#big brother lea is top tier istg

[ilbound]

@blitz-heart has requested a story : “  don’t look at me like that.  ” for Lea!

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

❝ Huh ?  Wha’d’ya mean ? ❞  Easily pretends n o t to know what she means , features fixed into a well-practiced mask of feigned innocence and rehearsed confusion ( a ploy he’s clearly done many a time ) , ❝ Look at you like what ? ❞  Oh , he can’t quite help himself , can he ?  Not when it comes to his friends.  What’s more , Lea is not nearly as good at playing serious like Isa is ( honestly , that man makes it look like second-nature ! ) .  Already his resolve fumbles and falls completely , lending to a BEAMING GRIN ( one that is both impressed & appraising of the younger ) .  A laugh escapes him , hearty and humored ; full and rich ; ENTIRELY GENUINE .  ❝ Aw , c’mon , should I n o t be lookin’ at you like I’m proud of your progress lately ?  Where’s the harm in that ? ❞  Tone is earnest despite how he’s still rife with mirth ; he’s truly happy for Kairi and all she’s done.  Is that really so TERRIBLE of him ?  He doesn’t think so.  And , in his valid opinion , she deserves to hear about it.

Which reminds him— ❝ Actually , ❞ He rubs his neck a bit , seeming to consider something , ❝ Can I say somethin’ ? ❞  Waits for her approval first before continuing , ❝ Y’know , Kairi , I get that sometimes it’s hard to hear praise and really believe the words despite everythin’.  Believe me , I get on my own ass about that sorta’ thing , too.  More than I care t’admit. ❞  As always , Lea tends to speak candidly about things , no matter the issue ( a talent , some tell him ; not many can approach such fickle topics so openly ) .  So it’s nothing new that he does so now , trying to have another HEART-TO-HEART with Kairi when he feels there are certain things she ought to hear.  ❝ But , I really think y’should give yourself credit here !  You’ve done … A LOT , y’know ?  I don’t think anyone would try’n say otherwise.  I think you deserve t’remember that while you can still improve , you still came a l o n g way from where you were before.  And I k n o w you’ll jus’ keep goin’ father and keep gettin’ stronger. ❞  He smiles earnestly at her.  ❝ I have nothin’ but faith in you ! ❞  Now if only he saved any of that faith for himself.