[NETWORK] post 001, text

[littlegentleman]

Who: Junior
Username: agent_j
Warnings: none

Hello,

In the time you've been here so far, would you say that you've been able to form any particularly close bonds with anyone? Specifically those you didn't know before, assuming that anyone you know is also present.

Thank you,

J.

Comments

un: looselystrung

[henchgal]

I'd say so. My roommates and I are pretty close--I feel like I can rely on them, even though I hadn't met them before.

And there's a few people who've gone out of their way to help me.

Why are you asking?

[littlegentleman]

I'm not good at making friends.

[He's honest about it, at least.]

It's hard for me to keep up conversation.

[henchgal]

Friendship isn't only about conversation. Sometimes, it's about non-verbal communication too. Helping each other out, you know?

Like, for example, I have chronic pain issues, and have bad days when I just kind of collapse on the couch because I'm out of energy for the day. After seeing this, one of my roommates got me a big throw blanket to curl up with when those days happen.

The point is showing you care, at the end of the day. Even if you don't always have the words for it.

[littlegentleman]

Thank you for the advice. I'm not really sure I know where to get started, but I'll keep that in mind. There are a few people who have been kind to me, so if I could return the favor I would, given the chance.

It's only, I'm not certain the interactions I've had so far can count as friendships. I fear people feel obligated to help me.

I'm sorry to hear about your medical condition.

[henchgal]

Well. I feel like a lot of us feel obligated to help one another out, because we're all strangers caught in a really weird sort of situation. But even if it's out of obligation, that can be the basis for something more.

You sound like you might be overthinking the matter. Are you naturally the sort of person who analyzes interactions and second-guesses yourself?

[littlegentleman]

No, I don't think I am.

[Maybe when he's on assignment, but that's more out of necessity for survival than anything else.]

It's just very new to me. Back home, I wasn't allowed.

[henchgal]

Weren't allowed to have friends?

[Welp, Meredith feels protective already.]

Why not?

[littlegentleman]

Because I'm not like other children. Ms. Wendy told me it would be a distraction and a weakness.

[henchgal]

A distraction to you, or to them?

[littlegentleman]

I have important work to do, at home. The ADI is similar, but less strict.

[henchgal]

Here's the thing about work: your employers do not actually care about your well-being. All companies exist for the sake of their bottom line. They will not do anything to protect your mental or physical well-being.

We gotta help each other and help ourselves. Don't you ever let ADI try to make it so you can't have friends, or fill other personal needs you have.

Alright?

...I probably shouldn't even be saying this kind of thing on the network, honestly, but what are they going to do, fire me for being pro-labor?

[littlegentleman]

I don't think there should be any reason you get in trouble for speaking your mind.

I wouldn't let ADI dictate my life past a certain extent, but I'm not sure I really know who else I would expect to take care of me other than myself. I suppose I'm old enough now that I should be doing that, anyway.

[It's dangerous to rely on others. Dangerous to trust, even though he often does. That's why he generally works alone.]