[The fact that she asks is ridiculous, if understandable. Rufus turns back to Fiora. Her body makes more sense now, and it doesn't change much of anything for him.
Pity is a waste of time and energy. He refuses to encourage or otherwise engage in it.]
Not to worry. This is our exchange. I have no interest in gossip, either.
[ she figured as much, but it doesn't hurt to confirm. Fiora smiles, giving him a nod. ]
Thanks. I knew I could count on you. [ if only because he doesn't care... which isn't great, either, but it's expected. ] You don't sound that surprised. I guess someone your age has seen it all.
[ nice awkward pause... she sighs in slight exasperation when he finally comes out with a bone-dry "thank you" and nothing else. Why did she decide to partner up with this guy, again...
luckily, an easy topic change is in sight! ]
That's right! Fair is fair. I want to hear a memory of your home, too! Have you got any family, Rufus?
[His expression darkens at her question. Family is the last thing he wants to talk about, but that's what makes this an equal exchange. Fortunately, talking about it here means that he never has to speak of it elsewhere again.
His tone as he relives the memory is slow, flat, and controlled.]
. . . I had family, of course.
The day my father vanished, my mother felt an indescribable loss. She collapsed, and there was nobody left to help her once she fell ill.
She fell . . . and the only one at her side was me. I was a child with no means of providing the treatment she needed. She would tell me that she felt better while she stood out in the wilderness, waiting for someone who never returned. No matter how many times I told her the outside air wasn't good . . . she waited.
[ that... was more heartfelt than she was expecting, his neutral tone aside. She listens intently, as a good listener does, her brows tightening as he continues. Fiora had a feeling when she asked that the answer wouldn't be pleasant. If everything was stable at home, she doubts he'd take on a job like "bounty hunter" - and that he'd be as sour as he is. Still, she'd also been prepared for him to give her something bland and concise. He did say he didn't want to mix his personal life with business. ]
Rufus... That's terrible. I'm sorry. [ she presses a hand to her chest, looking down. ] It never stops hurting, losing them. You're an orphan every day afterwards.
[ and he doesn't even have siblings, like she does. ]
... I hope that you made some good memories together while you could. Even if you couldn't save her, you were still there for her. That matters.
[It's difficult to be bland and concise where his mother is concerned. Even so, Rufus doesn't care to hear Fiora's condolences. A bitter part of him thinks that it didn't matter enough, but that's not what draws out the ensuing silence as he closes his eyes.
He's already said too much. He shouldn't volunteer more than this.]
There's no need for your consolation. I shared this memory to honor our agreement.
Well... two things, actually. I wanted to tell you something I learned, since we're partners and all. It sounds like Virid's leader probably encouraged him to kill for more Nova -- so one of those six isn't on our side. Be careful.
[ a beat. ]
And the other thing... You don't have to only talk to me about business. If there's ever anything on your mind, you can tell me. Even if it's silly. I want to be friends.
Really?! I can hardly believe it. [ but she clasps her hands together. ] I'm glad you've got other people you can trust. Anyway, has anything happened since you shared it?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Pity is a waste of time and energy. He refuses to encourage or otherwise engage in it.]
Not to worry. This is our exchange. I have no interest in gossip, either.
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Thanks. I knew I could count on you. [ if only because he doesn't care... which isn't great, either, but it's expected. ] You don't sound that surprised. I guess someone your age has seen it all.
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Thank you for sharing.
. . . I suppose it's my turn now.
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luckily, an easy topic change is in sight! ]
That's right! Fair is fair. I want to hear a memory of your home, too! Have you got any family, Rufus?
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His tone as he relives the memory is slow, flat, and controlled.]
. . . I had family, of course.
The day my father vanished, my mother felt an indescribable loss. She collapsed, and there was nobody left to help her once she fell ill.
She fell . . . and the only one at her side was me. I was a child with no means of providing the treatment she needed. She would tell me that she felt better while she stood out in the wilderness, waiting for someone who never returned. No matter how many times I told her the outside air wasn't good . . . she waited.
Until the day she passed away, she waited.
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Rufus... That's terrible. I'm sorry. [ she presses a hand to her chest, looking down. ] It never stops hurting, losing them. You're an orphan every day afterwards.
[ and he doesn't even have siblings, like she does. ]
... I hope that you made some good memories together while you could. Even if you couldn't save her, you were still there for her. That matters.
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He's already said too much. He shouldn't volunteer more than this.]
There's no need for your consolation. I shared this memory to honor our agreement.
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[ she figured he'd respond that way, but her feelings are the same regardless. ]
Thank you for telling me, Rufus. I know you didn't want to. [ a beat. ] But... I'm glad you did.
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A beat passes. He opens his eyes, then turns around to walk back the way he came.]
If that's all, I'll be going.
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[ he really doesn't want to stick around, huh. ]
There's something else.
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What is it?
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[ a beat. ]
And the other thing... You don't have to only talk to me about business. If there's ever anything on your mind, you can tell me. Even if it's silly. I want to be friends.
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[He does not comment on friendship.]
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My team leader told me.
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The Leaders must be beside themselves.
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[ considering death is now on the table. Also, the VR simulation of Colony 9 is slowly fading out as Fiora gets distracted. ]
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Have you not told yours to anyone?
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Have you?
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No.
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