[ he couldn't say he felt the same way, but falco certainly was happy for the friends (and crush) he's made along the way. it was the only other contact with kids that he had, and trying to bring confidence back to the name grice was something he did for his family. when he was further in, for gabi. ]

. . . Five, I think. I had to for my family. [ it might've been a year older or younger, give or take— eldian children in marley were allowed to enter the program between five or seven. ] I got to be a Warrior Candidate a while after, and then the Mid-East war began for four years. I'm twelve, um— thirteen, now?

[ there's a pause as he rolls his shoulders in an almost uncertain way. ]

If time still works the same.