aididitmyway | IC INBOX | Midwestern Mayhem

Oh, I wasn't expecting to be one. Honestly, I'm definitely the weakest one.

But the previous Housewarden picked me for some reason. And as long as Jamil's there, I thought it would be fine?

But you're not weak at all, Kalim. Even doing what I've seen you do is a lot! I know it's not like I've seen any of you guys with all your powers or whatever, but even being able to do it at all makes you stronger than you think.

Has it been fine with Jamil?

Aw... that's really nice of you to say. But you would have to see Leona, or Riddle when they're at their best. Even Jamil... It's amazing.

[ on the question of Jamil, he hesitates, ]

Ahh... I think he's done a lot covering for my weaknesses. Scarabia's definitely better off with him than if it was just me!

I still kinda think you're underselling yourself a little, Kalim.

[She shakes her head.]

I know Scarabia's pretty lucky to have you, so they've gotta be lucky to have Jamil, too.

Exactly!!

[ he enthusiastically agrees with the second part of her statement at least. ]

[She sighs, rolling her eyes a little, before going back to reading. But she pauses when her eyes cross over the information about mind control, and the fact that it's happened twelve times. She knew about the one time it happened in Shadowpeaks, he told her that much, but...]

... Kalim?

Yeah??

[ he glances at her again ]

Why... do you have such a high number for "times mind controlled"?

[ oh.

Oh no. ]

Uhhhh…

[concern]

... Kalim?

[ he goes quiet, wrestling with himself.

He can’t just say this—- it’s Jamil’s reputation on the line. and he wants, more than anything, for Jamil to be judged fairly. Not by his worst moment.

Why!! Did they put that there!!

What does he do?? ]

[She shifts, putting the file down and turning so that she can face him, kneeling, and resting her arms against his.]

Kalim, that's a lot. I know something happened here, but they're not all that, are they?

No...

[ he admits slowly with a blink, focusing in on her ]

Um, something did happen but it's in the past and you don't need to worry about it. It's never gonna happen again.

You can say I don't need to worry, but... I'm always worried about you, Kalim. Are you sure it's not gonna happen again? This wasn't something like all of the poisonings and kidnappings and assassination attempts?