid. A reminder there are a lot of important things to me in the life I have now in the middle of it is nice?

[ smiles softly, ducking his head. ]

I kind of already have been. Aside from the first meeting - but it's starting to feel like running.

Nooooo, it's not stupid. I promise. And I'd be glad to meet them whenever you want.

[shakes his head]

I don't think keeping your own limits in mind is the same as running. You know?

One of them you might meet rather we mean to or not since he goes to our school now. [ which is an impossibly weird feeling. he pulls out his phone with a glance at it. ] How about in a little while - if you're free?

Also, no, it's so kind of running when your first thought is "maybe I'll be back on ship tomorrow and I won't have to face it".

I don't have work this afternoon, so - in a little while works.

[bumps against him a little]

At the very least, if you need a break while we're there, I can pretend something came up and we can bail. Fair compromise?

If you're sure. We can get ice cream or something after? My treat.

[ huffs a tiny laugh at the bumping but otherwise looks appreciative when gingham speaks. leaning down to press a quick kiss to his cheek. ]

Fair. And in case I haven't reminded you lately: You're amazing and I love you.

I'll never say no to either hanging out or ice cream.

[shifting a little to kiss his cheek]

I love you, too. [teasing:] And I guess you're pretty cool.

[ he was smiling a little at that as he started to look at his phone, but okay THAT earns an abrupt laugh ]

We can both admit my coolness points are nonexistent.

[ it's a joke and not at all self-disparaging. ]

Nope. Not allowed. One thousand cool points at the very least.

Okay, but how does that work if I'm not the cool twin?

You'll always be the cool twin to me.

That's because you're biased.

[ said fondly as he types something in his phone. ]

We'll see if you change his mind when you meet him. Which - he can walk us there if we want?

[ in the cautious tone of do we want that ]

Edited 2025-04-14 03:12 (UTC)

If you're okay with that, I'd love to meet him.

[hand squeeze]

- I am, yeah.

And at the risk of sounding lame in the midst of on-going conversation he does in fact seem... cool? Very excitable.

Edited 2025-04-14 03:23 (UTC)

Well, I'm really excited to meet him. I'm guessing he's on his way?

[ another look at the phone. ]

He should be. He asked where about we were -

[ and as if on queue and (nebulously not blessing fast because npc but still Fast) it's like.... a color-swapped version of phoenix because i can do that unlike the mcu. identical except for white hair and green eyes. ]

- Sup?

—Whoa, that was quick.

[doesn't let go of phoenix's hand, but turns to face tommy - giving him a wave with his free hand]

Hi. Um, I'm Gingham. Nice to meet you!

[ with a glance to his brother ]

I know who you are.

[ trying not to go red as he ducks his head, quietly as if more to gingham or just because he's vaguely mortified! hard to say! ]

I did not say that much.

The hand-holding literally gives it away, little bro.

[ which speaking of!! he offers his hand to gingham. ]

Jonah, but people call me Jon.

[bites back a nervous laugh at 'i know who you are', but then moves to shake his hand as he offers it]

Regardless of, um, how much you did or didn't hear... I'll stick with the 'nice to meet you'. Jon's a cool name.

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