Yeah. A lot of your behavior makes sense knowing what I do now. Better to use those around you before you can be used - something like that, right?
[He's not coming at it from the same angle she is, obviously, but he gets it. It took him a long time to learn to trust people. It took him a long time to accept that he could extend that kindness to humans and not be hurt or taken advantage of in response. Lysandre was the first person who reached out his hand and asked for nothing in return, and it gave Corbeau the courage to do the same. He understands how Lysandre's kindness became so warped, how he ended up on this path of destruction, and he hates that he's glad he didn't have to walk it with the man.]
I'll keep offering it. You can count on that.
[Calling him a friend, though... She tossed the term around so casually before, but she really means it now. It's not something Corbeau's really given much thought to - and why would he? They are what they are, it doesn't need a label. But...]
Yes, exactly that! Better to force them on my path than end up with broken strings.
[...Oh. She didn't expect him to just actually say it but--
...
Jacinthe actually looks a little struck for a moment before her eyes sparkle just the tiniest bit, and she laughs and it's--a little startled, but absolutely warm and delighted and she looks surprisingly jazzed about that?]
I'm--delighted to hear that, Corbeau! [Friends!!! Genuinely, even!!!] I'm happy to know that with certainty! People are so very confusing to me even on a good day that it can be hard to tell!
Thank you. ...I should probably let you get back to your work now, shouldn't I?
[She looks so damn happy about it that he can't help but feel a little bad. If he'd realized it'd mean this much to her, he could've just told her sooner...]
I do have some things to square away before I retire for the night, but you're free to visit whenever you'd like.
[Scolipede gives Jacinthe a last (gentle) headbutt of thanks as well.]
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[He's not coming at it from the same angle she is, obviously, but he gets it. It took him a long time to learn to trust people. It took him a long time to accept that he could extend that kindness to humans and not be hurt or taken advantage of in response. Lysandre was the first person who reached out his hand and asked for nothing in return, and it gave Corbeau the courage to do the same. He understands how Lysandre's kindness became so warped, how he ended up on this path of destruction, and he hates that he's glad he didn't have to walk it with the man.]
I'll keep offering it. You can count on that.
[Calling him a friend, though... She tossed the term around so casually before, but she really means it now. It's not something Corbeau's really given much thought to - and why would he? They are what they are, it doesn't need a label. But...]
...The feeling is mutual, you know.
[It doesn't hurt any to say it.]
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[...Oh. She didn't expect him to just actually say it but--
...
Jacinthe actually looks a little struck for a moment before her eyes sparkle just the tiniest bit, and she laughs and it's--a little startled, but absolutely warm and delighted and she looks surprisingly jazzed about that?]
I'm--delighted to hear that, Corbeau! [Friends!!! Genuinely, even!!!] I'm happy to know that with certainty! People are so very confusing to me even on a good day that it can be hard to tell!
Thank you. ...I should probably let you get back to your work now, shouldn't I?
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I do have some things to square away before I retire for the night, but you're free to visit whenever you'd like.
[Scolipede gives Jacinthe a last (gentle) headbutt of thanks as well.]
Goodnight, Jacinthe. I'll see you later.
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But oh, let her give Scolipede a little affection first before she bounds off the happiest she's been in a fair while--]
Believe me, I shall--what are friends for, you know? Goodnight Corbeau, goodnight Scolipede! I shall see you both again soon!
[And Jacinthe will retire to her quarters the most jazzed she's ever been in a while!!!]