Nakoma Purser

“I will accept ‘not that bad’ as an improvement. I know it’s a lot different from home, but it grows on you a bit.” At least, had on Pocky. Even after having gone home for a while, she hadn’t found coming back nearly so hard as she had worried that she might. “And it’s definitely more like home with all of us here, including you.”

“I still don’t understand half of the cuisine here or a lot of the culture trends, but I like the indoor plumbing.” That was a definite plus. “And I am kind of digging the IPhone. Did you know they have this app called BitLife? It’s like a life simulator. It’s so addicting.” Nakoma replied. “I can’t stop playing it in my free time.”

“I know you can’t. That’s one of the things that I love about you.” Pocky laughed, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. “But great! I haven’t gotten out skating much yet this year.”

“You would take advantage of my weakness and exploit it for your personal gain? Pocky, you’re horrible.” She teased. “Alright, I’m ready.” She was bundled up and had her skates. “Let’s go.”

@lovecanbuildabridge

“Oh, Nako! You look beautiful!” Pocky gushed, smiling brightly as she took in everything that her best friend was wearing. “I know New York parties are a bit much, but I hope you’re enjoying it still.”

“Me? Look at you!” She remarked with a smile. “You are gorgeous, Pocky, as always.” Nakoma hesitated for a moment. “You know I kinda hate New York but...I’m making it work. It’s not that bad. And you, Flit and Meeko are here. Which is the most important thing. Wherever you three are, that’s where my home is.”

Liz turned and ordered the drink before looking back to the other woman. “Don’t worry about it sweetheart,” The drink turned up. Liz held it out to her. “Pleasure to meet you Nakoma. My name’s Elizabeth, but everyone just calls me Liz,” There was a natural confidence to the way she spoke. Liz practically oozed charm. “I’m sorry that you hate people?” Her eyebrow quipped as she spoke. “It’ll probably just be h'orderves, small dishes, that kind of thing.”

She took the drink. “Thanks. Ha, I don’t hate people. I just...New York is an adjustment.” She explained, before taking a sip. When she spoke again, it was in a resigned tone. “Great, more fancy crap.” She muttered. “They better at least have cake.” If she was going to sit through a fancy party, and socialize, she wanted cake. Chocolate cake.

“Of course,” Liz leant forward slightly as she spoke to give emphasis to her words. “You should really have a little more confidence in yourself. You look stunning, I swear,” She waved a hand at the bar. “Do you need a drink? It might help calm the nerves a little.”

“If they have vodka or gin, please.” She laughed lightly. She wasn’t one to get plastered and she’d only have one. Because Nakoma was the responsible one, always. “I’m Nakoma. I hate parties. I hate crowds. I hate people. Well, that’s not true. I don’t hate all people.” She shrugged. “What are they serving for food here, do you know?”

Liz could notice someone stressed by their outfit from a mile away. She’d been hanging around the bar, taking a break from talking to people in the main ball room. She looked over slowly and laughed. “You look wonderful,” The blonde reassured them. Liz reached over to smooth out a single crease. “You should stop stressing.”

Nakoma felt very out of place. It wasn’t that she minded dressing up or that she didn’t want to be here. She just walked into the ballroom and suddenly felt very small. There were so many people, most she didn’t know. Pocky was much better at socializing than she was. Nakoma was content to stay in her corner and watch the action. And of course, she was anxious about whether or not she even looked alright. As she surveyed the room, the dresses were incredible.But, as she approached the bar, she heard a woman speak words of reassurance. “Really? Thanks. This is kind of...more than I’m used to.”

“Merry Christmas to you too Nako… – Nakoma,” Rex corrected himself. They weren’t exactly in a place where he could just call her Nako. “Yeah, a while,” He rubbed awkwardly at the back of his neck. “Um, I’m having a time,” Rex laughed. It was as awkward as he probably looked. He grimaced slightly at the mere thought of how he was, before deciding it was best to move on. “How are you? Back in New York City, I see.”

She had mixed feelings about seeing him. Rex was a really good guy and in all honesty, he’d been good to her. She’d even thought at one point she might have been in love with him. But, the fame scared her. Being in the public eye was not something Nakoma had ever been entirely comfortable with, and after the tape leaked, she took the opportunity to run and never look back. But, a part of her had always been left with lingering what ifs. “Yeah, well, where Pocky goes, I go.” She reasoned. “A time, huh? That doesn’t sound so good. If I was anyone else, I would know what was going on. But, you know me, I don’t read tabloid or follow those gossip rags. So, you may have to fill me in. Are you okay?”

It certainly wasn’t an answer Kida had been anticipating. It was an answer a lot longer than she’d been anticipating also. That was okay though. Kida liked listening to people talk as it helper her own English. “Well it certainly sounds like you’re having a brilliant time,” She laughed lightly. “You will adjust and learn the tricks and how-to’s over time. I am certain.”

“I’m sorry. I get a bit carried away sometimes.” She said, chuckling lightly. “The big city isn’t really a stranger to me. I’ve been here before. But, it’s not home. I grew up on the reservation. And I really miss it. But, my best friend, Pocahontas, she’s the chief’s daughter, she’s the type who loved adventure and excitement. She came here first, and well...it’s kind of always been my job to keep her and our other friends out of trouble.” She then smiled. “I’m Nakoma.”

Rex stepped out of the store backwards, calling a thank you to the cashier. He’d left his alcohol run until later in the day. This was done with the hope that there’d be fewer people around. While Rex was out and about more, he’d still prefer to not be spotted buying bottles of liquor on Boxing Day. He took another final step backwards out of the store and was about to turn around, but collided with someone straight. “Oh shit,” Rex huffed. He turned. “Just my fucking luck - Nakoma.” Rex hung his head and laughed. When he lifted it back up, he forced a very small and weak smile. “Merry Christmas.” He put his hands, one holding the bag of bottles, behind his back. | @lovecanbuildabridge

Nakoma had ventured out to stop but hadn’t anticipated on running into the one person she had so carefully been avoiding. Rex Ralph. Shit. She let out a sigh. Trying to shove back all the memories that made her run back to Virginia in the first place, she remained stoic. “Hello, Rex. Merry Christmas.” She stated, trying to keep her tone casual.

“It’s been awhile.” Okay, understatement, but it had been. “How are you?” Despite everything, she did care. She knew it wasn’t Rex’s fault the tape had been leaked and her bitterness wasn’t towards him in general. She just couldn’t afford to let the past be dredged up again. Not now, when her life was finally normal.

@lovecanbuildabridge​

“Nako!” Pocky called with a laugh, knocking loudly on her best friend’s door. Come on, it’s lovely outside! Take a break from whatever you’re doing and go ice skating with me!”

Nakoma had been printing off some coloring pages for her daycare kids when she heard a loud knocking and her best friend’s voice. A light laugh followed and she pulled open the door. “I never can say no to you. Let me bundle up and grab my ice skates.”

No matter how many of these weird events she went to, Kida still found them bizarre. These events were set up to allow international royals and noble people to meet and discuss. Most other ‘royals’ she met though were incredibly pretentious. They had no idea about the real world. The only good person she’d ever really met at one of the events was Jasmine - And Kida lived with her now. After spotting someone else circling the edge of the room, Kida walked over slowly and flashed a small smile. “Do you find these as weird as I do?” | @lovecanbuildabridge

Nakoma chuckled lightly. “Yes. I don’t even know why they invite me, honestly. I’m not royalty, and I’m not really even a noble? My best friend is the daughter of a Native American chief, but me? I’m just me. My parents were tribe members, but I’m not anything special.” Nakoma wasn’t a princess or a duchess or anything in comparison to have the people she’d met in the room. “I’m definitely not cut out to be one of them. I couldn’t tell the difference between a salad fork and...why are there so many forks? And why are those strange fried things on a stick called corn dogs? They don’t look like corn at all, and why would anyone want to eat a dog, even if it was made of corn?”

To: Pocky

You are the best friend in the world. I do not know what I would do without you. You are my spirit sister and there is not a single thing I would not do for you. I love you! Merry Christmas!!

With a small nod, Jake pondered over that. It wasn’t like growing up, or being around, a tribe was part of his experience, and he didn’t have much of anything to compare it to. “Complicated how?” he asked, more curious than anything. “It sounds interesting.”

“I guess it’s just something you get used to. It’s all I knew. Growing up on the reservation, they were all my family. And family doesn’t always get along. Sometimes they fight, sometimes they make each other mad, sometimes they’re best friends, but they’re always there for you. And that’s how it was. But, in this case, it’s like, you’re raised by everyone. I miss the ceremonies we’d have and the dancing and the celebrations. Yeah, it was loud but it was...home. It was family. Here, it’s just noise.”

Jake smiled, confused. He wasn’t expecting a positive response, but he was pleased to please, he guessed. “Thank you,” he nodded. “I grew up with a lot of siblings, so I know how noise can become unbearable pretty quickly.”

“I guess I should be grateful I’m an only child. Although, technically, being part of a tribe, you’re never really an only child. Your family is the tribe.” She reasoned. “But, somehow it’s different. You don’t really mind the noise there. It’s complicated.”

“You should get headphones for that,” he offered. “Not earbuds, headphones, like the kind that go over your ear. They make really decent noise cancelling ones that make it a lot easier to deal with,” he gestured around them vaguely, “all of this. Or play music louder, if it’s not during, um. Quiet hours.” Jake shrugged. “It’s okay. I don’t know if I’m any help but other than that it’s okay.”

“That’s actually a really good idea.” She offered a small smile. “Hmm, the playing music louder idea has merit too. Ah, they’d be so mad. I love it.” She chuckled lightly. “Nah, you’re good. You’ve got some great ideas in that head of yours. It’s much appreciated.”

Crystal smiled. “Sounds like a fun best friend to have though. I mean unless her adventures get her into a lot of trouble.” She laughed shaking her head a bit. “Are you more of a nice book and cozy blanket kind of person?” 

“Sometimes. But, that’s what I’m here for. I’m the voice of reason.” She explained. “Oh, yeah most definitely.” She could go for a good book and cozy blanket right now, by the fire. Just nice and peaceful with no interruptions.