Even the strongest spirit can be broken...

[Wait...that voice. He knows that voice. The memories come back to him, all of them. That voice...his mother's voice.]

K-Kaa-san?

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Happy Thanksgiving Dear~

How have you been?

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H-Happy Thanksgiving.

I...I've been alright. Where are you? H-How are you here? I thought...you're dead...

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I'm in the kitchen silly.

And what's all this non-sense about being dead? Mother will never leave you behind.

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C-Can...I come see you Kaa-san?

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Of coarse you can. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without family.

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I'm on my way Kaa-san.

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[Edaniel sees the post before Paulo does, and sits there scowling at the broadcast for a few seconds before standing and going to the kitchen, snagging Paulo's D-Comm off the counter.

Unfortunately doing so causes his own comm to turn on the video feed accidentally, and the camera catches sight of him doing this.]

Hey. I'm taking this.

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Huh? How come?

[Paulo turns around and raises an eyebrow. Looks like Paulo's the one cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the two. He's wearing an apron the says; 'Kiss the Cook' and it's a bit messy now.]

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Probably better if you don't know.

[he tries to smile, but it comes out weak]

We're trying to enjoy the holiday, yeah?

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Yeah, we are...but why is it better? Did something happen?

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[sighs]

You really shouldn't know, Paulo...

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But why not? I don't get it.

[Paulo blinks. He isn't getting frustrated but he's getting a strange feeling from this and it shows.]

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... do you really want to talk to her? After all the shit that's happened to you? Trust me. Just stay away from your comm for a few days, okay?

[he hopes Paulo gets who he's talking about. He really doesn't want to spell it out.]

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Her...?

[It takes him a moment to connect the dots. His ears droop as his mind connects the dots. He swallows, trying to keep his emotions in check. Fear, anger, worry, it's all bubbling to the surface. But no...Edaniel is right. They're going to enjoy the holiday.]

Oh...alright. You...you keep it. Thanks. [Paulo does manage a smile, it's a little weak but it's there.] I can always count on you to protect me.

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Good.

[this time, his smile is a little more genuine. He comes around the counter and gives Paulo a hug.]

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[Paulo smiles and returns the hug. Such a cute moment~]

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Dinner smells good. Lemmie know when it's ready, okay?

[he lets go and wanders away from the kitchen]

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You can't protect him forever.

He needs me~

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What the--!

[looks down at his hand, where his comm is.]

... son of a bitch.

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Why do you think he keeps coming back?

I'm in his mind and heart now.

It's just a matter of time sweetie.

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Last I heard, you were the one who kept finding him.

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That's what you hope isn't it?

After all how can you protect him if he keeps looking for trouble?

Oh...that's right, you can't protect him even if he isn't.

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Yeah? Stomped you pretty damn good last time, cat hater. Or have you already forgotten the giant pussy that pinned you to a wall?

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And yet I'm still here aren't I?

And he's still scared. Even with you right there.

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Yeah yeah, keep rattlin' your chains, ghost. Even if he's afraid, you're not gonna get in my head.

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Totally. I hope you like it.

[Paulo goes back to cooking with a smile on his face. This is his first real Thanksgiving in years and he's going to do his best to make it taste great.]

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component-1i.livejournal.com

Can... can I come see you?

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