[ Chihiro is very good at boosting one's ego, whether he means to or not. ]
Well, I wasn't really healthy enough to play outside with other kids... M-my dad gave me a computer and I guess I just got really into it.
[ The rest of it is history. He blushes some, extremely shy about talking about himself. He hardly wants to brag despite 100% having bragging rights. ]
You'd really help me? Even... after everything...
[ He huffs a little, deflating somewhat. And it's honestly like impossible to imagine anyone ever being smaller than him. ]
[While Chihiro is likely not to notice, there's a massive contrast between the sugary sweet and reassuring tone of Simon's voice and the darkness in his eyes. Even his smile takes a more sinister angle at the edges, revealing more teeth.]
You've got nothing to be sorry for. Be-sides, it's what I do!
[What he used to do, anyway. Toughening children up. Spreading lies, although in all fairness, the words he's learned to preach are truer than anything else he's ever heard, at least in his eyes.]
When it comes to helpin' people like you-
[Weaklings. Crybabies. No matter- Everybody's gotta start somewhere.]
I'm a real pro.
[When it comes to fighting, and indeed, improvement, Simon is a good coach. He learned the ropes when most children were still being held at the hand by their parents, forced to survive with only the help of another another kid his age. Overly critical and highly analytical, Simon has a knack for finding weak points and increasing accuracy, but since he too isn't one would deem as a conventional army recruit, he has a special advantage.
Anyone can learn to survive, no matter the build, age, or previous skill set. What could be perceived as a weakness could easily be used against anybody else, it's all just a matter of perspective.
[ He's sorry for being sorry. Anyway, he does not really seem to notice the shift in Simon's demeanor. Chihiro is too trusting, too willing to believe in the good in every single person. Even if someone was to talk to him about Mondo, would he not speak with forgiveness in mind ...
But that's not here or there, anyway. ]
I... I really appreciate it. I promise I'll really do my best.
[ He's going to look down and fidget awkwardly but he realizes that Simon is actually still very close. So he just freezes like a scared animal and turns an obvious shade of pink.
He'll have to get over that if he expects to learn anything one-on-one from his new teacher. ]
[Simon is usually the one who gets caught looking red in the face, so to know that he's somehow made someone else turn pink is oddly quite the ego boost. In all fairness, Simon doesn't assume that the color in Chihiro's cheeks is due to Gay Thirst™, though he does smirk something fierce when he takes a very obvious gander at the smaller boy's face. Instead, he reasons that it's because the other is embarrassed on the account of being handled like a sack of half-empty potatoes. That and he's of the incorrect opinion that Chihiro is a girl, unused to even the slightest amount of physical contact with boys.]
Don't say you're sorry so much.
[Just don't say you're sorry.]
Anyone can have power, even you. Doesn't matter whether you're a girl or boy, a kid or a grown-up, or whether you're small or tall...
[In Chihiro's defense, Simon would be an ideal teacher for him. Used to working with children, he's gotten quite good at helping the seemingly not-so-threatening realize that their size could be an asset instead of a weakness. It was all a matter of working hard and using the right strategy.]
You just have to want it real bad. And, oh yeah-
[He's a tough critic, though. Consistent.
He will insist that Chihiro show up every morning for target practice. Also, the kid doesn't have any friends, so um. This will be his most passionate pet project.]
If you want somethin', just take it. It's that simple.
[ All of these thoughts are not incorrect as to the source of Chihiro's blushing, honestly. Except for the believing he's a girl, though having no contact with boys also still applies.
Regardless, he must try very, very, very hard not to apologize again. It's probably obvious he's stumbling over it. But he manages not to squeak another one out despite the fact that he really wants to. ]
O-okay. I do want it. I want to be strong!
[ He huffs. Even if his desire for strength is somewhat skewed by a society bent on masculinity, he wants to be strong so very much. He really believes that Simon can help him with it too.
Even if what he says last is mildly questionable. That seems mean, actually. You shouldn't just take things. ]
Or I could... just keep working really hard to earn it on my own?
Welp, okay. That's your call, friend! I'm not here to judge you, I'm here to guide you. Big difference!
[Baby steps.
Simon too has had his morals and goals twisted and bent by disaster, his code of of conduct warped by the tragedy that befell him as a child. Constant comparison to a best friend who seemingly always knew better and the ever-present possibility of death have made Simon insecure and reclusive. At ten years old, he took the simple lies of another tormented child and held them close to his heart. Being here in New Amsterdam, so far into the future, is a blessing in disguise, even though Simon doesn't know it.
All the information he has about this place is true.]
If it makes ya feel any better, when it comes to gettin' stronger? Hey, I've got plenty of work to do too! Maybe we can help each other.
I'm game to show you everything I know. And, if you're cool with it, maybe you could teach me a little somethin' about algorithms, hm?
[Aka, show off. God, please don't waggle your eyebrows like that Simon??? It's gross.]
I plan on pumpin' iron at the gym before I hafta go into my shift in the mornin'. You wanna be my workout buddy?
[ He nods, though he is still a little uncertain of all this. Appreciative that Simon wants to help him and guide him, of course. But uncertain nonetheless. Chihiro has never been one for a lot of confidence though. Even in his creations, which changed the entire world of Artificial Intelligence as we know it, he was self-conscious. ]
It'd be nice.. if we could learn together. [ nodnod ] A-and I'm not a very good teacher, but if you want to learn about that, I can do my best!
[ Mostly it will be Chihiro passionately geeking out about them and hoping Simon follows along. Ah but as much as he wants to meet up at the gym, the last time that happened. Well. You know. ]
Oh, um. I-I wouldn't want to get in the way. I don't think I'm ready for that yet.
What, afraid you're gonna run into some of those big, burly gym bros? Don't worry, I've got ways to keep 'em outta your hair.
[Says you, the limp noodle???
To be fair, he's pretty well versed in um... Murder. So that's actually very possible.]
I can take a hint! It sounds real scary, I know, especially at first. But remember-
[Simon waggles a particularly irritating index figure.]
No pain, no gain.
[Oh boy, and how he means that. Chihiro may not know it now, but he will learn.]
Being strong isn't for the weak. But you're only as weak as your will! Your real power's in willpower. As for your body, there's plenty we can do about that. Show up on time and often and you'll be good to go.
[ Although yes, that is very scary in and of itself. He really doesn't want to tell Simon the reason why meeting up with a strong dude for a workout sesh strikes terror into his little body.
He clutches his hands together at his chest, deep in thought. Of course he wants to be strong. But is there a limit on pain?! ]
I...um. I'll think about it.
[ He stands up suddenly, like a frightened deer ready to bolt off into the bushes. He just might too... ]
[More gently, as he picks up on Chihiro's unease. Because he's an asshole, however, Simon doesn't even bother to assume that any of this could be his fault.]
You know you're welcome to hit me up any time for a private sesh, though, right?
I'm serious. I wanna help you!
[And, he needs lackeys. This one seems impressionable enough. Simon knows how loyalty is won.]
N-no! It's not that! It's not that at all. I just—
[ Oh how does he explain himself without explaining too much? A conundrum. One he doesn't get to contemplate a whole lot as Simon takes a dive and completely gets the wrong idea. ]
[Simon, being pretty fucking awkward himself, decides that maybe it's time to return to the original subject. That's not socially acceptable, but it's not like he has any idea.]
Sooo...
D'you wanna meet me at the batting cages next Tuesday? A bunch of us are goin' to practice our aim n' stuff, and since it sounds like you're a little shy about startin' lessons...
It might be a good way to get you in the, uh-
[He clicks his tongue.]
Gear of things! And meet some new people.
C'mon! It'll be fun. And I'll be there!
[slow ur roll thirsty]
If you freak out or don't think you can handle it, I'll just walk ya home.
[ It's okay, Chihiro's a little relieved they're back to this. Even if he's still blushing because of before. But also because he's embarrassed that Simon has to point out the potential for Chihiro to freak out ... Ahhh. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
momijizukamori
no subject
Date: 2021-03-13 10:42 pm (UTC)Well, I wasn't really healthy enough to play outside with other kids... M-my dad gave me a computer and I guess I just got really into it.
[ The rest of it is history. He blushes some, extremely shy about talking about himself. He hardly wants to brag despite 100% having bragging rights. ]
You'd really help me? Even... after everything...
[ He huffs a little, deflating somewhat. And it's honestly like impossible to imagine anyone ever being smaller than him. ]
I'm sorry.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-14 12:24 am (UTC)[While Chihiro is likely not to notice, there's a massive contrast between the sugary sweet and reassuring tone of Simon's voice and the darkness in his eyes. Even his smile takes a more sinister angle at the edges, revealing more teeth.]
You've got nothing to be sorry for. Be-sides, it's what I do!
[What he used to do, anyway. Toughening children up. Spreading lies, although in all fairness, the words he's learned to preach are truer than anything else he's ever heard, at least in his eyes.]
When it comes to helpin' people like you-
[Weaklings. Crybabies. No matter- Everybody's gotta start somewhere.]
I'm a real pro.
[When it comes to fighting, and indeed, improvement, Simon is a good coach. He learned the ropes when most children were still being held at the hand by their parents, forced to survive with only the help of another another kid his age. Overly critical and highly analytical, Simon has a knack for finding weak points and increasing accuracy, but since he too isn't one would deem as a conventional army recruit, he has a special advantage.
Anyone can learn to survive, no matter the build, age, or previous skill set. What could be perceived as a weakness could easily be used against anybody else, it's all just a matter of perspective.
And what a wicked perspective it is.]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-17 02:33 am (UTC)[ He's sorry for being sorry. Anyway, he does not really seem to notice the shift in Simon's demeanor. Chihiro is too trusting, too willing to believe in the good in every single person. Even if someone was to talk to him about Mondo, would he not speak with forgiveness in mind ...
But that's not here or there, anyway. ]
I... I really appreciate it. I promise I'll really do my best.
[ He's going to look down and fidget awkwardly but he realizes that Simon is actually still very close. So he just freezes like a scared animal and turns an obvious shade of pink.
He'll have to get over that if he expects to learn anything one-on-one from his new teacher. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-17 04:19 am (UTC)[Simon is usually the one who gets caught looking red in the face, so to know that he's somehow made someone else turn pink is oddly quite the ego boost. In all fairness, Simon doesn't assume that the color in Chihiro's cheeks is due to Gay Thirst™, though he does smirk something fierce when he takes a very obvious gander at the smaller boy's face. Instead, he reasons that it's because the other is embarrassed on the account of being handled like a sack of half-empty potatoes. That and he's of the incorrect opinion that Chihiro is a girl, unused to even the slightest amount of physical contact with boys.]
Don't say you're sorry so much.
[Just don't say you're sorry.]
Anyone can have power, even you. Doesn't matter whether you're a girl or boy, a kid or a grown-up, or whether you're small or tall...
[In Chihiro's defense, Simon would be an ideal teacher for him. Used to working with children, he's gotten quite good at helping the seemingly not-so-threatening realize that their size could be an asset instead of a weakness. It was all a matter of working hard and using the right strategy.]
You just have to want it real bad. And, oh yeah-
[He's a tough critic, though. Consistent.
He will insist that Chihiro show up every morning for target practice. Also, the kid doesn't have any friends, so um. This will be his most passionate pet project.]
If you want somethin', just take it. It's that simple.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-22 11:53 pm (UTC)Regardless, he must try very, very, very hard not to apologize again. It's probably obvious he's stumbling over it. But he manages not to squeak another one out despite the fact that he really wants to. ]
O-okay. I do want it. I want to be strong!
[ He huffs. Even if his desire for strength is somewhat skewed by a society bent on masculinity, he wants to be strong so very much. He really believes that Simon can help him with it too.
Even if what he says last is mildly questionable. That seems mean, actually. You shouldn't just take things. ]
Or I could... just keep working really hard to earn it on my own?
no subject
Date: 2021-03-23 12:25 am (UTC)[Baby steps.
Simon too has had his morals and goals twisted and bent by disaster, his code of of conduct warped by the tragedy that befell him as a child. Constant comparison to a best friend who seemingly always knew better and the ever-present possibility of death have made Simon insecure and reclusive. At ten years old, he took the simple lies of another tormented child and held them close to his heart. Being here in New Amsterdam, so far into the future, is a blessing in disguise, even though Simon doesn't know it.
All the information he has about this place is true.]
If it makes ya feel any better, when it comes to gettin' stronger? Hey, I've got plenty of work to do too! Maybe we can help each other.
I'm game to show you everything I know. And, if you're cool with it, maybe you could teach me a little somethin' about algorithms, hm?
[Aka, show off. God, please don't waggle your eyebrows like that Simon??? It's gross.]
I plan on pumpin' iron at the gym before I hafta go into my shift in the mornin'. You wanna be my workout buddy?
no subject
Date: 2021-04-02 05:31 am (UTC)[ He nods, though he is still a little uncertain of all this.
Appreciative that Simon wants to help him and guide him, of course. But uncertain nonetheless. Chihiro has never been one for a lot of confidence though. Even in his creations, which changed the entire world of Artificial Intelligence as we know it, he was self-conscious. ]
It'd be nice.. if we could learn together. [ nodnod ] A-and I'm not a very good teacher, but if you want to learn about that, I can do my best!
[ Mostly it will be Chihiro passionately geeking out about them and hoping Simon follows along. Ah but as much as he wants to meet up at the gym, the last time that happened. Well. You know. ]
Oh, um. I-I wouldn't want to get in the way. I don't think I'm ready for that yet.
i'm gonna shove him in a fucking locker
Date: 2021-04-02 06:46 am (UTC)[Says you, the limp noodle???
To be fair, he's pretty well versed in um... Murder. So that's actually very possible.]
I can take a hint! It sounds real scary, I know, especially at first. But remember-
[Simon waggles a particularly irritating index figure.]
No pain, no gain.
[Oh boy, and how he means that. Chihiro may not know it now, but he will learn.]
Being strong isn't for the weak. But you're only as weak as your will! Your real power's in willpower. As for your body, there's plenty we can do about that. Show up on time and often and you'll be good to go.
Does that sound like a plan?
same
Date: 2021-04-03 12:46 am (UTC)[ Although yes, that is very scary in and of itself. He really doesn't want to tell Simon the reason why meeting up with a strong dude for a workout sesh strikes terror into his little body.
He clutches his hands together at his chest, deep in thought. Of course he wants to be strong. But is there a limit on pain?! ]
I...um. I'll think about it.
[ He stands up suddenly, like a frightened deer ready to bolt off into the bushes. He just might too... ]
I just need a little time, that's all.
POOR CHIHIRO
Date: 2021-04-03 05:04 am (UTC)Sure!
[More gently, as he picks up on Chihiro's unease. Because he's an asshole, however, Simon doesn't even bother to assume that any of this could be his fault.]
You know you're welcome to hit me up any time for a private sesh, though, right?
I'm serious. I wanna help you!
[And, he needs lackeys. This one seems impressionable enough. Simon knows how loyalty is won.]
It'll just be you and me.
AWLEF I AM SORRY HIS CIRCUMSTANCES ARE THIS.
Date: 2021-04-06 05:40 am (UTC)[ He hopes he can get up the courage. Just.
The Mondo Incident is still very fresh to him, even if no one else in this place happens to know about it (and it's better that way).
He swallows, thinking for a moment. ]
I-it doesn't have to be alone right? I'm sure other people want to train- Well, I guess it wouldn't be in the middle of the night either...
[ Chihiro what ]
1/? i'm so sorry for these
Date: 2021-04-06 06:03 am (UTC)Huh? You don't have to train with me if you don't want to.
[His nose scrunches up bigtime.]
Why would we be training in the middle of the-
2/?
Date: 2021-04-06 06:03 am (UTC)3/3 GO SDLKJF LASKDJFAKSDJFASKDL
Date: 2021-04-06 06:07 am (UTC)[SIMON]
Those are not the sort of lessons I'm offerin' to ya, I...
[THAT'S NOT HELPING LAKSDJFASDLKFJ SIMO N HOW-]
I'm not qualified.
[SIMOOOOOOOOOOON]
I don't think I have enough experience.
AWLKJEF I'M CRYING ALL OVER AGAIN--?! 1/??
Date: 2021-04-06 09:09 pm (UTC)[ Oh how does he explain himself without explaining too much? A conundrum. One he doesn't get to contemplate a whole lot as Simon takes a dive and completely gets the wrong idea. ]
2/4 JUST BECAUSE
Date: 2021-04-06 09:10 pm (UTC)WHAT. WAIT. ]
3/4
Date: 2021-04-06 09:11 pm (UTC)This is not what Chihiro intended????
Simon must think he's a girl. That much is obvious. but
Does he look like THAT KIND of girl? Oh no... what should he do.
He can feel that his face is extremely hot, so he knows it must be the color of a fire hydrant. ]
4/4
Date: 2021-04-06 09:13 pm (UTC)That— That's not what I meant!! I-I'm sorry!
I don't really know what to say to that, so—
[ AWLKWLKEJFAWEF????
In computer related terms, he's just short-circuited ]
I didn't mean to give you ideas about me!!
no subject
Date: 2021-04-06 09:17 pm (UTC)I didn't mean to imply that you were-
[He's now waving his hands frantically in front of his body, rip, smol nerd and tol nerd.]
Or that I was...! I can assure you that I have never engaged in that type of... Erm, activity.
SORRY FOR THE WAIT
Date: 2021-04-17 09:15 pm (UTC)Also with anyone else, admitting you're a virgin like that is probably not the greatest idea. Thankfully Chihiro's not in any position to judge. ]
I-I see. Then... um...
[ He doesn't know what to say. Where do you go when you've reached the point of no return. ]
YOU ARE GOOD FRIEND no need to apologize!!!
Date: 2021-04-18 12:45 am (UTC)Sooo...
D'you wanna meet me at the batting cages next Tuesday? A bunch of us are goin' to practice our aim n' stuff, and since it sounds like you're a little shy about startin' lessons...
It might be a good way to get you in the, uh-
[He clicks his tongue.]
Gear of things! And meet some new people.
C'mon! It'll be fun. And I'll be there!
[slow ur roll thirsty]
If you freak out or don't think you can handle it, I'll just walk ya home.
How does that sound?
no subject
Date: 2021-04-28 06:17 pm (UTC)R...right.
[ Uuu... he fidgets a little. ]
Okay. I'll come! I'll be there...for- for sure.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-01 03:05 am (UTC)[Simon doesn't realize how commanding that sounds. After all, he isn't used to most normal human interaction.]
We're gonna have so much fun.
[aka... get ready to sweat, chihiro]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 07:25 pm (UTC)"so much fun" doesn't mean murder, right??? ]
Um... yeah. Aha... can't wait.
I'll do my best...