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[Nariko finishes chewing before she answers.]
That's true, but it's part of my job to adhere to the final choice without sacrificing stability or function. There have been lots of times where the final choice was awful, but the finished product was much better. As long as we get the overall idea of what they wanted it's usually fine.
[It's an incredibly broad way to look at the polls, but sometimes that's what you need when New Cloudbank's citizens get a wild idea up their asses, and don't consider some of the long term effects.]
Besides, I'm not going to let any part of the docks or the piers get out of hand! Not when I know how much work you and the rest of those guys put into it every day. There's no need to make your lives harder.
That's true, but it's part of my job to adhere to the final choice without sacrificing stability or function. There have been lots of times where the final choice was awful, but the finished product was much better. As long as we get the overall idea of what they wanted it's usually fine.
[It's an incredibly broad way to look at the polls, but sometimes that's what you need when New Cloudbank's citizens get a wild idea up their asses, and don't consider some of the long term effects.]
Besides, I'm not going to let any part of the docks or the piers get out of hand! Not when I know how much work you and the rest of those guys put into it every day. There's no need to make your lives harder.
[She ... Really wants to say something about that because why the hell would any monsterkind go to a vet? Vets were for animals who didn't have the sense nor capability to take care of themselves or communicate. It seemed ludicrous to her, but it was a topic saved for much later, when he wasn't feeling as if death had warmed over all of his internal parts.]
Mm. Have you already been in there? I could get them out and put them in a bowl for a little while, just to keep them safe?
[But if he's already contaminated them then it's just a matter of time - though it might be depressing to leave them in there with him for their final moments, too.]
Maybe I should make sure to run the StarBot first, too ... [Of course she has no idea if that makes it more or less comfortable for him, so maybe it's just the thought that counts here. In any case, she might slowly make her way down to his lumbar because she's already inching downward as it is.]
Mm. Have you already been in there? I could get them out and put them in a bowl for a little while, just to keep them safe?
[But if he's already contaminated them then it's just a matter of time - though it might be depressing to leave them in there with him for their final moments, too.]
Maybe I should make sure to run the StarBot first, too ... [Of course she has no idea if that makes it more or less comfortable for him, so maybe it's just the thought that counts here. In any case, she might slowly make her way down to his lumbar because she's already inching downward as it is.]
[... He's doing the fidgeting thing again, which still doesn't make any sense to her. He'd seemed perfectly fine on the rest of their date and yet now it was as if he was worried one slight word might throw off everything between them.]
Because ... [She tilts her head to one side, clearly struggling to articulate her words.] Even though the relationships in the simulation are perfectly valid, there's also a whole other world that's just as deserving of experience, right? It's defined as 'real', sure, and it's going to be much harder and much more complicated to survive in, but sometimes you have to try anyway. If you don't then it's like not knowing what could be on that other side is absolutely maddening.
[Nariko tilts her head back, looking up at the ceiling.] And maybe by falling like that, there's a little hope that the other side isn't as bad as it's being presented, and that even if the 'real' world is difficult, the progress that could be made in it would be better than what the simulation can produce.
[Something dark and almost upset passes through her eyes, but she sighs, rights herself, and smiles normally.] Still! I do agree that the way it's presented does make it seem like the 'right' decision and that wasn't the best choice for such a symbolism heavy theme! It's one of those situations where once you start deciding what's 'right' and 'wrong' for the viewer, it's much less fun for them to watch it!
Because ... [She tilts her head to one side, clearly struggling to articulate her words.] Even though the relationships in the simulation are perfectly valid, there's also a whole other world that's just as deserving of experience, right? It's defined as 'real', sure, and it's going to be much harder and much more complicated to survive in, but sometimes you have to try anyway. If you don't then it's like not knowing what could be on that other side is absolutely maddening.
[Nariko tilts her head back, looking up at the ceiling.] And maybe by falling like that, there's a little hope that the other side isn't as bad as it's being presented, and that even if the 'real' world is difficult, the progress that could be made in it would be better than what the simulation can produce.
[Something dark and almost upset passes through her eyes, but she sighs, rights herself, and smiles normally.] Still! I do agree that the way it's presented does make it seem like the 'right' decision and that wasn't the best choice for such a symbolism heavy theme! It's one of those situations where once you start deciding what's 'right' and 'wrong' for the viewer, it's much less fun for them to watch it!
[It's because human doctors aren't taught about non-human physiology.]
Other than when I got up this morning, no...but I'd--I'd appreciate that. It's harder to take care of them when they get sick.
[Than him, he means.]
I ran her last night...but it wouldn't hurt to do it again.
Other than when I got up this morning, no...but I'd--I'd appreciate that. It's harder to take care of them when they get sick.
[Than him, he means.]
I ran her last night...but it wouldn't hurt to do it again.
Hmm.
[He's quiet and thoughtful at her response.]
I get it. The perspective makes sense, but I still would've stayed. Maybe it would be selfish some way, but after having a history like that...there's a difference between taking responsibility and willingly exposing yourself to such a toxic environment.
[A shrug.]
We only got one life to live, and you should take whatever path that makes the best of it.
[He's quiet and thoughtful at her response.]
I get it. The perspective makes sense, but I still would've stayed. Maybe it would be selfish some way, but after having a history like that...there's a difference between taking responsibility and willingly exposing yourself to such a toxic environment.
[A shrug.]
We only got one life to live, and you should take whatever path that makes the best of it.
There isn't a project in the city that's cleared for work until I approve it. I'm allowed to send it back for any revisions or changes if I can make a logical argument for the objection.
[She lifts a hand, tilts in a sort of 'well...' gesture.]
And the thing about political bullshit is that anything is logical if you know just how to word it.
[She lifts a hand, tilts in a sort of 'well...' gesture.]
And the thing about political bullshit is that anything is logical if you know just how to word it.
[Okay that's a logical argument but also it's gross to treat monsterkind peeps who have either just as much intelligence or a greater amount than humans!! There's just something so ... Degrading about the thought of having to see a vet, somehow.]
I'll find a bowl to keep them in.
[He gets an especially loving rub along his spine at that. Those little guys keep him company, right? She'd hate to lose them, in her own way.]
But if I'm gonna do that I have to get up for a little while.
I'll find a bowl to keep them in.
[He gets an especially loving rub along his spine at that. Those little guys keep him company, right? She'd hate to lose them, in her own way.]
But if I'm gonna do that I have to get up for a little while.
It's exactly because we have one life that it's not selfish at all - it's just a decision.
[It's something they're obviously on opposite ends about but that's alright! It gives her an indication of how fundamentally different they might be, but that they can still talk civilly and such is a much better sign, and way more important.]
But, okay! We can try a super romantic fluffbuster movie now, wash all that philosophical thinking out of our heads!
[All movies are good movies!]
[It's something they're obviously on opposite ends about but that's alright! It gives her an indication of how fundamentally different they might be, but that they can still talk civilly and such is a much better sign, and way more important.]
But, okay! We can try a super romantic fluffbuster movie now, wash all that philosophical thinking out of our heads!
[All movies are good movies!]
That sounds like a good note to end on.
[He sidles up against her side as the next movie starts, but considering they've already chunked out time with two movies, it's well past this little kraken's bedtime. Even though he's interested in the movie, he can't help but nod off against her, and once he falls asleep enough to let his head fall on top of hers and clonking them together rather painfully, he shoots back to wakefulness.]
Ah! I'm sorry!
[He sidles up against her side as the next movie starts, but considering they've already chunked out time with two movies, it's well past this little kraken's bedtime. Even though he's interested in the movie, he can't help but nod off against her, and once he falls asleep enough to let his head fall on top of hers and clonking them together rather painfully, he shoots back to wakefulness.]
Ah! I'm sorry!
Noooooooooooooooooo.
[Ever seen a grown kraken whine like a child? He curls around her a little more, unaccepting of the idea that he has to lose his lap pillow. If she finds something to keep his head propped up like he is now, it'd be a little more comfortable for him...]
You can get up when th' food's done.
[Until then, you're his!]
[Ever seen a grown kraken whine like a child? He curls around her a little more, unaccepting of the idea that he has to lose his lap pillow. If she finds something to keep his head propped up like he is now, it'd be a little more comfortable for him...]
You can get up when th' food's done.
[Until then, you're his!]
That's not going to take much longer, sweetheart.
[She'll have to get up one way or another, and judging by the grown-kraken whining it will kill her inside to have to leave him even for the vague amount of time it takes to finish up their meal. ... But it's also sort of cute, though it makes her feel incredibly guilty to admit. Boxer's usually the one propping her up in some form or another, and there was a part of her that didn't believe he could actually experience normal things like depressive spells or illnesses.
She's a horrible fiancee, but all involved should have already known it.]
Although it's completely hilarious that you're well enough to still try and order me around.
[She's found a spot along his back that apparently deserves a good amount of attention - she's not leaving yet Boxer, it's all good.]
[She'll have to get up one way or another, and judging by the grown-kraken whining it will kill her inside to have to leave him even for the vague amount of time it takes to finish up their meal. ... But it's also sort of cute, though it makes her feel incredibly guilty to admit. Boxer's usually the one propping her up in some form or another, and there was a part of her that didn't believe he could actually experience normal things like depressive spells or illnesses.
She's a horrible fiancee, but all involved should have already known it.]
Although it's completely hilarious that you're well enough to still try and order me around.
[She's found a spot along his back that apparently deserves a good amount of attention - she's not leaving yet Boxer, it's all good.]
[Yeahh, this might have been an incredibly ambitious goal, shoving exactly three movies into an already packed night. The truth is that she's falling asleep right along with him, eyes drooping shut and her chin shoved forward a little. When he knocks into her head Nariko yelps, and looks as disoriented as she feels.]
Wha? [She was definitely asleep there, too.]
Oh, man. [And so was Boxer.] ... I think we're done for the night.
[And even though there's a part of her skull throbbing angrily she grins a bit.]
Wha? [She was definitely asleep there, too.]
Oh, man. [And so was Boxer.] ... I think we're done for the night.
[And even though there's a part of her skull throbbing angrily she grins a bit.]
[After a beat--he chuckles.]
Shame this couldn't have been a few years ago. I could stay up for days without ill effect...
[He detangles her from his tentacles carefully, then heaves himself into his wheelchair. Boxer yawns and rubs at an eye...he really should have been asleep, like, three hours ago. Oh well...he'll just take a nap after his circuit.]
Need any ice? For your head.
Shame this couldn't have been a few years ago. I could stay up for days without ill effect...
[He detangles her from his tentacles carefully, then heaves himself into his wheelchair. Boxer yawns and rubs at an eye...he really should have been asleep, like, three hours ago. Oh well...he'll just take a nap after his circuit.]
Need any ice? For your head.
Nnn...give me a sec.
[He doesn't like the accusation of him ordering her around! It's...well, just that her proximity makes him feel better, and he isn't quite ready to sit up quite yet. If she could just get up without moving him that would be perfect, but also impossible.
Give him a few minutes to gather what little strength he has and sit up so she can get off the couch. The look on his face quite clearly shows that he wasn't as prepared as he thought he was, as the color drains from his face. Technically. It does it in weird pale blotches that make him look like he's got some sort of skin issue on top of being sick, because kraken skin is weird and he's having a hard time trying to keep it together.]
[He doesn't like the accusation of him ordering her around! It's...well, just that her proximity makes him feel better, and he isn't quite ready to sit up quite yet. If she could just get up without moving him that would be perfect, but also impossible.
Give him a few minutes to gather what little strength he has and sit up so she can get off the couch. The look on his face quite clearly shows that he wasn't as prepared as he thought he was, as the color drains from his face. Technically. It does it in weird pale blotches that make him look like he's got some sort of skin issue on top of being sick, because kraken skin is weird and he's having a hard time trying to keep it together.]
Yep, but then you get older and things happen and suddenly you're going to bed at ten. It's awful.
[This is hardly the first time she's loathed that changes that Real Adulthood have brought into her life. It's a shame to lose his tentacles but she drags herself up and tries to hide a gigantic yawn between her hands.]
Nah, I'm good! The ringing will stop, probably.
[Hopefully.] You have a very strong skull.
[Said with the same ease as 'hey, the sun is out!']
[This is hardly the first time she's loathed that changes that Real Adulthood have brought into her life. It's a shame to lose his tentacles but she drags herself up and tries to hide a gigantic yawn between her hands.]
Nah, I'm good! The ringing will stop, probably.
[Hopefully.] You have a very strong skull.
[Said with the same ease as 'hey, the sun is out!']
[Aw, it's cute, though! This is one of the few situations where it's acceptable!
She stands, but does an awful job at hiding her reaction to his skin because wow that's bad.] ... Are you sure I shouldn't take you somewhere?
[She is still incredibly angry that a monsterkind has to go to a vet so the wording is purposely ambiguous, more for her sake than his. Before she can think of leaving him on his own just she tries to wrap the blankets around him a bit tighter, very carefully stroking his cheek.]
She stands, but does an awful job at hiding her reaction to his skin because wow that's bad.] ... Are you sure I shouldn't take you somewhere?
[She is still incredibly angry that a monsterkind has to go to a vet so the wording is purposely ambiguous, more for her sake than his. Before she can think of leaving him on his own just she tries to wrap the blankets around him a bit tighter, very carefully stroking his cheek.]
Then you know what I'm talking about.
[Boxer gestures.]
I know it's not the most aesthetically pleasing option, but the more straightforward and regular it is, the easier and faster it is to direct traffic and give people accurate estimates of time for service...
[There's a pause, and he sighs.]
It's a place for commerce before it's a place for leisure...and the way it looks shoud reflect that.
[Boxer gestures.]
I know it's not the most aesthetically pleasing option, but the more straightforward and regular it is, the easier and faster it is to direct traffic and give people accurate estimates of time for service...
[There's a pause, and he sighs.]
It's a place for commerce before it's a place for leisure...and the way it looks shoud reflect that.
In an ideal world, it'd be that simple.
[But for as much as she absolutely loves New Cloudbank to bits the city and it's residents could be outright illogical, occasionally attempting to shove a square into a circle.]
I'm sure I can find a middle ground, but it's not as if I don't bring my work home, sometimes! For research purposes, of course, and if you happen to note something that might need more attention ...
[Another very implicative shrug. It's work and technically meant to be confidential but this is a really good reason to bend the rules. And no one would know.]
[But for as much as she absolutely loves New Cloudbank to bits the city and it's residents could be outright illogical, occasionally attempting to shove a square into a circle.]
I'm sure I can find a middle ground, but it's not as if I don't bring my work home, sometimes! For research purposes, of course, and if you happen to note something that might need more attention ...
[Another very implicative shrug. It's work and technically meant to be confidential but this is a really good reason to bend the rules. And no one would know.]
that's cool we can take it one thread at a time if that's easier -- are you doing okay tho?
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gunslingerqueen
2016-08-05 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
The muscle helps, I'm sure.
[That, and all the other lovely features that compromise one (1) Boxer. The offer puts a grin on her face.]
I'd appreciate it, kind sir.
[Even though he's far sturdier than she could ever hope to be, Nariko is still careful about sliding onto his lap.]
[That, and all the other lovely features that compromise one (1) Boxer. The offer puts a grin on her face.]
I'd appreciate it, kind sir.
[Even though he's far sturdier than she could ever hope to be, Nariko is still careful about sliding onto his lap.]
Just a little bit.
[He gives her a smirk and a gentle kiss to the temple before scooting them into his bedroom.]
I'm looking forward to having breakfast with you before we go to work tomorrow.
[Which is kind of his way of saying 'please don't leave early'.]
[He gives her a smirk and a gentle kiss to the temple before scooting them into his bedroom.]
I'm looking forward to having breakfast with you before we go to work tomorrow.
[Which is kind of his way of saying 'please don't leave early'.]
I'm still marveling at the idea of having something other than coffee and a muffin for breakfast!
[Which is her way of saying 'I definitely won't leave because you're cute and I like you a lot'. So all is well. She snuggles up to him until they make it to the room.]
It's so nice in here ...
[She's referring to the humidity of his room and the sound of his tank! It's sort of like being in the ocean, except phenomenally less wet.]
[Which is her way of saying 'I definitely won't leave because you're cute and I like you a lot'. So all is well. She snuggles up to him until they make it to the room.]
It's so nice in here ...
[She's referring to the humidity of his room and the sound of his tank! It's sort of like being in the ocean, except phenomenally less wet.]
Ooh. Muffins...
[He brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully. Blueberry...lemon poppy...he's never made them from scratch for breakfast before!]
Really? I'm glad. I know I've put a lot of effort into my tank, so I keep worrying that my "guest bed" comes off as an afterthought...
[When it clearly isn't, but there's only so much you can do to a bed and still keep it a restful place.]
[He brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully. Blueberry...lemon poppy...he's never made them from scratch for breakfast before!]
Really? I'm glad. I know I've put a lot of effort into my tank, so I keep worrying that my "guest bed" comes off as an afterthought...
[When it clearly isn't, but there's only so much you can do to a bed and still keep it a restful place.]
Blueberry and banana muffins.
[Just so he knows. She'd give lemon poppy a try, though!]
A bed is much less complicated than a tank. You pick good sheets, a nice looking comforter and some pillows, and that's it. It looks more than inviting enough to me.
[It's still a little sad that there's no way for the both of them to sleep next to each other comfortably, but one negative outweighs the incredibly long list of things she loves about Boxer.]
[Just so he knows. She'd give lemon poppy a try, though!]
A bed is much less complicated than a tank. You pick good sheets, a nice looking comforter and some pillows, and that's it. It looks more than inviting enough to me.
[It's still a little sad that there's no way for the both of them to sleep next to each other comfortably, but one negative outweighs the incredibly long list of things she loves about Boxer.]
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