But the question is kind of one heβd been (poorly) trying to avoid. Gwen and Wade had unpleasant reactions, so he isnβt entirely sure he wants to inform any more of his acquaintances about the gifts heβs received from his bold folly. He breathes an exasperated sigh through his nose.]
A little. One had a knack for turning his environment into a durable weapon.... But a friend has mended and wrapped it, and thereβs no lingering danger to my well being, I assure you...! [Quickly, divert attention to some other subset of this conversation-! He hurries along:] I can pay you well, as Iβve said.
I make a decent wage from being a student, though I cannot pay you until next month. I donated most of my last payment...
Ah, wonderful, thank you so much β I can still offer something! I can give you seeds, or hard candies? They're really good, and I've collected quite a few in bottles I recycle and clean. Though... I'm not sure how long I have to wait before I can practice, but I'll talk to a doctor and see when the stitching may be removed...
[This is great. Truly!]
... Thank you, Pete.
I'll rest a little easier, knowing I shall not be so helpless, especially when others are in need.
Sure, kid. [ If it makes him feel better to offer something, since he seems to get frazzled about all these free lessons. ]
But listen, I mean it β I'll teach you so that if someone comes after you, you can knock back a few times to get yourself away. Don't go throwing yourself into danger to save somebody without thinking first. I find out you're going overboard playing the big boy hero on the playground, lessons are done.
[Ah, a relief! He hates taking things without bartering proper.
Oh So Innocently:]
... I will think first, I promise.
[Which is... probably not very convincing, because the loopholes in that promise are concerning, but there's no evidence that he'll do anything to the contrary, right? Besides, he really would like to be on his best behavior, so that Pete doesn't turn him down later for more lessons.]
Good. [ Definitely not convincing. He isn't trusting him not to get his ass kicked again before he can even get the first lesson in, which means Frank's gonna have to keep an extra eye on this one. ]
Take it easy until then. I don't want you out of bed a second before you're back in shape again, alright?
[ He isn't wrong in that; plenty had been happening here long before he had ever arrived, strange occurrences that either fall in line or measure worse than whatever he's come to witness since he's been here.
It isn't his place to demand how Diarmuid decides to cope with it.
There's another sigh, but it doesn't carry the aggravation from before. ]
Just β just tell me if you find yourself in a tough spot, yeah? I'm here now, so ... so make use of me.
Because... he did not want to explain the looping afterimage of his ghost. What would would such a thing do? Part of him still wishes his friends had never learned the truth of his demise. Sometimes he wishes he'd just silently vanished and returned, and he could lie between his teeth.]
You're going to show me how to take better care of myself in a dangerous situation.
[ He doesn't know much else to say beyond that, still not entirely sure the in's and out's of this town, and he sure as hell doesn't know how he's meant to keep track of all of these kids who are taking this thing on on their own.
Maybe it's because he knows Amy's still out there and he can't do a damn thing. ]
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[So disapprovingly.
But the question is kind of one heβd been (poorly) trying to avoid. Gwen and Wade had unpleasant reactions, so he isnβt entirely sure he wants to inform any more of his acquaintances about the gifts heβs received from his bold folly. He breathes an exasperated sigh through his nose.]
A little. One had a knack for turning his environment into a durable weapon.... But a friend has mended and wrapped it, and thereβs no lingering danger to my well being, I assure you...! [Quickly, divert attention to some other subset of this conversation-! He hurries along:] I can pay you well, as Iβve said.
I make a decent wage from being a student, though I cannot pay you until next month. I donated most of my last payment...
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Of course you did. [ Donate his payment. Either this kid has the biggest damn heart or he's fairly gullible, possibly a balanced mixture of the two. ]
Listen, kid, I don't want your money. If it helps you not get your ass kicked out there, I can try to show you a few things. Basic defense, that's it.
[ Because he definitely isn't aiming to turn him into some pro fighter. ]
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[This is great. Truly!]
... Thank you, Pete.
I'll rest a little easier, knowing I shall not be so helpless, especially when others are in need.
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β maybe Laura might like those. ]
Sure, kid. [ If it makes him feel better to offer something, since he seems to get frazzled about all these free lessons. ]
But listen, I mean it β I'll teach you so that if someone comes after you, you can knock back a few times to get yourself away. Don't go throwing yourself into danger to save somebody without thinking first. I find out you're going overboard playing the big boy hero on the playground, lessons are done.
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Oh So Innocently:]
... I will think first, I promise.
[Which is... probably not very convincing, because the loopholes in that promise are concerning, but there's no evidence that he'll do anything to the contrary, right? Besides, he really would like to be on his best behavior, so that Pete doesn't turn him down later for more lessons.]
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Take it easy until then. I don't want you out of bed a second before you're back in shape again, alright?
[ Dr. Pete's orders. ]
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[... Oh, dear, he thinks, sitting at a school bench after attending class.]
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You ain't in bed.
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Besides, I could not afford to miss schooling today...! I'd studied for the math test through the night...
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What do you mean, you don't have a bed?
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I've been sleeping at the homes of my friends. Until the β infestation is cleared.
[THIS WAS NOT HOW HE PLANNED THIS CONVERSATION TO GO BUT HERE WE ARE-]
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What, you got a bug problem?
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Nβno. Mice.
A lot of mice.
I'll have it taken care of, though; you needn't concern yourself.
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That's a pretty thick slice of bullshit there, kid.
[ Sorry, language. Whatever. ]
Look, you asked me to help you out, right? So we ain't gonna be half-assing this thing. Meaning, if you've got trouble, you gotta be honest with me.
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Medieval Europe was a strange place.
But as Pete speaks, Diarmuid bites his lip and looks unsure.]
... Itβs not that. The trouble has already passed β telling you about it benefits neither of us, Pete.
It would only serve to worry you over past events you cannot change.
[Chloe had told him not to withhold anything from his friends, but... itβs true.
Even if he told the man what lay inside the cabin, it would help no one.]
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It isn't his place to demand how Diarmuid decides to cope with it.
There's another sigh, but it doesn't carry the aggravation from before. ]
Just β just tell me if you find yourself in a tough spot, yeah? I'm here now, so ... so make use of me.
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Because... he did not want to explain the looping afterimage of his ghost. What would would such a thing do? Part of him still wishes his friends had never learned the truth of his demise. Sometimes he wishes he'd just silently vanished and returned, and he could lie between his teeth.]
You're going to show me how to take better care of myself in a dangerous situation.
That shall be use enough, Pete.
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[ He doesn't know much else to say beyond that, still not entirely sure the in's and out's of this town, and he sure as hell doesn't know how he's meant to keep track of all of these kids who are taking this thing on on their own.
Maybe it's because he knows Amy's still out there and he can't do a damn thing. ]
Alright. You, uh, you just rest up, kid.
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I'll rest plentifully. No long walks. And drink plenty of water.