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.
[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.
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.
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. ]
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.
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[ That... goes for a lot of things, really. ]
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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.
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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.
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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.]
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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.
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Probably. That's probably why the Admiral assigned us together.
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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.
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Pushy?
[ See Alice, Ursula, and literally everyone else he spends time with, considers family, or otherwise values. ]
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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.]
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You won't be.
I'd tell you. But you won't be.
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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.
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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.
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Exactly that, yeah. A unit.