Hmmmm. [the question is, would he find those times funny, too?
...ugh, probably.] Point taken. Just please don't be gross about it.
[real gross, not just "gross to teenagers." speaking of.]
And of course she started it. She's an angry teenager who wants to help you out of spite, but you frighten her. She keeps poking you, hoping she'll find some way to one-up you while knowing that you're completely capable of destroying her for any reason. Or no reason at all.
It isn't your problem. It's mine. [so it really just depends on how much the Captain wants to help him.]
She believes you'll get bored of me. She probably assumes one off-color remark from her, and you'll skin her over the course of a week. And if I were to try and stop you, you'd do worse to me.
[several thoughts come to mind. that she's wrong. that, actually, based on everything else that has ever happened in his life, he should be bored, by now, if not by the first moment any of this required even the slightest bit of effort. that he can barely even understand the meaning of the word right now, forgets it every time they're even just in a room together.
I think she's wrong, of course. But she doesn't believe the things I say about you. She doesn't see them. So of course, she thinks you're lying to me, or you're just playing with your food. So to speak.
[it's the most boring option, which is why he doesn't think that's the case.]
Mm. Not often. [...] My worry isn't that she's right. It's that you'll believe her if she says it enough, or if enough people agree. Because they're all going to say you don't love me, that you're toying with me, or that I'm a passing fancy that you'll burn through. And I worry that, after spending your whole life being whatever people think you are, they'll unknowingly manipulate you into... Not. Caring about me.
[he reaches out to mess with one of Catduggery's lil ears.] This is cute, by the way. Let me guess... it was supposed to be a prize for the gameshow, but you liked it too much.
Not quite. All of those were given out, though I did quite like that mermaid painting... He's Ava's. He's just staying with me for a while. [grins] His name is Catduggery.
Oh, it is not. [he is delighted.] That's fantastic. Of course, I can see the resemblance. She mentioned lending you something... [of course he's gonna wiggle the lil ear in lieu of a handshake.] It's a pleasure.
I may ask for some form of joint custody agreement. [and then, mildly:] Somehow Ava can manage to come to the bridge without any ulterior motive. So, it clearly isn't impossible...
I just wish they'd be a bit more... [huffs] If you're here to ask questions, do it. The constant insistence on acting coy about their intentions... I'd be surprised if they even manage to fool themselves.
I think they assume they have to trick you into answering them truthfully. Or, maybe they're like Darcy, and they don't realize their own motive. But, I can dutifully pass on the message...
[gonna write it in the binder: "you aren't as subtle as you think you are."]
It wouldn't do for me to leave you partially scolded. [Catduggery's going to hear the next part, as he brushes his knuckles under the Captain's jaw.] We need to make sure the point fully sinks in, after all.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Ah, that would be it. Obviously, "intimate" is gross and inappropriate... [a little head-tilt to indicate he's rolling his eyes.]
Still. Don't use our relationship to provoke her. Or anybody, for that matter.
no subject
... [siiiighs] I already know how it sounds, but she really did start it.
no subject
...ugh, probably.] Point taken. Just please don't be gross about it.
[real gross, not just "gross to teenagers." speaking of.]
And of course she started it. She's an angry teenager who wants to help you out of spite, but you frighten her. She keeps poking you, hoping she'll find some way to one-up you while knowing that you're completely capable of destroying her for any reason. Or no reason at all.
no subject
[a pause. he frowns, glancing off to the side.]
... She already knows your favor protects her. That's why she's so bold with it.
no subject
She believes you'll get bored of me. She probably assumes one off-color remark from her, and you'll skin her over the course of a week. And if I were to try and stop you, you'd do worse to me.
no subject
so, of course, what he actually says is:]
I can't. You don't have skin.
no subject
[he tilts his head.]
I think she's wrong, of course. But she doesn't believe the things I say about you. She doesn't see them. So of course, she thinks you're lying to me, or you're just playing with your food. So to speak.
no subject
no subject
Mm. Not often. [...] My worry isn't that she's right. It's that you'll believe her if she says it enough, or if enough people agree. Because they're all going to say you don't love me, that you're toying with me, or that I'm a passing fancy that you'll burn through. And I worry that, after spending your whole life being whatever people think you are, they'll unknowingly manipulate you into... Not. Caring about me.
[oof. he doesn't like saying those words.]
no subject
... But. I have been learning that there's something to be said for proving people wrong. And I think I might like. Trying that.
no subject
It is a lot of fun. [he can't hide his pleased tone. wouldn't want to.] And I think you'll be very, very good at it.
no subject
Not too good, I hope...
no subject
No. Never too good. That's no fun.
[he reaches out to mess with one of Catduggery's lil ears.] This is cute, by the way. Let me guess... it was supposed to be a prize for the gameshow, but you liked it too much.
no subject
no subject
Oh, it is not. [he is delighted.] That's fantastic. Of course, I can see the resemblance. She mentioned lending you something... [of course he's gonna wiggle the lil ear in lieu of a handshake.] It's a pleasure.
no subject
no subject
[he tilts his head slightly.]
Would you want more people to come here to talk to you, just for the sake of it?
no subject
I just wish they'd be a bit more... [huffs] If you're here to ask questions, do it. The constant insistence on acting coy about their intentions... I'd be surprised if they even manage to fool themselves.
no subject
[gonna write it in the binder: "you aren't as subtle as you think you are."]
no subject
no subject
[he's adopting the "make it worse" gene.]
no subject
Well, you did come all the way out here to scold me... and I'm not entirely sure I've actually learned my lesson yet...
no subject
no subject
You know where to find me...
[beat]
Actually, can you take him in with you? It's slightly more difficult to teleport foreign matter.
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)