victory_road | [catch-all]

Mando knew this question was coming, and he's actually thought over how to answer it. Riz is easy for this; he's too young to think much about the future, or even remember the future he's building when he's the correct age. But Boober doesn't know anything yet, and it's in his nature to worry.

"You're going to do so well." Mando's voice is warm and affectionate. "You're going to have a job you love, and you're going to help so many people and Pokemon with it."

"Oh."

Boober breathes the word out as a relieved sigh, and slowly smiles. "I really like that, that I'm going to help people with work."

It is what he's constantly striving to do. Boober may not always love being around people, even those dear to him, but he does always want to help people out, to take care of them.

"And if you know that, that means we're still close?" Because that is something that he worries about in darker moments. Gobo, and at this point Riz, he feels sure will still want to be around him. After all, Gobo's put up with him this long. And Riz is weird, like him (but also differently,) so they get each other in a way that Boober trusts will last in some form or another. But Mando is (mostly, cooking aside) capable and very cool and just seems very together to Boober. So sometimes he worries! "That means you're still my, um, uncle?"

The hesitation comes from a train of thought Boober's been riding often lately, especially when anyone else talks about their parents. He thinks that's more how he feels about Mando, really. But that seems like a big thing to ask of someone, to fill that role. And the way he was brought up was very much a case of "it takes a village," so it's not like he'd know how to be a good son.

"We live in houses that are next door to each other, and share the backyard." Mando chuckles. "Your Oddishes have mostly taken it over. It's fine, though. Ball spends all his time back there watering your Grass types."

It's a very cute garden, where Pokemon and children wander back and forth without any restrictions. The only loose-standing rule they have is that Spicy and Steed aren't allowed into Boober's kitchen. This doesn't stop them from trying, but everyone knows they are Not Allowed and helps keep their tomfoolery under wraps.

Mando hears the concern in Boober's voice about their relationship, and looks down at him. "You go by a different name in the future. Do you want to know what it is?"

Boober - current Boober - somehow has yet to learn what an Oddish is, despite it being a rather radish-like Pokemon. But honestly, he's just so charmed by the idea of living beside Mando, and in a real house at that! A house he can make cozy and keep clean, with a proper big kitchen... Oh, it sounds so nice.

But even that lovely thought takes a backseat when Mando brings up him using a different name. Boober looks up at him curiously. "Yes, I'd like to know."

Boober's kitchen is so big in the future. Mando will help him take out a wall in the house once it's purchased, to make the kitchen even bigger. It's neat and organised and beautiful. Mando and Shadowmaru drop by for dinner on a regular basis.

"You start calling yourself Din Boober Fraggle."

So yeah, Mando is definitely still his uncle.

Boober sits up upon hearing that, blushing a bit in a flustered way but smiling all the same.

"Oh! That's... Well, that's the best thing I've heard today."

It wasn't like the bar was high, but this goes so far above it. He settles back in, leaning against Mando, and when he speaks again he's a little choked up with emotion. "I never even thought about having an uncle or aunt back home, because everyone was so different from me. But I don't think you could be much more different from me, and you're the best family I could've asked for."

Jeesh, Boober, are you trying to get Mando all misty? If you were, congratulations, you've succeeded. Mando chuckles under his helmet, and gives Boober's shoulders a squeeze.

"I've noticed that family tends to find each other in this place. And I'm very glad Riz found you and brought you home."

He's quiet for a moment before chuckling again.

"I was so happy the day you told me you wanted to be Din Boober Fraggle. It made me realize I had more than one son."

At first, Boober just nods, his emotions a bit dampened by the idea of waiting. It's a wonderful thing, but his more traditionally fraggle side (he does have one, though he often denies it) just wants to be able to have that be the reality now.

And then he gives a soft, very happy sob as he realizes maybe he doesn't have to wait. Tears when he's happy always feels silly to Boober. It doesn't happen much, and he can't help thinking it's a waste of crying, when there are so many bad things that can happen to actually be worth crying over. But he can't help crying now, all the same.

He's quick to try and catch his breath so he can ask, "Is it... Is it something I can start now? M-maybe later on, I know more about how to be a son. I know I don't yet, but-- You're already my dad. At least, it feels that way to me..."

Fortunately, Mando comes prepared these days. He shifts a little towards Boober, so he can dig around in his hip pocket. A few moments later, and he's offering a handkerchief.

It's purple. With sequins around the edges. And a monogrammed DD. Which should answer a few other questions about the future Boober might have.

"We can start whenever you want." Mando's voice is warm and gentle. "You say you don't know how, but you're doing a damn fine job already. You have been for awhile now."

Case in point: Boober has been training in self-defence, has joined Clan Din, and helps out around the house. He also hasn't tried to eat any frogs. These are all excellent Mandalorian son behaviors.

As Boober wipes his eyes, he has to smile at the implications of the handkerchief. Good, Shadowmaru makes Mando happy, he's glad that continues.

He's also glad there continues to be someone else who actually respects clothing as one should - and then some - in their lives.

"I'm really happy to hear that." He pauses before going on to try this out aloud. "Thanks, dad."

It feels very right.

Hey, Mando's cargo pants fit a lot better these days! And his boots are actually polished and not scuffed all to hell. It's pretty clear that Shadowmaru has continued to be a good influence on him. There were days in the past when he would have suggested Boober wipe his nose on his sleeve.

"You're welcome, son." It's a lot easier for Mando to say--he's had some practice, after all--but it still feels good. Like for Boober, it feels right.

[catch-all]

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