[Maza doesn't buy it. It had only been a few days since Czes arrived at Alveare, but Maiza had already come to understand that ordinary things did not scare the small immortal. Which was inevitable, he figures, because living long (usually) meant gaining experiences and gaining experiences often hardened a person. And Czeslaw was the introvert who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, and as much as it saddened Maiza, he knew the kid was no longer the scardey cat who asked him for sherbet at that party many years ago.
In other words, if the kid wasn't faking sounding scared just now, this was serious shit and Czes was probably not fine.
But Maiza decides not to call him out on it. Czes is Czes and, from Maiza's point of view, he may be old but he is still a kid. Pride works in weird ways for young people, as Maiza knew very well. Czeslaw wouldn't admit to being scared before Firo admitted to needing help in front of Maiza or Ronnie or Mr. Yagu. It just wasn't how it worked. But ignoring that wasn't how Maiza worked, either.
He takes a breath, steps over to the small thing sitting at the desk, and puts a hand on Czes' shoulder.]
Don't be mean now, Czes, what if kids lose sleep over this, huh? [The smile is present as usual as he says this, hand gently squeezing. Don't scare yourself, kiddo.]
action;
In other words, if the kid wasn't faking sounding scared just now, this was serious shit and Czes was probably not fine.
But Maiza decides not to call him out on it. Czes is Czes and, from Maiza's point of view, he may be old but he is still a kid. Pride works in weird ways for young people, as Maiza knew very well. Czeslaw wouldn't admit to being scared before Firo admitted to needing help in front of Maiza or Ronnie or Mr. Yagu. It just wasn't how it worked. But ignoring that wasn't how Maiza worked, either.
He takes a breath, steps over to the small thing sitting at the desk, and puts a hand on Czes' shoulder.]
Don't be mean now, Czes, what if kids lose sleep over this, huh? [The smile is present as usual as he says this, hand gently squeezing. Don't scare yourself, kiddo.]