[ The brim of the hat dips lower, a sort of shy uncertainty in the gesture. There's a pause too, like he's been reprimanded, but his voice is careful when he finally responds. ]
I know. It's always something to deal with on your own. Words to soothe as a salve, but not a stitch. That's what I am.
[ Because ultimately, Cole is rarely able to fix the problems he feels. That's something to be done one one's own. But he provides what he can to make the process either. ]
[ That's what he is? Zara's suspected he isn't human for a while, but that means... what? He's "words to soothe?" It still doesn't make much sense to him. Moreover, he's still not all that comfortable with having his thoughts read (or heard, or whatever it was), as innocuous as Cole seems to be otherwise. Pursing his lips, he crosses his arms. ]
... Well, I suppose I'll have to believe you. Just try not to spread it around. [ a small, defeated sigh. ] Now, what was I going to say...
[ there was definitely a reason he came in here, and it wasn't just to take the dishes out. He stares at Cole for a moment or two, then, suddenly remembering, reaches out a hand to grasp the brim of Cole's hat. ]
[ Or at least, if anything slips out, no one is likely to know what it refers to. Cole wouldn't even know. Pieces of people come to him, and he says what he feels, since it's the only way to let it out. Otherwise it sits like a knot in his chest, tense and tight.
Cole is surprised when Zara grabs his hat, though, and he flinches like Zara had touched him instead. But, no, he's just not used to people enacting any kind of contact with him at all. He's an odd young man and very skittish, but he doesn't look fearful as he looks up to Zara. ]
[ once he's certain Cole isn't going to get angry at him, he doesn't just touch the hat - he lifts it right back off of his head, holding it delicately between two fingers. It's not really something he wants to touch more than he has to, honestly. ]
Yes. It's absolutely filthy, [ responds Zara primly without missing a beat, ] as is the rest of you. I'm perfectly happy to let you live here, but there's are certain standards I'd like to uphold on the property, so forgive my rudness - when is the last time you bathed or washed your clothes?
[ despite his apology, he doesn't sound all that apologetic... sorry, Cole. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I know. It's always something to deal with on your own. Words to soothe as a salve, but not a stitch. That's what I am.
[ Because ultimately, Cole is rarely able to fix the problems he feels. That's something to be done one one's own. But he provides what he can to make the process either. ]
no subject
... Well, I suppose I'll have to believe you. Just try not to spread it around. [ a small, defeated sigh. ] Now, what was I going to say...
[ there was definitely a reason he came in here, and it wasn't just to take the dishes out. He stares at Cole for a moment or two, then, suddenly remembering, reaches out a hand to grasp the brim of Cole's hat. ]
Right. It's high time that you got cleaned up.
no subject
[ Or at least, if anything slips out, no one is likely to know what it refers to. Cole wouldn't even know. Pieces of people come to him, and he says what he feels, since it's the only way to let it out. Otherwise it sits like a knot in his chest, tense and tight.
Cole is surprised when Zara grabs his hat, though, and he flinches like Zara had touched him instead. But, no, he's just not used to people enacting any kind of contact with him at all. He's an odd young man and very skittish, but he doesn't look fearful as he looks up to Zara. ]
Is there something wrong with my hat?
[ That's the problem here, duh. ]
no subject
Yes. It's absolutely filthy, [ responds Zara primly without missing a beat, ] as is the rest of you. I'm perfectly happy to let you live here, but there's are certain standards I'd like to uphold on the property, so forgive my rudness - when is the last time you bathed or washed your clothes?
[ despite his apology, he doesn't sound all that apologetic... sorry, Cole. ]