[The alternative. He's not sure what that's supposed to be hinting at. The broadness of the shock, the impetus of his imprisonment casts a long shadow over the rest of his thoughts. Even so Richie has a pause for that single word.
The alternative, the other. Option B over Option A. Better me than blank.
Thickly and on an oblique, the answer slots into place. Better me than the other guy. Someone else's gut got to stay in a smooth curve where Wally's took a split down the middle. If the guy hadn't started out with musing on how there might not be an "all the way" it might have dawned on Richie quicker — he'd been half caught in wondering what would have been left behind.
Maybe that's why he never gave a name. Maybe he didn't have one anymore. Speculation on speculation, all built on specks and dust.]
Sounds like it. [Richie huffs. They're pulling up close on their destination now, and there are the occasional passerby even at this late hour. He keeps his voice low. Wouldn't do to have funny glances coming their way. Although he might be able to pass it off as practice. Picking up a new voice, cousin, gimme some feedback will ya?] I take it it's not the time, but...that's all up to you. Sounds like a shit package you got delivered, and I know that isn't the kind of thing you want to be prying open in company.
But...if there's anything I can do...[He halts at a crosswalk. Waits for a couple to pass and a late-night carriage.] You know, you go poof and get stuck out in the sticks again, you can holler for me. I won't mind.
[He keeps obligingly quiet while they pass the locals. More than willing to keep from drawing more attention than necessary. Fending off the questions isn't a problem he's looking to drop on Richie's head, not at this time of night. And they're almost home free.
Richie's alright, he figures. He's not in much place to judge about a little foot-in-mouth. And the offer—much as the edge of sympathy in it sits uncomfortably on him—isn't one he has to give. He laughs, once. Dryly.]
Hoping I get the hang of it sooner rather than later. [Wishful thinking, maybe. Sounds like he knows it.] But I'll keep it in mind.
[He doesn't have regrets about what he chose to sacrifice and why. He just...has to deal with the aftermath. Part of that, probably, is having a plan for when things go off book.
That's then. For now—]
Should be coming up, on the left. [The room he's sharing, while they're in town. The rest of the inhabitants ought to be asleep, but he can walk Richie through leaving him inside somewhere sensible. But before he does—] Thanks. For the lift.
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The alternative, the other. Option B over Option A. Better me than blank.
Thickly and on an oblique, the answer slots into place. Better me than the other guy. Someone else's gut got to stay in a smooth curve where Wally's took a split down the middle. If the guy hadn't started out with musing on how there might not be an "all the way" it might have dawned on Richie quicker — he'd been half caught in wondering what would have been left behind.
Maybe that's why he never gave a name. Maybe he didn't have one anymore. Speculation on speculation, all built on specks and dust.]
Sounds like it. [Richie huffs. They're pulling up close on their destination now, and there are the occasional passerby even at this late hour. He keeps his voice low. Wouldn't do to have funny glances coming their way. Although he might be able to pass it off as practice. Picking up a new voice, cousin, gimme some feedback will ya?] I take it it's not the time, but...that's all up to you. Sounds like a shit package you got delivered, and I know that isn't the kind of thing you want to be prying open in company.
But...if there's anything I can do...[He halts at a crosswalk. Waits for a couple to pass and a late-night carriage.] You know, you go poof and get stuck out in the sticks again, you can holler for me. I won't mind.
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Richie's alright, he figures. He's not in much place to judge about a little foot-in-mouth. And the offer—much as the edge of sympathy in it sits uncomfortably on him—isn't one he has to give. He laughs, once. Dryly.]
Hoping I get the hang of it sooner rather than later. [Wishful thinking, maybe.
Sounds like he knows it.] But I'll keep it in mind.
[He doesn't have regrets about what he chose to sacrifice and why. He just...has to deal with the aftermath. Part of that, probably, is having a plan for when things go off book.
That's then. For now—]
Should be coming up, on the left. [The room he's sharing, while they're in town. The rest of the inhabitants ought to be asleep, but he can walk Richie through leaving him inside somewhere sensible. But before he does—] Thanks. For the lift.