empathicfault | IC Inbox

O-kay...? See you in a few minutes.

[ He's not sure what's up, but it doesn't sound like an emergency. So he gets up, rubbing Malcolm's shoulder a little (so he doesn't fall asleep all the way without Will there), murmurs that he'll be back soon, and heads over to Shaw's.

He walks over to her place with his hands stuffed in his pockets. The ship itself is louder than usual- probably signs of a headache on the horizon- but nothing unusual is going on.

He knocks on the door, his best guess that this might be related to the dogs. ]

Edited 2024-08-08 16:54 (UTC)

[Shaw pulls the door open just a second or two after the first knock, motioning him in (upon which he is promptly and enthusiastically greeted by Jet and Bear) and tossing him her warden item. Her expression is unreadable, but her eyes are intent and alert as she says:]

Someone'd better play "Pomp and Circumstance", because you're not on there anymore, cowboy.

[ Will greets the dogs first, as is proper. He gives them both plenty of petting and says hi. Chuckles escape from him, a response to their enthusiasm.

But his eyes narrow in confusion as she tosses him...her warden item? He stares at it somewhat blankly as her words sink in. ]

I...are you saying I graduated? I'm...

[ He doesn't finish the sentence, instead letting out a flummoxed scoff. ]

But I didn't...nothing unusual happened today.

It was building slowly until you finally popped?

[She guesses, and then shrugs.]

I dunno. The Admiral didn't even give me the courtesy of a message about it, let alone an explanation.

'Popped'?

[ He raises an eyebrow but he's smiling. The news is starting to reach his face. ]

Okay, I- I did it. We did it. I...would've thought the Admiral would at least tell you, but who knows? Maybe he enjoys surprises.

[Shaw moves into the kitchen, opening up an upper cabinet and stretching up to retrieve a bottle.]

When I called you, I didn't know if you'd graduated or if you'd just disappeared; if you hadn't answered within the minute, I was gonna go scope out your cabin. You want some scotch?

I would love some scotch.

[ He follows Shaw, settling near the kitchen counter. ]

That reaction's fair, of course. I've been on there almost a year and a half. That must've been concerning. And here, weird surprises are usually a bad thing, not...this.

God. I'm alive. And I can leave the boat. And I can help you, when you go back.

I haven't been concerned. Especially not lately. Some jobs take longer than others.

[ She pours them each two fingers - then pauses, thinks, and adds two more. They're celebrating, after all. ]

And I'm looking forward to having a new consultant.

[ He looks like a contented cat, now. ]

I meant more my disappearance off the item, but- noted. You've always been fine with however long it takes. Took, I suppose.

Are you still going to try asking for Root's life, for your Deal?

[Before answering, Shaw takes her drink over to the couch and sits, resting a hand on Bear's head. ]

That was the plan. Can't now.

[ Will follows her, sitting on the other side and petting Jet. ]

I thought that might be the case...are you certain? Have you asked the Admiral about it?

Zhao said it wasn't possible; given his situation, I figured he'd know. But... yeah. Asking the Admiral can't hurt, sure.

[ She pauses. ]

I was concerned when I noticed you were off my item. And I'm relieved as hell that you didn't just disappear.

...ah. Yes, he'd probably know. Sorry to push it.

[ He nods at the second bit. He also takes a sip of his drink before continuing. ]

I feel like you should get cookies, too. Not just as a reward, but an indicator that you've done it. Or at least something.

Cookies? Oh, Root's definitely gonna bake me those.

That's true. You already have a veritable cookie-making machine here. You won't be deprived for long.

Speaking of, if you want anything to go with that scotch...

[ She nods towards the fridge. ]

[ Will laughs. ]

Nah, I already have a plate waiting for me today, I'm sure. Any other time, and I'd take you up on that.

Ah, hell...I'm going to have to start working somewhere else. The kennel's full up on wardens.

At least you already have a full kennel in your cabin. You got any ideas yet?

[She has no idea how much he's been anticipating that this moment would happen soon, and planning and preparing accordingly. But she, for one, isn't surprised that it's happened now.]

Edited 2024-08-10 14:09 (UTC)

I was going to join Food Inventory and work with Harkin. But Jesse got to it first.

[ He likes Jesse and thinks the job suits her, so he's not particularly upset about it. It's just too bad the timing isn't a little better. ]

I don't know. Guess I'll see what has openings. The only thing I'm actually qualified for, ironically, is counseling.

[Shaw hmmms, studying him.]

Do you hate that idea?

I- what, seriously?

[ He almost dismisses the idea automatically (like he would at the FBI), but the question makes him think about it. ]

Well, I definitely know what not to do... and I don't think I'd hate it trying to do that sort of work here- maybe. Huh...

Edited (clarity) 2024-08-14 03:02 (UTC)

If you don't hate the idea, I think you'd be good at it.

[She pauses, and then amends:]

I think you'd be good at it either way. But it's only worth doing if you don't hate it.

I could give classes on the basics- Psych 101- so people might actually know what trauma is. How to work through it, that sort of thing...

[ He looks thoughtful. ]

Yeah, I- I'll give that some serious thought.

[ Will laughs, then- a little nervous chuckle. It's still a little surreal to be entertaining the thought after everything, but something seems appropriate about it. He goes back to nursing his scotch. ]

I'm glad to have some things to figure out, now. I- I'd like to keep patrolling with you, if that's all right. It's been good structure for me. Keeps me from becoming a complete hermit.

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sorry, hit enter in the wrong spot!

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i didn't even get the first notif, wtf

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