There are probably people here who wouldn't care to do it. Whether or not they're physically capable of relocating me is another matter, but not an insurmountable one.
[He trails off that time, unable to figure out what he wants to say.]
Nevermind. Ain't as important as keeping my word to you. This is what I'm supposed to do. I'm supposed to watch your back. I'm supposed to be a hunter. And chances are good I'm one of the few who can and will do it.
[Silence on his end; it stretches to a few seconds, then several more. Is what he wanted to say important? Does it matter within the bigger picture, especially when they're in a place where they might not even be people tomorrow?
It's important to Gale, and Purl would say that's why it matters even more. As for Pom himself, he isn't so sure: the thought just makes his chest ache, and he's not sure who he can talk to about it. He already has a similar pact with Mel; Northly would probably slap him again if he so much as brought up the idea of slaying someone who's gone feral, especially if that someone was a friend - or himself. He's not as close to Pal, and as for Gale—
Well, he already can't vocalize how he feels about Gale, now can he? The silence wears thin, and he pushes himself to say something, anything. He promised to stop running - the least he can do is try.]
[It's his turn to be silent for a moment. He's not exactly surprised to hear this, but it catches him off guard all the same every time someone expresses that they value him -- him, not what he can do.]
I don't plan on going anywhere, not while I'm here. I promise I'll do everything in my power not to leave you.
[Disappointment wells in Pom's gut, and he's not sure why - it's mild, but undeniably there. Maybe 'important' wasn't the right word, or wasn't strong enough, he realizes belatedly; it doesn't seem to fully encompass what he meant.
That, or Gale doesn't understand. He didn't make it clear enough, didn't pick the right thing to say. Purl would have known what to say. She'd have known what he's feeling, what to do about it.
Pom pushes it down for now. It's not as important as just having Gale near... for as long as he can.]
I'll tell you again when I get home, if you want. Been trying to keep an eye on Mel.
I understand. I've been trying to stop by, to bring food for her at least. I wish I could bring something for Viktor too, just to be able to feel useful, but alas, the sun fulfills that purpose. All we can do is offer support.
It seems they've known each other for years. I don't think I would want
anyone I know to see me like this or to have to go through this either. I
just wish that I could at least get word to them.
The answer to that is a bit more complicated than it might seem. I haven't
spoken to my mother in so long that I can't imagine she hasn't given up
hope of seeing my return. Tara would know I never intentionally left. My
traveling companions also know that I have good reason not to abandon our
common quest.
Seven of us began together, our fates linked by the parasites inside our
skulls. There are more than ten in camp now, though, as we've picked up
more throughout our mission.
It's difficult to say, honestly. As we've traveled together, I've come to
truly admire all of their strengths and enjoy their company.
It's strange, in a way. Before all this, social circle was more of a dot.
Perhaps even a pinhead... It was just Tara, really, for at least a year
after the orb lodged itself in my chest. Even before that, though, I always
struggled.
Horrible things keep happening, but in the process, I've met some of the
more amazing people. Like you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I can ask someone else if you're uncomfortable with this.
no subject
no subject
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked this of you.
no subject
No. I shouldn't've snapped on you. I just—
[The words stick in his throat; he tries again.]
You know I...
[He trails off that time, unable to figure out what he wants to say.]
Nevermind. Ain't as important as keeping my word to you. This is what I'm supposed to do. I'm supposed to watch your back. I'm supposed to be a hunter. And chances are good I'm one of the few who can and will do it.
So I will. I promise.
no subject
no subject
It's important to Gale, and Purl would say that's why it matters even more. As for Pom himself, he isn't so sure: the thought just makes his chest ache, and he's not sure who he can talk to about it. He already has a similar pact with Mel; Northly would probably slap him again if he so much as brought up the idea of slaying someone who's gone feral, especially if that someone was a friend - or himself. He's not as close to Pal, and as for Gale—
Well, he already can't vocalize how he feels about Gale, now can he? The silence wears thin, and he pushes himself to say something, anything. He promised to stop running - the least he can do is try.]
It matters to me. You being here. You being near.
no subject
I don't plan on going anywhere, not while I'm here. I promise I'll do everything in my power not to leave you.
no subject
[Gale might not blame him, but Pom sure would blame himself.]
You... know you're important to me, right?
no subject
no subject
[Disappointment wells in Pom's gut, and he's not sure why - it's mild, but undeniably there. Maybe 'important' wasn't the right word, or wasn't strong enough, he realizes belatedly; it doesn't seem to fully encompass what he meant.
That, or Gale doesn't understand. He didn't make it clear enough, didn't pick the right thing to say. Purl would have known what to say. She'd have known what he's feeling, what to do about it.
Pom pushes it down for now. It's not as important as just having Gale near... for as long as he can.]
I'll tell you again when I get home, if you want. Been trying to keep an eye on Mel.
no subject
no subject
You know if they all come from the same place?
no subject
Nor can I. It's hard enough to see it as a friend. They come from the same world and they knew each other there.
no subject
As much as I miss Purl... maybe it's a good thing I'm the only one here. I wouldn't want her to see this. To see me now.
no subject
It seems they've known each other for years. I don't think I would want anyone I know to see me like this or to have to go through this either. I just wish that I could at least get word to them.
no subject
no subject
That I didn't leave them on purpose.
no subject
no subject
The answer to that is a bit more complicated than it might seem. I haven't spoken to my mother in so long that I can't imagine she hasn't given up hope of seeing my return. Tara would know I never intentionally left. My traveling companions also know that I have good reason not to abandon our common quest.
But I would still want them to know, in my words.
no subject
[Aside from the two missing ones.]
no subject
Seven of us began together, our fates linked by the parasites inside our skulls. There are more than ten in camp now, though, as we've picked up more throughout our mission.
no subject
It's none of his business; why does he care?]
Got a favorite?
no subject
It's difficult to say, honestly. As we've traveled together, I've come to truly admire all of their strengths and enjoy their company.
It's strange, in a way. Before all this, social circle was more of a dot. Perhaps even a pinhead... It was just Tara, really, for at least a year after the orb lodged itself in my chest. Even before that, though, I always struggled.
Horrible things keep happening, but in the process, I've met some of the more amazing people. Like you.
no subject
I'll try to make it worth your while, assuming neither of us goes feral.
no subject
Don't be ridiculous, you don't have to put in any special effort. I'm grateful to have met you already.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)