homeless FOREVER what am i even doing

[morphinglinguist]

[ An Asian teen in a wheelchair comes rolling in from... somewhere. He opens his mouth and, well, this comes out ever so slowly: ]

Nnnn--

Nnnnot. Sssso. [ Deep breath. ] Ez-eeee.

[ SIGH. Okay, that's it. He pulls out a cell phone (with a little fumbling) and types out what he's trying to say. ]

Not so easy to "voice test" someone for whom talking is a series of trials and tribulations, is it? Of course, we could always use an alternate method of communication, but you and I both know that's quite the risk. Tempting, though. Very tempting.

Comments

<333

[wholenewstory]

[Her brow furrows, and she studies the words for a bit before she gets the gist. Then she's nodding earnestly.]

It can be - so frustrating.

[A faint frown] Especially when people don't...understand.

[morphinglinguist]

[ He's nodding right along with her. ]

The worst part is that, most of the time, they don't even try.

[ Shakes his head. ]

[wholenewstory]

[She doesn't have to read the text, this time, she never even glances at it; she can see the response in his movements.]

And we - try so hard for them.

[morphinglinguist]

[ He lets out the heaviest of sighs. ]

Eee-ex-- exactly.

[wholenewstory]

[She sighs, too - and then her eyes widen.]

Oh! Um.

[She holds out a small, rough hand.]

I'm Cass.

[morphinglinguist]

[ He takes it and shakes even though his grip is... terrible. At best. ]

T- Tuh. Timmy.

[ But at least he's got a nice smile. ]

[wholenewstory]

[Cass doesn't mind, beaming at the sight of his smile.]

Nice name.

[Her head dips, a bit.]

It's - my brother's, too.

[morphinglinguist]

Thhhh- ank- suh. [ he's not really sure what to say! because compliments aren't exactly a thing he's used to. ] Yours, too.

Whhh- wha-[ ARGH. Okay, he's pulling out the phone again. In a minute, he shows her what he's typed: ] What is your brother like?

[wholenewstory]

[That reminds her of Steph, which pretty much means she's permanently endeared.

The smile fades into concentration as she scrutinises the words. Eventually, though, it's back - fond and warm.]

He's...quiet. Um, serious. But - kind. Inside.

[morphinglinguist]

[ He lets loose a very loud guffaw. Probably a little too loud. After some quick typing... ] Sounds just like James! But don't tell him I said that.

[ Then he frowns and adds something else. ] By the way... sorry I have to talk like this. If I need to explain something, let me know.

[wholenewstory]

[Cass chuckles, too, after she parses the words. And then she shakes her head.]

It's - okay.

[A soft smile.] We...can help each other.

[She pauses, then, considering.] And I, um. Have - my own way of... [She's not sure how to say it.]

[morphinglinguist]

[ Timmy beams at her. It's his way of saying, "Yeah!". ]

[ He chews on his lip a little, trying to get the rest of it, and failing. ] What do you mean?

[wholenewstory]

I can...see. A little. Of what you say.

My - um, first language. Was...movement.

[morphinglinguist]

Yyy- You-

[ Okay, he can turn into any animal he touches, sure. But he's still going to need a moment to let this sink in. With wide eyes, he says: ] Rrr- really?

[wholenewstory]

[Her smile is wry as she nods.] Yes. I - was never taught...words. Just...actions.

[morphinglinguist]

[ He's not sure he should be asking this, but... ] Why?

[wholenewstory]

[Her gaze drops, for a moment.]

Wanted me - to be able to...fight better. Than anyone else.

[morphinglinguist]

[ Even if he could speak, he wouldn't know what to say. Wow, way to make his life seem awesome by comparison, Cass. ]

That's terrible.

A vocabulary of the highest caliber, and yet, I don't have any better words for it.

[wholenewstory]

[She can see his sympathy, and she appreciates it, but she shakes her head.]

It's...okay. I - got out. Found...a better family.

[morphinglinguist]

[ It's a little awkward, but his smile is genuine. ]

A happy ending.