[Scene - Bad Trucy! The teacher needs to speak with you!]
i got in a fight at school today. i just wanted to teach cassandra a lesson for being mean to me by making her stuff disappear, but everyone was on her side! just because of her stupid swirly pens. kevin tried to grab me and we got in a fight, but at least i got to punch him! (>o<) he'll know better next time!
...i am sorry, though, 'cause daddy got in trouble, too. our teacher is mean to parents too (;-;).
i guess i should only make things disappear on stage, but i don't know the other games everyone else plays, so what should i do? (*-*)?? i don't know how to make them like me. (;-;) school is hard.
but at least daddy got me a milk shake (^o^)
[This scene takes place just after the one up in Phoenix's journal :D]
* Wright trots up to the front entrance of the elementary school, taking a few seconds to catch his breath before he walks in the doors. He heads down the hallway, trying not to feel too awkward at the smaller scale of the building's hallway and doors, and manages to find Trucy's classroom without any problems. He looks relatively anxious as he knocks on the door
* MrsPalprince gets up and opens the door.
[MrsPalprince] Mr. Wright?
* Wright nods, trying to get a glance into the classroom
[Wright] Ms., uh... Pelpinch?
* MrsPalprince narrows her eyes irritably.
[MrsPalprince] It's Palprince. Please, come on in and have a seat.
* Wright nods, but doesn't seem to really be listening-- as he heads in, he scans around for his daughter
* Trucy is sitting in a chair next to Mrs. Palprince's desk, her head down, face screwed up in an angry expression as she tries not to sniffle. She glances up briefly when Phoenix comes in, but then quickly looks down at her feet.
* Wright gets a pained expression when he sees her, and walks quickly over, putting a hand on her shoulder
[Wright] Tru... hey Tru, are you okay? Where did they hurt you?!
[MrsPalprince] Mr. Wright, Trucy's been looked at by the nurse. She has a bit of a bump on her head, but she'll be fine.
* Trucy sniffles and rubs her nose
* Wright glances up slightly at the teacher, but looks back down to Trucy for some sign of confirmation
[Wright] What happened?
[Trucy] *mumbling* I had a fight...
[MrsPalprince] Your daughter has had some problems integrating with the other students.
* Wright scoots down and curls an arm around Trucy -- at Mrs. Palprince's words he glares up angrily
[Wright] She has problems? It looks like THEY have some sort of problem integrating with HER
* MrsPalprince remains unperturbed.
[MrsPalprince] It's always hard for a new student, Mr. Wright, but in Trucy's case it's not just that she doesn't know anyone.
* Wright is rather more concerned with looking at the bump on Trucy's head
[MrsPalprince] She's also had trouble playing well with the other kids. She gets frustrated when they don't want to play the same games that she does and I think that's the root cause of the incident today.
* Trucy sniffles again
[Trucy] ...They don't like magic...
* Wright hesitates, and calms down a little
[Wright] You were trying to show them your magic tricks, Tru? And they got angry at you for that?
* Trucy nods unhappily
* Wright rubs her shoulders gently
[Wright] Not everyone appreciates what you can do...
* MrsPalprince sighs, frustrated
[MrsPalprince] Mr. Wright, I'd like you to talk to me for a moment.
* Wright looks up defensively
[MrsPalprince] After the other students didn't pay attention to Trucy's magic tricks, the other students started complaining to me that their things were disappearing.
* Wright looks altogether unwilling to let his daughter go
[Wright] ...
[Wright] Trucy, can you go get cleaned up in the washroom?
* Trucy nods and stands up from the stool.
[Trucy] Okay...
[Wright] Come right back, alright?
* Wright stands up, and turns to her teacher
* Trucy glances at Mrs. PalPrince
* MrsPalprince , a little surprised at Trucy's reluctance, nods.
[MrsPalprince] Come right back, Trucy.
* Wright as soon as Trucy is out of (what he thinks) hearing range, starts glaring again
[Wright] *snappishly* Look, I know pretty well how bullying is in elementary school. A whole group of people pick a target, whoever happens to be most convenient, and run with it. And then something's missing, or stolen, and it's all that person's fault.
* MrsPalprince is completely taken aback.
[Wright] Do you actually have any evidence that these 'disappearances' are in any way related to her at all!?
[MrsPalprince] That's not what I meant at all, Mr. Wright.
* MrsPalprince raises an eyebrow, a small smile on her face.
[MrsPalprince] At least one of the students told me that Trucy took something of his, made it disappear, and refused to make it reappear.
[Wright] ...Oh.
* Wright runs a hand by his hair, awkwardly
[MrsPalprince] She's quite clever with the sleight of hand, but... I wish you would have taught her when it was appropriate to use it as well.
* Wright hesitates
[Wright] I thought-- no, I know she knows when she should. She's just.... not really happy here, is she?
* MrsPalprince looks thoughtful.
[MrsPalprince] Well, she hasn't said much about it, but I get the sense she's going through something at home. Did you recently go through a divorce?
[Wright] ......
[MrsPalprince] Sorry if I'm bringing up some kind of painful memories... She said something about having another father, but I was never clear on the specifics.
[Wright] N-no! I wasn't married.
* Wright for a moment, looks slightly pained
[Wright] I adopted her, a few months ago. Her biological father is still alive. That's all.
[MrsPalprince] ...
[Wright] ... You think it's related to that...?
[MrsPalprince] Without knowing the specifics, there's no way for me to say, but any upset in a child's life can cause acting out.
* Wright nods, leaning heavily against the desk beside him
[Wright] I'm trying. I don't have any experience, really... but I didn't think it was going so badly.
* Wright seems distractedly lost in thought
* MrsPalprince makes some notes on a legal pad.
[MrsPalprince] So let me just get this straight. You recently adopted her, and her biological father is still alive. Does she have any contact with him?
* Wright shakes his head
* MrsPalprince takes that down.
[Wright] I know she still misses him.
[MrsPalprince] Is there any way you can set up some kind of visit? Or is he not amenable to that?
* Wright frowns
[Wright] He isn't.
* MrsPalprince taps the side of her head with the pen.
[MrsPalprince] This seems like a complicated situation, Mr. Wright. Does Trucy have a social worker assigned to her?
[Wright] ...Social worker? She doesn't need one. She's --*considers the situation, and falls quiet*
[MrsPalprince] In any case, about the fight...
[Wright] *rubs his forehead with a hand* What happened, exactly?
[MrsPalprince] One of the boys in the class got in a shouting match with Trucy. He accused her of stealing his little girlfriend's special pen.
* Wright mutters something about "special" pens
[Wright] And?
[MrsPalprince] I was dealing with another student, who tends to get bloody noses, in the washroom when I heard the shouting. By the time I came out, the boy had tackled Trucy.
[Wright] ... And why isn't he here?
[MrsPalprince] He was suspended.
* Wright sweats visibly
[Wright] Oh.
[MrsPalprince] We have a zero-tolerance policy on fighting, Mr. Wright, which means that everyone involved in a fight gets in trouble. Besides, Trucy gave as good as she got. *MrsPalprince smirks.* I was pulling them apart when Trucy got a solid punch in, she almost split the boy's lip.
* Wright gets a bad feeling
[Wright] (Good.)
* Wright shifts, trying not to look satisfied at that
[MrsPalprince] Anyway, legally, I'm not allowed to say that he deserved it. …So I won't.
* Wright glances at her, looking thankful for once
[Wright] Is the school pressing any sanction against her?
* MrsPalprince frowns at the legalese
[MrsPalprince] She will be getting a mark on her record, and probably forced to do some detention. But I want you to try to make it clear to her that she can't be taking other people's things.
* Wright contemplates that for a moment, and then nods
[Wright] I'll talk to her about it. Is there…*awkwardly* Is there something else I should be doing? ...I'm not... very experienced as a father.
[MrsPalprince] I strongly recommend talking to a social worker. They should have assigned you one when you adopted her. He or she would be able to give you advice, recommend things to do, etc.
* Wright nods tiredly
[MrsPalprince] Considering the complicated situation you're in, that would be the best, really. Oh, and also, try to minimize stress in your own life. Children are especially good at picking up stuff like that.
* Wright winces visibly at that, but just nods along
[MrsPalprince] Which reminds me, Trucy? It doesn't take that long for you to wash up before lunch~
* Wright glances up to the door
* Trucy peeks in hesitantly
* Wright flushes and mentally tries to estimate how long she's been there and how much she might have heard
[Wright] ...h-hey, Tru. How long have you been there?
* Trucy stays in the doorway
[Trucy] Can we go home now...?
* Wright nods, hurriedly stands up straight, and heads to the door
[MrsPalprince] Thanks for coming in, Mr. Wright. I'll see you at parent-teacher conferences. And I'll see you on Monday, Trucy.
* Wright puts a hand on Trucy's shoulder
* Trucy nods solemnly
[Wright] See you then.
* MrsPalprince nods and waves.
* Wright heads outside with Trucy, without further comment
* MrsPalprince compiles her notes into a word document, including the vague descriptions of her home life she's gotten from Trucy, and sends it to the school counselor.
* Wright walks down the street quietly, a hand on Trucy but not glancing down at her
* Trucy sneaks glances up at him
* Trucy finally takes a deep breath and watches his face closely, her eyes looking a little brighter.
[Trucy] Are you mad at me...? *she asks quietly*
* Wright finally looks at her, and smiles a little
[Wright] ...No I'm not, Tru.
* Wright gives her a light squeeze on her shoulder, but doesn't say anything else
* Trucy squints at him for a moment, and finally seems to relax a little.
[Wright] *after a moment* You know you shouldn't take things from other people, right?
* Trucy deflates again
[Trucy] I know...
[Wright] I know you're not keeping them for yourself... but you should give them back on Monday. But you're right-- he shouldn't have attacked you. And he got in trouble for it, right?
[Trucy] He did! I gave him a fat lip! Just like a smashed potato!
* Trucy punches her hand
* Wright winces, but then laughs
[Wright] I'll bet you did.
[Wright] Just don't get into too many fights, Tru. I wouldn't want you to get too hurt...!
* Wright pokes her nose lightly
[Trucy] It wasn't my fault! He started it!
* Trucy crosses her arms in a pout
[Wright] He did, but he had... motivation, didn't he? If someone took your magician's hat, you'd be angry too, wouldn't you?
* Trucy tries to imitate a scoff, but it sounds more like a cough
[Trucy] I only took Cassandra's stupid pen because she's stupid.
* Wright raises an eyebrow, and then looks down at her
[Wright] And so she deserved it?
[Trucy] Yeah. Because she's stupid. * Trucy nods emphatically*
* Wright rubs his chin with his free hand
[Wright] ...What makes her so stupid?
* Trucy puffs herself up, looking more than happy to tell him
[Trucy] Because she's always drawing in her stupid notebook with those stupid swirly pens that are all shiny and stuff. All she cares about is boys and stupid shoes and her stupid hair. And she said magic was dumb, so I made her stupid pen disappear! She's got five more anyway!
* Wright tries not to look a little amused at that
[Wright] What she said wasn't very nice, I'll give you that... But it seems as though she likes drawing-- and boys, and shoes, and all that-- like you like magic.
* Trucy is appalled
[Trucy] But shoes are stupid!
* Wright grins
[Wright] That's what Cassandra said about magic, isn't it? Sometimes people disagree-- and it doesn't give you the right to take their things.
* Trucy starts to protest, but then frowns, and stares down at the sidewalk, saying nothing.
* Wright looks down at her
[Wright] Do you understand, Trucy?
* Trucy sticks her lower lip out, but she nods.
[Trucy] I hid it behind the hamster cage...
[Wright] Will you give it back to her next week?
* Trucy sighs dramatically
[Trucy] Okay...
[Wright] If she's mean about it... fight with words, not hitting, or stealing. *grins*
[Trucy] I didn't steal it! *she insists, suddenly more defensive than before* I'm not a thief!
* Wright looks at her seriously
[Wright] You took her pen, Tru, and you hid it from her. I know you weren't going to keep it for yourself... but that taking and hiding is stealing, too.
* Trucy looks shocked, as if that had never occured to her. She starts to tear up again, and quickly lowers her head to rub at her eyes.
[Trucy] ...I'm sorry...
* Wright stops, and squats down to her eye level
[Wright] It's okay. Just don't do it again, alright? That teacher of yours gave me quite the talking-to.
* Trucy cries quietly behind her hands
[Trucy] I'm sorry... I won't...
[Wright] H-hey... don't cry...!
* Wright honestly looks a little panicked. He pulls her close, trying to find a tissue or something
[Trucy] I don't want... *hic* a social worker...!
* Wright 's features darken
[Wright] *pleadingly* Look at me, Trucy.
* Trucy peeks at Wright carefully through her fingers, still sniffling
[Wright] We don't have to go talk to anyone you don't want to, okay?
* Trucy licks her lips, working up her courage to say something
[Trucy] Daddy said...not to talk to social workers. He said they'd put me in "the system" and I'd never see him again...
* Wright tilts his head, and leans in closer to Trucy
[Wright] And you're worried they might do that now...?
* Trucy nods weakly
* Wright pulls her in, and hugs her tightly
[Wright] That won't happen. No one's taking you away from me.
* Trucy wraps her arms tightly around Phoenix's neck
[Wright] *with a bit of hesitation* I know I can't replace your... ... I know it's not the same, with me here instead of Zakku. *bumps his head lightly against hers, shutting his eyes* But I'm going to try my best to take care of you, Tru.
[Trucy] No--you're fine, Daddy! Really, I'm fine. I'm not… * Trucy rubs her face with her sleeve*
[Trucy] I miss my Daddy, but...I like it here, too. I do.
* Wright smiles a little, and eases up his hold on her. He seems aware for once that they're still out in the middle of the street
[Wright] Hey, are you hungry?
* Trucy brightens a little
[Trucy] Yup!
[Wright] Want some burgers? And a shake?
* Trucy grins
[Trucy] Okay. Can I ride piggy-back?
* Wright nods, returning the grin, and ducking his shoulders down
* Trucy grabs his shoulder and swings around to his back.
[Trucy] Ready~
* Wright stands up with a lurch, and gives a bit of a hop to balance himself
[Wright] *tilts his head a little to look back at her* Hold on~!
* Trucy laughs and kicks her feet
* Wright then starts to break into a brisk jog, towards their usual burger joint
(Thanks for being our Teacher, Miles~~~~)
...i am sorry, though, 'cause daddy got in trouble, too. our teacher is mean to parents too (;-;).
i guess i should only make things disappear on stage, but i don't know the other games everyone else plays, so what should i do? (*-*)?? i don't know how to make them like me. (;-;) school is hard.
but at least daddy got me a milk shake (^o^)
[This scene takes place just after the one up in Phoenix's journal :D]
* Wright trots up to the front entrance of the elementary school, taking a few seconds to catch his breath before he walks in the doors. He heads down the hallway, trying not to feel too awkward at the smaller scale of the building's hallway and doors, and manages to find Trucy's classroom without any problems. He looks relatively anxious as he knocks on the door
* MrsPalprince gets up and opens the door.
[MrsPalprince] Mr. Wright?
* Wright nods, trying to get a glance into the classroom
[Wright] Ms., uh... Pelpinch?
* MrsPalprince narrows her eyes irritably.
[MrsPalprince] It's Palprince. Please, come on in and have a seat.
* Wright nods, but doesn't seem to really be listening-- as he heads in, he scans around for his daughter
* Trucy is sitting in a chair next to Mrs. Palprince's desk, her head down, face screwed up in an angry expression as she tries not to sniffle. She glances up briefly when Phoenix comes in, but then quickly looks down at her feet.
* Wright gets a pained expression when he sees her, and walks quickly over, putting a hand on her shoulder
[Wright] Tru... hey Tru, are you okay? Where did they hurt you?!
[MrsPalprince] Mr. Wright, Trucy's been looked at by the nurse. She has a bit of a bump on her head, but she'll be fine.
* Trucy sniffles and rubs her nose
* Wright glances up slightly at the teacher, but looks back down to Trucy for some sign of confirmation
[Wright] What happened?
[Trucy] *mumbling* I had a fight...
[MrsPalprince] Your daughter has had some problems integrating with the other students.
* Wright scoots down and curls an arm around Trucy -- at Mrs. Palprince's words he glares up angrily
[Wright] She has problems? It looks like THEY have some sort of problem integrating with HER
* MrsPalprince remains unperturbed.
[MrsPalprince] It's always hard for a new student, Mr. Wright, but in Trucy's case it's not just that she doesn't know anyone.
* Wright is rather more concerned with looking at the bump on Trucy's head
[MrsPalprince] She's also had trouble playing well with the other kids. She gets frustrated when they don't want to play the same games that she does and I think that's the root cause of the incident today.
* Trucy sniffles again
[Trucy] ...They don't like magic...
* Wright hesitates, and calms down a little
[Wright] You were trying to show them your magic tricks, Tru? And they got angry at you for that?
* Trucy nods unhappily
* Wright rubs her shoulders gently
[Wright] Not everyone appreciates what you can do...
* MrsPalprince sighs, frustrated
[MrsPalprince] Mr. Wright, I'd like you to talk to me for a moment.
* Wright looks up defensively
[MrsPalprince] After the other students didn't pay attention to Trucy's magic tricks, the other students started complaining to me that their things were disappearing.
* Wright looks altogether unwilling to let his daughter go
[Wright] ...
[Wright] Trucy, can you go get cleaned up in the washroom?
* Trucy nods and stands up from the stool.
[Trucy] Okay...
[Wright] Come right back, alright?
* Wright stands up, and turns to her teacher
* Trucy glances at Mrs. PalPrince
* MrsPalprince , a little surprised at Trucy's reluctance, nods.
[MrsPalprince] Come right back, Trucy.
* Wright as soon as Trucy is out of (what he thinks) hearing range, starts glaring again
[Wright] *snappishly* Look, I know pretty well how bullying is in elementary school. A whole group of people pick a target, whoever happens to be most convenient, and run with it. And then something's missing, or stolen, and it's all that person's fault.
* MrsPalprince is completely taken aback.
[Wright] Do you actually have any evidence that these 'disappearances' are in any way related to her at all!?
[MrsPalprince] That's not what I meant at all, Mr. Wright.
* MrsPalprince raises an eyebrow, a small smile on her face.
[MrsPalprince] At least one of the students told me that Trucy took something of his, made it disappear, and refused to make it reappear.
[Wright] ...Oh.
* Wright runs a hand by his hair, awkwardly
[MrsPalprince] She's quite clever with the sleight of hand, but... I wish you would have taught her when it was appropriate to use it as well.
* Wright hesitates
[Wright] I thought-- no, I know she knows when she should. She's just.... not really happy here, is she?
* MrsPalprince looks thoughtful.
[MrsPalprince] Well, she hasn't said much about it, but I get the sense she's going through something at home. Did you recently go through a divorce?
[Wright] ......
[MrsPalprince] Sorry if I'm bringing up some kind of painful memories... She said something about having another father, but I was never clear on the specifics.
[Wright] N-no! I wasn't married.
* Wright for a moment, looks slightly pained
[Wright] I adopted her, a few months ago. Her biological father is still alive. That's all.
[MrsPalprince] ...
[Wright] ... You think it's related to that...?
[MrsPalprince] Without knowing the specifics, there's no way for me to say, but any upset in a child's life can cause acting out.
* Wright nods, leaning heavily against the desk beside him
[Wright] I'm trying. I don't have any experience, really... but I didn't think it was going so badly.
* Wright seems distractedly lost in thought
* MrsPalprince makes some notes on a legal pad.
[MrsPalprince] So let me just get this straight. You recently adopted her, and her biological father is still alive. Does she have any contact with him?
* Wright shakes his head
* MrsPalprince takes that down.
[Wright] I know she still misses him.
[MrsPalprince] Is there any way you can set up some kind of visit? Or is he not amenable to that?
* Wright frowns
[Wright] He isn't.
* MrsPalprince taps the side of her head with the pen.
[MrsPalprince] This seems like a complicated situation, Mr. Wright. Does Trucy have a social worker assigned to her?
[Wright] ...Social worker? She doesn't need one. She's --*considers the situation, and falls quiet*
[MrsPalprince] In any case, about the fight...
[Wright] *rubs his forehead with a hand* What happened, exactly?
[MrsPalprince] One of the boys in the class got in a shouting match with Trucy. He accused her of stealing his little girlfriend's special pen.
* Wright mutters something about "special" pens
[Wright] And?
[MrsPalprince] I was dealing with another student, who tends to get bloody noses, in the washroom when I heard the shouting. By the time I came out, the boy had tackled Trucy.
[Wright] ... And why isn't he here?
[MrsPalprince] He was suspended.
* Wright sweats visibly
[Wright] Oh.
[MrsPalprince] We have a zero-tolerance policy on fighting, Mr. Wright, which means that everyone involved in a fight gets in trouble. Besides, Trucy gave as good as she got. *MrsPalprince smirks.* I was pulling them apart when Trucy got a solid punch in, she almost split the boy's lip.
* Wright gets a bad feeling
[Wright] (Good.)
* Wright shifts, trying not to look satisfied at that
[MrsPalprince] Anyway, legally, I'm not allowed to say that he deserved it. …So I won't.
* Wright glances at her, looking thankful for once
[Wright] Is the school pressing any sanction against her?
* MrsPalprince frowns at the legalese
[MrsPalprince] She will be getting a mark on her record, and probably forced to do some detention. But I want you to try to make it clear to her that she can't be taking other people's things.
* Wright contemplates that for a moment, and then nods
[Wright] I'll talk to her about it. Is there…*awkwardly* Is there something else I should be doing? ...I'm not... very experienced as a father.
[MrsPalprince] I strongly recommend talking to a social worker. They should have assigned you one when you adopted her. He or she would be able to give you advice, recommend things to do, etc.
* Wright nods tiredly
[MrsPalprince] Considering the complicated situation you're in, that would be the best, really. Oh, and also, try to minimize stress in your own life. Children are especially good at picking up stuff like that.
* Wright winces visibly at that, but just nods along
[MrsPalprince] Which reminds me, Trucy? It doesn't take that long for you to wash up before lunch~
* Wright glances up to the door
* Trucy peeks in hesitantly
* Wright flushes and mentally tries to estimate how long she's been there and how much she might have heard
[Wright] ...h-hey, Tru. How long have you been there?
* Trucy stays in the doorway
[Trucy] Can we go home now...?
* Wright nods, hurriedly stands up straight, and heads to the door
[MrsPalprince] Thanks for coming in, Mr. Wright. I'll see you at parent-teacher conferences. And I'll see you on Monday, Trucy.
* Wright puts a hand on Trucy's shoulder
* Trucy nods solemnly
[Wright] See you then.
* MrsPalprince nods and waves.
* Wright heads outside with Trucy, without further comment
* MrsPalprince compiles her notes into a word document, including the vague descriptions of her home life she's gotten from Trucy, and sends it to the school counselor.
* Wright walks down the street quietly, a hand on Trucy but not glancing down at her
* Trucy sneaks glances up at him
* Trucy finally takes a deep breath and watches his face closely, her eyes looking a little brighter.
[Trucy] Are you mad at me...? *she asks quietly*
* Wright finally looks at her, and smiles a little
[Wright] ...No I'm not, Tru.
* Wright gives her a light squeeze on her shoulder, but doesn't say anything else
* Trucy squints at him for a moment, and finally seems to relax a little.
[Wright] *after a moment* You know you shouldn't take things from other people, right?
* Trucy deflates again
[Trucy] I know...
[Wright] I know you're not keeping them for yourself... but you should give them back on Monday. But you're right-- he shouldn't have attacked you. And he got in trouble for it, right?
[Trucy] He did! I gave him a fat lip! Just like a smashed potato!
* Trucy punches her hand
* Wright winces, but then laughs
[Wright] I'll bet you did.
[Wright] Just don't get into too many fights, Tru. I wouldn't want you to get too hurt...!
* Wright pokes her nose lightly
[Trucy] It wasn't my fault! He started it!
* Trucy crosses her arms in a pout
[Wright] He did, but he had... motivation, didn't he? If someone took your magician's hat, you'd be angry too, wouldn't you?
* Trucy tries to imitate a scoff, but it sounds more like a cough
[Trucy] I only took Cassandra's stupid pen because she's stupid.
* Wright raises an eyebrow, and then looks down at her
[Wright] And so she deserved it?
[Trucy] Yeah. Because she's stupid. * Trucy nods emphatically*
* Wright rubs his chin with his free hand
[Wright] ...What makes her so stupid?
* Trucy puffs herself up, looking more than happy to tell him
[Trucy] Because she's always drawing in her stupid notebook with those stupid swirly pens that are all shiny and stuff. All she cares about is boys and stupid shoes and her stupid hair. And she said magic was dumb, so I made her stupid pen disappear! She's got five more anyway!
* Wright tries not to look a little amused at that
[Wright] What she said wasn't very nice, I'll give you that... But it seems as though she likes drawing-- and boys, and shoes, and all that-- like you like magic.
* Trucy is appalled
[Trucy] But shoes are stupid!
* Wright grins
[Wright] That's what Cassandra said about magic, isn't it? Sometimes people disagree-- and it doesn't give you the right to take their things.
* Trucy starts to protest, but then frowns, and stares down at the sidewalk, saying nothing.
* Wright looks down at her
[Wright] Do you understand, Trucy?
* Trucy sticks her lower lip out, but she nods.
[Trucy] I hid it behind the hamster cage...
[Wright] Will you give it back to her next week?
* Trucy sighs dramatically
[Trucy] Okay...
[Wright] If she's mean about it... fight with words, not hitting, or stealing. *grins*
[Trucy] I didn't steal it! *she insists, suddenly more defensive than before* I'm not a thief!
* Wright looks at her seriously
[Wright] You took her pen, Tru, and you hid it from her. I know you weren't going to keep it for yourself... but that taking and hiding is stealing, too.
* Trucy looks shocked, as if that had never occured to her. She starts to tear up again, and quickly lowers her head to rub at her eyes.
[Trucy] ...I'm sorry...
* Wright stops, and squats down to her eye level
[Wright] It's okay. Just don't do it again, alright? That teacher of yours gave me quite the talking-to.
* Trucy cries quietly behind her hands
[Trucy] I'm sorry... I won't...
[Wright] H-hey... don't cry...!
* Wright honestly looks a little panicked. He pulls her close, trying to find a tissue or something
[Trucy] I don't want... *hic* a social worker...!
* Wright 's features darken
[Wright] *pleadingly* Look at me, Trucy.
* Trucy peeks at Wright carefully through her fingers, still sniffling
[Wright] We don't have to go talk to anyone you don't want to, okay?
* Trucy licks her lips, working up her courage to say something
[Trucy] Daddy said...not to talk to social workers. He said they'd put me in "the system" and I'd never see him again...
* Wright tilts his head, and leans in closer to Trucy
[Wright] And you're worried they might do that now...?
* Trucy nods weakly
* Wright pulls her in, and hugs her tightly
[Wright] That won't happen. No one's taking you away from me.
* Trucy wraps her arms tightly around Phoenix's neck
[Wright] *with a bit of hesitation* I know I can't replace your... ... I know it's not the same, with me here instead of Zakku. *bumps his head lightly against hers, shutting his eyes* But I'm going to try my best to take care of you, Tru.
[Trucy] No--you're fine, Daddy! Really, I'm fine. I'm not… * Trucy rubs her face with her sleeve*
[Trucy] I miss my Daddy, but...I like it here, too. I do.
* Wright smiles a little, and eases up his hold on her. He seems aware for once that they're still out in the middle of the street
[Wright] Hey, are you hungry?
* Trucy brightens a little
[Trucy] Yup!
[Wright] Want some burgers? And a shake?
* Trucy grins
[Trucy] Okay. Can I ride piggy-back?
* Wright nods, returning the grin, and ducking his shoulders down
* Trucy grabs his shoulder and swings around to his back.
[Trucy] Ready~
* Wright stands up with a lurch, and gives a bit of a hop to balance himself
[Wright] *tilts his head a little to look back at her* Hold on~!
* Trucy laughs and kicks her feet
* Wright then starts to break into a brisk jog, towards their usual burger joint
(Thanks for being our Teacher, Miles~~~~)