Sat Sep 15, 2012 7:43 pm by Pago Julastra
Val listened as patiently as she possibly could (which was asking a lot of the excitable creature), taking in Priya's words thoughtfully. Her whiskers twitched even as her ears constantly flicked in different directions with each word, trying to hear her as best as possible. She purred involuntarily as Priya seemed to lightly pet her once, unaccustomed to the strange touch but finding it rather pleasant, ears popping up like tiny flags to signify happiness.
When Priya was done, Val's nose scrunched up in deep thought. It was as if she were trying to sniff out the correct response.
" But ... Is not a Job. Person."
She pointed to herself emphatically.
" Val is not Mechanic, or Cook, or Navigator, or Genius: works as mechanic and cook and navigator and genius. Val is Val. Can be whatever wants to be, ya know? Does not stay around Mister Pago because Mister Pago makes credits: does so because thinks Mister Pago is koovy person. Mister Pago does not keep Val around because is best partner to ever have: keeps Val because thinks Val is koovy too."
Feeling a bit more emboldened, Val reached out very slowly and tapped a paw on Priya's shoulder, withdrawing almost immediately but having her whiskers twitch excitedly at such a brazen act.
" Does not keep Pretty Lady around because is Scary Metal Lady, or because is Pretty; Val thinks keeps Pretty Lady around because wants to have Pretty Lady around. Not just to take care, ya know? To know, to learn, to ..."
Val tried out a few more sounds that were nothing like Galactic Basic, searching for the right word and failing to find it. In frustration, she tore the glove off of her right paw, took one of Priya's hands in her left, and rubbed the soft, blue fur of her unclothed hand on the Mirialian's.
" This. Touch to Squib ... Is ... Is as close to 'sacred' as Squibs know. Means that ... That understands. Thinks Mister Pago wants to understand Pretty Lady ... And maybe have Pretty Lady understand back."
She withdrew her paw, slipping the glove back on again as her ears pressed back to her head dejectedly.
" Pretty Lady is lonely. Mister Pago is lonely. Has ... headaches. Bad Sleeps. Thinks ... Thinks Val may be first friend in long time ... Too long. Does not know why, but ... talks to Val? But never talks to Val. Is ..."
Her ears twitched up and down, almost flapping as she considered the proper word.
" Is sad, sometimes."