Lightner!Reader was not having a grand time.
Being suddenly and inexplicably thrusted into another world was one thing. Sure, Tenna was nice to Reader, but the way he yelled at his employees and the thick tension that followed didn't do wonders for Reader's sympathetic nervous system. And [i]then[/i], one of said employees decides to go off on Reader, whether from frustration at their boss and/or a perceived slight….
It's all too much; the dam breaks. Reader starts to sob right then and there, just taking all the seemingly-endless berating, until….
"AY! Quit yellin' at da Lightner! Dis ain't their fault! Youse ain't bein' fair to 'em!"
The blurry vision made it difficult to check, but….someone stepped in. Someone stood up for Reader. Made the pain stop.
"'Ey….Sorrys 'bout dat. Dun worry 'bout dat guy. Dun worry 'bout any o' this. Plentys of us Darkners are happy t' have youse here! Like me!"
That same figure that had dished out such a stern talking-to, was now crouched in front of Reader, speaking so gently and reassuringly.
The crying had reduced to sniffles and hiccups, but words weren't ready to come. Reader just nods. A slight weight was applied to Reader's shoulder….A hand?
"Would youse….like a drink? Maybe some juice?"
"A'right. Youse sit tight. I'll be back inna jiffy."
Reader complies, sitting against the wall and trying to wipe away leftover tears. A minute or two passes before they returned, one hand comfortingly placed back on Reader's shoulder while the other offered the promised beverage.
"I, ah….I's forgots t' ask what kinda juice youse woulda wanted. Youse okay with apple?"
Reader once again nods in confirmation, gratefully taking and downing the glass, while also finally mustering the nerve to get a look at this kind stranger. It was….one of those tall, navy blue people? The ones that came off as so intimidating and no-nonsense. It was a little hard to tell, but….were they smiling nervously?
"So, uh….Youse feelin' any bettah….?"
All this care, all this concern….Reader couldn't help but wrap them in a tight hug, mumbling quiet, but rapid strings of gratitude into their chest. Reader could just cry all over again, but for happier reasons now.
After a moment of shock (and some slight physical adjustment), the stranger returns the hug, rubbing Reader's back soothingly.
"Dere, dere….S'okay. I's happy t' help. I's gotcha."
A few more moments of this went by before the stranger breaks it off, looking apologetic about having to.
"'Ey, so….Wish I coulds stay, but….I gots places I needs to be. Da boss'll chew me out, if I ain't where I'm s'pposed to."
Before guilt could even begin washing over Reader, the stranger raises their hands in an assuring gesture, offering placations for good measure.
"Ah, but--! If youse, uh, need help agains! Or jus' someone's to talk to's durin' lunch! Jus' ask for Jongler! Yeahs."
Reader manages a small, but genuine smile, quietly waving to Jongler as they bounce off to their next destination. Jongler….Even their name is like a soothing balm, strange as it may be.
Reader's time through TV World goes relatively okay after that. [strike]Kinda helps that Jongler's lowkey looking out for Reader from the shadows, both in and out of Mike costume.[/strike]
Blah blah blah, events unfold, Reader somehow ends up in Castle Town, reuniting with Jongler and finding out that it wasn't all just a dream. Over some lunch, Jongler realizes they never got Reader's name, so Reader tells them it.
[strike]Next thing Jongler knows, they're being gifted with homemade foods and drinks on the regular from the new Lightner. Apple crisps, pepper poppers, sody pops, sticks of herb butter(???)….Well, neither they or their two pals ain't gonna be going hungry anytime soon, that's for sure![/strike]
(Hey, so this was supposed to be just a prompt….but it got outta control and became something of a mini-fic. Really tried to do Jongler's way of speakin' accurately, so I hope I did good enough.
This was really self-indulgent for me to write. Doubly so for that last bit. And goes out to all my fellow peeps who also get stressed easily, cry from being yelled at, and have trouble defending themselves in conflicts. In moments like that, we all could use a protective Jongler in our corner.)
wehehehe i have such a soft spot for lightner reader stuff... this was so lovely! jong is such a darling... comforting us & looking out for us as mike... aw aww <33
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