everythinglost: (Default)
Fitz Kreiner ([personal profile] everythinglost) wrote in [community profile] theclipper_tlv2022-08-03 06:54 pm

Blue Jay Way

Who: Fitz & open
What: Getting the lay of the land
When: Early August
Where: around the Clipper
Warnings: tba if needed

Fitz is well aware that it says something about his lifestyle that the Clipper reminds him of several places he's ended up over the years. On the other hand, being chained in a dank basement would also remind him of many places he's been over the years, so he generally figures it's not worth thinking about. The familiarity isn't a good thing - and the lack of cigarettes, drinks or a fudging door just rub in a short list of what he hates about it. But it does stop any particular outbursts of anger. He's not resigned to it, so he keeps his cool.

For the most part, he goes through the motions of playing along. He slouches, half-asleep in the common room during singalong, wincing occasionally. He reads in an overly comfortable chair, trying not to roll his eyes too often at the content. He tries to find someone to sit with during meals, and even actually enjoys the bathhouse. But, while he usually can't muster up actual cheer, there is a certain focus under the surface, which can be rare to see in him.

He's also doing his best to keep an eye on his friends, to see how they're handling it all. After all, part of 'familiar' also means knowing how much it sucks to play along - and some of the consequences to failing to play the part.
abrightboy: (got his attention)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-08 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"You're the one that assumed they were crazy, when you could have assumed otherwise," Malcolm points out. "You've internalized this idea of insanity - and insanity you never could have avoided - as part of your identity. And also as a handy excuse for bad behaviour, I think."
abrightboy: (fond contemplates)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-08 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
“So your good behaviour is a smoke screen. What’s it covering? A little rebellious streak you can paint as the acting out of a mad man?” Malcolm muses.
abrightboy: (legit smile)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-08 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
“Your gold star participation in the program. Showing up for singalong, reading the books, not getting into fights or trashing the place. You know. Checking the boxes,” Malcolm reminds him.
abrightboy: (regretful)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-08 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Malcolm leans forward slightly, like he’s got a secret to share.

“Good might be relative. Apparently, some people are considering trying to escape.”
abrightboy: (pretty pleased)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-08 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
“Graduating isn’t exactly a diabolical escape plan. It’s helping yourself,” Malcolm points out. “Dealing with your trauma, processing your difficult feelings.”
abrightboy: (counterpoint)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-09 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, you're not assigned to me," Malcolm points out. "Who is your assistant?"
abrightboy: (pretty pleased)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-09 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Someone else. I'm not sure he would appreciate me discussing his case with another patient. How can you not have an assistant assigned to you? That's not how this is supposed to work," Malcolm tells him.
abrightboy: (makes a point)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-09 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll speak to the Nurse," Malcolm says, standing up. "It has to be some sort of an oversight. You can't pass the program without an assistant to guide you."
abrightboy: (pays attention)

[personal profile] abrightboy 2022-08-09 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
Malcolm watches him appraisingly for a moment, then nods and leaves.