Closed Godfather Godson Time

[Ricky Maze]

Godfather Godson Time
Winter 21st, 513 AV; 12th Bell
Location: Ricky’s Room, Old Quarter Complex

"Ricky... Ricky. Did you hear anything that I said?" Telion nudged his shoulders with giggles of amusement as Ricky groaned into his pillow, not wanting to wake up to face the rest of his day after the early start with the child that napped within the basket. See unlike Ricky, Telion actually got the full bells of sleep she needed for the day. Given the fact she'd gotten up a couple times last night to take care of the baby when he cried loud enough, she'd actually gotten enough rest to deal with the day while Ricky himself... not so much. "Ricky Maze! You better listen right now or so help me Goddess I'll-" She was interrupted by the change of his position, a sudden yelp followed by a giggle occurred as Ricky pulled her down onto the bed to snuggle up next to her. He buried his face into the back of her head where her hair was, chin nested on her neck as she struggled just a bit. She was laughing. Laughing that beautiful laugh she always had, and it made him smile with a sigh as he found himself comfortable with her locked in his embrace. "Ricky! I gotta go get lunch for us! Y'do want to eat don't you!" She cried out in laughter.

"Ooooh, just a few more chimes please!" He pleaded as he tried to keep her close, however she finally broke the embrace and managed to lean up with a playful frown on her face. He couldn't help but smirk to her then, the bright grin he gave led her to smile bigger than before as she just shook her head and leaned in to kiss him only once.

"Now if we allowed that, then nothin' would ever get done now would it." She mused with a swift retreat off the bed and onto her feet, Ricky groaned further as he lazily reached for her to come back. She did not of course. "I've already fed Martin and checked his diaper, he's good for now so you won't have to worry so much. Just keep an eye on him until I get back. Kay?" She checked with a little enthusiasm. Ricky nodded with his head still rested on the pillow, the soft plush cotton rubbed against the side of his face as he remained lazy. He looked to the basket where the baby hardly stirred, wrapped neatly his blankets to where his arms were sort of restricted from so much movement. "I'll be back soon, I love you dear."

"Yea, love yew too." Ricky rephrased with a gentle smile on his face, a stretch followed as he still remained in bed with a obnoxiously loud yawn.

Telion left the room with another giggle as she headed onward, a look to Gale as she passed onward to leave the building. "Hey Gale." She waved with a bright smile on her face, but of course she didn't really have time to stop and chat as she had to head out into the town. As the artist would head on over to the doorway where Ricky's room was he would see the fisherman had already shifted to lean up against the headboard of the bed frame, with the small baby Martin that rested inside his arms.

"Ye just dun wanna cut yer pa a break now d'ya." He joked as he gently rocked the baby in his arms, a gentle hand cradled underneath the boy's head as he let out another sleepy yawn. "First ye keep me up 'alf de night, den keep me up de rest o' de day. Ye little pest." He teased playfully thus further smiled as the child stirred within his arms, he purposely gave a look of surprise to the child as he cooed about the adorable boy in his arms waking up from his would be nap. The fisherman glanced to the doorway as he thought about how Telion said hi to Gale, likely because his door seemed to be open a crack or something of the sort. "C'mon son, let's go see what yer Godfat'er's up t'." He cheered as he scooted himself off the mattress and onto his feet, he didn't really take much consideration to the fact he was in his drawers however.

Thus the fisherman carelessly walked his way over to the door and headed onward to where Gale's room was, curious to see if the artist was still awake or not.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

Have you ever had one of those nights where you just can't get to sleep? And you have no idea why you can't? Like, you just lay there and lay there and there's not really anything you can do about it besides lay there? Gale sure did. But for that particular night, he knew why.

Coughing. Lots and lots of coughing.

Was he sick? No. He was coughing because his throat burned. Well he must be sick if he's coughing and has a sore throat! No, no, no, it had nothing to do with being sick. Actually, it related to swimming at the docks.

Last night was rather... rough for Gale. Although he did intend on ending his life that night, for some reason, he was still here. He couldn't swim and he swore he was engulfed by the water, yet, he woke up in the sand. Someone was there for sure but... He couldn't place a face, or hardly any figure to said person at all. It was someone though. And Gale was pretty sure of who it was, despite the fact he couldn't remember the face. The new mark on his hand allowed him to know.

But nevertheless, it was the next day, Gale would have to get up and ready for that day, and Priskil surely wouldn't be walking him around town all day. But he was so tired!

Gale rolled over in his bed with a low moan from discomfort that radiated from his throat. But it did nothing, for his throat still hurt and now, he could even hear Ricky and Telion laughing and doing who knows what. And frankly, Gale didn't care what they were doing. But whatever if was, did they have to be so loud? Gale knew he wasn't in the house most of the day, but it was, what, 9 bells or so? Then again, he's usually out of the house by then even... But this train of thought cane to an abrupt stop when a growing sensation started to grow in his chest.

"Not again. "Gale barely managed to mumble before his chest started to heave dry coughs. Each cough brought a wave of pain through Gale's throat, almost as if he was being forced to swallow a handful of needles and then drink a cup of sand. It was definitely a foreign feeling to most, but these random coughing fits have been going on all night. Well, most of the night... Ever since he got home. Gale buried his face into his pillow, muffling the dry cough. And there it stayed until the fit was over. Once it was done, the coughing was replaced with an elongated groan of anger, which was also muffled by the pillow.

Seeing as he wasn't going to get any sleep, despite his best efforts, Gale sat up lazily and rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. His hands plopped back down to the bed, his blue eyes looking over at the clothes he had laid out on the floor and dresser so they could dry. They were dry, right? Please let them be dry.

Although this was technically his room, Gale had never been full comfortable about taking off his clothes in here because both Telion or Ricky could end up walking in for whatever reason they had. And given that he had been coughing all night, who knows, maybe one of them would suddenly walk in to ask if he was alri-

"Hey Gale."

Aaaand there it was. Gale jolted, looking over at the door only to realize that he left the door cracked. With yet another groan, he wrapped two ends of his blanket around his torso and went over to close the door all the way. He must have been too tired last night to notice that he didn't close the door all the way.

After he had done so, Gale went over and picked up his pants off the floor, feeling them as if he was expecting something to be hidden there. They were fairly dry. He couldn't feel any wet spots on them. Next he picked up his shirt. It was still damp, and because of such, was tremendously cold. His undergarments were the same way. Gale scoffed and rolled his eyes. Now he didn't even have dry clothes. That's wonderful.

He could still wear the damp clothes but... He probably already had, or was going to get a cold from that late night swim. Wearing wet clothes for half the morning wasn't exactly the best for a cold. But, he couldn't walk around without a shirt all day.

Maybe he wouldn't have too. By the sounds of what was going on in the room next door, Telion was heading out for a bit, and Ricky was a guy. He could just say he washed his clothes last night and his shirt wasn't dry yet. No big deal.

Gale placed the shirt back on the dresser, flattening and spreading it out so it could dry faster. But wait- his undergarme- dammit! He couldn't walk around without underpants. That's just- no. But they were wet too, and that would one: be extremely uncomfortable, and two: make his pants wet too. And if they were wet, that would just be plain gross and awkward if anyone saw. But same goes with if they found out he wasn't wearing any...

"Petch it all." The blonde grumbled bitterly. He supposed it would be easier to hide if he just let them both dry, rather than risking the water seeping through. Gale sighed and simply slipped on his pants and untied the blanket from his waste. It would dry soon, and when it does, he could get them on. It would probably only take another bell or so. He could wait that long, can't he?

Wait-, that means he could sleep some more! Yes!

Gale sighed in relief before falling back to land on his bed.

[Ricky Maze]

"Come come, let's git de jump on 'im. Surprise 'im wit' a visit fr'm ya, maybe even amaze 'im wit' more o' yer cuteness." He joked in whispers toward the baby as he walked onward out the doorway, then over to his right to reach the door that now appeared to be shut. Huh. Odd. Could'a sworn Telion said hi t' Gale earlier, maybe he shut de door f'r some reason. He guessed with a shrug of his shoulders, a lean down to grasp the doorknob with a somewhat free hand since Martin was cradled in his arms. He needed to only twist the nob once and nudge the door to open, as it would slowly swing ajar to to reveal the room that Gale stayed within.

The artist sure lived light to say the least. Ricky half expected the room to be an utter mess, considering artists tend to leave their things out and about half the time. Yet even so he cared little for what might be mess or no mess in his guest room, it was Gale's personal sanctuary from the world until he got back onto his feet. Of course now... now the Godfather would have to find that his sanctuary had been invaded. Invaded by Ricky and Martin as they both quietly, Martin more or less along for the ride seeing as how he's an infant, while Ricky tip toed on his bare feet into the room. When he finally came close to the artist his smile brightened further as he watched the man try to sleep a little longer, head buried deep in his pillow while his hands rested in his hair.

"Oh lookie dere Martin, Gale's gone got 'imself a tattoo." He cooed with a bit of enthusiasm as he noticed the mark on the back of his hand, it was then of course he took an even deeper look as he recognized something different. This tattoo had bit of a highlight to it that gave it a small glimmer, the shape of the mark formed into what seemed to be a vortex that barely shimmered on Gale's hand. It was then he realized what this was, and that it was by no means a mere ordinary tattoo. "By the graces of Laviku's beard!!" He called out in surprise and awe as he lost the ability to contain himself, nor the excitement that bubbled within upon his discovery.

"Gale Sketcher McCenry! When de PETCH did ye get dat?!" The fisherman called out with but only the highest interest, as he'd only seen but maybe one or two actual marks gifted from a Divine. Of course the "sketcher" wasn't the actual middle name of Gale, but it was the only thing Ricky could come up with to add to the gravity of his seriousness in calling the name. Martin stirred and nearly went into a crying fit from Ricky's impulsive reaction, but the fisherman managed to contain himself enough and recompose his actions as he shushed the child back into the state of content he was in.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

For a few precious chimes, Gale actually thought he might be able to get some sleep. It suddenly quite in the room next door, despite Ricky and Martin having been there a few ticks ago. Perhaps they left too. Don't know why they would, but a father and his baby can't be that quiet. But it didn't matter. All that mattered was that Gale had a few more moments of rest.

The man pulled his legs fully up onto the bed as he rolled over. His hand ran through his messy hair, though got caught in a knot. Instead of pulling out the knot, he simply left his hand there. He'll get it out later when he woke up.

After that, he laid there, as still as ever. His mind was groggy from the lack of sleep, so he didn't notice the slight creaking of the door opening and the floor boards squeaking under the weight of a visitor. Although he heard the soft whisper, he didn't hear what was said and figured it was outside his door or within the room next to his. He only shifted slightly by letting his hand fall on the bed before returning to an ever still attempt to sleep. But it wasn't Ricky next door nor was it him outside Gale door. It was Ricky right next to his bed. And this realization took Gale nothing but a single tick to occur once Ricky exclaimed something about Laviku's beard?

Gale jolted and lifted his head to turn and see what Ricky was doing exactly. But he then went on to ask where he got... that? What's that? Which that was he talking about? Gale forced himself to sit up with a lazy groan which stung his throat.

"Mother petching shyke Richard! Have you guys ever heard of knocking?!" He tried to scream back, though his voice sounded more like squeaks and was probably more hoarse than a horse. The pain flared up, and Gale's hand instinctively went up and rubbed his neck. "What are you talking about?" He said in a much softer tone, though it didn't help the pain in which it ensued. Nor any of the scratchiness.

His throat throbbed, and the sudden exclamation made any thought about his lack of underpants vanish. That is, until he noticed what Ricky was wear. Did he seriously come into his room with nothing but undergarments on to yell at him at 9 in the morning? Gale's eyebrow raised tiredly, but he then remembered that his underpants were on the floor still drying. He hoped that Ricky was too focused on whatever 'that' was to care or notice this fact. Then again, the entire room has a strong smell of seaweed and salt. Almost exactly like it smelled at the docks. It would be kind of hard to miss that...

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky could’ve just about lost it then and there, not as in anger but in bewilderment due to what he’d discovered really. Gale’s cluelessness knew no bounds half the time yet that was likely due to him being so… tired? What de petch is wrong wit’ ‘is voice? He pondered with a finger to stroke at the prickly chin of his, of course he couldn’t help but find it amusing that the artist sounded like his balls were chopped because his voice sounded so high. Yet scratchy too. That wasn’t normal… Knowing Gale and his luck since when was anything involving him normal nowadays. Ricky felt for the poor man as he truly wondered if Gale might ever catch a break from life, but then again seeing as how he earned a Divine Mark from only Gods or Goddesses know who… that wasn’t likely either.

"Sorry mate! We were gonna surprise ya wit’ a visit since ye ain’t got t’ be roun’ Martin much lately, didn’t intend t- ‘old de petch up!" He quickly changed his attitude with his eyebrows in a furrow, his tone more assertive as though he were prone to test Gale. Of course there wasn’t anything to test but with the way Gale acted up, which in truth was understandable since he found himself not alone, Ricky felt more or less inclined by challenge to be the louder one of the two… though that quickly died down when he remembered the young child that rested in his arms. "Shyke! Sshh!" He declared with a finger in front of his lips even if Gale were to speak or not, he then looked to Martin to see if the child still remained calm even after all the excited energy about.

So far so good. The baby wasn’t disturbed thankfully but he was no doubt well awake, a few wiggles and soft coo’s about as he barely stirred around in Ricky’s arm. Ricky then looked back to Gale with an enthusiastic expression, a finger pointed to the mark on the artist’s hand as he murmured, "T’at mark on yer hand! It ain’t no ordinary tattoo, an just why do ye sound like ye’d been chokin’ down frogs?" It was then he caught a whiff of the air in the room, what he first thought (more like feared) would be the downfall of a dirty diaper was proven a false alarm… but why did the room smell… damp. Yeah. Damp. Why did the room smell like it was damp? "Where exactly did ye go last night?" He inquired curiously with an eyebrow raised as he looked from the damp laundry that was in the room, and then back to Gale as though he expected a wild unbelievable tale to be told. He didn’t know what to expect to hear but whatever the story was, he somehow knew that it would be good. Just too good to be true, seeing as how it involved Gale getting a Gnosis.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

Gale glared tiredly at the burly Waveguard, his mouth slightly agape as if he was disgusted or confused. Confused as to what he was talking about and disgusted in a way that he didn't even knock and then rudely woke him. Not that he was sleeping. And now he was running off on a tangent about some sort of surprise and-wait, was he yelling at him
now?!

With his same dry, cracking voice, Gale 'yelled', "Why are you yelling at me?! I was not the one who decided to scream at you while you were trying to sl-" Seriously?! Seriously?! He had the gull to shh him now?! Gale rolled his eyes placed his hands over his eyes. Why couldn't he have just gotten a few chimes more of sleep?

"Richard, can we talk about this later?" He pleaded, letting his hands fall from his face to look at him. It was clear that Gale was tired. Not only would the bags under his eyes agree, but also the mere fact that it was clear he had a rough night, no matter how his clothes were damp or how his voiced ended up like there was a hole in his throat.

Despite this desperate plea, Gale doubted Ricky would drop his curiosity. Once one sniffed an unknown trail, it was almost impossible to prevent them from exploring. And seeing this, the morning likely wasn't going to get any better, seeing as this 'story' that Ricky wished to hear wasn't as pleasant and fairy tale like as one would expect. No one wants to hear that one of their friends jumped of the docks in attempts to take their own life. Especially after being granted such a venerable position. Gale was sure Ricky would be furious to know that he almost threw it all away, cast it into Laviku's hands with not even a note to leave behind.

No, Ricky would be more than furious. Gale needed some time to figure out how he was going to tell him. How he was going to tell him he gave up. He needed time alone to sort this all out himself, seeing as he could hardly remember the face in which saved him. He needed... patience. He needed Ricky to be patient, though, given his excitement, that would be as likely as a child asking for candy.

"At least until I wake up some more?" Gale pressed his two fingers into the corners of his eyes. "Just a chime, please?"

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky’s face did droop to a slightly disappointed expression upon the avoidance of hearing the story, as he was sure there was something great behind it all that would prove wonderful to tell his son later on in life. Even if it were just a simple story it would be one bound to remember, the potential worth great in its own sentimental value as it could very well provide a life or moral lesson should Ricky come to lecture his boy on something later on. That’s how his father raised him after all, lecture after lecture on important life lessons were met with stories. Fascinating ones too. Although Odis who was his Godfather at the time… Now he was an amazing storyteller. At least to Ricky he was anyway.

"Aight, aight. Wake up first den ye can tell me de story, just keep yer pants on ‘till den." He joked with a short laugh to follow, amused with the sleepy man as he decided to sit at the edge of the bed. Martin looked to be curious as the small child within his arms finally opened his eyes, only partial though considering that the light, dim as it was, seemed a bit bright for the baby. Ricky didn’t officially note the underwear being left in the place Gale put, more or less just considered the laundry in general dirty since it was in fact a living room for the artist to stay in. That said he also didn’t take notice that Gale might seem awkward about the fisherman being in his own drawers, then again they were simply men who considered one another family so it shouldn’t have been awkward. At least it wasn’t for Ricky… was it for Gale? Honestly Ricky didn’t bother questioning it, though he did start to feel the chill of winter through the stone walls and floor.

The air was definitely cold now that he thought about it. In fact it was cold enough to where Ricky felt himself starting to shiver uncontrollably. "Shyke mate," He murmured as his shakes became more prominent, "Oi’d forgotten ‘ow bloody cold it gets in winter." He looked to Gale as Martin rested in his arms, a glance to the baby boy first then back to the Godfather as he had a simple idea that would serve two purposes. First it would likely better wake Gale, and then two it would allow Ricky to dress in warmer clothes. Two birds with one stone! "Kay mate Oi need ya t’ ‘old Martin f’r a few chimes," He pointed out as he scooted a bit closer to Gale, "Won’t be t’ long Oi promise, Oi just need t’ put on some clothes before me balls freeze off." He assured the artist as Gale seemed to take Martin hesitantly, once the baby was cradled in the Godfather’s arms Ricky nodded approvingly and marched back off to the other room.

Of course he stopped for a moment and turned to Gale, a finger pointed to the man as he made one final statement. "Oh by de way, don’t tell Telion ‘bout me mouth ‘kay. It gits ‘ard tryin’ ‘not’ t’ swear ‘roun’ ‘er ‘alf de damn time so Oi’d appreciate it bein’ kept quiet." He smirked to Gale after he said this, positive that the Godfather wouldn’t go “tattling” on him later with his dirty mouth. In truth he didn’t mind watching his mouth but half the time he found it difficult, seeing as how he didn’t wish to disgust his wife with such vulgarity. At any rate he was getting cold, and needed clothes. So Ricky went onward back to his room to get some layers on. While Gale would be holding Martin in the process the baby would remain immobile but aware that there was a new face, and soft gentle coo’s would follow with some sighs in between as he and Gale would get better acquainted.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

With a sigh, Gale let his hands fall to his knees. "Thank you." He almost whispered this time with a slight wince. His throat continued to sting like needles, and all the talking and yelling had only made it worse. His hand rubbed his neck, almost as if massaging it would make it better. He didn't even glance at Ricky when he sat down next to him beside the bed and appeared to have completely ignored his comment about keeping on his pants. He needed to think.

Alright Gale, think. How can you do this. You could try and do it slowly? Maybe give him a hint? No, that would seem like e was avoiding the situation. Then again, he was. Well, he could just tell him straight off and then tell him what happened? No, that would be a horrible way to start off that story. Okay Gale, com'on think! Alright, how about this. How would you want Ricky to tell you that he tried to commit suicide? Um, he would want him to... um... to... erm...

Ricky started to complain about the cold, in which Gale hardly heard, being so focused on how to explain his situation. He tuned back in partially, trying to think and listen to Ricky at the same time which was a nearly impossible task given Ricky's accent. It was like riddle part of the time to Gale. Says the one who never uses conjunctions or slang. That was like an accent in of itself really.

Before Gale knew it, Ricky was offering Martin to him, holding the delicate child out. "Huh? Oh, sure." He whispered. It didn't hurt as much to whisper as it seemed.

Ricky carefully gave the pessimist the child, in which Gale shifted his arms afterwards to put Martin in a more comfortable position in his grasp. Ricky then went on a small tangent asking him not to tell Telion about his sailor mouth. Like Gale cared. He cursed too. It wasn't that big of a deal. "No problem." Gale shrugged.

With that, Ricky was off to- what was it? Change? Right, his balls were cold. Apparently. Now that Gale thought about it, it was cold. He shivered slightly, but chose to ignore it, seeing as he couldn't exactly curl up in a blanket or put on his shirt. Especially since he was holding Martin. That and he needed to take this time to think.

Okay, so, how would he want someone to tell him. Alright. He would want someone to tell him by... by starting off with- no, that wouldn't be any better. They could say that- Gah, no, that would make it worse. Why was this so hard? Ricky was family practically. You'd think it would be easier to tell someone you're close to about personal matters. But it wasn't.

Maybe he didn't have to tell him. Perhaps he could work around that. Ricky was probably expecting a fairy tale anyway. He could tell him something in place of him jumping off the docks. What could replace that though? What is a story that could explain everything? He needed to explain the wet clothes, his sore throat, the mark, being gone all night. Alright, think. What's something that could explain all this? There had to be something...

Gale didn't realize this, being so deep in thought, but his head hung low and his eyes appeared to be locked onto Martin. His face was a mixture of things, hiding within the blankness of his face. Sadness, confusion, thoughtfulness. Though, thoughtfulness was most prominent, seeing as Gale was thinking. Really hard.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky did his best to move along in a hurried sort of walk so he could cover up and regain some body heat he lost, his feet felt like ice blocks as they tapped against the cold stone floor towards their room, where he would then head over to his pants first and slip them on one leg after the other. "Laviku’s beard it’s bloody cold!" He murmured to himself as he adjusted himself before slipping the trousers over his waist, he then fastened the belt which took several ticks after he’d tightened around his waistline. Then the long-sleeved cotton shirt he usually wore to keep warm came next, which easily rolled onto his torso whenever he’d slipped his arms in already. Finally socks. The one thing that’d keep his freezing feet warm as he walked around the rooms, which of course would help with his leather shoes since they held in more heat most of the time.

"Finally." He stated with a sigh as he checked himself thoroughly, so far he had all he needed out of the room. For himself anyway, Martin on the other hand might need the other blanket considering he was smaller, therefore easier to freeze compared to the body of a full grown adult. Ricky grabbed the blanket and then headed back on into the room where Gale was, about to enter all enthusiastic and the like to surprise the artist but a little more considerate due to earlier when he tried to surprise Gale. Good thing too, seeing as how Gale looked to be in deep thought. It was rather adorable to watch really since he watched Martin so fondly, but Ricky could see it in the Godfather’s eyes that there was some deep intense thinking going on. Something that made the fisherman wonder if Gale had a lot to think about or if Martin might be bringing up thoughts or feelings that were different from before.

That was when Ricky noticed that gale was actually shirtless, which usually never happens seeing as how the man liked to dress himself. It was interesting actually seeing as how Ricky had never really seen Gale without a shirt, yet now that he did he couldn’t help but think in amusement that Gale needed to put on some muscle. Then of course there was a tattoo… another tattoo that must’ve very well be a mark Gale had. "Tw’ marks now? Aye, looks like ye’ve got quite a story t’ share wit’ me mate." Ricky teased as he approached the bedside and offered to take Martin, it was a gentle offer that would allow Gale to decide whether he would want to hold the child or return him to Ricky, as Ricky rather quite enjoyed watching the Godfather spend time holding his Godson. In answer to what Gale might be curious about with the “other mark” Ricky thought to simply point to his sternum area, a smirk on his face as he wondered what exactly his fated friend had to share.

"Ain’t no shame in keepin’ it t’ yer self ‘onestly mate, Oi’m just rat’er curious bout ya is all. Seein’ as ‘ow yer family now, Oi feel like we dun gotta keep secret’s from one anot’er anymore." Ricky confided with a humble smile to the artist, a little contemplation on his own part as he thought about the secrets of magic he’d kept secret for so long.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

Common Vani Nari

Alright, a story. Stories weren't hard to make up. He could say that... that he was just swimming at the docks to learn. He's been trying to learn how to swim for a while. But what type of person willingly swims in the ocean during the Winter? Ricky definitely would prod at that. Okay, he could say tha-

"Tw’ marks now? Aye, looks like ye’ve got quite a story t’ share wit’ me mate."

Two marks?

Gale looked away from Martin and up at Ricky, raising an eyebrow. What second mark? Gale didn't have any marks besides the gnosis and his Lucan- oh. That second mark. The widower looked away from Ricky, looking down at the small symbol below his sternum. Memories flooded his mind, both good and bad. One's he would never forget. "Uuuh." Gale mumbled, trying to push the memories back so he could focus on his current situation. "Heh... That is completely different story." He glanced at his friend with an attempted smirk, though it looking little like one.

As Ricky sat down, Gale continued to hold Martin, though doing so without realizing it. His mind was in another place and he hardly noticed the rather quiet child in his arms. Though, once Ricky offered to take his son, Gale starred at his hands for a tick, looking at them blankly. "Oh." He 'exclaimed' with realization. Of course Ricky would want his son back. It was his son after all. The Godfather carefully shifted baby Martin his hands in order to more safely transition the child to Ricky's arms.

With the little one out of his arms, Gale leaned his elbows on his knees and looked at the floor with the same thoughtful look as he had before. He couldn't figure it out. He couldn't figure any of it out. It was like a large puzzle and he was missing the pieces to complete it. He couldn't tell Ricky, no. That would break his heart and then some. But he had to tell him because he had the right to know. Yet he didn't have the right since it was personal. For every thought that Gale made up he came up with a reason to think otherwise. Perhaps Ricky wouldn't be as mad. He's his best friend after all, maybe he would understand. No, he probably wouldn't. Gale hadn't spoken to him about anything in his past. To Ricky it would likely be he jumped because of Kenny. Of course, that did play a part, but that wasn't the hole story. Well, maybe he would be upset but would be more so if he didn't tell him. Then again, what you don't know can't hurt you. If Ricky never found out then he would have no reason to be upset. Maybe he should just tell him the truth. Just straight up tell him.

Goddess Ssena, why was this so hard?

Gale sighed and rubbed his throat again. Thought, the thought of not having to say anything at all came to his mind when Ricky gave him the option.

He was giving him an option? That couldn't be right. Anyone as curious as Ricky wouldn't let something like that go so easily. Especially given that a gnosis and divine beings were involved. No one could just drop that curiosity. Curiosity was a feeling and mental state that was one of the hardest to shake away. It lingers in one's mind even after they believe they've forgotten it. No, Ricky was up to something. But what?

Gale looked over at Ricky, eying him with an obviously skeptical stare. Ricky went on to talk about secretes and family, and the more he continued, the more Gale's eyes furrowed with frustration.

He was guilt tripping him! He was totally guilt tripping him into telling him what happened! Why would he do such a thing?! He was forward about it before! Why did he feel the need to guilt him into spilling it? They both were honest with each other up until this point, and Ricky never asked about personal matters before. Did he honestly think that he needed to be lured and guilt like a dog to tell him something?

Gale's stare turned into a glare before his gaze quickly turned back to the floor, starring at it viciously.

Wow. That made one feel disrespected.