driftfleet | Red Fish Pond

[that's a good response--nice and versatile.

Coil pauses and hangs around where he's at for a moment, loitering with the indecision of whether or not to continue attempting to communicate. as much as he would like to avoid human contact as a general rule, the guy seems like he's sticking around, and Coil knows that he has important connections to others on this ship. so, the information-hoarding instinct eventually wins out.

first things first, though. he knows the other one knows enough handspeak to get by, so he tests it out.

questioningly, he gestures out of the sign for 'brother?' and points at him.]

[ And with that, Dean can't help but feel a little guilty. Because for as much as everyone calls him a flat out asshole, avoids him and his temper like the goddamn plague, Dean has spent the past five years of his life making it his job to hold people together. He doesn't communicate much, but when he does it's with purpose and the full on intention of making people listen, keeping them safe, telling them what they don't want to hear but need to.

And not being able to speak with someone on the basis of being unable to use their language is noteworthy enough that he can't help but feel as if it's a failure on his part.

But if anything, he's guessing that this kid thinks he can because Sam must be able to, and so that alone is at least somewhere to start. Even if Sam is still one of his least favorite topics. ]

Never had a reason to learn before. But Sam knows how, right?

[he nods and drops the question, since Dean's response kind of answers it for him. there's enough familiarity there--friendly or otherwise--to confirm that yeah, those two are brothers.

...which, for better or worse, hits him with a small and weary pang of jealousy.

so, banking on the fact that Dean doesn't understand, he returns with the sign for 'lucky.']

[ Man, Dean just never thought that he'd wish he knew sign language. But for just the benefit of one conversation, or for knowing he'll be around someone who uses it more often than not, he'd do it. Granted, he'd suck horrible ass at it, but he'd try.

Alas. He doesn't, and so he just manages to look apologetic. ]

He went to college.

[ As if that's an explanation. ]

[he lifts his chin in another stiff acknowledgement, and considers just leaving the conversation there. they can't communicate, they're aware of each other's existence, neither seem particularly inclined to be social. done and done.

...but Dean's demeanor happens to remind him of someone--especially when compared to the other brother--and that glance of apology goes a long way.

he has a pen on him, but no paper, so after a hesitation of thought, he turns back toward the counter. just give him a moment to find a napkin to scrawl a word onto. and when he turns back, he holds up the note for Dean to see. it reads 'Coil,' and he points to himself, just in case a proper introduction is needed. he'll offer that much.]

[ Dean wouldn't have been utterly surprised if the kid had left the conversation there. It's not as if communication goes terribly far when one of you doesn't say much and the other doesn't say anything and so Dean expects the whole thing to be done because there's little more he can offer.

... but lookit that, Dean watches for a moment, cocking his head as the kid snags a napkin and scribbles on it before showing it to Dean. Dean, who nods to to word and then flicks his gaze back, eyebrows lifting.

Okay. We have an introduction. That's a hell of a lot more than he thought he was going to get. ]

Coil. Got it. [ wait. ] Captain, right?

[he nods, very matter-of-fact about it.

yep. this scruffy one-eyed creep is one half of the captaining duo around these parts. the good ship Red Fish is led by a shady teenager and a redhead with a mean magical lute.]

[ Well hey, better point blank about it than nervous, Dean definitely prefers it that way. Even if he's a mute kid, because that's not really the point. Even if maybe it should be and maybe Dean is always biased.

But he knows what it's like to be handed the reigns to a position at the helm, whether or not you're deserving. ]

Ever been one before? [ It's pointedly not judgemental, just a question. ]

[even if there isn't an ounce of judgement in his tone, the kid's response is to set his jaw and not answer. already on the defensive and he's not being accused of a thing.]

I’ll take that as a no.

[ Dean just shrugs with one shoulder, entirely unbothered by the response or the potential implication behind it. And if he’s pissed this kid off by it, then so be it. ]

[yeah, that would be a no. but he also knows a question like that doesn't come from absolutely nowhere, and he's feeling a little self-conscious about it now.

so, he forms the sign for 'why,' a little demanding, even though he knows Dean doesn't know the language. by Coil's face, it's at least clearly some sort of question, so maybe Coil isn't really picky about what sort of answer he'll get.]

[ Aw man, that could be a sign for 'fuck you and the horse you rode in on' as far as Dean knows, and he squints a little bit, trying to read the sentiment behind it as much as anything else. Because it's all he's got to go off of for the time being. There's an insistence behind the sign and that's all he gets, the pushback, and Dean just cocks his head a bit, considering. ]

One captain to another? As long as we don't crashland, I don't give a shit.

[and really, that response works just fine for him. he'll take blatant apathy over judgement any day. it hopefully means no contest, no trouble, and they'll stay out of each other's way. he is more than okay with that arrangement.

so, this is exactly the sort of note that he thinks would be good to end their conversation on--if that's even the word for the exchange. he nods as if he's agreeing to some sort of deal, and just turns to finish his original goal of pouring himself a glass of water at the sink.

good talk.]

Red Fish Pond

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