brother_nature | LIMELIGHT Inbox

[ He twists his hands before continuing: ]

It wasn't until the ship that someone saw through it for the first time - Or maybe he didn't. But it was the first time someone said they wanted to know me for me even if it took a while to figure it out and -

I know he didn't have that even if it wasn't his parents fault. Billy, I mean, because he chose to give up anything else he might have been to protect them. And I don't think I did either -

[ a beat. ] Sorry.

This is just a really long-winded way of saying... I know. And I'm trying, I promise.

[JUST LIKE, STARING AS HE GOES THRU ALL THE FEELINGS....

But! He listens when Phoenix speaks up, cocking his head. After a quiet beat, he just nods, tilting back in his chair, seemingly unbothered.]

I believe ya.

But gotta say, the Phoenix I've known so far ain't been so bad to be with.

[ my favorite thing is rolling "does he start crying," and it's a nat 20.. ]

[ which is to say that the nod turns into a pause. and he swallows hard as he ducks his head - eyes misty when he goes to place a hand over them and breathe out. ]

... Thanks.

I'm trying to be someone I can be proud of even if there's... some work to be done.

[ and a laugh that isn't quite a laugh as he adds: ]

Sorry, for yapping at you again.

[buddy,,,]

S'alright. It's one of yer skills, after all.

[ don't buddy him!!! you asked for this! ]

'Fraid to ask what you think those other ones are, honestly.

Hmmmm.

Try guessin'.

Telling you your skills is a lot less embarrassing and easier.

Skill two: changing the subject!

But sure, go ahead and name mine.

[ he could say he can just guess they're embarrassing... ]

... Okay, but are traits skills. I'm counting traits as skills. Because you're courageous and also know your limits.

And both of those things make you really good at pushing others to be their best. Like, I'm not sure how to explain it but the way you care about people is uplifting.

. . .

[knows his limits: tried to eat booker's tail, challenged and got smacked through the floor by brocade, ate like two shelves of soap,,

but u know what it's sweet someone thinks he knows his limits. Since technically he does! As his limit is 'i have no fucking limits.' GOOD ENOUGH.]

Eh, interchangeable, sure. But that's kind of ya--though yer right, don't think the way I care is anything special, but glad it helps.

If you think I'm wrong you can say it.

Like, don't get me wrong, I think you do some insane things. But your limits are literally "whatever I think is best," and I've seen you care about others limits - like in the last performance.

And it special. I don't think you realize how much you helped then or like... how much I think you helped me and maybe even Duck.

Nah, it ain't wrong. It just ain't right either--or guess it's more like, I can't confirm if it's right.

[taps at his head for emphasis. Still empty!!]

. . .but I ain't mad about it. I said it before, say it again. You guys are like brothers to me. 'Course I'm gonna look out for ya.

The memories you make now are just as important in making up who you are. You don't need the other ones to be whoever you want to be right now.

... you can also be unexpectedly cute. Yes, that's a skill too.