[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}
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so, of course, what he actually says is:]
I can't. You don't have skin.
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[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.
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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.]
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... But. I have been learning that there's something to be said for proving people wrong. And I think I might like. Trying that.
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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.
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Not too good, I hope...
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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.
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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.
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[he tilts his head slightly.]
Would you want more people to come here to talk to you, just for the sake of it?
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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.
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[gonna write it in the binder: "you aren't as subtle as you think you are."]
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[he's adopting the "make it worse" gene.]
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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...
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You know where to find me...
[beat]
Actually, can you take him in with you? It's slightly more difficult to teleport foreign matter.
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Don't let Ava know we were being cheeky in front of you, or else I'll never hear the end of it.
[and since he doesn't want to get caught talking to a plush animal like a weirdo, he's going to skedaddle inside the bridge.]