Small Steps [Edelo, Natasha]

"Aw, shucks. Lookit you readin' my mind."

Flashing a bright smile back at him, Natasha nodded her head. She didn't mean to imply it, but he certainly seemed far more equipped with a division that spoke to his talents with martial arts and reading an enemy's movement's pretty well. In her eyes, she certainly felt he'd slot in pretty well, and there were more peopel to interact with that seemed more... sociable, for a lack of a better word. Again, she wasn't assuming everyone was some unapproachable figure there, but they weren't the types she could imagine Edelo interacting with much.

"Liike, I'm not gonna influence your decision too much, but you'd definitely welcomed among our ranks with open arms, Del. And that means you and me would get to see each other a lot more. It'd be nice to see another familiar face durin' my job. You'd also be treated to my food every day of the week since I prepare a few lunches for my fellow' peers durin' the week."

"I know, I know, but yer' a grown man. Old enough to make yer own decisions at the end of the day. I don't mind influencin' those decisions, certainly, but I reckon it's best to let grown men decide on important decisions like these in their lives. Even more so for somethin' important like this. Now, I can't guarantee we'll be sendin' you out left and right every day of the week, but I damn sight now it'd probably be more than what yer' tasked with in the Todgestalten. Far as gettin' my lunches all the time, I'm afraid that's gonna happen by default. All my peers need to eat to keep their energy. It simply ain't in me not to prepare somethin' during my free hours, ya know?"

Natasha lifted one of her hands to playfully stroke his shoulder as she maintained her smile, content that he was at least interested in the thought of joining her division. After spending so much time here now, she wholly admitted that she took pride in the Sternritter, and Edelo genuinely did strike her as more of a frontline combatant than some warrior who loomed from the shadows and thrived on subterfuge and guerilla tactics to assume victory. At his next question, she nodded her head happily as her smile grew a touch wider. Outside of another recovery proccess and the hints of burn marks that remained on her body as result of her battle with that volcanic hollow, she was living life to the fullest. Her sister was back in town and visiting. She patched things up with her father, and she was learning to watch over her three amigos like the motherly figure she was.

"Can't complain bout' much, pumpkin. Life's been pretty good. I'm still alive and breathin'. I got to see some of my family again recently, and I've been takin' care of three really unique girls and one boy. It's made me int osomethin' of a busy bee nowadays, but I'm mighty fond of havin' my time occupied. Keeps my mind from goin' idle, ya know? Like that old sayin'... an idle mind is a devil's playground. Outside of yer life choices with divisions, how has life been for you, sugar? I hope yer mom's been doin' well."

"Hm, well that doesn't sound good at all..."

Natasha idly wondered, perhaps, if Edelo was feeling homesick. After all, it took some time to adapt to the City of Lights, even for her. For him, that adaption period was likely far more difficult to overcome, coming from a village. There was a genuine look of worry in her eyes as she leaned in the chair. Ever since she'd gotten to know him, Natasha cared about his wellbeing to a significant degree. He was always helpful, kind-hearted, and always checking up on her. He didn't seem openly fazed about the information he was revealing, but that look of confusion certainly told her that this was assuredly unfamiliar territory for him. As such, she couldn't help but pose a question as she leaned her arms against the desk. It was entirely likely she couldn't solve this issue in one day, but she could help.

"Do ya mind if I ask ya somethin' important, Del? Did ya ever think ya might be feelin' a little homesick? I'm aware you and yer mother had to move because things' were gettin' dangerous over there, but from what I'm hearing... it sounds like ya feel... a little bit out of place here. Like you're still gettin' used to life here. As you well know, I'm always here to help if ya need assistance with that, sweetheart. I fancy myself as somethin' of a social butterfly, after all."

Natasha listened to Edelo in relative silence, observing his expression with a hazel gaze that indicated just how much this subject mattered to her. Each revelation seemed to open her eyes to just how difficult his transition from one place to another truly was. She had never viewed him as some beacon of social activity, but he was approachable enough that she had never thought that was much of an issue. Those predictions so far had proved incorrect, it seemed.

Then, he revealed a recent interaction he shared with a woman. Someone who, in his opinion, was pretty on the eyes, but seemed worn out and definitely questioned his naturally helpful disposition. Had the conversation left a sour impact on his spirits? Or was this merely something that had been building up, and he simply never reflected on it until now? There were many other questions she wanted to ask, but she pondered her words and decided to offer her opinion on the matter. Again, the success rate for that was up to anyone's guess, but she didn't fancy lettin' any of her friends fall by the wayside, and Edelo was no exception.

"I'm genuinely sorry ya' had to endure that, Del. Makes me wish I would've been there to help. Honestly, life back in the States got pretty rough for me, to such a degree that I had to leave to gain some peace of mind and move on with my life again. I really wish there was an easy solution for what yer feelin' right now, but what I can say is... there's nothin' wrong with the way you were raised. Not a damn thing. I won't go claimin' she's wrong since I hardly know her, but helping out others can be really life-changin' for those you choose to give the time of day. "

Natasha paused for a moment to give him a moment to absorb her words. She didn't know if her words would reach him, but she could damn sure try and know she gave it her best. With that conviction in mind, she rose from her chair, extending her hand to rest against his shoulder, flashing a warm smile as she did so.

"Ya want to know what it was like being in the hospital for as long as I was? Between the sting of defeat and arguin' with a close friend... I was miserable. And when ya took time out of your day to bring me somethin' homemade? It reminded me of how times were back in my hometown. Carin' neighbors lookin' after one another, keeping their wellbeing in mind... it gave me the energy I needed to know I never wanted to end up there again, to know someone supported me. And if that's not enough proof, well, look at me."

Raising her other arm, her grin grew even livelier as she flexed a muscle in a fashion akin to a certain sailor man of the past.

"I'm strong, and it's helpful people like you that keep me truckin' along. Ya know what would be perfect? You and I should start hangin' out more. See the town together and let me try and work my magic. This place might not ever give you the same satisfaction home did, but at least I can try and even the odds, if only a little. Whaddya say, sugar?"

Whatever emotion he intended to convey through his embrace had been achieved in full. Close as they were, it was only now that she realized how tall he was. He didn't tower over her, but it was significant enough to give her some measure of humorous pause. Without hesitation, she returned his gentle embrace with a firm hug of her own. She sincerely hoped her words had gotten through to him, that he was acknowledged by someone, and that there was at least one person in his corner for the long haul.

After all, anyone who called themselves a friend of Natasha was always destined for the saccharine woman to become a permanent fixture in their life. Perhaps it was an outdated and naive way of thinking, but Natasha found little fault with her philosophy. He looked out for her in her time of need, and she would extend that same kindness. It wouldn't be an immediate ready, but it damn sure beat falling to the wayside and letting things fester. Maintaining her upbeat expression as he pulled away, Natasha nudged her arm against his chest after he expressed his thoughts.

"Aw, shucks. That's mighty sweet of ya, Edelo. I admit the southern drawl' throws a lot of people off at first, but I usually reel em' in after the first few sugars, sweethearts, and pumpkins to brighten their day. M'real glad my voice has such a positive effect on ya. Hardly bears repeatin' at this point, but I want to see ya thrive here, Edelo. I want to make what I call home now feel like home for you. At the very least, this old lady can try her best."

Exchanging one more playful quip, she pressed her fist forward as though it were a solemn promise she intended to keep - which was her sincere intent, of course.