RO > call me out; a forever open RP post, version 2

[midvalley]

NEW OPEN RP POST

Comments

[redoubling]

[ He raises his eyebrows, and while he doesn't smile, there's a lightness to his expression that suggests one. ]

Is that a yes to my proposition, then?

[animated]

Only if you're sure. I don't want to be a burden.

[redoubling]

[ He shakes his head. ]

You wouldn't be.

Consider it a favor to me. I've been traveling on my own for quite some time.

[ The smile does come out, this time, though it's a small one, seemingly sad around the edges. ]

I wouldn't mind the company.

[animated]

I... alright. I'll stay.

[ he's got a small smile on his own face, though he's far from being okay again. ]

[redoubling]

I'm glad.

[ Myriad reaches over, a hand on Charlie's knee. ]

Get some rest. We can figure out how to accommodate you properly once you've gotten some sleep.

[animated]

[ The contact is... unexpected, but oddly not unwelcome. Charlie finds himself with the urge to reach out, to cover Myriad's hand with his own, but he quickly dismisses it. There's a line here he shouldn't cross. ]

You know, my old man's a Changer.

[ It just sort of comes out, in an odd attempt to stave off sleep ad loneliness and dreaming of bleeding bodies on his apartment floor ] Weird that I'm not, I know. Fate had different ideas, I guess.

[redoubling]

[ He pulls back, head tilted to one side with curiosity. He understands it's a diversion, but he allows it. ]

That's quite rare, not inheriting your father's ability. I can't imagine he was pleased.

[animated]

[ He huffs out a laugh, leaning forward to hug his knees ] He'd say "Mover" like it was a dirty word.

When you said you were a Changer, I thought for sure he'd sent you to bring me back.

[redoubling]

[ He frowns, nodding. ] A logical conclusion, if unfortunate.

As I said, so long as you're with me, no one will force you to return home. I'll make sure of that.

[animated]

I somehow doubt that will be a problem.

After tonight, it seems pretty apparent that they'd rather see me dead than back home.

[redoubling]

[ His frown deepens. ]

Surely you can't think your family would do such a thing.

[animated]

Clearly you've never met my father.

[redoubling]

[ A small, dark smile. ]

Perhaps not. I have, as I said, not been home in quite some time.

[animated]

I've always been a disappointment. Probably better to get rid of me altogether.

[redoubling]

[ The corners of his mouth turn down, disapproving. ]

Charlie. Don't tell me you actually think that.

[animated]

I'm trying not to, but.

It's kind of a hard sell right now.

[redoubling]

[ He moves the chair closer, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped loosely together. ]

You should know that your worth is determined exclusively by you and you alone. Your family, such as they are, are only as correct as you allow them to be.

[animated]

[ He lets out a laugh, a small, bitter thing. ] I appreciate the sentiment. I’m just… having trouble coping, I guess.

[redoubling]

I cannot presume to understand, but at the very least, I do not blame you for feeling as you do.

Is there any way I can help?

[animated]

[ “Don’t go” is on the tip of his tongue, but he bites it back and shakes his head. ] I think I just need time.

[redoubling]

[ He nods. ]

Of course. This must be quite a lot to process all at once.

[ He pauses, looking indecisive for a moment before apparently deciding to take the plunge. ]

You need not answer, but may I ask what it was that made you leave?

[animated]

[ Charlie licks his lips, considering. He may as well get it out of the way now, because if Myriad holds any of the prejudices of their home, at least Charlie has the chance to leave. ]

Didn’t want to get married. Further the family line. I’d be living a lie, and I refused.

[redoubling]

[ He smiles softly, something sad and sympathetic. ]

You didn't find the match agreeable?

[animated]

I wasn't actually engaged to anyone.

But I have no interest in women, so no matter what, it wouldn't be "agreeable".

[redoubling]

[ His head tilts once more, curiosity in his expression, but he pauses before asking his next question -- careful. Diplomatic. ]

No interest in women, meaning-- interest in men, or interest in neither?