iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

(It doesn’t take him long to fall into natural conversation with the boy. He was pleasantly surprised to find that speaking came with much greater ease than anticipated.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(Her praise assuages a bit of the tightness in his throat, and the minute he has Jules on the line, voice brimming with excitement, a small smile turns the corners of his lips upward.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He nods when he hears her speak and pauses for a moment while he waits for his son to come to the phone. Her touch grounds him - it’s all he’s got keeping him tethered to Earth right now.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(When he hears the click of the line picking up on the other end, he practically wants to leap out of his skin but persists.) “Hi Cyn. ‘S me. Can I talk to Jules?” (He glances over at May sheepishly, his insecurities once more evident.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He lets out a breath he was unknowingly holding and dials Cynthia’s number, his body tense as he hears the line ring.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He allows her words to linger for a moment. Something in what she says strikes a chord and a dull ache resonates through his chest. She’s right, he knows it, but it feels so difficult to break the cycle. Nonetheless, he nods slowly.) “Okay.”

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“I know that. Y’have to understand where ‘m comin’ from.” (He pauses, brows knitting together.) “My approach to bein’ his father has been a lot like my father’s approach to bein’ mine. I dunno where to begin to fix it all; not like I can just snap my fingers ‘n make it right. He’s ten bloody +

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Wait-…” (He looks at her, almost pleading as he does so.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“I often dunno what to say to him, Fung Yee. ‘M not the best father.” (He lifts his shoulders in a shrug.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He doesn’t answer right away, swallowing thickly.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Dunno. I just feel like Jules ‘s gonna grow up to resent me.”

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“I dunno what to tell ya about it…”

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“No, Fung Yee, y’have to understand. Things are complicated.”

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Dunno if it *can* be helped.” (He relaxes into her touch.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Can’t help that, Fung Yee…” (He rests his chin atop her head.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He extends his embrace to her, pulling her into his chest.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“‘S not that, Fung Yee. ‘S just-…” (His insecurities frequently get the better of him, and now is no exception.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“I know y’do. Just…really feel like I need ya there.”

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Y’mean it?” (His eyes have softened.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“What do y’mean? I reckon it’d be all right.” (He’s undeniably got lingering anxieties about making an appearance, that much is evident.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Will y’come with me?” (There’s something almost timid in his ask.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He huffs out a sigh.) “Fine, fine. Will y’let me know if Jules rings?”

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Was quite busy last night, if y’must know, Fung Yee. Writin’. Was feelin’ inspired. I think now’s as good a time as any to have a break.” (He retorts, mimicking her tone as he does so.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

“Mm, sure. Sounds reasonable to me.” (He teases, lifting a brow.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He lets out a content hum, nipping softly on her lower lip before pulling away teasingly.) “Knew you’d give in.” (John murmurs huskily, drawing a steady gaze to her.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(His pulse ticks up in tempo, but eventually, again, he finds himself relieved when she finally melts into the kiss. Maybe that wouldn’t ever get old.)

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𝓙𝙤𝙝𝙣. @syndicatedboat.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

(He can’t help himself - he swiftly strides in her direction, leaning down and reaching out to take her chin into his grasp before pressing a hungry kiss to her lips.)

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