Does anyone here even hunt

[hearsthesea]

Who: SS Huntress and friends, visitors, pet bears, etc.
Broadcast: If desired!
Action: SS Huntress
When: Now!

[New crew! New upgrades! New world! ...And Varric in a coma for the duration of March, which is maybe slightly concerning.

For the other members of the Huntress, though, it should prove to be an interesting month.]

Comments

[hopefullyyours]

Oh- oh. Sorry, I guess I just assumed... I mean, would you be interested in it? Maybe? [He should probably see if he can find some literature on gardening, in this case.]

[hearsthesea]

I don't see why not, if you're willing to teach me.

[That's why he asked, right?]

[hopefullyyours]

[Has he ever taught anybody anything before? Definitely not. It seems kind of... important, somehow.]

I'd like to say yes, but I'm not really skilled myself. I grew some sprouts as a kid, and I had a little window garden here and there, but I can't really say I have any talent or ability beyond average.

[But she asked him, and he really, really wants to be of any kind of use he can, so-] Not that I'm saying no! I just don't think a completely below-average person like me is the best teacher. But I'll try my best to show you what insignificant slivers of information I have!

[hearsthesea]

Oh, no, I'm sorry--I thought that just because you asked...

[Shirley's face starts to heat up. She completely overassumed, how embarrassing.]

Well, I'd be glad for whatever you can teach me. I've never done anything like it before.

[hopefullyyours]

Er, no, please- I'm really honored that you've asked, so- [Komaeda gets a little fidgety as well, and given how pale his complexion is, a faint blush is really, really easy to see.] I mean, I'll definitely try my best.

I just want you to have a good source of knowledge, after all. [For a moment, smiling at her, for just a scant second, he feels like the most earnest, reliable person on earth. Just for a moment.]

[hearsthesea]

Thank you.

[It seems they've both embarrassed each other...or themselves. But hey, she's pretty sure this is good.]

Is there anything I can do for you in return?

[hopefullyyours]

[ It seems as if Shirley calming is enough to settle Komaeda down once more- he returns more or less to normal, though his smile does look a little happier now.]

Mm, not really. Just- [He makes a small hand motion like a lamed bird, then gives up and scratches the back of his head.] you know, please let me know if I can help you with anything.

I mean, for example, if you need help with any errands or that kind of thing! [He is very tall, after all.]

[hearsthesea]

[Most people don't ask for more errands as thanks...but then again, Komaeda seems to really like working in one way or another considering the manic cleaning last month.]

Have you taken a look at the job boards on Mor, by any chance? If you haven't, you might be interested in going down to see them sometime.

[hopefullyyours]

[As long as he's doing things, he can convince himself that he's useful for that moment at the least.

At the mention of the boards, Komaeda tips his head.] I hadn't yet. I did a few small things back between the three moons, but overall, it just seemed like a very dangerous place to be no matter what, don't you think? I suppose Mor might be a little less, um.... threatening.

[hearsthesea]

It hasn't been a problem so far. Unless you don't like pests, perhaps...more than a few people want help clearing those out.

[hopefullyyours]

Hahaha, everybody does, don't they? [He looks, for a second, like he did the first day he appeared on the comm, eyes shadowed but oddly bright. When he refocuses his attention on Shirley, though, the look drains out of him like water from a stoppered-up sink.]

I don't have any problem getting rid of pests. [Flicker bright, flicker dim, go his eyes.] I'll be happy to help! Thank you for always being so indulgent of me, Shirley.

[hearsthesea]

[Shirley shakes her head, not one entirely used to such praises.]

It's not an indulgence at all. The more people working on those jobs the more we're doing for the people here, so if you join in then I think that's important.

[hopefullyyours]

Hmmm. Shirley, you're really super-duper civic-minded, aren't you! I can't help but feel inspired when you say things like that. It's sort of... [He rests his chin in his one visible hand.] You're a fairly hopeful person, don't you think?

[Komaeda shakes off the strange mood he's suddenly fallen into with a visible, physical shake of his head.] Well, I guess I should probably follow your advice as much as possible, then, right?

[hearsthesea]

Um...

[Well, he's not wrong about the first part at least. The second is a little much for her, though.]

It's true that helping people is something that's important to me. In fact, it's what I do at home. But I'm also new at it, so...don't take everything I say for granted, either.

[hopefullyyours]

[A NUANCED VIEW OF SOMEBODY YOU CARE ABOUT!? WHAT!? This is mind-blowing.]

I.... Guess that's fair. But I'm sure you're very good at it already, Shirley. [He still looks completely confounded, but he's trying to please, so he's not going to voice any objections.] I think you have a very good internal moral compass.

[hearsthesea]

...That's not always true.

[Her voice is softer this time, but it's still firm enough to show she's serious.]

But I'm trying.