Second Unused Utility Belt | Video

[hellofist]

[Today, Cass is dressed like a normal person. She's sitting in the cafeteria with a mug of tea, perched in a chair with her knees drawn up to her chest and her oversized sweater pulled over them so she's just a blob of blue fabric with arms. Even the hood is up. With her chin on her knees and her eyes on the tea, she speaks to the comm quietly.]

Had all the words. Could make them, if I wanted. Could write. Talked normal. Was normal.

Couldn't see bodies talking. Didn't need. [Her fist comes up to rub at her temple.] Makes headaches, now.

Does that... happen a lot? Was confusing. Was not fun.

Comments

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[looksfine]

[Aya's voice is, if possible, softer than usual.]

I have been told such events will be a semi-regular occurrence, yes. Though the effects will vary each time.

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[hellofist]

[As much as she doesn't want to read anyone right now, she doesn't have to do more than glance at Aya to see she's been affected too.]

Didn't have fun either?

[ Spam ] IDWIW - but can change if it's not okay

[surfaceshine]

[Dean is checking his communicator and the network when he sees the message, and then recognizes himself walking through the background of the video and hears the voice in stereo. He pauses, glances around until he locates the sweater-ball girl, and clicks his communicator closed. He's only drinking coffee right now, so he's free to just flop down into the seat next to her.

She's new. He vaguely remembers something on the network but hasn't seen enough of her to recognize her yet, so he's fairly flippant when he smiles and cranes his neck to see.]

You were ahead of about 85% of the class, then, sweetheart. Don't worry about it - it all sorts out sooner or later.

[ Spam ] I accept that <3

[hellofist]

[Sweater-ball girl wasn't expecting company, but she isn't entirely adverse to it. Really, it's kind of okay if it means a distraction. Her feet shuffle until she's turned more toward him so she can get a better look at him.]

Sooner would... be good. I'm Cassandra.

[She sticks her hand out, and it is balled up in a fist, but her sweater cover her whole hand. You can work around that right Dean?]

[intofireforever]

["Bodies talking" sounds concerning.]

Are you okay?

[hellofist]

[One day, someone will explain to Cass that wording is a very important thing. Many months later, she'll start putting that into action. For now, she's oblivious.]

Will be. Don't like breaches. Dumb name, anyway.

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[buildindreemz]

They are really confusing, and really not fun. And they happen far too often, as far as I'm concerned.

Are you okay? Do you need something for the headache?

video;

[hellofist]

Can't skip them? Hide under bed?

Will be okay. Thank you. Was it bad... for you?

[onceandfutureprat]

[He feels bad for you, new and weird friend :c]

It gets somewhat easier to deal with.

[hellofist]

[See? Batpout. It's more effective than you think.]

But not much? Not hopeful, then.

[love_slave]

I'm learning to read and write. We could learn together if you want.

[Stupid... brainwashing upbringings.]

[hellofist]

[Cass perks up a little at that. Here she thought she was the only one.]

How much... do you know?

[text]

[wemaketheworld]

Happens enough.

Isn't supposed to be fun.

[A few seconds pass before he adds:]

Usually educational. Rarely fun.

[video]

[hellofist]

[Normally, Cass will at least attempt to make out words when she has to. Now, though? She just ignores the text completely.]

Can't read.

[peektuttut]

Not a lot, but it does happen. Do you...I could try and help you, if you want.

[hellofist]

[She remembers all the books he had, taking one and looking at it and just falling asleep with it. Tim is one of the smartest people she knows. If anyone can help her learn to read, it would be him.]

Okay. It's... hard. The words don't stay.

[takeyouapart]

I'm sorry. I should have warned you, or - made sure you knew, anyway.

[hellofist]

No- not your job. No guilt. It's okay.

[She isn't very okay, but she can hardly blame Merlin for not mentioning something they didn't know might happen.]

[batmanschmatman]

The memories start fading a little, with time. You'll get used to it.

[hellofist]

[Have a little huff, Dick. She doesn't buy that.]

Yeah? When?

[ichoosefight]

It does happen kind of a lot, actually. Not always like that, though. Bad timing, I guess.

[hellofist]

[OH GUILT. And oh, her face is so red right now.]

Um... I did- Something...

Kon-

[sharpememory]

Being normal is overrated.

[hellofist]

Only normal people... think that.

[darknessb4me]

Yes.

[hellofist]

[There is a heavy, heavy sigh.]

Figures.

[hungryanhorny]

Every couple of month; yeah.

You alright?

[hellofist]

That's... too much.

Will be. In time. Hurts now.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Her voice is soft, but intent.]

Normal is relative. It's definitely not better.

[hellofist]

[Finally someone who understands that. Just hearing Barbara's voice makes her feel better.]

Giving and taking away... mean. Are you okay?