sixthiterationtexts | OTA Video | UN: FormerPilot | & Private Video @Seifer and @Rinoa

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OTA Video | UN: FormerPilot | & Private Video @Seifer and @Rinoa

[The video starts on a young man that looks a bit tired, but if you know Nida you know that's probably status quo. At least he knows how to easily position his arm to get himself framed well now that the video's started. And, if you were one of those already lucky ~~or maybe unlucky~~ enough to know him, his nervousness is evident in how he runs his right hand through his hair, his main nervous tick.]

Hey, Nida here. Uh, so I've been trying to figure out how to approach this for a week or so now, since the 'party' thing that happened. And while I've been through this device and a lot of different filtering options, I can't seem to find one that will, sight unseen, just filter to young adults.

So to start, if you're over, let's go with around twenty-two, years of age, you can probably disregard this message. Sorry, this thing is entirely about being younger here and so not really looking for as much feedback from adults that adult-ier than that.

[He has the decency to cringe at that word choice. 'Adult-ier'. Yeah, he half expects grief from those 'adultier' people for even making this, but hey, he's had a number of people give him hard looks because they were judging what it was to be a young adult with his experience so, to quote his boss, 'Whatever'.]

So, for any of those younger folk who haven't just shut me off by this point because my entire thing has been lame so far, I've got a proposition. I mean, at the New Year's Eve thing I noticed there are a lot more of us that I'd really, I don't know, anticipated? Which isn't an issue of course. And I imagine that for people from backgrounds where socializing and school and frequent releases of new movies [a small pause because really the guy looks half puzzled at that idea] was really a thing, it can be lonely here. Especially without people your age to talk to.

Especially with how sometimes the adults here get very awkward over our life experiences because I know I've heard that expressed sometimes.

Anyway, what I've been thinking is that we're here, and maybe we should figure out what to do with that fact? I'm not saying we make a young people club. Just, you know, network. Not electronic network, more the whole 'make connections with other people' network. Maybe meet up sometimes, or at least know who other people our age are, know there are maybe couches to crash on when you need to get away from situations, or someone to listen when you've got to talk, or just to share backgrounds without the inherent 'those life experiences are too big for someone your age' worried looks the older people get.

So, well, to sum up. Because basically I seem to be rambling and I normally only manage that when I'm having discussions of things like magic.

We're young. They're not as young. Sometimes that makes tension. So let's make friends who are young? If that appeals just, chat up here for right now? We can maybe talk about having a meet up later this month if people want that. Like that knitting group or whatever but for hanging out.

[He knows Rin wouldn't mind using the house for that. Seifer he'll... maybe bribe to be cool with it? Worst comes to worst schoolhouse. Or see if Billy and Tommy could host?

Look at this guy, looking more awkward at the end than he ever did at the start. Clearly a strange mixture of the nervous high school, or college really, nerd and a really built jock. And he looks like this whole process was like pulling teeth. But he does manage something like a smile because he figures that's the best way to end this.]

I'm shutting up now. Okay.

[There's a very quiet, under the breath curse that can't easily be made out, but clearly Seifer or Rinoa would know it's him cursing Hyne.]

Private Video to Seifer and Rinoa

[Clearly starts back up only seconds after the last one ended, and he looks even more awkward if that is possible. Of course it is because the video is still pointed in the direction of his head. But said head is currently face down, hidden by the fact of being pressed against their kitchen table. And his voice is only somewhat muffled as he speaks.]

I mean, all of this isn't a stupid idea, right? You can't tell me you two don't get the judgmental looks whenever we bring up anything about life back home. I guess it might not be as always bad on you, Rinoa, cause you had something vaguely resembling a non-mercenary life, I suppose. But I've heard Billy [the first time he's actually used the name of the guy he talks about sometimes at meals with them to fill quiet gaps] mention how someone called 'Captain America' would give him grief for heroing and stuff, and I know Kamala was reaching out to try and talk to people when her birthday was coming up about what it's like to be older.

It's clear there needs to be some way for young adults and late teens people to have the sort of... possible social interactions, right? Even Garden got that, and I know how we were raised was weird. Just feels so much like I'm casting doom on myself because I'm on the older end of the range I made up, and I spend a lot of time trying to get some of the 'adultier' [he groans because what a stupid word he used, fuck Seifer's not going to let that go] to not make me feel actively like I have to prove myself. Literally had to fight a guy. I'll explain that over dinner but...

Shiva's Tits, how do you delete stupid off the Internet guys?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It was fun. She's great. It's hard to be worried or upset around her. I mean, I've got my skills, but talking to groups of people isn't really one of them. I do all right one on one, though, I think. I mean, you're still talking to me.

[Sadly, he misses that little smile, although he's still grinning as he lifts a hand to his head, looking slightly guilty.]

I know, I know, it's dumb. Super first world problems. Just, my hair was always the one thing I liked about the way I looked. I guess I should suck it up and deal. It'll be fine in a couple months once it gets through this awkward middle stage, I guess. I'm gonna have to get a headband or something for training. Or just shave my head.

[He would never.]

I'm best for one on one interaction. Or in small training classes. Okay, sometimes maybe tiny groups, but that was part of work.

[Now look, you've got Nida shocked by that comment. That's the one thing you like?]

Okay, two things. First, talk to Zevran. He cuts hair. But don't shave it. It's too nice to do that to. Second, wow, you've got so many other great qualities, don't make me make a list.

Just talk to everyone like you talk to me. You're great at that.

[And now it's Billy's turn to look shocked, though the expression is quickly replaced by another laugh, a hand lifting to tug at his right earlobe, that same self-conscious gesture Nida's noted before.]

A list, huh? I mean, you definitely don't need to do that. [Mostly because he's sure it'd all be invented, but also because he'd definitely be five shades of red before the end.] Does Zevran have scissors that do hair? Because all we found around are these not-so-amazing kitchen shears, and let me tell you how much I don't want those near my head.

[Really? Nida looks half confused for a moment. Because how could he talk to anyone else like this? This is how he talks to Billy. But then his expression softens because of that gesture.]

I think he does. You'd have to check with him.

And come on, you have a great voice. Charming smile too.

[And here Billy's thinking he's not special at all.]

You're just saying that because your weird superpower is making me smile.

[Is that teasing? Maybe a little bit.]

I guess my voice has to be at least all right, considering how much you listen to it, huh? Which, speaking of, are we still on for finishing up Episode 3 tonight?

[And look, he's switching over to private channels now. Why so? Because he's a bit flustered and he likes to keep that to himself. That's what he's tellign himself. It's not because Rinos is being weird.

Is that such a bad superpower to have? Who needs magic or speed or dancing? I can make someone smile for a change.

Your voice has to be good to keep me listening every night. Or maybe it's the story.

[See, he can tease too.]

I'm absolutely ready to finish it. I just... don't get why the number order is so confusing.

And Billy? You've got great cheekbones.

[Private channels are fine by him. Not that he's embarrassed to be friends with Nida or anything, just... it's nice, just the two of them talking. That's all.]

I mean, the dancing's pretty great, too. Let's keep both of those, okay?

[He laughs at Nida's teasing, but honestly he doesn't disagree.]

It's like I said, first there was the original trilogy, and those weren't numbered. Then Lucas went back to tell Anakin's story in the prequel trilogy, so they numbered them to keep the chronology straight. And now there's another one coming out, but I haven't seen it yet, so our storytime will end after Return of the Jedi.

[And then there's that cheekbone comment, which means he's extra glad this is private because it means no one is seeing him turn pink. It's just because he's never heard that before.]

You do a lot of rating people's cheekbones? Is that why you're so good at making me smile?

[Like they don't already talk at least twice a week. If not more. Nida just lying there in bed, pretending to get sleeply, his bedroom lights out so Billy can't look out his window and see that Nida is still totally there with his lights on. And he listens, curled up under his blanket. Sometimes just lays there and lets Billy think he's fallen asleep so he feels like the story is doing it's job. Part of why he goes with audio only those times.]

Yeah, the dancing is, like, four to five years of education and practice. And you were so much better than I was. And can do more sorts of dancing. So let's not say that's a super power since yours then would be even more super.

Mostly, though, I'm ready to figure out this Anakin thing. How he becomes the bad guy.

[Pink? Really? That's a really good color on him. And it's nice and high in those same cheekbones. Really enhances it.]

How? Billy, I was literally a trained spy. Part of that is getting people to like you to give you information. Not kidding, I had an entire half a class dedicated to the art of compliments and verbal provocation to get what you want. I was trained to make people smile.

[Of course his own look gets a bit darker. He told Billy about not getting to make his own choices before coming here, not really. This... he guess it sorta underlines it. In a way. And he looks away from the video, sighing.]

That isn't to say they aren't wonderful. The best compliments come from the truth.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree about who's better. Either that, or have a rematch sometime. And Anakin became Vader the same way any good villain does--but I mean, we haven't gotten there yet, so I won't ruin it.

[His expression falls a little as Nida's darkens, a touch of uncertainty in his expression mingled with understanding. They do talk at least a few nights a week, and he's got suspicions about how much his stories actually help, but truth be told he likes talking to Nida too much to stop.]

Yeah, you're a spy. And you were trained to do that kind of thing. But, y'know, you're also my friend. You know that. And I don't think you do that with me just because it's what you were trained to do. Do you?

[He hopes not, amyway.]

You that eager to see me lose in a dancing competition? Must you so thoroughly humiliate me with your grace and theater skills? [He brushes away a faked tear.> I thought we were friends.

[A light-hearted moment. Because he's good at those. But he relaxes a bit when Billy calls him his friend. Again. Strange how that helps.]

No. I don't do it because of that. I mean, if the first time we met it was face to face, I probably would have to flirt with you. But mostly I do it because I don't like to hear you get down on yourself. Because you're a nice guy. And you make me smile. Which means I owe you smiles in return.

And people smile when they get complimented. See? Two birds, one stone. The other bird being correcting your woefully incorrect idea that you're not as handsome as you are.

[His smile is small, but just reinforces Nida's theory.]

Well I mean, when you put it that way...

[He's still not gonna completely believe it, but it's nice to hear. Makes him feel kinda warm. Nida is a good friend to say it.]

I'll just have to trust you instead of the mirror to tell me how I look, right?

I think that'd be a very good idea. See, I've been told a few times that I'm an attractive guy, and I really don't buy it. But since whether I look good or not is more about whether other people think I'm attractive, I guess I have to trust other people.

And you should trust me. Would I lie?

[He does his best to look innocent. Come on, see this face, would it lie to you? Would he? Not even.]

You don't buy it, really? I mean, that's probably at least a little good, arrogance is totally unsexy, but I mean. Come on.

[The look Billy gives Nida is equal parts mock suspicion and dubious amusement.]

I don't think you'd lie to me about anything important. Does that count?

[Well, Nida's smiling at Billy now, genuinely. What he says next is teasing, and he doens't mind it.]

Wow, I'm sorta hurt there, Billy. You think I'd lie to you about unimportant things?

Mmm, outright lying, maybe not. But I think you'd definitely fudge things a little if you thought it would make me feel better about myself. Although I take it back. You would totally lie if you were trying to keep a secret to surprise me.

[He might be grinning a little, too.]

Too egotistical? Or just enough?

Yes, I would keep a secret for your sake, if it was a gift.

[Less playful, his smile softens and he almost looks serious.]

I'm not lying about your looks. Back home I would have tried to seduce you by now.

[Billy looks surprised at that, a laugh startled out of him.]

And then you probably would have died of laughter. I don't think anyone's ever actually tried to seduce me. Probably for the best, I am so not seduction material, unless you find flailing and tripping over words and also shoelaces attractive. I'm a disaster. You could do so much better.

I swear on my life, I'm not joking. I would have. But I admit, I'd probably laugh over tripping over shoelaces.

[Who needs 'better' with a seduction?]

Don't worry, Billy, I won't make you self conscious by trying to get you out of your clothes outside of when you're overheated from workout.

Mind if I come over sometime soon? My housemates are being weird.

And you would totally be justified. You don't wanna know how many times that one's happened.

[For a dancer, Billy definitely has his share of uncoordinated moments.]

You're a true pal. And of course, what kind of friend would I be if I said no? We still don't have power, but we've got plenty of candles and the heat's working. How are they being weird?

You know, for a dancer, that isn't the best. Don't worry, combat skills teach you far better situational awareness. You might stop doing that. I'll try and help.

[Now Nida looks uncomfortable. How can he explain that Rinoa thinks he has a crush on Billy, which is clearly completely ridiculous? They're friends. This is just friendship and he's being a good friend.]

Maybe I'm bored with electricity. Maybe I want to camp out with my friend. Maybe I just don't like how silly they are being.

[Okay, he can clearly tell Nida looks uncomfortable, so he won't push, but for his part Billy just looks completely bemused.]

I would've thought it's too early in winter for cabin fever to set in. But yeah, obviously you can come over any time. You can even stay, if you want. I'm sorry they're being silly.

I could try and talk to Rinoa about it, if it's really bothering you.

[This is the genuinely earnest offer of a friend who has no idea.]

[Nida's eyes go huge at the suggestion of Billy talking to Rinoa. Half a second of panic.]

No. Nope. Don't do that. It's really okay. We're fine. Rinoa and I are totally cool. So what do are we talking about tonight? End of Episode Three right? Right. So maybe tonight I can just come over and listen in person and sleep on the floor.

[He is even more confused but ok, Nida, whatever you need, buddy.]

Uh, yeah. Yeah, you can totally do that. We can make it a thing. We can pull the cushions off the couch, make something more comfortable to sleep on, I can get some popcorn from Frank so you can get the full movie night experience? I mean, there's no cherry icees, but we can make do.

I'm more than capable of being happy on the floor Billy. I've slept on forest floors before. I'm okay.

So long as I've got you and a good story, I don't need popcorn.

[He doesn't even realize how sappy that sounds]

[Totally not sappy, just...nice. Yes. Just nice things friends say, and he's grinning at the words anyway.]

You can, yeah, but I'll feel better if I give you something better than a forest floor to sleep on. Less likely to give you splinters or make you catch a cold. So you'll humor me, right?

The worst

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