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[victory road] IC CONTACT
[For private communication, Pokegear or otherwise!]
I know. And that's understandable. He has a lot of things to process, and trying to do that while also trying to build a relationship on shaky foundations would be a tall order. Starting over from the top will probably work out better, especially if Sylvain waits until he's back to being emotionally stable to try again. And I know you know all this, too. [His hand keeps rubbing slowly over Grant's back.] I'm just sorry it had to sting so much for you. Because how could it not, especially under the circumstances?
But the core of the matter is that Sylvain is still here with us. There will be chances for you two to try things again, and have them go better this time - and Sylvain wants those chances. And he cares about you. If there's anything Sylvain unfortunately excels in, it's blowing off people he's dating that he's not really interested in. But you mean something to him. Having a proper relationship with you means something to him. So hurt as much as you need to now, but know that there's definitely something good waiting at the other side of this.
But the core of the matter is that Sylvain is still here with us. There will be chances for you two to try things again, and have them go better this time - and Sylvain wants those chances. And he cares about you. If there's anything Sylvain unfortunately excels in, it's blowing off people he's dating that he's not really interested in. But you mean something to him. Having a proper relationship with you means something to him. So hurt as much as you need to now, but know that there's definitely something good waiting at the other side of this.
[He's finally free. Grant lets out a relieved breath and sits up, dusting off his bag. Which isn't gonna do much about the puppy slobber, but he might as well try.
He smiles weakly at Envy, and definitely takes that as a joke.] Oh, no-- I, uh, lay down myself. I think I figured it'd... help to pin the bag down with my shoulder or something? [Okay, yeah, no, he realizes he did not really think that through. In fairness, he was under some pressure at the time.] Do they do this a lot?
He smiles weakly at Envy, and definitely takes that as a joke.] Oh, no-- I, uh, lay down myself. I think I figured it'd... help to pin the bag down with my shoulder or something? [Okay, yeah, no, he realizes he did not really think that through. In fairness, he was under some pressure at the time.] Do they do this a lot?
[Good news, he actually is there! And ready to open the door, having seen Felix's response.]
Hey - come on in.
[Is he worried about the risk of things getting awkward (at least from his own perspective) and not having a graceful way to get away? Absolutely. But things have been less awkward recently, and Grant can only hope that this will turn out to be a good way to keep getting used to each other.]
Hey - come on in.
[Is he worried about the risk of things getting awkward (at least from his own perspective) and not having a graceful way to get away? Absolutely. But things have been less awkward recently, and Grant can only hope that this will turn out to be a good way to keep getting used to each other.]
[Hearing Felix explain doesn't make Grant any less tense, at least not right away. He can't say for sure, as is often the case with this kind of thing, whether he'll be able to relax in a few minutes, or if it'll take longer, maybe even an hour or more after they part ways.
But... even if it doesn't do much for his physical state, listening and thinking over what Felix says does help, from a logical perspective. There's still that nagging uncertainty, the sense that things could change at any time, but-- well, if it comes down to Dimitri... Grant certainly can't see himself changing the way he interacts with him. So, unless they go off the rails some other way, it'll... probably be alright.
Grant nods slowly.] I... think I get that. Uh... thank you. For explaining.
But... even if it doesn't do much for his physical state, listening and thinking over what Felix says does help, from a logical perspective. There's still that nagging uncertainty, the sense that things could change at any time, but-- well, if it comes down to Dimitri... Grant certainly can't see himself changing the way he interacts with him. So, unless they go off the rails some other way, it'll... probably be alright.
Grant nods slowly.] I... think I get that. Uh... thank you. For explaining.
[ Internally speaking has been loud static for the past... who knows how long, actually, buuuut Grant doesn't need to know that. ]
I'll be honest, finding out about free healthcare is a bit of a bonus. But it's... I dunno. You adapt, you go on. Same as always.
[ No, that's a you thing, Jinx- ]
... I know I already said it, but I really am sorry that this talk wasn't on your terms.
I'll be honest, finding out about free healthcare is a bit of a bonus. But it's... I dunno. You adapt, you go on. Same as always.
[ No, that's a you thing, Jinx- ]
... I know I already said it, but I really am sorry that this talk wasn't on your terms.
Mm-hm.
[That's all he's really got left to say, at least for the moment - just a wobbly, tear-choked hum of agreement while he clings to Claude.
Or, well... almost all. He lets out a laugh that's almost more like another choked-back sob.] I just-- hope he doesn't change his mind. A-about trying again.
[Of course, there'd be no need to say that if Grant weren't... sort of terrified that exactly that is going to happen.]
[That's all he's really got left to say, at least for the moment - just a wobbly, tear-choked hum of agreement while he clings to Claude.
Or, well... almost all. He lets out a laugh that's almost more like another choked-back sob.] I just-- hope he doesn't change his mind. A-about trying again.
[Of course, there'd be no need to say that if Grant weren't... sort of terrified that exactly that is going to happen.]
I don't think he will, Grant. [Claude squeezes him slightly.] I mean, I can't speak for him, of course, but...you've got all the charms you had that originally attracted him, and we're all seeing more and more of your charm the more we get to know you and be around you. He's got no reason to become less interested in you over time, okay? I know you've got a low opinion of yourself, but remember that he already wanted to date you once. You demonstrably have things he's into. And you're going to keep spending time around him, so he's going to keep seeing all those things he likes about you. [He grins a little.] And he'll get to see me and Dimitri hogging all those things for ourselves in close proximity, too. I think there's a very good chance he'll definitely want another shot with you, once he's in a better place.
[Felix nods and does indeed go inside, glancing around. Has he been in Grant's room before? He can't remember. All these rooms look pretty much the same anyway, aside from whatever Pokemon are around.
He glances around for a place to put the kettle and the cups he borrowed from the kitchen, and ends up setting them down on the desk along with a packet of chamomile and one of spiced chai.]
Hi. I brought the chamomile.
He glances around for a place to put the kettle and the cups he borrowed from the kitchen, and ends up setting them down on the desk along with a packet of chamomile and one of spiced chai.]
Hi. I brought the chamomile.
[Felix nods with a quiet noise that probably means 'you're welcome,' or is at least an acknowledgement.]
If you still have questions, ask them. I...Talking about this sort of thing doesn't come naturally to me.
If you still have questions, ask them. I...Talking about this sort of thing doesn't come naturally to me.
Mmmmb. [Grant what was that sound.
At least it's followed by actual words, for better or worse.] I don't... mean to be contrary, but if I don't say this I'm... just gonna keep thinking it anyway: He could also start seeing more things he doesn't like. 'N he wouldn't be the first person to-- to just lose interest.
[Another soft, sobbing laugh.] And, I mean, Sylvain is nothing like the guys I used to date, so I know I shouldn't... shouldn't expect things to end up the same, because he's better than that, but it-- it just ends up hurting more, because he's... so much better, and I know that and it affects h-how I feel-- [God, he's about to start sobbing in earnest again, isn't he. Great.] --But even knowing it I can't imagine him wanting to try again. I think it might be partly that-- y-you know how when you're upset about something, um, it's hard to imagine ever... feeling any other way? S-so it's hard to imagine the circumstances changing, so right now, I... know that one way or another I'll feel better about this, and I already feel better than I did when he told me, but right now it just feels like... he'll always want to stay apart and I'll never f-feel any better about it, and I'm talking... so much.
[He's just gonna... re-adjust so his face is buried in Claude's shoulder again, and just say a few more words, muffled once more:] Hate this. Feel like a... a stupid teenager.
At least it's followed by actual words, for better or worse.] I don't... mean to be contrary, but if I don't say this I'm... just gonna keep thinking it anyway: He could also start seeing more things he doesn't like. 'N he wouldn't be the first person to-- to just lose interest.
[Another soft, sobbing laugh.] And, I mean, Sylvain is nothing like the guys I used to date, so I know I shouldn't... shouldn't expect things to end up the same, because he's better than that, but it-- it just ends up hurting more, because he's... so much better, and I know that and it affects h-how I feel-- [God, he's about to start sobbing in earnest again, isn't he. Great.] --But even knowing it I can't imagine him wanting to try again. I think it might be partly that-- y-you know how when you're upset about something, um, it's hard to imagine ever... feeling any other way? S-so it's hard to imagine the circumstances changing, so right now, I... know that one way or another I'll feel better about this, and I already feel better than I did when he told me, but right now it just feels like... he'll always want to stay apart and I'll never f-feel any better about it, and I'm talking... so much.
[He's just gonna... re-adjust so his face is buried in Claude's shoulder again, and just say a few more words, muffled once more:] Hate this. Feel like a... a stupid teenager.
Oh, yeah, that was a huge relief. [Especially when, you know, they needed to get eight people vaccinated at once.
...That description, though, is a little worrying, in a "could be pragmatic, could be depression" kind of way. It's sort of a familiar mindset, after all, and that in itself is something Grant tends to consider cause for concern.
He shakes his head.] No - it's alright. I meant to tell you and everyone else about it eventually, anyway... plus, I'm glad you did talk to me about it, so I... know that you know.
...That description, though, is a little worrying, in a "could be pragmatic, could be depression" kind of way. It's sort of a familiar mindset, after all, and that in itself is something Grant tends to consider cause for concern.
He shakes his head.] No - it's alright. I meant to tell you and everyone else about it eventually, anyway... plus, I'm glad you did talk to me about it, so I... know that you know.
Right. ... Um, I think that's it? Unless there's anything else...
[Claude makes a soft, sympathetic sound in his throat.] No, I know exactly what you mean. And probably there's nothing I can say that's gonna fix that, right? Because right now, like you said, it's hard to believe. You've just gotta give it time, and I can't just hand you that no matter how much I want to make things better for you.
But while that time passes...I'm here. And you can cry, or hold me, or talk it out, or all of it together, as much as you need.
[And with that, for once, Claude thinks it might be best to just be quiet for a bit while he holds Grant in his arms.]
But while that time passes...I'm here. And you can cry, or hold me, or talk it out, or all of it together, as much as you need.
[And with that, for once, Claude thinks it might be best to just be quiet for a bit while he holds Grant in his arms.]
[Well, there is certainly, at least, the difference that there's definite evidence strewn around that a child has been living here. Fortunately, it's not so messy that there's not plenty of open floor and desk space, and Grant makes sure there are chairs close at hand for them both.]
Thanks - oh, you want anything to eat with the tea? I've got a few different kinds of snacks onhand.
Thanks - oh, you want anything to eat with the tea? I've got a few different kinds of snacks onhand.
Felix is getting tired of wandering around alone - well, alone except for Mew, but the cat keeps turning invisible or going off by itself, and Felix is getting tired of that, too. It tried to hand him a weird little box thing and said he could use it to communicate or look at maps, but he had no idea what it was and didn't feel like messing with it, so he just shoved it into his pocket.
He's also hungry, and Mew brought him some berries but they tasted horrible. And he doesn't have his bow for hunting, and when he tried to use his sword to hunt a deer, Mew made him stop for reasons he still doesn't understand. So he can't hunt and he can't forage, and he has no money, and just about the only saving grace is that it's unusually warm outside, so at least he's not freezing like he would be if he were at home.
But just thinking about home gets him sniffling. So finally, he gives up. He finds a bench to sit down on, pulls his feet up onto it, folds his arms over his knees, buries his face in them, and cries.
Which is where Grant and Chip will find a child with hair the exact color of Felix's with a similar style, wearing the same color that the others have called 'Fraldarius blue,' with a floating pink cat hovering nearby that seems to be beckoning them over.
He's also hungry, and Mew brought him some berries but they tasted horrible. And he doesn't have his bow for hunting, and when he tried to use his sword to hunt a deer, Mew made him stop for reasons he still doesn't understand. So he can't hunt and he can't forage, and he has no money, and just about the only saving grace is that it's unusually warm outside, so at least he's not freezing like he would be if he were at home.
But just thinking about home gets him sniffling. So finally, he gives up. He finds a bench to sit down on, pulls his feet up onto it, folds his arms over his knees, buries his face in them, and cries.
Which is where Grant and Chip will find a child with hair the exact color of Felix's with a similar style, wearing the same color that the others have called 'Fraldarius blue,' with a floating pink cat hovering nearby that seems to be beckoning them over.
Grant doesn't recognize the kid, at first - just, a child crying on a bench, and that's reason enough to approach, tapping briefly at Chip's shoulder to make sure they know he's changing course. It's only when he gets closer that he gets an inkling that said kid looks familiar.
"Hey-- you okay?" Suspicion is already nagging at him as he goes to squat down near the bench. Near it, a couple feet off, not right by it; if that suspicion is right, and Felix is anything now like he is as an adult, getting too close too fast might be, uh... dangerous.
"Hey-- you okay?" Suspicion is already nagging at him as he goes to squat down near the bench. Near it, a couple feet off, not right by it; if that suspicion is right, and Felix is anything now like he is as an adult, getting too close too fast might be, uh... dangerous.
Chip, meanwhile, trails behind Grant with furrowed brows and a frown. They hold Espie close as they look the other child over--the color of his clothes is familiar, sure, but that's not quite enough for them to make that connection. All they see is a sad kid with a worried Palien, and while they might usually want to try and help, Grant is...
...
...well, he has it handled, anyway.
...
...well, he has it handled, anyway.
Felix raises his head with a sudden sniffle, not having realized he wasn't alone; his eyes are red-rimmed, tear-filled, and slightly widened, but unmistakably the same as his adult self's.
He glances back and forth between this huge man and the kid standing over there, fear plain on his face. He seems to shrink back a little from the stranger.
"I'm...fine...who are you?"
He glances back and forth between this huge man and the kid standing over there, fear plain on his face. He seems to shrink back a little from the stranger.
"I'm...fine...who are you?"
Oh shit. Yeah. Either that's Felix or he has another brother he didn't mention.
Grant stays where he is, not daring to move closer, or... stand up straight and just tower over the poor kid. "That's good to hear... my name's Grant. This is Chip, my kid." He nods toward them over his shoulder, and... takes a moment to study their expression. They don't look too thrilled... he can't just drop the issue of the boy crying in front of them both, but he'll definitely have to check in with Chip later.
Grant stays where he is, not daring to move closer, or... stand up straight and just tower over the poor kid. "That's good to hear... my name's Grant. This is Chip, my kid." He nods toward them over his shoulder, and... takes a moment to study their expression. They don't look too thrilled... he can't just drop the issue of the boy crying in front of them both, but he'll definitely have to check in with Chip later.
Again they don't say much, simply shuffling a bit closer to Grant and grabbing onto his shirt. They're not...well, they're not not glaring at Felix, but their expression isn't outright hostile. Espie squirms a bit in their arms and reaches up with all four little arms to pat at Chip's face with a worried trill, which seems to calm them a bit as they switch to comforting her in return.
"...hi." A bit belated, but it's a response at least.
"...hi." A bit belated, but it's a response at least.
Felix watches Grant warily, then glances at Chip and frowns, a familiar combative look flashing in his eyes despite the tears still filling them.
"I don't like the way you're looking at me. Stop it."
"I don't like the way you're looking at me. Stop it."
Oh no. Grant... suppresses a wince, immediately envisioning this going so bad so fast. He sets a hand on Chip's shoulder and glances down at them - partly to address them softly, partly just to check if their reaction has progressed beyond that initial discomfort. "Hey - you alright?"
Chip, predicably, puffs up indignantly when Felix tells them off and snaps right back at him. "Yeah? What're you gonna stop me?"
Grant's hand on their shoulder makes them jump a little, their gaze snapping up to him (fearful for a bare half-second) before they grimace and shuffle further behind Grant and hold tightly onto his shirt.
Grant's hand on their shoulder makes them jump a little, their gaze snapping up to him (fearful for a bare half-second) before they grimace and shuffle further behind Grant and hold tightly onto his shirt.
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