b e y o n d

Second best uncle: Ber.

Literal hottest: Emil.

Mm, I’m pretty sure that everyone is going to be in a similar boat. Figuring out how to function without their parent and to interact with other children. It’s a zoo, but not quite- [Snaps her fingers] Lord of the Flies. Try not to worry more than you need to, you won’t be the only one who is nervous. I’m afraid I won’t speak anything he’ll recognize, but the English immersion has to be somewhat helpful. 

Well. [She thinks for a moment, furrowing her brow and looking thoughtful.] Does he like flowers? I’ll find some soil from the flower garden, make them revive in a pot or something similar. That’s the best I can think of that’s not, morbid about my powers. And hm, it’s still summer. Maybe try a campfire? Associate it with the treats. [More snapping] Smore? 

I’m pretty sure all first-time parents have the same concerns, yeah. I told myself I wouldn’t hover too much but I’ve found it’s hard for me not to, especially knowing his tendencies. He’s very sweet and has good manners so I’m not too concerned about him being a terror. I try to get some English in around him, plus music and television help. That’s how I started learning English.

Understandably. When is he due to start school? I’d hate for him to have trouble socializing. [Tucks a few pieces of her hair back.] Does he do well with noise? I don’t know how much traffic you get. 

I can come see you with him around at some point, that may help. Especially if you’re terribly unbothered by me. [Chuckles] A good eater, then? Delightful. The sugar hounds are, headache inducing. 

He starts kindergarten this autumn! One of the heroes here, Laura Fontaine, is a kindergarten teacher so I’ve made sure Crin is in her class so she can keep an eye on him for me as she already knows he’ll be a little odd. He’s also going to be in an English as a Second Language class so he can learn to speak more of it--he can understand it but he’s still learning how to use it himself. And he doesn’t really like being around loud, excitable people. It’s another reason why I’m a little concerned about him going to school, but I know they work on having quiet times there.

Tiger. [She repeats carefully, but her eyes light up in recognition once the picture is shown.] Yes, I’ve seen those before in pictures. I suppose I just forgot the word. I need to do some more reading, for my own sanity. 

Not a people person, eh? My second was like that, preferred to stick himself to my side, rather than go around like his brother. [Nods sympathetically.] Poor dear. My office is fairly quiet, you’re welcome to let him play in there if you need some space to work. I don’t often have visitors anyhow, besides Erzsébet. [Studies the picture, chuckling.] What a sweet face. How did the sugar sit with him? 

Tiger. [She’s going to nod along like that sort of thing is familiar to her.] Very cute, I’m sure he feels fierce. 

I can’t say I’ve ever been to one, but I’ve seen a few pictures. [Offers a grin.] It sounds like he had quite the time, where is he now? 

Tiger! [he can sort of see the lack of recognition on her face.] Big jungle cat, usually orange, has stripes. Um-- [he pulls up a picture on his laptop and turns it so she can see.] Tiger! He got his face painted to look like one.

[Looks over, raising an eyebrow.]

Your son, I assume? 

[he kind of forgot he was wearing facepaint, so it takes him a second; but he can sort of see holo glitter in the intricate design out of the corner of his eye.]

if interacting with adi feels a little weird or off, it’s because i’m trying to recalibrate his personality without totally resetting. i just feel like i sort of lost what he’s supposed to be. he’s meant to come off as odd, but is actually really nice and pretty normal (while still being unpredictable).