003; video

[beathach]

Who: Charles and Hank + You Losers
Broadcast: Video
Action: SS Blameless
When: Right Now

[two old nerds appear on screen, unboxing a large colouring create with "Congratulations On Your One Year Anniversary!" written on the side in big, bold letters. Inside appears to be plushies of DNA, antibodies, and other related paraphernalia.

Of course, while doing this they're sharing the popular "rumors" about them out loud, for their own amusement. Or bemusement, either or]

Let’s see . . . 'Aliens stole Charles' hair.' I can’t say that’s wrong.

In a manner of speaking, sure.

What else . . . 'Hank is a beast in bed'. Hank, you sly devil.

—No comment.

Hmm. 'Hank and Charles are the perfect couple'. I think our students got a hold of this one.

Huh. I just read one lamenting our divorce.

Hold on, what’s this?

[ Charles pulls out a business card ]

Well now . . . I guess I’ll be keeping this.

[Hank's response is to burst into laughter. What a helper]

Comments

[axiomed]

[ It's not, but Charles is nothing if not stringent on these matter. ]

Does it bother you that I got an impression from someone else?

[outstandingbalance]

Not exactly. But it would have put a different color on the conversation if you knew more.

[axiomed]

I barely know what "more" entails, I'm afraid.

[outstandingbalance]

Might be better that way.

[axiomed]

Do you believe that?

[outstandingbalance]

I can.

[axiomed]

The things a human being can do when it comes to the mind are infinite.

[ But Charles is easily away that's not a yes. ]

[outstandingbalance]

[It's complicated.]

You're not wrong about that.

[axiomed]

[ He shrugs. Being right isn't that important. ]

I only . . . wanted to talk.

[outstandingbalance]

I don't mind talking. I'm just not my favorite topic.

[axiomed]

What do you normally talk about then?

[outstandingbalance]

Depends who I'm talking to. If someone else wants to talk about themselves, I'm happy to listen.

Otherwise, current events are a favorite.

[axiomed]

Are there really that many interesting current events going on?

[outstandingbalance]

Sometimes. Sometimes there's fewer. Honestly, most people are more than willing to talk about themselves. I don't have to do the heavy lifting often.

[axiomed]

Does that always work?

[outstandingbalance]

Not always. Usually, though? Yeah.

[axiomed]

I don't think that could work for me. While I am and will always be an excellent listener.

[ Being strongly telepathic and empathetic will do that. ]

I feel the strongest connections are ones forged both ways. Even at the perilous start.

[outstandingbalance]

You're not wrong about that. Reciprocity is a hardwired feature of human psychology. People are more receptive to bonding if they feel like there's a mutual exchange.

[That's why spies often appear to be answering questions, why it's easier for Natasha to drop tidbits about herself when she's trying to pump someone for information than when she's just talking.

It's also why most interrogators are taught to never answer questions themselves. If they doing so makes it easier to perceive a connection with the person you're questioning.]

Guess I'm bad at making friends.

[axiomed]

[ Charles shrugs. ]

I can't say I'm much better. I have to cordon off a part of myself when I have discussions and be completely forthright or I'm called into question.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha doesn't suggest he lie instead. It's the obvious solution to her, but not for every. That would mean something very different to him than it does to her.]

You seem to be doing all right for yourself here.

[axiomed]

I've been very fortunate. More than I ever thought I'd be.

[ His grin is rueful. ] Though I imagine that's not a strange fact of life in this place.

[outstandingbalance]

It's definitely a change. And how easy it is to put yourself out there is always contextual.

[axiomed]

You're very good at skirting the edges and not adding your own input.

[ He's not bothered by it though. ]

[outstandingbalance]

It's a habit. [She smiles, the humor not exactly self-deprecating, but certainly wry as she adds:] And you're right. I am good at it.

[axiomed]

Do you ever wish you weren't?