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mid-June

[personal profile] gravings 2022-06-16 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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?
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[personal profile] gravings 2022-06-19 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ 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!

[ Let her have it!! ]
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[personal profile] gravings 2022-06-19 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She can't blame him for feeling weird about this because she feels weird about it too. She nods slowly with an apologetic expression on her face. ]

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. ]
Edited 2022-06-19 23:44 (UTC)
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[personal profile] gravings 2022-06-20 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ 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. ]
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[personal profile] gravings 2022-06-27 12:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ 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?
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[personal profile] gravings 2022-07-12 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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. ]