TLV: Inbox

[tinstar]

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[conning]

Given that she was eight months old last time you saw her, that's not exactly a surprise.

[Gently teasing.

It's a wrench, more than he thought it would be, but:] Angel, I obfuscated for a living before this. I won't tell her anything you're not ready for her to know.

[tinstar]

['Angel' made him feel guilty for some reason, like he wasn't allowed something that made him feel more.. whole in a way because of how out of line it was for his Everything.]

Okay. I'm sorry. Anyone else and it wouldn't matter as much, but Willa...

[She was different. Her being disgusted or ashamed of him wasn't something he was sure he could handle.]

[conning]

[Softly:] Raylan. You don't need to apologize to me. Not for this. It's not about me, it's about you needing to be ready before it's an open topic. It's about a lot more than my feelings or even yours toward me.

[tinstar]

[He's silent for a long handful of seconds. When he speaks again, its just as soft and small as before.]

Maggie thinks I should tell her sooner rather than later. I don't think I'm ready for that. I don't know if I ever will be..

[But he trusted Neal's opinion and wanted to know what view he took on it.]

[conning]

I think Willa might surprise you. But I'm not going to tell you what you should do here. I've known plenty of people who shame others for not being ready to be open, and I hate it. I've known plenty of people who mean to be encouraging, too, and it can feel--

[He sorts through his words for a moment.] It can make you feel ashamed, less brave than they are, or something. If you won't feel safe sharing then maybe it's not time. You don't have to do it all at once. She just got here.

[tinstar]

[Maybe he just needed wanted to hear that it was okay if he didn't. That he wasn't going to destroy his whole relationship with Willa because he was scared of something new on the list of shit he has to worry about.]

She means well. Maggie. It's not.. not any kinda pressure thing - [Maggie would never and Raylan just wanted to make sure that Neal didn't come away with the idea that that's what had happened.]

But it's good to hear what you think about it. You've.. got more practice than I do. [So it mattered. Raylan took and let a deep breath.]

Thank you, darlin'.

[conning]

I think it's meant well most of the time. People don't want to pressure or shame anyone when they tell them to be themselves or what-have-you. It's just--when you're not ready to be that, or share that, it can feel like you're letting down the version of you that you think they think you are. When most of the time the only thing they want is you to feel happy and safe.

[He smiles at the thanks, shrugging, even though Raylan can't see it. He's pleased whenever he can turn his people-watching in a useful direction.] You're welcome, angel. I hope it helps.

[tinstar]

[He hums a soft note and was glad this call was audio only. A secure way to hide behind not being seen for a few minutes over a sensitive topic. He thought that he had it all handled. Willa showing up had thrown a massive wrench into those plans.]

Just need time. And if she finds out some other way, nothin' I can do but take it. It'll resolve itself eventually.

But I do wanna set up a night or somethin'. For you guys to meet. [Neal was important to him. He wanted them to get on and get on well if he could help it.]

[conning]

I would love that. And I promise I will even manage to not stare at you the entire time.

[tinstar]

[He hadn't thought to be nervous about admitting all that so freely, but Neal accepting made his stomach twist a little in what must be nervousness.]

Double edged promise there, darlin', considerin' I'm gonna be promisin' to do the same. We'll have to make up for that.

[conning]

I would love that too.

[Gentle and warm.]

Give me a time and place and I'll be there.

[tinstar]

Sounds good. [The Struggle of Feelings was strong right now and Raylan takes a deep breath.]

We'll find something that works.