fifty-three words

[endthem]

[he's been lounging, unmoving, in front of an open window at the outpost for some time now. Maybe napping, maybe thinking.

Until there is simply a moment where he opens his eyes long enough to make sure that the journal is still beside him and open, and then speaks]

It does get lonely out here. I never get any visitors at all. ...I wonder if it is the prospect of the Dead Zone that puts people off.

[and then a little sigh, as if this is all just coming to him as he's speaking]

But I hear that some of you will be taking turns to come and keep me company soon, is that right? I truly am looking forward to spending time with you. Good conversation is in painfully short supply around here.


[filtered to Joshua]

[and then the subtle amusement in his voice drops out to casual nothing]

How are you?

Comments

[payback]

[If that was supposed to make her mad or something, she's just rolling her eyes and keeping on with her book. Way to be passive-aggressive Legato.

Also she's just

here

like she's been.

You know.]

Legato

[ofhope]

The same. What do you expect?

wow, self, nice typo.

[thehistorian]

A place called the "Dead Zone" is a bit off-putting.

[endthem]

[he doesn't even care whether she hears or not. Really, the comment isn't even for her.

And he's mostly just bored. So, poor conversationalist or not, he ends up speaking to her anyway]

Tell me, did you hand-select these soon-to-be helpers yourself?

Joshua

[endthem]

It's polite to check in anyway, isn't it?

you are now entering... THE DEAN ZONE

[endthem]

Have you ever been?

[payback]

[Rin flips a page.

She kind of ignores him to the point where it might seem like she's not going to answer his question at all. Until, flatly:]

I put them through trials of fire and shoved bamboo slivers under their fingernails to test their resolve, yep.

[exanimatus]

I'd come say hello, but I don't think my presence would be appreciated.

dictated

[foolreversed]

Gee, I wonder why there's no visitors.

full of impalas and co-dependent brother relationships! alternately, university professors.

[thehistorian]

Can't say as I have, no.

Legato

[ofhope]

You didn't before. Not without orders, right?

[endthem]

[oh Rin, you're just a riot]

Am I really so terrible to converse honestly with?

Joshua

[endthem]

My obedience didn't mean that I was an automaton, Joshua.

[endthem]

It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

[endthem]

They say that it is the thought that counts.

Legato

[ofhope]

Could have fooled me.

[ Okay not really, he's just being a douche. ]

[endthem]

I personally find it rude.

[no, haha, he's smiling through his words]

Joshua

[endthem]

[luckily, Joshua being a douche is something he expects on occasion :\]

Keeping an eye on you is something I liked to do regardless of instruction, whether you believe it or not.

Legato

[ofhope]

Well, you're clearly having more fun keeping an eye on that Asian girl with the loud noise.

Joshua

[endthem]

Saying things like that makes you sound jealous.

Legato

[ofhope]

She bit me, and her noise is like the sound a drum makes when you play it through a megaphone. Not only that, but she's a waste of time. All she's managed to do is slow you down. Why would I be fond of her?

What do you see in her? You can't be staying there for anyone else.

Joshua

[endthem]

I see nothing in her beyond the fact that she was able to get me out of that box and into a cage that I can breathe in. She is merely a stepping stone.

Soon, I will have other keepers, and they will be instrumental in my eventual release.

Legato

[ofhope]

How exciting.

Joshua

[endthem]

Your sulking is beginning to get obnoxious.

Find a way to turn that energy toward something productive, if you want me out so badly.

Legato

[ofhope]

...Productive. Like what?