[Lucy continues to wipe her tears with the side of her hands. She should go get a tissue, but she feels stuck on the couch. The sadness and ache in her heart are hard to deal with. She missed her family before, but when she was with Emma, the ache of it wasn't as much, but now it's just her and the family she made for herself.
She felt Jim's hand on her shoulder. The very light, and unsure touch of a man who wanted to be closer to Victor, but also showing sympathy for a little girl in need of comfort. She doesn't pull away from him, only wipes her eyes again and tries to take deep breaths to calm herself down. She finds herself scooting closer, telling Jim it's okay for him to be near her, and have his hand on her shoulder.]
It's...it's not y-your fault.
[The words are mumbled out. Another deep breath in, count to three and then release.]
[ He can't really blame her. He can sympathize, even, and honestly, even if she were an adult, no one could dismiss her feelings. Jim certainly won't for one. If nothing else, simply because he understand all too well what she's going through.
He's relieved when Lucy doesn't shrug him off, or even move away from him. He honestly thought she would, and he lets out a quiet breath when she actually scoots a little closer. ]
No, but... I know what you're going through. I've lost someone here too, and it's an awful, painful feeling. I'm sorry you have to go through that too.
[ His thumb brushes soothingly across her shoulder, and he offers her a tentative smile. ]
But you're not alone. I know it feels that way right now— I kind of felt that way a little, too. But you have Victor, at the very least. And... well, there's me, if you ever need anything. You can talk to me.
[Knowing Jim felt this pain too, is a bit comforting. He understands what she's going through--maybe not to the same intensity, but he gets it. He's apologizing for it, being sympathetic towards her that doesn't feel fake. It's genuine...it's sincere.
It was starting to help reshape her opinion on him...especially when he tells her she isn't alone. She could talk to Victor...and him too.
Baby steps. Both of them were taking baby steps with one another. She slow nods her head, wiping another tear from her eye before moving closer to hug him. A big difference from their last interaction.]
...thank you. [For telling her that, and being honest with her. It's very much appreciated.]
[ Well, as they say, misery loves company. It's a little cruel when one thinks of it, but right now Jim's just glad that what he went through when Bones left helps her, even if only a little.
His smile grows just a fraction when she nods, shoulders dropping in relief this time around. He'd worried that she'd dismiss his offer, or just reinforce that she didn't want him around. Instead she ends up shifting closer, and he finds himself pulled into a hug that catches him completely by surprise.
There's a brief moment where he's so stunned that he has absolutely no idea what to do, but eventually his brain kicks into gear, and he puts his arms around Lucy, hugging her back though not keeping the hold strong at all. ]
I'd like that. We can think of something to do until he shows up. [ A thought comes to mind, and he asks. ] Hey, do you like dogs?
[The suggestion is murmured, still hugging Jim because she can. She's been alone for a little and while she was used to it when Emma worked...it's different now. It left a hole in her heart, and she was trying to find things to do and not worry that Victor may not come home because he went back to his world.
And what better distraction than to talk about dogs. It makes Lucy pull back to look at Jim with confusion and concern.]
I'm a kid, why wouldn't I like dogs? [Because, they're cute, friendly, and--wait, doesn't that sound like the beginnings of... No, this wasn't a commercial warning kids to stay away from strangers. Jim was....he's Victor's friend, but he wouldn't do anything like kidnap her.]
[ He's kind of a hoarder, actually, not that Lucy knows that yet. Who knows, maybe she'll get to see the piles of books he has scattered a little all over his place, bookshelves filled with more books than one man should be able to read in a lifetime. Jim eats them all up.
Leaning back too, he lets out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. ]
No. I don't have any pets. But I made something, and I thought that you might like it.
[ He reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out a flip book. It's nothing amazing, and all the drawings are plain sketches, but when she flips the pages, a cute simple animation will play out. ]
Here. You just have to flip the pages really fast.
[Her confusion gives way to skepticism. He likes books?]
....what sort of books?
[Does he know about Victor's story? Possibly, maybe. he said Victor talked about the Enchanting Forest and other places, but it was hard for Jim to grasp. As long as he didn't think Victor was crazy or anything...maybe there was hope for him yet.]
How come?
[So, why no pets? Hm? Did he not like them? Too busy? Would he have enough time for Victor--no wait, they want to hang out together. Okay, they'll make time for one another, that much is obvious.
She peers at the little book and there are sketches. So...something he has in common with Victor. They both like to draw. When she gets to the simple animation, it makes her smile a little. She goes back and forth to it, watching the little dog walk about.]
It's cute. Looks a little bit like a corgi--[Wait. She looks up at him quickly.] You know what a corgi is, right?
All sorts, I'm not picky. I love story books, you know... fantasy, adventure, that sort of thing. But I also like poetry, plays, and... just, a little bit of everything.
[ He shrugs. Books aren't very common where he comes from anymore, people mostly stick to digital copies, and paper copies are a rarity. So maybe he's making up for it by collecting everything he can get his hands on here in the Quarantine.
He shrugs a little at the question, letting out a sigh. ] Pets just... deserve a lot of time and dedication. I thought about getting a dog or a cat, but I'm living alone right now. I just didn't know if I'd be able to be around enough to take care of them, with my job and everything.
[ He did have a pet chicken, but... well, he wasn't in the right headspace to keep Petunia after Bones left, not to mention that it didn't seem right to keep a chicken holed up in an apartment. Finding her a new place with a lot of open space just seemed like the right thing to do.
He lets out a soft chuckle at her question, nodding. ] Yeah, I know what a corgi is. And it does kind of look like one, doesn't it?
I like books too, they're very close to home for me--especially fantasy, but I like adventure too.
[So they have one thing (aside from Victor) in common. Books are a good stepping stone. Maybe he could show her some of his books, and she could share some of hers...and explain a few things about the world she's from.]
So... [Pause for a moment. If he can't take care of a pet, how could he take care of Victor? Lucy pulls back a little more to look Jim over.] If you're not able to take care of a pet because of time and stuff, how will you be able to make time for Victor? Will you cut back on work or...?
[Look here, mister. You can like her not!dad, but she's watching you. She wants to make sure Victor is happy and doesn't get hurt.]
Oh...okay, at least you know that much. Yeah, it looks a bit like a corgi, the way it walks and stuff. Corgis are really cute--all dogs are cute, really.
Is that so? Well, do you have a favorite book? Or a favorite story?
[ Stories, books... that, Jim can handle more than well. Kids usually like those too, don't they? Well, at least Lucy does, which is all that matters to him.
He seems a little caught off-guard by that question. He opens his mouth, closes it again, then lets out a soft chuckle, grinning and shaking his head. ]
It's not the same. Victor's a human being, and an adult. He has his own job, responsibilities, and he can take care of himself even when I'm not around. It's not the same with a pet. If they're hungry, you have to feed them, and if they're sick, you have to take them to the doctor and figure out what's wrong with them. It's not the same as when you're dating someone. [ He pauses. ] But to answer your question, I'd do whatever it took. If Victor needed or wanted me around more often, then... I could cut back on work, or just change my schedule to match his.
[ Well, maybe not to an extreme, but he certainly can better align his free time so he and Victor don't keep missing each other. Of course that's only worth anything if they get to spend a good portion of that time together, but anyway. ]
I have a favorite book, but it's not there. It's...it's a very special book that has all these fairytales in them--but, my favorite story is my parents.
[It's corny, yes, but she's a child who misses her family, and she loved hearing her parents tell the tale of how they met. How her mother was supposed to go through with one path, but changed her destiny. How her father wanted something more out of life, and ran into her mother on a motorcycle.
The chuckle and the grin aren't winning any brownie points from Lucy. She is staring at him with a neutral, but somewhat serious expression. While she wasn't the gatekeeper to Victor...she wanted to protect him and make sure he wouldn't get hurt, or be upset. ]
You're dating. Mmm. [Spoke as a sigh. Right....they’re dating. Which is something she’s familiar with but didn’t want to deal with it. ]
So, you would do whatever it took? What if he was in trouble? Or danger? Would you run away or go and save him?
[Staring at him harder because, well, it could happen--more than likely it would at some point. The tiny human child wanted to believe Victor made the right choice in dating this person but, she has to make sure. ]
That's a shame, I'd have loved to read it. [ That holds true for just about any book, but in this case particularly it would be another chance to get a little closer to Lucy. ] You could tell me that story sometime, if you ever feel like it.
[ Every story that Victor tells him seems fantastical, completely amazing when compared to what he knows of his world. Well, maybe the things he's seen and done would seem pretty fantastic to her too, so there's that. ]
Right. We are. [ He smiles a bit awkwardly, though he promptly moves on to her question, not taking even a second to answer promptly. ]
Of course I'd save him. Wouldn't you want to save the people you— [ He pauses just at the right time, quickly correcting himself... ] —care about? And I'd rather put myself in harm's way than let him be hurt.
[ That much is true more often than not when it comes to Jim. He's sacrificed himself for others more times than he can remember, although he never wanted people to idolize him for it. He just did what he felt was right. ]
It's...sort of like a family heirloom. It's survived a lot of things...and it belonged to my dad. [Lucy wouldn't let Jim borrow it, but she could let him read it, if...or when he visited again. Ever assuming the book found its way here. Who knows, it's hard to tell.] There's a lot of backstory to it...and I think I might have to make a chart to give you before I tell you the story.
[A mini-project. Something productive to help him understand the world she came from and to help him understand Victor a bit better...and it would help her deal with her feelings. Speaking of feelings--Jim had them for Victor. His answer to saving her not!dad was telling--especially when he nearly stumbled over a word that was very powerful.
Her staring continued and she tilted her head at him to get a better look. Almost as though she was weighing his words and trying to see if they were sincere...and by how quickly he responded, they were. There wasn't a pause, there wasn't a stutter.
And considering how much Victor liked Jim....there was no stopping it. Granted, she still wanted to protect Victor. So maybe she'll try harder. She wasn't going to stand in the way of true love--assuming that's what it was.]
I would want to save the people I love and I tried. [She said after a moment. Her gaze broke away from him to stare downward. That was a story for another time, for now though...There's a soft sigh before she looks up at Jim.] If you want to come over, you can. All I want is for Victor to be happy.
[ Some things found their way into the Quarantine somehow, so who's to say. Seen as Jim currently had the actual PX70 motorcycle that belonged to his father, it was entirely plausible that her father's book would show up here. In any case, Jim would be perfectly happy to read it while at Victor's place, or to just let Lucy read it to him instead. ]
If you don't mind doing that, then I'd like that. I'm curious about the world you come from.
[ He was curious about any and all worlds out there, actually, but hers and Victor's particularly, for the personal connection most of all. If she was willing to share, then he sure wasn't going to say no. ]
I think we all do. When we really care, we try to do everything we can for the people that are important to us.
[ And Victor was important to him. The thought was a little scary, when they'd really only known each other such a short while, but it was a weirdly good kind of scary. Certainly nothing that could surpass how happy Victor made him feel. ]
Me too, Lucy. But... [ He inhaled slowly, then sighed. ] This is your home too, now. Wherever you two end up moving. As much as I miss Victor, and want to be with him, I'm only going to come over when I know you'll actually like having me around.
[ Not just tolerate it, or begrudgingly accept it. That wasn't going to be enough for him. Especially when he knew that in the long run, it'd likely only make their relationship even worse. ]
So— that's why I wanted us to talk a little. Learn a bit about each other. And in the spirit of that, if you have any questions for me, about my life or my world or... well, anything at all, you can ask. Anytime.
[Lucy wouldn't know that some items sometimes make their way into Quarantine. If she did receive that book, she would treat it with so much care and hold it at night to compensate for not having any other family around. She would be more than happy to sit with Jim, maybe even on his lap, to read to him and go over the pictures with him in great detail.]
You really want me to make you a chart? [Taken aback by that, just a little. It was quite a long story, and she wants to believe he's being genuine and not doing it to solely butter her up. No, she needs to practice being more optimistic.]
Sometimes trying isn't enough...sometimes you fail. [The words were murmured softly, but loud enough for Jim to still hear them. Lucy wasn't ready to talk about it, but maybe in time she would. If she stopped being scared and stubborn.
There was a slow nod of her head, slowly coming around to tolerate...maybe even like Jim. He was trying, and she'll give him credit for that.]
I thought you were coming here to play nice with me and make a better impression on Victor. I have a step-aunt, Ivy, she's.. [There's a roll of her eyes there, how to explain that woman?] I don't think materialistic is the right word, but she doesn't like to hang out with me, not unless her mom--my step-grandma tells her to, and even then it's more of a chore and her babysitting me than doing anything fun.
So...I'm sorry for placing you in that same boat.
[Because it wouldn't have surprised her if it had, but Jim is surprising her in different (and good) ways. But also, boat pun, since he's a captain.]
Sure. [ He nodded, pressing his lips a little. ] You did say it was a complicated story, and that a chart would help. So if you ever feel like making that chart... I'd like to see it, yes.
[ Optimism sounds like something both Lucy and Victor need to practice. Luckily for them, Jim's well-versed in that, so he might rub off on them a little.
He didn't say anything to the next words, though his expression was understanding. He tipped his head a little in a soft nod. ] Doesn't mean we stop trying, does it? We just get up and keep going. You should never give up.
[ Not when it came to what was right, and to the people they loved. Quitting just wasn't in his dictionary, honestly, no matter the sacrifice. He still failed sometimes, he still saw people suffer and die despite his best efforts, but he could never let that defeat him, or make him stop trying to protect people.
He exhaled, a hint more relaxed at Lucy's confession. He was glad to hear her speak her mind and confess what she really was worried about regarding Jim, and he was even more relieved for the opportunity to put her worries to rest. ]
I know what you mean. [ He shifted on his seat, a little awkward. ] I, uh... had a stepfather. I didn't call him 'father' or 'dad' or anything, but he married my mom when I was very little. He basically just claimed everything that used to belong to my dad and acted as though it was all his. And he... well, let's just say he wasn't a very nice guy. I grew up hating him a lot, and I was too stubborn and reckless, so... living at the farm with him wasn't fun. At all. My mom was away for work very often too, so I ended up avoiding the house a lot, slept at friends' places, so on. It got me into a lot of trouble. He wasn't very nice or understanding to me, and he treated me very poorly whenever I ended up going back to the farm, after being away for days or weeks.
[ Which was to say that he punished Jim in unusually cruel ways, and sometimes hit him too, if he just happened to feel like it. Nothing too violent or anything, just a slap at best, but it still made Jim feel like crap, and he ended up loathing the guy even more. ]
I couldn't treat anyone that way. And I'm not here just to butter you up or get you to let me into the house. I want us to get along, and to like each other.
[Lucy had tons of optimism until she had a talk with her step-grandma, and before Emma left. She was trying to break the curse, and after having Henry leave and seeing her mother kiss another man, it was hard to have that hope. It was hard to keep going, so being in Quarantine and seeing Emma, her hope came back. Now, it's half empty. But, she's slowly getting back there. Slowly, but surely, and having Victor--and now Jim, be patient will help her.]
It's complicated...like...the stuff soap operas as made of. [There's a faint smile there, and it's followed up with a questioning look. He did know what soap operas were too, right? She just wanted to make sure! That way nothing got lost in translation.]
...Even when it seems hopeless?
[Because it certainly did before she passed out and woke up in Quarantine.]
...you had a step-parent? [The question is asked softly and it's answered soon enough. Lucy stayed quiet, listening to Jim's words, trying to picture him as a small child and the life he had before. She could only imagine what sort of man his step-parent was, and it didn't seem like he had much of an easy life. Sort of...like a coming of age tale, where the hero had a rough start, but came around and became something greater...
And there was a farm too. Of course there was.
But, he was trying not to be like his step-parent. Jim didn't want to put someone else through that situation, and for that she was glad she told him what was on her mind. They had way more in common than she initially thought. She was starting to warm up to him a little bit more.]
I don't get why step-parents have to be mean. It's the same in most stories: they treat their step-kids poorly for one reason or another...and it's never justified. It's never warranted. [There's a shake of her head and a slight sigh. She would never understand these things.]
I'm starting to like you a little more. So maybe...we could start over?
[ It's been a while since he watched any soap operas, but yeah, he knew what they were. He's into other kinds of old TV shows and movies more, but he can still enjoy an old soap opera every so often. Why not, right? ]
Ah— especially when they seem hopeless. [ He smiled and tilted his head. ] Hope is the last one to go, after all. And as long as you have hope, it'll never be really gone.
[ It didn't seem right to him that a child wouldn't be hopeful. Lucy should be hopeful, and there had to be something wrong with the place she came from that it could make her feel so hopeless when she was so young. Hope wasn't something he could just willingly give her, but he could still try to help her see it, and find it even in the smallest of things.
He nodded at her surprise, giving her a moment to process that bit of information. He didn't get into a lot of detail, but this was still the first time he told anyone about his childhood or Frank while in the Quarantine. Granted, there was Bones, but he already knew about it well before they both came here. ]
Well... not all step-parents. I guess I just wasn't very lucky. [ He shrugged. There was a time when this conversation would be more emotional and heated on his end, but he'd worked past it now. He didn't hold that grudge so close to his chest, and he certainly had no feelings whatsoever left for the man. He'd been gone from his life for a long time, anyway. ]
I'm glad to hear that. [ His smile softened, growing a little wider as he nodded. ] And I'd like that very much, too.
I'll start making a chart then....and maybe flash cards. It gets complicated very quickly and easily. [And maybe she could use some of the drawings Victor gave her.]
Mmm...that's...also a long story.
[A very long one that she told Victor about, and it's still too raw for her to discuss to someone else. How she tried to break the curse and failed. She still had hope, it was there, but when it came to her own family, that's a different story.]
It has nothing to do with luck. It has to deal with the step-parents themselves.
[Their choices, and the consequences of those choices...but there isn't much time to think about it. Not when they're trying to start over.
She holds out her hand to him.]
I'm Lucy Mills, pleasure to meet you. [See? Starting over and reintroducing herself.]
Guess it's a good thing that I'm really very smart.
[ Said partly as a joke, partly as him bragging playfully. He felt a little more at ease around Lucy now, and hoped she wouldn't think he was just being smug and full of himself. ]
Yeah, you're right there, too. [ He smiled and huffed, shaking his head. ] Some people just suck, if you ask me.
[ Was that a curse word? Did that count as a curse word for an eight year-old? Well, too late to worry about that now.
His smile softened, a little more endeared, as she offered her hand. He took it promptly, shaking it briefly before letting go again. ]
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thestoriesarereal
no subject
Date: 2018-03-10 04:37 pm (UTC)She felt Jim's hand on her shoulder. The very light, and unsure touch of a man who wanted to be closer to Victor, but also showing sympathy for a little girl in need of comfort. She doesn't pull away from him, only wipes her eyes again and tries to take deep breaths to calm herself down. She finds herself scooting closer, telling Jim it's okay for him to be near her, and have his hand on her shoulder.]
It's...it's not y-your fault.
[The words are mumbled out. Another deep breath in, count to three and then release.]
no subject
Date: 2018-03-11 03:08 pm (UTC)He's relieved when Lucy doesn't shrug him off, or even move away from him. He honestly thought she would, and he lets out a quiet breath when she actually scoots a little closer. ]
No, but... I know what you're going through. I've lost someone here too, and it's an awful, painful feeling. I'm sorry you have to go through that too.
[ His thumb brushes soothingly across her shoulder, and he offers her a tentative smile. ]
But you're not alone. I know it feels that way right now— I kind of felt that way a little, too. But you have Victor, at the very least. And... well, there's me, if you ever need anything. You can talk to me.
no subject
Date: 2018-03-11 10:33 pm (UTC)It was starting to help reshape her opinion on him...especially when he tells her she isn't alone. She could talk to Victor...and him too.
Baby steps. Both of them were taking baby steps with one another. She slow nods her head, wiping another tear from her eye before moving closer to hug him. A big difference from their last interaction.]
...thank you. [For telling her that, and being honest with her. It's very much appreciated.]
...You can wait for Victor with me, if you want.
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 02:12 am (UTC)His smile grows just a fraction when she nods, shoulders dropping in relief this time around. He'd worried that she'd dismiss his offer, or just reinforce that she didn't want him around. Instead she ends up shifting closer, and he finds himself pulled into a hug that catches him completely by surprise.
There's a brief moment where he's so stunned that he has absolutely no idea what to do, but eventually his brain kicks into gear, and he puts his arms around Lucy, hugging her back though not keeping the hold strong at all. ]
I'd like that. We can think of something to do until he shows up. [ A thought comes to mind, and he asks. ] Hey, do you like dogs?
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 02:38 am (UTC)[The suggestion is murmured, still hugging Jim because she can. She's been alone for a little and while she was used to it when Emma worked...it's different now. It left a hole in her heart, and she was trying to find things to do and not worry that Victor may not come home because he went back to his world.
And what better distraction than to talk about dogs. It makes Lucy pull back to look at Jim with confusion and concern.]
I'm a kid, why wouldn't I like dogs? [Because, they're cute, friendly, and--wait, doesn't that sound like the beginnings of... No, this wasn't a commercial warning kids to stay away from strangers. Jim was....he's Victor's friend, but he wouldn't do anything like kidnap her.]
Why? Do you have one?
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 02:57 am (UTC)[ He's kind of a hoarder, actually, not that Lucy knows that yet. Who knows, maybe she'll get to see the piles of books he has scattered a little all over his place, bookshelves filled with more books than one man should be able to read in a lifetime. Jim eats them all up.
Leaning back too, he lets out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. ]
No. I don't have any pets. But I made something, and I thought that you might like it.
[ He reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out a flip book. It's nothing amazing, and all the drawings are plain sketches, but when she flips the pages, a cute simple animation will play out. ]
Here. You just have to flip the pages really fast.
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 03:06 am (UTC)....what sort of books?
[Does he know about Victor's story? Possibly, maybe. he said Victor talked about the Enchanting Forest and other places, but it was hard for Jim to grasp. As long as he didn't think Victor was crazy or anything...maybe there was hope for him yet.]
How come?
[So, why no pets? Hm? Did he not like them? Too busy? Would he have enough time for Victor--no wait, they want to hang out together. Okay, they'll make time for one another, that much is obvious.
She peers at the little book and there are sketches. So...something he has in common with Victor. They both like to draw. When she gets to the simple animation, it makes her smile a little. She goes back and forth to it, watching the little dog walk about.]
It's cute. Looks a little bit like a corgi--[Wait. She looks up at him quickly.] You know what a corgi is, right?
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 03:23 am (UTC)[ He shrugs. Books aren't very common where he comes from anymore, people mostly stick to digital copies, and paper copies are a rarity. So maybe he's making up for it by collecting everything he can get his hands on here in the Quarantine.
He shrugs a little at the question, letting out a sigh. ] Pets just... deserve a lot of time and dedication. I thought about getting a dog or a cat, but I'm living alone right now. I just didn't know if I'd be able to be around enough to take care of them, with my job and everything.
[ He did have a pet chicken, but... well, he wasn't in the right headspace to keep Petunia after Bones left, not to mention that it didn't seem right to keep a chicken holed up in an apartment. Finding her a new place with a lot of open space just seemed like the right thing to do.
He lets out a soft chuckle at her question, nodding. ] Yeah, I know what a corgi is. And it does kind of look like one, doesn't it?
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 03:44 am (UTC)[So they have one thing (aside from Victor) in common. Books are a good stepping stone. Maybe he could show her some of his books, and she could share some of hers...and explain a few things about the world she's from.]
So... [Pause for a moment. If he can't take care of a pet, how could he take care of Victor? Lucy pulls back a little more to look Jim over.] If you're not able to take care of a pet because of time and stuff, how will you be able to make time for Victor? Will you cut back on work or...?
[Look here, mister. You can like her not!dad, but she's watching you. She wants to make sure Victor is happy and doesn't get hurt.]
Oh...okay, at least you know that much. Yeah, it looks a bit like a corgi, the way it walks and stuff. Corgis are really cute--all dogs are cute, really.
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 04:07 am (UTC)[ Stories, books... that, Jim can handle more than well. Kids usually like those too, don't they? Well, at least Lucy does, which is all that matters to him.
He seems a little caught off-guard by that question. He opens his mouth, closes it again, then lets out a soft chuckle, grinning and shaking his head. ]
It's not the same. Victor's a human being, and an adult. He has his own job, responsibilities, and he can take care of himself even when I'm not around. It's not the same with a pet. If they're hungry, you have to feed them, and if they're sick, you have to take them to the doctor and figure out what's wrong with them. It's not the same as when you're dating someone. [ He pauses. ] But to answer your question, I'd do whatever it took. If Victor needed or wanted me around more often, then... I could cut back on work, or just change my schedule to match his.
[ Well, maybe not to an extreme, but he certainly can better align his free time so he and Victor don't keep missing each other. Of course that's only worth anything if they get to spend a good portion of that time together, but anyway. ]
I have to agree. Dogs are super cute.
no subject
Date: 2018-03-12 06:38 pm (UTC)CORRECTED THREAD
Date: 2018-03-13 07:16 pm (UTC)[It's corny, yes, but she's a child who misses her family, and she loved hearing her parents tell the tale of how they met. How her mother was supposed to go through with one path, but changed her destiny. How her father wanted something more out of life, and ran into her mother on a motorcycle.
The chuckle and the grin aren't winning any brownie points from Lucy. She is staring at him with a neutral, but somewhat serious expression. While she wasn't the gatekeeper to Victor...she wanted to protect him and make sure he wouldn't get hurt, or be upset. ]
You're dating. Mmm. [Spoke as a sigh. Right....they’re dating. Which is something she’s familiar with but didn’t want to deal with it. ]
So, you would do whatever it took? What if he was in trouble? Or danger? Would you run away or go and save him?
[Staring at him harder because, well, it could happen--more than likely it would at some point. The tiny human child wanted to believe Victor made the right choice in dating this person but, she has to make sure. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-03-13 09:40 pm (UTC)[ Every story that Victor tells him seems fantastical, completely amazing when compared to what he knows of his world. Well, maybe the things he's seen and done would seem pretty fantastic to her too, so there's that. ]
Right. We are. [ He smiles a bit awkwardly, though he promptly moves on to her question, not taking even a second to answer promptly. ]
Of course I'd save him. Wouldn't you want to save the people you— [ He pauses just at the right time, quickly correcting himself... ] —care about? And I'd rather put myself in harm's way than let him be hurt.
[ That much is true more often than not when it comes to Jim. He's sacrificed himself for others more times than he can remember, although he never wanted people to idolize him for it. He just did what he felt was right. ]
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Date: 2018-03-13 09:47 pm (UTC)[A mini-project. Something productive to help him understand the world she came from and to help him understand Victor a bit better...and it would help her deal with her feelings. Speaking of feelings--Jim had them for Victor. His answer to saving her not!dad was telling--especially when he nearly stumbled over a word that was very powerful.
Her staring continued and she tilted her head at him to get a better look. Almost as though she was weighing his words and trying to see if they were sincere...and by how quickly he responded, they were. There wasn't a pause, there wasn't a stutter.
And considering how much Victor liked Jim....there was no stopping it. Granted, she still wanted to protect Victor. So maybe she'll try harder. She wasn't going to stand in the way of true love--assuming that's what it was.]
I would want to save the people I love and I tried. [She said after a moment. Her gaze broke away from him to stare downward. That was a story for another time, for now though...There's a soft sigh before she looks up at Jim.] If you want to come over, you can. All I want is for Victor to be happy.
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Date: 2018-03-14 02:51 am (UTC)If you don't mind doing that, then I'd like that. I'm curious about the world you come from.
[ He was curious about any and all worlds out there, actually, but hers and Victor's particularly, for the personal connection most of all. If she was willing to share, then he sure wasn't going to say no. ]
I think we all do. When we really care, we try to do everything we can for the people that are important to us.
[ And Victor was important to him. The thought was a little scary, when they'd really only known each other such a short while, but it was a weirdly good kind of scary. Certainly nothing that could surpass how happy Victor made him feel. ]
Me too, Lucy. But... [ He inhaled slowly, then sighed. ] This is your home too, now. Wherever you two end up moving. As much as I miss Victor, and want to be with him, I'm only going to come over when I know you'll actually like having me around.
[ Not just tolerate it, or begrudgingly accept it. That wasn't going to be enough for him. Especially when he knew that in the long run, it'd likely only make their relationship even worse. ]
So— that's why I wanted us to talk a little. Learn a bit about each other. And in the spirit of that, if you have any questions for me, about my life or my world or... well, anything at all, you can ask. Anytime.
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Date: 2018-03-14 09:56 am (UTC)You really want me to make you a chart? [Taken aback by that, just a little. It was quite a long story, and she wants to believe he's being genuine and not doing it to solely butter her up. No, she needs to practice being more optimistic.]
Sometimes trying isn't enough...sometimes you fail. [The words were murmured softly, but loud enough for Jim to still hear them. Lucy wasn't ready to talk about it, but maybe in time she would. If she stopped being scared and stubborn.
There was a slow nod of her head, slowly coming around to tolerate...maybe even like Jim. He was trying, and she'll give him credit for that.]
I thought you were coming here to play nice with me and make a better impression on Victor. I have a step-aunt, Ivy, she's.. [There's a roll of her eyes there, how to explain that woman?] I don't think materialistic is the right word, but she doesn't like to hang out with me, not unless her mom--my step-grandma tells her to, and even then it's more of a chore and her babysitting me than doing anything fun.
So...I'm sorry for placing you in that same boat.
[Because it wouldn't have surprised her if it had, but Jim is surprising her in different (and good) ways. But also, boat pun, since he's a captain.]
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Date: 2018-03-14 03:00 pm (UTC)[ Optimism sounds like something both Lucy and Victor need to practice. Luckily for them, Jim's well-versed in that, so he might rub off on them a little.
He didn't say anything to the next words, though his expression was understanding. He tipped his head a little in a soft nod. ] Doesn't mean we stop trying, does it? We just get up and keep going. You should never give up.
[ Not when it came to what was right, and to the people they loved. Quitting just wasn't in his dictionary, honestly, no matter the sacrifice. He still failed sometimes, he still saw people suffer and die despite his best efforts, but he could never let that defeat him, or make him stop trying to protect people.
He exhaled, a hint more relaxed at Lucy's confession. He was glad to hear her speak her mind and confess what she really was worried about regarding Jim, and he was even more relieved for the opportunity to put her worries to rest. ]
I know what you mean. [ He shifted on his seat, a little awkward. ] I, uh... had a stepfather. I didn't call him 'father' or 'dad' or anything, but he married my mom when I was very little. He basically just claimed everything that used to belong to my dad and acted as though it was all his. And he... well, let's just say he wasn't a very nice guy. I grew up hating him a lot, and I was too stubborn and reckless, so... living at the farm with him wasn't fun. At all. My mom was away for work very often too, so I ended up avoiding the house a lot, slept at friends' places, so on. It got me into a lot of trouble. He wasn't very nice or understanding to me, and he treated me very poorly whenever I ended up going back to the farm, after being away for days or weeks.
[ Which was to say that he punished Jim in unusually cruel ways, and sometimes hit him too, if he just happened to feel like it. Nothing too violent or anything, just a slap at best, but it still made Jim feel like crap, and he ended up loathing the guy even more. ]
I couldn't treat anyone that way. And I'm not here just to butter you up or get you to let me into the house. I want us to get along, and to like each other.
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Date: 2018-03-14 06:56 pm (UTC)It's complicated...like...the stuff soap operas as made of. [There's a faint smile there, and it's followed up with a questioning look. He did know what soap operas were too, right? She just wanted to make sure! That way nothing got lost in translation.]
...Even when it seems hopeless?
[Because it certainly did before she passed out and woke up in Quarantine.]
...you had a step-parent? [The question is asked softly and it's answered soon enough. Lucy stayed quiet, listening to Jim's words, trying to picture him as a small child and the life he had before. She could only imagine what sort of man his step-parent was, and it didn't seem like he had much of an easy life. Sort of...like a coming of age tale, where the hero had a rough start, but came around and became something greater...
And there was a farm too. Of course there was.
But, he was trying not to be like his step-parent. Jim didn't want to put someone else through that situation, and for that she was glad she told him what was on her mind. They had way more in common than she initially thought. She was starting to warm up to him a little bit more.]
I don't get why step-parents have to be mean. It's the same in most stories: they treat their step-kids poorly for one reason or another...and it's never justified. It's never warranted. [There's a shake of her head and a slight sigh. She would never understand these things.]
I'm starting to like you a little more. So maybe...we could start over?
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Date: 2018-03-15 12:15 am (UTC)[ It's been a while since he watched any soap operas, but yeah, he knew what they were. He's into other kinds of old TV shows and movies more, but he can still enjoy an old soap opera every so often. Why not, right? ]
Ah— especially when they seem hopeless. [ He smiled and tilted his head. ] Hope is the last one to go, after all. And as long as you have hope, it'll never be really gone.
[ It didn't seem right to him that a child wouldn't be hopeful. Lucy should be hopeful, and there had to be something wrong with the place she came from that it could make her feel so hopeless when she was so young. Hope wasn't something he could just willingly give her, but he could still try to help her see it, and find it even in the smallest of things.
He nodded at her surprise, giving her a moment to process that bit of information. He didn't get into a lot of detail, but this was still the first time he told anyone about his childhood or Frank while in the Quarantine. Granted, there was Bones, but he already knew about it well before they both came here. ]
Well... not all step-parents. I guess I just wasn't very lucky. [ He shrugged. There was a time when this conversation would be more emotional and heated on his end, but he'd worked past it now. He didn't hold that grudge so close to his chest, and he certainly had no feelings whatsoever left for the man. He'd been gone from his life for a long time, anyway. ]
I'm glad to hear that. [ His smile softened, growing a little wider as he nodded. ] And I'd like that very much, too.
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Date: 2018-03-15 03:18 am (UTC)Mmm...that's...also a long story.
[A very long one that she told Victor about, and it's still too raw for her to discuss to someone else. How she tried to break the curse and failed. She still had hope, it was there, but when it came to her own family, that's a different story.]
It has nothing to do with luck. It has to deal with the step-parents themselves.
[Their choices, and the consequences of those choices...but there isn't much time to think about it. Not when they're trying to start over.
She holds out her hand to him.]
I'm Lucy Mills, pleasure to meet you. [See? Starting over and reintroducing herself.]
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Date: 2018-03-15 12:03 pm (UTC)[ Said partly as a joke, partly as him bragging playfully. He felt a little more at ease around Lucy now, and hoped she wouldn't think he was just being smug and full of himself. ]
Yeah, you're right there, too. [ He smiled and huffed, shaking his head. ] Some people just suck, if you ask me.
[ Was that a curse word? Did that count as a curse word for an eight year-old? Well, too late to worry about that now.
His smile softened, a little more endeared, as she offered her hand. He took it promptly, shaking it briefly before letting go again. ]
It's nice to meet you too, Lucy. I'm Jim Kirk.