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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 0:34:12 GMT -8
"Your brother's had a great deal of trouble these past months, Tugger. That's all I'm saying."
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 0:35:52 GMT -8
Tugger's ears flickered in genuine concern. "What happened?"
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 0:38:41 GMT -8
She glanced at him, before looking down at the table she was cleaning, "Just things. It's starting to balance out, I think."
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 0:43:17 GMT -8
"Please?" He moved around to her side. "I won't tell him or nothin' but dammit, I haven't talked to him in weeks. If something's wrong I wanna help if I can or just...whatever it is toms are supposed to do when there's something wrong. Which usually means not talkin' about it."
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 0:44:36 GMT -8
"It's not my place, Tugger. It's really not."
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 0:50:41 GMT -8
He flinched, then softened, leaning against the counter. "I understand. 'm sorry. He's alw'ys tried to protect me an' stuff but now he's just...closed off."
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 0:56:00 GMT -8
"Well, perhaps he figured you didn't want his protection any more. You've been doing a great job of showing that lately," she reminded softly.
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 1:00:41 GMT -8
There were other issues, too, that had driven things between him and Mac that he wasn't sure would ever really, truly heal. He'd seen things, and things had been said that couldn't be taken back. "But we're brothers," he answered simply, "I know everycat leaves the nest, but they're still family. 'm better than that. Mac's better n' that."
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 1:03:42 GMT -8
"Yes, you are. Both a you. But you've also been the kit-brother for so long, Tug, I wonder if your older brother might not be backing off so you can grow up on your own now?"
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 1:09:01 GMT -8
"Well, yeah, that's what this was all about. Me doin' what I really wanted ta do --- helpin' others." He smiled. "I don't know, Grids. I just don' see how a cat can care about ya one sec and flip the switch 'cause of a few bad words."
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 1:10:37 GMT -8
She hesitated, as the words hit home, but shook her head, "He does care about you, Tugger. You're his brother."
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 1:20:26 GMT -8
"I hope you're right, Milady." Because if Mac had really, completely turned his back on him, Tugger didn't think he'd ever be able to think about the good times from when he was a kit, his few happy memories, without crying. "Why can't tom's just talk about their problems? Why can't we just say what's botherin' us?" He had no idea what Misto was thinking, if only for the logistics. Somecat in a relationship had to be willing to talk about the problems.
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 1:22:51 GMT -8
"That is the question that has puzzled queens for ages, Tugger. We still don't have an answer," Grids glanced at him, a smile playing around the corners of her mouth. "It'll all work out."
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Post by qualapec on Aug 13, 2011 1:28:45 GMT -8
"Thank you, Grids. And thanks for understanding. It means a lot." He smiled in genuine warmth. He liked Grids. "If there's anythin' I can do in my off-time to make up for ditchin' like I did, let me know, 'kay?"
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Post by Meadowlark on Aug 13, 2011 1:31:40 GMT -8
She offered him a smile, "Stop by and if I need help I'll let you know, hm?"
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