Fern follows, though it's not just Henry's tone as he makes that remark about people getting a chance to appreciate it that gives her a hint into that pride, that cynicism. It's as if she can feel those spikes of emotion as he speaks, allowing her that additional glimpse into him. (And they're going to have to discuss that, as soon as they're settled inside.) The thing is, he's probably right and it's only a matter of time before his hard work is scrawled over. With this many people all living in a city together, it's not that uncommon for things like common decency to go out the window.
As Fern turns the corner and finds the mural there, however, she pauses at a distance to study it in full. It's how it's supposed to be viewed, after all. And the nature scene may not be what she expected, but she does realize that it makes some sense to want a facsimile of nature on the grungy streets of Panorama.
It's not the same as cultivating a park or something like that, but the pop of color does make the street look more attractive. ]
It is eye-catching. [ She's impressed. A pause, and she draws closer to study some of the painstaking details of the plants and vines, the attention to detail that he took when painting it all out. She lifts one hand, tracing some of the lines, but her palm hovers rather than making direct contact with the paint. ] This must have taken a long time. Maybe there's something to be said for your work ethic after all.
[ A little tease, though her tone hardly changes.
Then Fern notices them: a spider here or there. She can see why he decided to go with a mural that focused on bugs, specifically. She points to one, glancing back to Henry with a controlled smile. ] I'm starting to notice a pattern with your interests.
[She will feel a faint vibration of appreciation radiating from him, like it were a string gently and subtly plucked within her. Despite Henry's generally unkind view of the world and the human society that festers within its confines, he is still beholden to very human emotions, and pride in one's work (if it is work that he is invested in) is one of the more straightforward ways to spark it.
He clasps his hands behind his back as she examines the mural and its finer details.]
I like to start what I finish. [He deflects her tease by sounding unaffected by it, and adding-] But you'll notice I'm not exactly clamoring for more work right now.
[Though that may be partially due to their run-in with the Skinner, and his powers being on the fritz.
[ It's not exactly out of the ordinary to enjoy being praised for a job well done, and so Fern can't say that she's taken aback at what she feels from him in response to her words. The fact that she's feeling it at all is the strange part. He's a psionic, a rather accomplished one with a long list of abilities, but if he's actively sharing his emotions with her, that's new.
Is it because of all they've been through? Some show of trust, perhaps? ]
If you continue with this sort of thing, I imagine word will spread. You might find another job offer before you know it, if you're willing to put yourself out there.
[ Not that he needs her advice, but it seems to be how mercenaries earn their livelihoods. Who's to say it wouldn't be the same for a freelance artist?
As for his question, Fern suspects it's one he already knows the answer to. But fine, she'll humor him. With a knowing tilt of her head: ] You're quite fond of spiders, aren't you?
He nods, pleased. Every little vibration of their connection thrums with satisfaction, but something deeper sings when the mention of spiders properly comes into play. The opposite of what might've drawn her to him that day they shared a game of bowling: camaraderie, the ability to relate, and an old feeling of nostalgia.]
That's right. They're my favorite.
[A simple statement, plain and true. Almost childlike in its straightforwardness.]
They're surprisingly efficient and deadly predators for their size, but... They're a bit misunderstood, too, don't you think?
[ That's a strong wave of position feelings to get from a man who's only ever given her the most pasted-on and polite of smiles. Fern's distracted by it for a moment. She'd gathered that Henry liked spiders, but this is an adoration she could have never predicted, causing her to blink a few times as she processes.
They're my favorite. It's not a common choice, but she isn't at all judgmental; just a tad confused.
Still, Henry's quick to give his explanation on why, causing Fern to consider for a few seconds. ]
Because there are so many who fear them? It's true that most people won't even give them a chance even though they can be quite useful as exterminators of pests. [ Like flies and other more bothersome insects.
A pause, and she levels a stare at him, her mouth curving up just slightly at one corner. ] So you feel you share a few things in common with them? [ Look, it's obvious. She may as well get it out there. ]
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Fern follows, though it's not just Henry's tone as he makes that remark about people getting a chance to appreciate it that gives her a hint into that pride, that cynicism. It's as if she can feel those spikes of emotion as he speaks, allowing her that additional glimpse into him. (And they're going to have to discuss that, as soon as they're settled inside.) The thing is, he's probably right and it's only a matter of time before his hard work is scrawled over. With this many people all living in a city together, it's not that uncommon for things like common decency to go out the window.
As Fern turns the corner and finds the mural there, however, she pauses at a distance to study it in full. It's how it's supposed to be viewed, after all. And the nature scene may not be what she expected, but she does realize that it makes some sense to want a facsimile of nature on the grungy streets of Panorama.
It's not the same as cultivating a park or something like that, but the pop of color does make the street look more attractive. ]
It is eye-catching. [ She's impressed. A pause, and she draws closer to study some of the painstaking details of the plants and vines, the attention to detail that he took when painting it all out. She lifts one hand, tracing some of the lines, but her palm hovers rather than making direct contact with the paint. ] This must have taken a long time. Maybe there's something to be said for your work ethic after all.
[ A little tease, though her tone hardly changes.
Then Fern notices them: a spider here or there. She can see why he decided to go with a mural that focused on bugs, specifically. She points to one, glancing back to Henry with a controlled smile. ] I'm starting to notice a pattern with your interests.
no subject
He clasps his hands behind his back as she examines the mural and its finer details.]
I like to start what I finish. [He deflects her tease by sounding unaffected by it, and adding-] But you'll notice I'm not exactly clamoring for more work right now.
[Though that may be partially due to their run-in with the Skinner, and his powers being on the fritz.
Still, a shrug, and a knowing, leading question-]
But what pattern is that, exactly?
no subject
Is it because of all they've been through? Some show of trust, perhaps? ]
If you continue with this sort of thing, I imagine word will spread. You might find another job offer before you know it, if you're willing to put yourself out there.
[ Not that he needs her advice, but it seems to be how mercenaries earn their livelihoods. Who's to say it wouldn't be the same for a freelance artist?
As for his question, Fern suspects it's one he already knows the answer to. But fine, she'll humor him. With a knowing tilt of her head: ] You're quite fond of spiders, aren't you?
no subject
He nods, pleased. Every little vibration of their connection thrums with satisfaction, but something deeper sings when the mention of spiders properly comes into play. The opposite of what might've drawn her to him that day they shared a game of bowling: camaraderie, the ability to relate, and an old feeling of nostalgia.]
That's right. They're my favorite.
[A simple statement, plain and true. Almost childlike in its straightforwardness.]
They're surprisingly efficient and deadly predators for their size, but... They're a bit misunderstood, too, don't you think?
[asking like she might have an opinion on spoods]
no subject
They're my favorite. It's not a common choice, but she isn't at all judgmental; just a tad confused.
Still, Henry's quick to give his explanation on why, causing Fern to consider for a few seconds. ]
Because there are so many who fear them? It's true that most people won't even give them a chance even though they can be quite useful as exterminators of pests. [ Like flies and other more bothersome insects.
A pause, and she levels a stare at him, her mouth curving up just slightly at one corner. ] So you feel you share a few things in common with them? [ Look, it's obvious. She may as well get it out there. ]