[Action]

[tsunsandsteals]

[So that was Christmas. Awesome food, gifts, good company...

Family.

Love.

Weird how someone he's only known for almost a year feels more like family than he ever did. Jeb had gone all out, cookies and the best Christmas dinner ever...Silver finally understood what "foodgasms" were. And he's still a little embarrassed.

And what's more he feels like he can't thank Jeb enough. Sometimes he wonders if he even deserves such a good friend, considering what a jerk he can be.

So he's looking for him.]

Comments

[sketchingideals]

[Jeb should be in his room, playing with Marie. Aside from Christmas day (where she wouldn't leave him alone and he reluctantly let her come with him to deliver things to Mithos), he's kept his new kitten in his own room. He has a litter box set up for her, as well as dishes for food and water.]

[tsunsandsteals]

[That's the second place Silver looks. He knocks at the door, hoping Jeb is decent]

Hey...you got a moment.

[sketchingideals]

I do! Feel free to come in, Silver!

[tsunsandsteals]

[He cautiously opens the door and enters, watching carefully for any sudden kitten moves first.]

[sketchingideals]

[Don't worry, she's being really well-behaved. She does mewl at the sight of Silver, though. Jeb, on the other hand smiles.]

Hi.

[tsunsandsteals]

[Silver gives the kitten a half-wave before looking at Jeb]

...hey. Um...


So. That...was sure something. Christmas. [ugh he is not good with feelings stupid stupid stupid]

[sketchingideals]

[Smiles wider.]

It was, wasn't it? [Pats the empty space on the floor next to him.]

[tsunsandsteals]

Yeah. ...back home we never, um, really did Christmas. Mom and Dad were always working. So I never knew it could be like that.

[sketchingideals]

Oh... [He looks sad for a moment, sympathetic, before smiling again.] Well, now you do! And... I'm glad I could show you that, Silver.

[Laughs a little as Marie comes over and sniffs Silver's hand. 'sup, "Uncle."]

[tsunsandsteals]

Yeah. That was...really something. [Oh, hi kitten. He's been around Meowths before, and they don't usually sniff people's hands. So it's a bit odd! But he'll just...let it happen]

But anyway, I...well, I thought I should tell you... [come on you've thanked people before!]

[sketchingideals]

[Nudgenudge. She wants pets!]

Yes? You can always tell me what's on your mind, Silver. [Even if Jeb himself hasn't done the same...] What do you have to say?

[tsunsandsteals]

[Okay, okay. Here, have some pets, kitty. He's all too used to this with Sneasel]

...you did a lot for me. You're always doing a lot for me. And...I dunno if I thank you enough.

[sketchingideals]

You don't need to thank me! I'm happy to do things for you. I'm happy to be able to help you out. And I'll always be happy to.

[Meanwhile, Marie is very happy to purr.]

[tsunsandsteals]

But I do. I...I was a real jerk when we first met, and you took me in. It's been hard for me to...let go of certain stuff. I can be a real pain in the butt. And...

[he keeps petting the kitty, trying not to get all teary-eyed]

What you've done for me's more than anyone's ever done for me in my life.

[sketchingideals]

[More than anyone? Jeb's not sure what to say to that, so he just watches Silver.

And then he hugs him.]

[tsunsandsteals]

H-hey! [he's still not entirely used to that. the hugging.] ...you're not gonna get all weepy on me, are you? I mean...I'm glad it's you, being that person who... [augh awkward]

[sketchingideals]

I'm just... I'm just really touched! I'm so happy I could help you as much as I have. You're my friend, Silver. I want you to be as happy as you possibly can! And I'm glad I could help you be happy. [He's not letting go, though.] ...I liked your Christmas present, too. Thank you so much.

[tsunsandsteals]

... [he hugs back as best as he can with one arm, still petting that kitten]

I'm glad. I...I knew it'd be good for you.

[sketchingideals]

[Silver's... actually hugging him back! Meanwhile, Marie's purring up a storm.]

You were right. [He laughs. In the back of his mind, the words from their encounter on his anonymous post ease away. Jeb understands now. Silver was just... trying to act more like Jeb, wasn't he? He was trying to help.

He smiles to himself. He's helped Silver a lot. He can't be upset about that.]

[tsunsandsteals]

...I'm glad.

Um...you're...

[he takes a deep breath]

I think you might be my best friend.

[sketchingideals]

[Looks up at him.]

...really? [Not that he doubts it. He's happy.] Silver, you said your parents never did Christmas, right?

[tsunsandsteals]

...yeah.

[he nods] They didn't.

[sketchingideals]

I hope this isn't rude, but... [Sighs.] They don't sound like they're much of a family to you, whenever you talk about them. If it's... not too forward, or proud of me...

[A pause.]

...I'd like to be your family here, Silver.

[tsunsandsteals]

[You're right, they weren't. Mom basically didn't exist and Dad...the less thought about him, the better.]

...you really mean that, don't you.

I...

I'd like that.

[sketchingideals]

[SMILE.]

I do mean it. I'll be the best brother I possibly can be to you.

[tsunsandsteals]

[have possibly the warmest smile Silver's ever given anyone]

You already are.

[sketchingideals]

[Jeb stares at him for a second with wide eyes, as if he's unsure that Silver really just said that. Then he hugs Silver tighter, just so happy to have this happen.]

[tsunsandsteals]

[And for once, Silver is able to hug Jeb back without being super hella awkward. Enjoy it, it might not happen again.]