[ Barnaby is probably walking around and minding his own Citadel-flavored business when he comes across Gray. She's just standing there, gripping a worn little notebook and staring into space when she suddenly realizes that Barnaby is here. She seems to panic for a second, her vacant look turning into a doe-eyed stare, and then she quietly panics for a few more seconds. In the end, she bows hastily in greeting and meekly shuffles in his direction. ]
Mr. Barnaby! If it isn't too much of a bother... c-could I ask you a question or two?
[Barnaby spots Gray and had just been intending to greet her and carry on along his way, so he doesn't expect her to approach looking like a spooked reporter who had just frozen up on the spot with nerves. He smiles to try to set her at ease, and as she approaches, he nods.]
[ He's as patient and nice as ever. She's not sure why she expected otherwise. Feeling a little reassured, she nods strongly and blurts out before the second thoughts can catch up to her: ]
Do you think I have any good traits??
[ And though it isn't a part of the challenge issued to her, she adds a second bit to soothe her own nerves. ]
I'd like to hear about any bad traits I have as well!
[He blinks, taken aback.] I don't mind telling you, but what brought this on?
[She kind of looked like she'd been planning this conversation in advance, like she's been doing a survey of some kind... It doesn't seem like the kind of thing she'd bring up in normal conversation, at the very least.]
Have you been asking other people similar questions?
I don't know who assigned you it, but it seems harsh of them to get you to ask everyone about your negative qualities.
[Hm, but he did say he'd answer, so he will. After mulling over his answer for a few more seconds, he begins:]
I think your only negative trait is that you're too harsh on yourself, and I don't think an exercise in having other people tell you your shortcomings will help with that. [you have aNXIETY, gray] However...
You're kind and hardworking, and although we've only known each other a short while, I get the impression you're considerate of others. Oh, and you're very strong, of course!
[He's sure she won't forget his reaction to her punching a tree in half any time soon.]
[ She decides not to mention that asking for her weaknesses wasn't part of the original assignment; it would probably just feed into her being too hard on herself. But she dutifully jots down his (mild) criticism with an accepting neutrality, then his praise with a slightly embarrassed air, her shoulders shrinking down as if trying to push her into an imaginary hidey hole in the dirt. She's sure he's exaggerating at least a little to be polite, but it's still overwhelming to receive so much kindness from someone as accomplished and impressive as he is. ]
Thank you... I think I could say a lot of the same things for you. You're generous and smart... and willing to learn and do things outside of your comfort zone. I'd have a hard time thinking of anything to criticize you over.
[ He's the very picture of a hero. He doesn't even seem to have an ego or an intimidating aura like she'd expect of someone adored by the public. ]
That's very kind of you to say, but I'm sure you'll think of something eventually. To use a cliche, nobody's perfect.
[Barnaby smiles. He doesn't want to pour cold water on her kindness, but it seems necessary if she insists on not having a very high opinion of herself while elevating others. If they're teammates, he'd rather she had a more realistic opinion of him.]
[ What she'd really like to ask is if he has any tips on how to be more like him, but she gets a sense that it's a futile question. If it were that easy to simply become someone else, exceptional people wouldn't be so exceptional. ]
Can I ask what you were like before you were a hero?
[It's not really a subject he's fond of talking about, if the way the smile fades from his expression is any indication. Nonetheless, Barnaby answers.]
I was very focused towards a particular goal, so I studied hard. [And that goal wasn't becoming a hero, from the way he says it.] I'm afraid I really wasn't a very interesting person, so there's not much to say beyond that.
[...A roundabout way of saying he didn't have a life.]
[ She can't quite believe him when he says he wasn't interesting, because she feels a boring person wouldn't magically become a king of heroes... but she doesn't press the issue. Maybe there's some comfort to be had in the idea that even "boring" people are capable of becoming exemplary.
She nods in acceptance and dips a quick bow. ]
Then, ah, I think that's everything. Thank you for stopping to speak with me...
[ She wouldn't mind speaking to him for longer, but she feels like she's imposed on him for long enough. ]
You're welcome. [He inclines his head slightly in response to her bow.] I hope that when you put your findings together, you're able to learn more about yourself.
[A hint, perhaps, that he's interested in hearing anything she figures out, however long that takes. But of course he'd understand if that kind of soul-searching is an activity she'd prefer to keep private, as well.]
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hundredpower) wrote2022-05-01 08:29 pm
mid-June
Mr. Barnaby! If it isn't too much of a bother... c-could I ask you a question or two?
no subject
Of course, Gray. What would you like to know?
no subject
Do you think I have any good traits??
[ And though it isn't a part of the challenge issued to her, she adds a second bit to soothe her own nerves. ]
I'd like to hear about any bad traits I have as well!
[ Let her have it!! ]
no subject
[She kind of looked like she'd been planning this conversation in advance, like she's been doing a survey of some kind... It doesn't seem like the kind of thing she'd bring up in normal conversation, at the very least.]
Have you been asking other people similar questions?
no subject
This is... a homework assignment of sorts, to try to figure out my strengths. I thought it would be better to get a variety of opinions.
[ It really just amounts to her accosting random people she knows, but data are data. ]
no subject
[Hm, but he did say he'd answer, so he will. After mulling over his answer for a few more seconds, he begins:]
I think your only negative trait is that you're too harsh on yourself, and I don't think an exercise in having other people tell you your shortcomings will help with that. [you have aNXIETY, gray] However...
You're kind and hardworking, and although we've only known each other a short while, I get the impression you're considerate of others. Oh, and you're very strong, of course!
[He's sure she won't forget his reaction to her punching a tree in half any time soon.]
no subject
Thank you... I think I could say a lot of the same things for you. You're generous and smart... and willing to learn and do things outside of your comfort zone. I'd have a hard time thinking of anything to criticize you over.
[ He's the very picture of a hero. He doesn't even seem to have an ego or an intimidating aura like she'd expect of someone adored by the public. ]
no subject
[Barnaby smiles. He doesn't want to pour cold water on her kindness, but it seems necessary if she insists on not having a very high opinion of herself while elevating others. If they're teammates, he'd rather she had a more realistic opinion of him.]
Was there anything else you wanted to ask?
no subject
Can I ask what you were like before you were a hero?
no subject
I was very focused towards a particular goal, so I studied hard. [And that goal wasn't becoming a hero, from the way he says it.] I'm afraid I really wasn't a very interesting person, so there's not much to say beyond that.
[...A roundabout way of saying he didn't have a life.]
no subject
She nods in acceptance and dips a quick bow. ]
Then, ah, I think that's everything. Thank you for stopping to speak with me...
[ She wouldn't mind speaking to him for longer, but she feels like she's imposed on him for long enough. ]
no subject
[A hint, perhaps, that he's interested in hearing anything she figures out, however long that takes. But of course he'd understand if that kind of soul-searching is an activity she'd prefer to keep private, as well.]