Hushed Willows By streams that never find the sea;

mali's insults never really bother him for long, though he doesn't always get them (he's not dumb, he doesn't think, and while he's a little younger than them its not by that much, and anyway he's bigger'n both of them by now, probably). still, combined with brilliance's laughter it doesn't make him feel too good, and he frowns, taking a step back. but! never fear, he won't be disturbed from his attempts at making any sort of positive connection with them.

"sorry," he tries, his expression still tentatively hopeful, "i didn' mean t'interrupt." not that he has any intention of leaving, but he does settle down against another root, making a sort of gesture as if to say you two can keep talkin', i'll just be hanging out right here with you.