[ Now he laughs. She reminds him of Alina all over again. She’s perceptive, and blunt. The bluntness is charming, in a way, because she’s right. It’s not really natural for him to give anyone a straight answer. Force of habit. He looks at her for a moment, a smile threatening. ]
I do have excellent moisturiser. A shame I can’t get my hands on it here. Six months will pass and my good looks will have faded to dust. It’s lucky you like me for my personality.
[ A beat, then, and the smile gets easier. More natural, slightly crooked. Not so cocky. ]
I’m twenty-two. Now don’t pull your punches. Is that younger than you thought?
As long as your ass doesn't sag. [ It's bold and her grin is really impish but her shrug is easy. ] That's all I'm really here for.
[ Tilting her head to the side then. ] You're a baby. You seem so much older. Did you run away from home as a kid or something? Because life experience man, you exude it.
[ Actually, she's more or less right. He couldn't wait to get out of the palace. He'd run to the infantry, and when his service was done, went to study ships, and weapons. For seven years he'd been away from home, and he'd been back less than one before he had to flee again. Funny how things work out.
You're implying I need to be old to know what I'm doing. You'd be surprised what you can get done with enough nerve, Clary.
And since you mentioned it, nothing whatsoever will sag. I'm noticeably pert, in fact.
[ He gives her a little grin. Really, Clary. He never lacks for self-confidence. It's a gift. ]
So where do you get nerve then? Because I checked, we don't have Amazon.com here and I'm all out.
[ But still, his latter statement startles laughter out of her, the kind of free and careless giggling she hasn't had in such a long time. ] The men and women of the CDC thank the heavens for such mercies, honestly.
You get nerve through taking calculated risks, and seeing them come off. It's all in the experience, really. Once you've had a few successes you start learning what works and what doesn't. You can't be afraid to try, or nothing would ever get done.
[ Actually, that's more or less why he's done everything that he's done. He just wouldn't be beaten down when others were too afraid. Or when they were held back by someone else's rules. That's why he makes his own.
Laughter is good, though. That helps. Never be too serious. It takes all the fun out of life, and besides which nothing will annoy your enemies is much as laughing at them.
[ He pats her shoulder, confident in his ability to teach her that even if she lacks the confidence to do it. They'll get there. It's a matter of when, not if. ]
You can't expect to do everything perfectly the first time around. That's the point of practice. Give yourself time. You won't regret it.
I need a nap. [ She heaves a sigh and glares at him again but this time there's no edge to it. ] You've aged me like seventy years, you asshole.
[ TARGETING AN INSTRUCTOR. HONESTLY. ] You're training me after though. I'm not going into this half-assed. We're both on the line and I will take you down with me. [ No she won't, considering how against hurting other people she is. But it's a friendly threat either way. ]
Find me a jacuzzi then. [ It's half muttered under her breath like she doesn't mean him to hear it. But her expression is only slightly irritated, like clouds on a sunny day and it's easy to see the fondness shine through. ]
Try to keep yourself under control until we meet again, okay? Otherwise my nerves will be shot before the competition even takes place.
[ His eyebrow flicks up as he smirks at her. Glancing down, he brushes an invisible fleck of something off the shoulder of his coat. ]
I'm quite certain you'll be fine.
Though if you're so determined to worry yourself, I suppose it's all right. Almost nothing you worry about ever comes true. [ A smile. ] That can only help matters.
[ She reaches out and flicks him in the shoulder. ] Uh huh. Well one day my worry is going to save our asses and I hope you literally get down on your knees to be for forgiveness because I keep telling you.
I'll see what I can do. [ She glances at him before practically skipping down the rover steps, her walk lighter than it has been in weeks. At the bottom she turns around and grins. ]
You're so going to regret this buddy. I'm going to own your ass in a fight one of these days. [ WHAT MONSTER HAVE YOU WROUGHT, FRANKENSTEIN. ]
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I do have excellent moisturiser. A shame I can’t get my hands on it here. Six months will pass and my good looks will have faded to dust. It’s lucky you like me for my personality.
[ A beat, then, and the smile gets easier. More natural, slightly crooked. Not so cocky. ]
I’m twenty-two. Now don’t pull your punches. Is that younger than you thought?
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[ Tilting her head to the side then. ] You're a baby. You seem so much older. Did you run away from home as a kid or something? Because life experience man, you exude it.
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You're implying I need to be old to know what I'm doing. You'd be surprised what you can get done with enough nerve, Clary.
And since you mentioned it, nothing whatsoever will sag. I'm noticeably pert, in fact.
[ He gives her a little grin. Really, Clary. He never lacks for self-confidence. It's a gift. ]
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[ But still, his latter statement startles laughter out of her, the kind of free and careless giggling she hasn't had in such a long time. ] The men and women of the CDC thank the heavens for such mercies, honestly.
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[ Actually, that's more or less why he's done everything that he's done. He just wouldn't be beaten down when others were too afraid. Or when they were held back by someone else's rules. That's why he makes his own.
Laughter is good, though. That helps. Never be too serious. It takes all the fun out of life, and besides which nothing will annoy your enemies is much as laughing at them.
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[ But she's not saying she won't, which is the point now. She knows she has to fight back. She just needs to figure out her way to do it. ]
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[ He pats her shoulder, confident in his ability to teach her that even if she lacks the confidence to do it. They'll get there. It's a matter of when, not if. ]
You can't expect to do everything perfectly the first time around. That's the point of practice. Give yourself time. You won't regret it.
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[ TARGETING AN INSTRUCTOR. HONESTLY. ] You're training me after though. I'm not going into this half-assed. We're both on the line and I will take you down with me. [ No she won't, considering how against hurting other people she is. But it's a friendly threat either way. ]
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[ Seriously, you're going to be sick of him. He'll end up reminding you that he's doing this because you asked for it. ]
Though I do play to win, and I'll make sure that you do.
Now try not to worry. Stress will throw your aim off, I want you relaxed.
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Try to keep yourself under control until we meet again, okay? Otherwise my nerves will be shot before the competition even takes place.
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I'm quite certain you'll be fine.
Though if you're so determined to worry yourself, I suppose it's all right. Almost nothing you worry about ever comes true. [ A smile. ] That can only help matters.
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Saints, Clary. I never kneel in these clothes. The wrinkles aren't worth it.
[ He smooths his shoulder out again, deliberately. ]
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You're so weird. [ But it's incredibly fond so if there's any insult to it, the edges are lost regardless. ] I'll see you later.
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[ She'd burst in here shouting the odds, and now she's leaving with laughter on her lips. He's happy enough with that.
He goes to open the door for her. ]
And when I do, please bring more of those delightful runes. No doubt they'll help our cause.
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You're so going to regret this buddy. I'm going to own your ass in a fight one of these days. [ WHAT MONSTER HAVE YOU WROUGHT, FRANKENSTEIN. ]
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I look forward to it.
Until then.