N-No, it’s fine. Bad things happen to everyone, and it doesn’t really matter how old you are. … Is it anything you want to talk about?
-he’s always been good at lending an ear, if nothing else. This little Yomiel looks so upset that he wants to comfort him, but not knowing what to say and not feeling comfortable enough with invading his personal space leaves Apollo staying put, instead, fidgeting by adjusting the bracelet on his wrist-
And hey, you’re just fine. If someone doesn’t take you seriously, it’s their own fault, not theirs. I’m sure you’ll find one, too, as long as you keep an eye out for it.
I dunno if I want to talk about it right now. All it seems to do is make people upset. Or feel overly sorry for me. I don’t like that. I mean, yeah, it’s okay for people to care, but - false pity’s another thing altogether. Maybe that’s just me, though - I’d rather be ignored completely rather than get that sort of pity. That kind of pity…It’s kind of sickening, really.
A sad shrug, from the boy, then, before he muses regarding Apollo’s secondary statement:
“I guess so. It would be nice if more people took me seriously, though. Hopefully I find a neat red jacket soon, too. But even though I don’t really want to talk about that subject right now, it’s nice of you to offer. Not many adults offer to do that for me, y’know?”
There’s a faint thankful smile from him, there, before he wonders:
“So, what’s it like? That weird ‘apartment’ place where you and the ‘other future me’ live? Is it a decent place to live?”
I guess today is as good as any day to come out of hiding.
…! Mister Sissel! Y-you’re back…gosh, am I glad.
‘I was scared for a moment there…that you might not even come back. Like the other Sissel did.’ Though the child thinks this, he cannot bring himself to say it aloud: why burden his ‘future best friend’ with such thoughts, instead, he keeps them firmly to himself and manages a happy smile.
I still don’t like it.
Well, because I haven’t ‘reblogged’ you too much yet, either, you’re not that high on my list either even though I’d like you to be. So don’t worry, okay?
It’s a rather odd list at times, I guess…
Yeah, I guess I did mean something like that. Sorry if it sounds too cheesy.
(Yikes, this kid is bright!… But that’s enough with the puns.)
I think I understand what you mean about the timelines, but it’s fine. You should only talk to who you want to, anyway.
… What, you don’t have any red clothes at all? Not even a shirt or something?
No, it’s fine. I just have kind of a hard time believing that right now about myself, no offence…
Things aren’t going the best here in ‘this’ timeline…as much as I wish they were going good. Do adults have rough times like that as often as I seem to…?
A small sigh escaped the child, before he nodded at the older man’s words, musing:
I’m glad it makes sense. I like talking to older folk more than people my own age because of…certain happenings, so I don’t want to seem like just some ‘kid’ who doesn’t know much of anything, no. But anyways…I haven’t been able to find a red jacket I like enough yet, no. I’m sure I will find one, though!
… Heh, you don’t think so? Maybe you can and you just don’t know it yet.
-he’s not talking about literally lighting things up, no, but Apollo’s not so sure that’s a concept that a kid would be able to grasp. Instead, he listens to this younger Yomiel speak, starting to get a softer expression, no longer looking annoyed at all-
Oh yeah, we’re… very good friends. I feel lucky that he can trust me to that extent. But I’m Apollo, Apollo Justice!
Your older selves all dress really nice, so I’m sure that’ll happen for you, too. I’d say you’re a little too young to wear a suit around all the time, though.
…? You mean like giving people hope? That kind of ‘lighting up the dark’?
I’m not so sure about that…
Though this Yomiel is a child, it seems he is still smart and understands some complicated adult things, given how flustered he got at that sort of kind words: you’d have to be smart to want to become a systems engineer one day.
Unless I’m getting adult ‘meanings’ wrong. But it’s nice to meet a friend of a future-me! Even if I can’t get involved in other time-lines a lot because of how confusing it is…and sometimes I’m really introverted around new folk - it’s a lot better than being alone.
I know I can’t wear a suit, yeah. But I’d really like to wear red, too. If I could find a decent red jumper or something around here, that is.
Positive.
… … …
Okaaay, if you’re sure.
But if you were a bird, that’d be okay.
It doesn’t matter. I like animals and people!
-he’s just completely floored by the sight of the kid that’s come up to him, because there’s no way this little guy wasn’t some version of Yomiel! He looked too similar and … he was so cute! And so friend…ly?…-
………
-and then Apollo visibly droops, his stunned expression turning more to one of weary disbelief-
… No. I hate carrots. And if I’m a bunny, does that make you a candle or something?
The little boy laughs a little - the laugh more boyish-sounding, but there’s no denying it’s the same as his older-self’s -
I guess maybe it does, a little. But I can’t light up dark places or anything.
Even if you’re not a bunny…One of the older-me’s talk to you a lot, don’t they? I don’t know much, but I see you around a lot talking to him. So you must be a nice adult for an older me to trust you so much. At least that’s what I think.
Uhm, my name’s Yomiel. But you already knew that, I think. What’s your name?
I really like your suit! I wish I had neat red clothes, too!
Oh no, don’t worry, Inspector!
Your secret’s safe with me!
You gotta promise you’ll show me what it’s like to fly later on, if you can, though!
I hear he sleeps in a nest made up of those scarves of his. Doesn’t even own a chair, just little perches in his office.
Whoooa. I’ve never met an animal-person before. Do you think he can really fly?
