[They're communicating on two different wavelengths, which is often a problem for people who can't spit out what they're actually trying to say. It's the imposition he's wondering about. He knows the words' definitions, but what is she actually asking? He shakes his head a bit.]
Sorry. Is...what a substantial imposition? [High school? Investigating? Is that meant to be a good thing? A bad thing?]
I...would rather be hunting all the time, if...that's what you're asking.
You’ve always got a choice. [Immediate. On some level, she should know better; on another, this is what she’s always known.
[Rounding back, before that can settle:] I don’t suppose you’ve learned all you have about the hunt in high school. [The emphasis isn’t pronounced, but if he catches some disdain in high school, he wouldn’t be mistaken.]
[His mouth falls open at 'You've always got a choice,' as if to retort, though he can't think quick enough. He can't help but feel a little judged, catching that disdain. It makes him shrink a little, but the way his brows knit together looks more like a glare than a pout.]
No. That's not the sort of thing you learn at school. You learn things like...math, science, reading...?
Which all have their merits. [Still without hesitation, but a touch softer. Something hit a nerve, it seems.] But I’d wager you at least know reading, and maths and science would follow for an investigator. [A small nod accompanies this, a sort of “you agree, right?” gesture.]
[That funny way Ocean's brows are pinched together looks stranger when they raise up, now looking a little incredulous. He's curious too, though. This woman must come from a very, very different place.
[So, he should be patient like she is, and try to explain too.]
That's a nice thing to say. It's true, but...
[But what? Everyone does it? Well, that isn't true. His parents want him to? They wouldn't blame him if he had to drop out - they've discussed as much before, in fact. It's not illegal. It's not immoral.
[Suddenly, he's frowning, focused on the floor. He readjusts his mask on his face, anxious.]
I told my friend I'd be there so long as he is. It's important to him that he graduates.
[But… Well, it is a nice thing to say. Easy in theory, where, as a wise old dolt of a man once said, everything works. Perhaps she’s too naive, still, stuck on some scrap of idealism.
[What the real world has is ties of one’s choosing, and that’s always messier.
[Her expression softens for that, too, less voluntary. Now she (thinks she) gets it…]
[Seems he passed whatever test he'd decided he was participating in. There's more than a little relief to that. Ocean straightens his gloves on his hands and nods.]
Thanks.
I'm Ocean, by the way.
sometimes I just don’t want or have the face. but also yes
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pantheraliam) wrote2030-03-12 03:03 pm
no subject
Sorry. Is...what a substantial imposition? [High school? Investigating? Is that meant to be a good thing? A bad thing?]
I...would rather be hunting all the time, if...that's what you're asking.
I just don't have much of a choice.
no subject
You’ve always got a choice. [Immediate. On some level, she should know better; on another, this is what she’s always known.
[Rounding back, before that can settle:] I don’t suppose you’ve learned all you have about the hunt in high school. [The emphasis isn’t pronounced, but if he catches some disdain in high school, he wouldn’t be mistaken.]
no subject
No. That's not the sort of thing you learn at school. You learn things like...math, science, reading...?
no subject
Which all have their merits. [Still without hesitation, but a touch softer. Something hit a nerve, it seems.] But I’d wager you at least know reading, and maths and science would follow for an investigator. [A small nod accompanies this, a sort of “you agree, right?” gesture.]
Your life is yours. Not any institution’s.
no subject
[So, he should be patient like she is, and try to explain too.]
That's a nice thing to say. It's true, but...
[But what? Everyone does it? Well, that isn't true. His parents want him to? They wouldn't blame him if he had to drop out - they've discussed as much before, in fact. It's not illegal. It's not immoral.
[Suddenly, he's frowning, focused on the floor. He readjusts his mask on his face, anxious.]
I told my friend I'd be there so long as he is. It's important to him that he graduates.
no subject
[But… Well, it is a nice thing to say. Easy in theory, where, as a wise old dolt of a man once said, everything works. Perhaps she’s too naive, still, stuck on some scrap of idealism.
[What the real world has is ties of one’s choosing, and that’s always messier.
[Her expression softens for that, too, less voluntary. Now she (thinks she) gets it…]
He means more to you. [Than anything else.]
no subject
[Ocean breathes a laugh.]
Mills? Of course. More than anything.
no subject
[It shows. That breath of a laugh. As though the mere thought of this person calms him.
[It’s sweet.
[When she does talk, after a silence, it’s murmured with her eyes averted, almost offhand. Doesn’t want to disturb.]
Good choice.
the meaningful icons (I assume)
Thanks.
I'm Ocean, by the way.
sometimes I just don’t want or have the face. but also yes
[Eyes back up for that, arms falling loosely to her sides again. Huh. Did the eyes come first or the name?]
Good meeting you, Ocean. My name is Caitlyn. [With a small, polite smile.
[And a beat.]
Thanks for what?
no subject
What you said was nice. That's all.