video @L.Mills

[thestoriesarereal]

[The video turns on to show a little girl wearing a jean jacket with some store bought brownies on a plate. She looks a little nervous, but it fades when she smiles at the camera.]

So...I was told there were other gods and demigods here. And if none of you are busy, I'd really like to talk to you? Cause...I only know of gods from history books and stories, but it would be nice to know what actually happened and what was really embellished--cause author's tend to do that.

[And then she remembers the brownies.]

I've got brownies too! So...your time's not wasted or anything.

[Hopefully Grandma Emma won't be upset about this...her granddaughter basically asking to talk to strangers...

But really, what's the harm?

...And hopefully the gods and demigods like chocolate.]

Comments

[action]

[deathkid]

[ smiling slightly, nico takes the offered brownies, shoving one in his mouth right away as if the chocolate can help him feel better. it doesn't, but it's the thought that counts. ]

'Fanks. These aren't bad.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Lucy is a smart and perceptive kid. She can still tell there's something wrong, but she mentioned it earlier and he didn't want to talk about it so...

For now, he gets a hug.]

Welcome. I couldn't bake actual brownies, so I went to the store instead.

[deathkid]

[ blinking in surprise, nico freezes for a few seconds. the kid is smart and he can't help but feel a surge of affection for her. shoving the other brownie in his mouth, he stuffs the napkin in his pocket and returns the hug. ]

You're a good kid, Lucy. But don't ever fall in love. It's the worst.

[thestoriesarereal]

[She'll keep hugging Nico as long as he wants. Lucy doesn't like it when her friends as sad...and it reminds her of the hugs her mom and dad used to give her, but she wants to focus on Nico right now.]

I'm 8, I'm not supposed to fall in love except with cute animals or toys.

[She says matter-of-factly, looking up at Nico hoping she got him to crack a smile or laugh.]

[deathkid]

[ that does prompt a snort. ]

Keep it that way. Trust me, it's a lot easier.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Smiling a little more. Good, she wanted to make him laugh a little.]

I'll try, can't promise what will happen when I turn 10, or 13.

[She tilts her head to the side a little.]

If you want to talk about it...I can listen and hug you. Or...we can wait together to see if any other Gods decide to answer.

[They can't really wait in her house because she would need Emma's permission to let him come inside (trying to be respectful and polite), but they can wait in the hallway!]

Or...we could talk about other things.

[deathkid]

Ten or thirteen, huh? Hopefully, if you do fall in love then, he or she will love you back.

[ he remembers falling in love at age ten and having his heart broken soon after. he doesn't speak to it though, not wanting to make her as jaded as he is. ]

This is fine. I gotta head to work soon anyway.

[thestoriesarereal]

I would hope so...but.. [She tilts her head a little.] I think my mom would say I'm a bit too young for that. Think my grandma would agree too.

[Her main job, as she's been told so many times by her mom, was to be a kid, and get good grades in school. That was it.

Her smile wanes a little hearing his has to go to work. It should be expected, but at least they were able to spend time together.]

Well, if you ever want another brownie, let me know. I can set more aside for you.