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
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.