[IC: Forward dated to Saturday 19 May]

[julienned]

[YEAH I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY YOU GUYS ARE IN HERE. it's a comatose teenager hooked up to a bunch of machines.

it's really boring.] 

Comments

[julienned]

Like I'll say yes to make it stop! Everyone has a point where they will!

[mind_over_metal]

*nods*

You didn't reach that point this time, but you think that you might if it happens again?

[julienned]

[he whirls on him, eyes flashing green. The bubble pulses in response]

Don't you dare judge me for it!

[mind_over_metal]

*and his expression isn't one of judgment, his voice is calm*

You're free to let the shield drop. You could do it, could have done it, at any time.

[julienned]

What, and give in? Say yes? No! If I'm going to surrender, it's going to be after I can't fight anymore, and not before!

You really don't know me, if you thought that was even an option.

[mind_over_metal]

I meant this.

*he reaches out to touch the bubble protecting him, even as it pulses with Julian's anger*

[julienned]

I don't like you. That doesn't mean I want to drive you crazy.

[mind_over_metal]

What exactly is it that you're protecting me from?

[julienned]

Every time a flatscan hurt me, at the moment that they did it.

[mind_over_metal]

All of that down here... How do you keep it from driving you mad?

[julienned]

Because I'm me. I'm more than that. I'm more than just the kid with no hands, who keeps having the universe take a dump on me. Because when I told it that I'd rather die than do what she wanted, I meant it. Because my friends are out there and I know what to do.

Does it matter?

[mind_over_metal]

Yes. It does.

[julienned]

To whom? Don't say "to me"; it's cliche and not even true.

[mind_over_metal]

To you. To your friends. To everything you consider important.

[julienned]

And that's why I won't let it drop. I'm not like that. You only know me as the problem child. I'm more than that.

[mind_over_metal]

*nods*

And what do you want- what is it that you want?

[julienned]

For when? Now? A year's time? Five? Ten?

[mind_over_metal]

Ten years.

[julienned]

Not be dead.

[mind_over_metal]

Five?

[julienned]

Be legally allowed to buy alcohol.

[mind_over_metal]

First legal drink?

[julienned]

I'll be twenty-one, won't I? Isn't that what happens? Twenty-six is too far away.

[mind_over_metal]

No, I meant- what do you want your first legal drink to be?

[julienned]

[shrugs]

I figured I'd find out if I got there. Five years is forever.