ic contact//CURRENT

[darkov]

[INSERT DEFAULT INBOX VOICE MESSAGE/EMAIL GREETING HERE]
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latest status update 3/6/2018

Comments

[darkov]

[but what if the rest has secrets. what if there's a test.]

Oh...

[why? he still doesn't get it...]

Um. O-of course. Sure. That's...generous of you. Kind, I mean. Thank you.

[d33tached]

[Something in D33 still shudders at the thought of being generous, for some reason, but he doesn't sound irritated when he says:]

There's no need to thank me.

[Then, he sends through an ebook - Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales for Kids.]

It's a compilation of fairy tales from Hans Christian Andersen. That's the author's name in the title.

[darkov]

...

[a hesitant sound.]

...Fairy tales, sir...? [you assume too much if you assume he'd know what the hell those are.]

[d33tached]

[For once, D33 doesn't seem to mind explaining. Oddly enough, fairy tales are actually something he happens to care about.]

They're very old stories with elements of fantasy to them. I think you will find that you will quite enjoy them.

[darkov]

[fantasy. fake? isn't fantasy like...fake? he feels like he's heard that word used in the context of lies before.

maybe this was a bad idea. he's not sure...]

So...they're not real?

[d33tached]

The stories are fictional, yes. They're made up, but quite entertaining.

A great deal of literature is fictional in that way.

[darkov]

Oh...

[hrmhhh...]

Um. Sorry, is... Is that good? I mean...are they just like...lessons?

[d33tached]

The stories do have some moral implications if that's what you mean by "lessons", but essentially they are meant for entertainment - something enjoyable to do during your leisure time.

[darkov]

[fun, again...]

I...I see. Alright. I...I'll try. [a slight pause.] Thank you, sir...

[d33tached]

You needn't call me sir, I will tell you again. I go by D33.

[darkov]

[but that's so many more syllables.

hastily:] So-sorry! I--um. Sorry. D33.

[d33tached]

That is correct.

Do let me know what you think of the tales. I found them quite fascinating when I was a similar age to your own.

[darkov]

[in a shaky exhale:] Alright... I'll try.

[d33tached]

Don't concern yourself with it too heavily.

[His voice is surprisingly calm as he says so, but he means it. This isn't something he's forcing Martin to do, he just genuinely thought that the boy might enjoy the stories and, since he is learning to read...]

As I've said, it is for your leisure.

[darkov]

Oh, but... What if I can't figure it out? What if it...takes too long? If you want to know, but I can't do it... I, I don't want to waste your time--

[d33tached]

[D33 is trying to be patient, but damn if this kid isn't testing that with this ridiculous anxiety...]

You're learning to read, yes? Once you've reached the skill level at which you can comprehend the text I've sent you, then you might take the time to read it.

I am interested to know what you think of it, but you are by no means required to give me that information.

I only thought that you might enjoy it.

[darkov]

[BUT...NO TIME LIMITS...NO GAUGE FOR FAILURE...WHERE'S THE THRESHOLD??

he gulps, quiet for a beat.]

Sorry. Alright.

[d33tached]

[Flatly] It’s fine.

Good evening, Martin.

[And he cuts the feed.]