005 Tracking

[whitefeathered]

So . . . if you work for the companies, are you going to do what they say?


Locked to Ahiru, Gilbert, Kaito, and probably Joe.

I know almost none of you like me working for them anyway, and I don't really either, but . . . right now I really want to keep my job. But if I affiliate, then what? Especially if I want to get out later?

I don't like the tracking. I don't even know if I could pass a "loyalty screening," whatever that is.

I'm worried. But I have to figure out what to do fast.

Comments

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

[The idea makes him bristle]

It'd be better if they didn't at all. But if they're watching. . . we can be careful.

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

You're going to be careful?

[The words fall into an old pattern, but the thread that runs underneath them is too tired to really play.]

[Mumbled,] How?

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

. . . 'm used to keeping secrets. I can teach you how to, as well.

[a beat]

And even if you continued to work for 'em. . . they wouldn't just watch you at work.

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

Mou . . .

[About all out of arguments except that the whole thing makes her tired.]

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

[He pauses, then shakes his head-- another action she can't see]

I just don't want either of us in over our heads. That's all.

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

I know.

[The words are just quiet. He's pretty much won the conversation.]

[She wouldn't have minded his touch right then, were it available.]

Just . . . worried. If later I find out I should've stayed.

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

What would happen later to make things any different?

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

[He always found some kind of way to ruin a moment.]

. . . If I knew that, I'd probably have a reason to stay, wouldn't I?

[Sometimes men were dense.]

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

And I can't think of any good reasons for you to. So. . . don't worry about it.

[some men were particularly dense]

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

[Very. Aoko's response is almost annoyed, flippant.]

Guess I just can't take it as lightly as Kaito.

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

I'm not taking it lightly.

[he's attempting to be encouraging. but there's a slight pause before he speaks again]

Where are you?

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

On my way home. Why?

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

[he feels relieved when she says that]

I'm already here when you make it. [and then, lightly teasing] Just don't take too long.

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

Because what -- you don't have anyone to make dinner?

[Once in a feisty mood, Aoko is not so easily lured!]

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

Because I'm teasing. I'm allowed to tease, aren't I?

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

No.

[Feisty Aoko is feisty. And stubborn.]

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

[somehow he had expected that response]

Oi.

[voice | private]

[whitefeathered]

[Well, he had set himself up for it.]

So I'll be home in a few minutes. And you get to make dinner.

[voice | private]

[pandorabox]

[eyeroll]

Fine, fine. I'll have it started by the time you get here.