boeshane_boy

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Ω 05

[Private to Angelica Sexby]

We haven't met, ma'am, but I promised Armand I'd ask if he could borrow some of your clothes, while this flood continues. He's uncomfortable, and I think getting him in clothes that fit will help him relax.

[Private to 11-12]

Hey. I hear you're in the infirmary. How you holding up?

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[Jack let out a quiet sigh and leaned back in his cheer, tapping his mouth with one finger. This was a lot harder than he'd ever thought it would be.]

I like men and women, [he confessed abruptly.] And I've been to a lot of different time periods. There wasn't a lot of tolerance for homosexuality in the nineteenth century, you know. I've been harassed about it. People have tried to make me hate what I am, or see the error of my ways.

[And really, they have no idea what they're doing. No one can make Jack hate himself like...himself.]

Feeling that way is telling them they're right. And you know what? Falling in love with women can hurt just as much. [God, when did he decide it was a good idea to talk about love?] When you get lose - [he paused, turning his head to cough, and he'd deny his voice hitching there] - someone, man or woman, it hurts.

[He reached out, taking 11-12's hand and squeezing lightly.] Besides, if you only talk to women after this, I'll be disappointed.

[He was listening but it was taking a little while to sink in. It's not that he was dumb but he was very naive, even if he had been learning some hard truths on the Barge. After all, he had only lived in his mother's mind before this. What more protective place could there be?]

[He answered at last to Jack's final words.]

Why would you be disappointed?

[He smiled a little crookedly, patting 11-12's hand.] Because eventually, I'll be back to being a man, and you won't talk to me. I like when my friends talk to me.

You want to be friends with me? I've been told I'm spineless and simpering and overemotional and a coward. You don't want to be friends with me.

[Jack shrugged, leaning back in his chair again.] I'm a coward too.

You are? I didn't think I was a coward... but maybe I am for not wanting to confront everything at once.

I don't think that makes you a coward.

I thought I was doing really well too. I want to get better. Really. [He sounded in earnest.]

[Jack hesitated, rubbing his jaw lightly.] Get better from what, exactly?

I want to graduate and be well. I found out my mother was really alive and I was feeling good about that and things weren't too bad here but then I started thinking about 909 again. I'd been avoiding thinking about him before...

Was 909 your lover? [And very suddenly, he didn't want to be here.]

Yes. I miss him so much. I miss... how he just used to hold me.

Does it help that I'm sorry for what I did to him? Because I am. I'm really sorry. I never wanted to hurt him.

[Jack swallowed and ran a hand over his jaw and mouth, looking away for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice was a little high, even for this body.]

Yeah, 11-12. It helps.

... Are you all right?

Fine. [He smiled, used to faking it.] Anyway, I'm here to make sure you're okay.

I'm... I'll be all right.

I hope so. [He squeezed 11-12's hand.] Killing yourself...it's never going to solve anything. Don't treat your life so carelessly, kiddo. It's worth keeping.

[Jack gathered the cards, stuffing them back in their box, and stood.] Any time you want to talk, I'm free.

I'm sorry your visit wasn't more fun... [He bit his lip as he looked at the cards being put away.] Maybe next time? I'll hopefully be out of here soon and feeling more up to it.

Don't worry about it. [He reached out to ruffle 11-12's hair.] I'll show you all the games I know, next time. Promise.

All right. Sounds nice. [He gave Jack a hesitant but genuine smile.] Thanks... for talking to me.

[It was returned, maybe a little smaller than usual, but there.] Anytime. I'll see you soon, [he added as he turned to leave.]

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Ω 05

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