toten_sie | IC Inbox

Yes, please.

[ All of those things are things he'd like, and while he's not sure what's going to get worked out in their talking- ]

You won't smother me. I like spending time with you. I don't-

[ Since she's mentioning it. ]

I don't like being alone. I'm not used to it.

[ At first there'd been the brothel with over a dozen mothers and his Mama and his father. Then there'd been the Tumbleweeds with the little kids always around. Then there'd been the lab and the Army and then the villages that he'd work at to make his way. Finally, there'd been his cats and his work with Section III. He doesn't do well with being alone, but he doesn't like to bother people. The problem being that there isn't really huge amounts of work to do here. And he doesn't want to get in the way.

Not to mention his recent problem.]

I'm in the same boat, so that works out well at least?

[It's a relief, though he still ought to interact with some variety. It takes a village, so on.]

And we'll work on networking. There's not a lot of organized stuff to get involved with, but find some nonviolent types for you to hang out with. Nice as it'd be to hog your time, wouldn't be fair to everyone else.

You don't have to bother people for me.

[ He doesn't want to bother anyone, and he doesn't feel that other people should be put out in order to help him. Their kindness... he doesn't deserve it.]

Not bothering! Introducing, shopping around a little, nobody's getting forced into anything. You're great! More people should know that you're great!

[It would defeat the purpose!]

I don't know about that. I don't think I have much to offer.

[ That... goes for a lot of things, really. ]

You're attentive, you're patient, you're helpful, and you're kind. That last one's gotta count for a lot more than it might feel like on a ship like this. Ain't always about trading, being likable and around is a lot for people. 'S a lot for me, and I like you plenty.

[ He shakes his head.]

You're kind. Too kind. I just... you seem like- [ he almost realizes it as he says it ] a Tumbleweed to me. Like a sister.

[Her mouth is already opening to reply by the time he finishes the statement, and it takes her aback a moment. It would any day, but with the context so fresh it hits harder. She is achingly fond, and nearly honored.]

Well.

Don't think that makes me too kind, I think you're just not used to people treating you decently. I'm - that's good, though. The last bit. You're not far from it yourself. All the more reason for me to make sure you get home safe and sound quick as I can.

[ He smiles a little, and he can't help but think back to his other sisters. To Ursula and CJ. He wonders if he's being understood.]

No, it doesn't make you too kind, you're right.

It means you... understand.

[ She understands the ethos of district zero, he thinks. There's a feeling that's just right when they talk. That makes sense.]

[Worried she'd been reading into it too much. That's--

Why isn't there an affectionate version of 'them's fighting words'? It settles a moment, gears visibly turning.]

Well, I--

[...drawing a blank, it would seem. Here goes a second hug, in lieu of elaboration.]

I'm glad. Proud. Hopeful it'll help us along, some.

[ His arms go around her in return and he won't hold her there, but he's happy to let his arms be around her as long as she'd like. ]

Probably. That's probably why the Admiral assigned us together.

I'd like to think so, hm? Or he knew I'd never stop giving any other warden grief if they got you. I'm glad for either.

Let me know if I'm ever pushy, going forward. Promise. Because I'm gonna push, I can't risk you-- ending up like everyone else, but a breaking point is a breaking point, and I'd hate myself if you felt differently about me by the time we're done.

[ He actually, legitimately, blinks. ]

Pushy?

[ See Alice, Ursula, and literally everyone else he spends time with, considers family, or otherwise values. ]

I mean - overly so. You're strong and I'm not gonna waste time for just anything when the stakes are so high, pushing is my job here. I just mean, like...

I don't know! Touch a raw nerve you're just not quite ready to prod at yet, let me know. Don't let me make something worse instead of better. I think part of the challenge for me is supposed to be pacing it alright.

[A squeeze, or the best she can manage when there's no hope of arms actually getting around him. An attempt at self-awareness need be made, is all. She seems to have a more gung-ho spirit about redemption than most, however similar the method.]

[ That's a firm headshake back, Misty. A very firm one. For one, he doesn't happen to think that trying to help him could be too pushy. Maybe that's just his life experience but maybe it's just that he believes in people pursuing what their hearts tell them truly. ]

You won't be.

I'd tell you. But you won't be.

That's a lot of trust, and I'm touched, and I hope you're right! I just want to be sure there's a check and balance. Pairings aren't just me bossing you around, it's a team effort. I can push, but not steamroll.

We're gonna be good at this. None of the big dramatics or hurting each other some people get up to. Clean break. We're a team.

[ At the mention of 'hurting' her, his shoulders hunch up and he shakes his head. ]

No. I'm never-

I'd never want to hurt anyone. Especially not you or any of the wardens here.

[ When she mentions a team, he can't help but grin a little, if sadly. ]

A unit.

Some people seem to have a weird idea of the process, I think. I don't think it's fighting. It's -

Exactly that, yeah. A unit.

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