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 Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 10:14 am
One could always tell when Howl was listening. He had manners and he was never afraid to use them. He gave ample eye contact, sat nice and tall, and did not fidget in the slightest. He waited for Marlo to finish up his thoughts before he added something for clarification.
"I never mentioned a thing about parent recognition, though it would now seem that is the base of the problem you spoke of." He nodded his head in the boy's direction.
"I had simply meant before that a man must stand on their own two feet through their own merits. If you cannot find your way through the current beaten path, then you must find your own path. The home is important, but it is not the only thing in life. What of peers, and perhaps the general populous? Would it not be nice to receive some sort of recognition from them as well?" Without a hint as to what he was planning, Howl stood up. Had Marlo been a female, he would have offered a hand for assisting him up. Marlo was no female though. So instead, he stood there and waited for him to stand up.
"It really just sounds as if both brothers are a crutch for the other, which is preventing either of them from standing on their own two feet, and preventing them from moving forward with their lives."
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Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 4:11 pm
He gave a halfhearted laugh. "I keep missing the point don't I?" Trying to stand was a bit difficult, given the broken chair and overly puffy winter wear. So Marlo had to rather ungracefully swing himself out of the seat. It was also a bit funny as once he got out, both the chair and his jacket resumed their natural puffy forms.
"That's the thing Howl. While I know I can do well on my own...I just think my family ought to be my priority. You make a point, in some ways I do use Elzo as a crutch." It was true. Marlo used Elzo just as much as Elzo used Marlo, if in different ways. "But I have known little else for my life. Besides money, our parents never really...parented. We've always depend on each other, so yes, it is a large clutch." Marlo sighed in defeat.
"But it is one I just don't know if I want to escape. Or know how in anycase. I've tried by pushing him away more recently yet...I fear for him Howl." Another sigh, (Marlo liked to sigh). "He is the only one in this world who I consider my family. He's the only one who's ever cared about me. It's....hard to separate yourself from that. To break that." Shaking his head he patted Howl on the shoulder. "You must think me a fool. I really should let you know, I suck at taking advice." Then Marlo laughed.
Because he really did suck at taking advice.
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 4:47 pm
Once the lad he had been talking to stood up, Howl gradually began to head to the stairs, gently luring Marlo to the hallway and up the stairs through simply maintaining the conversation.
"Family can be a priority, but it should never run your full life. You mentioned that Elzo's future is well established. The heir of a family business. It brings up several simple questions to mind. Will your brother, Elzo, be bringing you into the family business as well? What will your role be? Will you be a partner, an errand boy, or a mere employee? If you say partners, do you imagine Elzo doing his share of the work, or shall it just be a further extension of your high school experience?" He paused thoughtfully in step on the stairs and in speech, as if trying to bring a bit of perspective to the whole miniature lecture.
"I cannot imagine someone wanting to relive their moments in Hillworth in everyday life, but the real world can be much more intimidating than our beloved school." The world was filled with Killingworths, waiting to prey on innocent bystanders. They might not look identical to the school's icon of absolute terror, but the world was filled with such a mix of people that is was practically guaranteed someone of the sort was out there.
He continued his step up the hallway until they reached the second floor. It was not the end of the conversation, as Marlo would understand as Howl continued to speak in that pleasant tone of his. "It is perfectly normal to be worried for your flesh and blood. I worry for mother and father everyday that I am away. I do not have any siblings, so perhaps my understanding of the bond is limited. Yet, even if I care for my family, I cannot remain by my mother's side, suckling upon her teat forever more."
At this exact point, his feet stopped and they were in front of dorm 230. He did not open the door, but he made a point to use his finger to underline the number printed on the plating.
"230. This is my dorm. Franz is my roommate. I will be politely declining any sort of apology that you have decided to deliver for your brother. You let Mr. Elzo Xanis know that if he should grow himself a spine, that he may find me here for that apology. I will not invite him in, for that will only aggravate the rumors. I would appreciate it if you let him know I will not be inviting him in. I will talk to him at the doorway and we can aim to clear the air that way."
He paused, then turned to face Marlo now, eyes serious, yet sympathetic.
"Now, as for you, Mr. Marlo Xanis. I am aware you may or may not take my advice. I will respect whichever course of action you decide to take. I will point out that if you are in dire need of family, I would be honored to take any sort of sibling-role. I will not be forcing it upon you, but leaving the offer there, should you want it." He smiled warmly and offered his hand for a handshake, since a hug would be a bit imposing considering the offer he just made.
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:48 pm
As they walked to Howl's dorm, Marlo remained silent, absorbing the bluenette's advice and criticism. "...I am supposed to become nothing." His tone held no bitterness to it. Just a slight disappointment. "Elzo said he'll make me his partner, but despite his...attitude," code for stupidity, "he could run it by himself." The words 'in theory' went unsaid. "He's planned my place as his partner for a while. He'd do public promotions and I would do cooperate. He'd manage on the small scale, I'd do large...it sounds worse then it is." In truth, it was set so Marlo would be the power behind the company, Elzo would just be the face.
When they arrived the Howl's dorm Marlo felt a bit disappointed. Howl seemed like a guy he could benefit from. His words only made a smile break across his face. The next part...not to much. "...I appreciate the sentiment Howl." Firm handshake. "But...I think the last thing I need is another brother." He pulled the boy into a hug. "But I can always use a friend." With a small chuckle, he let go, "Arrivederci Howl."
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iStoleYurVamps
iStoleYurVamps
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:08 am
It was surprising, but Howl returned the firm handshake with a firm one of his own. However, the real kicker was that he had been pulled into a hug. Much like any "Bro-grab" that Franz would ever pull him into, he kept the hug as masculine as he could. He clapped his hand against Marlo's shoulder and was soon enough done with it. Keeping the same formal air to him as before, he smiled kindly to the lad as he left the hallway.
"Then, a friend I shall be. Indeed, arrivederci, Marlo." As the young man walked away, Howl could not help but wonder why it was so hard for the other Xanis brother to give a simple apology.
[FIN]
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