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

[midvalley]

NEW OPEN RP POST

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[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?

[animated]

Men. You can imagine that discussion went over well.

[redoubling]

[ He bows his head. ]

Hm. If it was anything like mine, I can only imagine it involved quite a few things being thrown.

[animated]

[ For a second he's not sure if he heard that right. ]

Like... yours?

[ Seriously, what are the chances. ]

[redoubling]

[ He waves a hand. ]

Truth to tell, it was just one facet of the many issues faced by my parents in rearing me. I was -- and, admittedly, still am -- a difficult person with which to contend.

[animated]

Most Changers are.

[redoubling]

[ There's a hint of a smile just at the corners of his eyes -- something resembling amusement, thankfully -- though it doesn't extend beyond there. ]

Ah, casual discrimination. There's what I've missed most about home.

[animated]

I was raised in Changer circles. That's not discrimination, that's experience.

[redoubling]

[ He arches an eyebrow, some of his amusement fading. ]

Yes, and leaving that all behind me, only to still be thrown in with that lot some decades later -- that stirs a sense of joy I haven't felt in quite some time.

Thank you, Charlie.

[animated]

[ it's clear he's crossed a line here, and his good humor fades almost instantly. He ducks his head, gaze dropping to his knees ]

I'm sorry. I was only joking. It won't happen again.

[redoubling]

[ Myriad falls silent, taking a moment to compose himself. At length, he lets out a breath, shaking his head. ]

I apologize. Clearly this is a sore subject for me. And for you as well, I would wager.

[ A pause, and he brushes away an imagined speck from his thigh. ]

I've tried very hard to forget our people. Our home. It's something of a shock to be confronted by it so suddenly, once again.

[animated]

No, no. It's my fault. I want to put that place behind me. I shouldn't have brought it up. [ please don't be mad at him, please don't ]

[redoubling]

[ He sighs. ]

Charlie, I would hate for you to think you must censor yourself around me. Quite the contrary, in fact: I would prefer you speak freely. I shall do my best to avoid taking offense.

[animated]

I-- If you're sure. I just... I don't want this arrangement to end before it even began all because I ran my mouth.

[redoubling]

[ He waves a hand. ]

Trust me, Charlie -- it would take far more than a careless word before I rescind back my offer.

[animated]

Still, I'll try to be less... like home.

[redoubling]

[ For a second, Myriad is silent, but then he leans forward, ducking down to get into Charlie's line of sight. ]

There's no need for that. Be yourself -- you're already far removed from the men and women I knew when I was a young man. What little I know of you so far would have been a breath of fresh air, had we met back home.

[animated]

[ For a moment, Charlie's at a loss for words. He's caught up marveling at the color of Myriad's eyes.

He blinks, clears his throat ] I could say the same about you.

[redoubling]

[ He offers a small smile. ]

And there we are -- about the greatest compliment I could have ever received. Thank you.

[animated]

I never expected to find kindness like this all the way out here, let alone from anyone from home.