MHA #3 - Friday

[mother_love]

Billy had managed to avoid leaving the apartment at all yesterday, which was probably for the best. It also meant he had actually managed to get a few extra hours of sleep- which was always nice, especially a few days out from giving Jon a statement.

That last meet up had handwavedly ended pretty quickly when they were done. So Billy figured he should check in and make sure Jon was doing ok. it had been a bit of a different statement than normal so, couldn't hurt to touch base, right?

So, Billy pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Jon.


(Is expecting one at some point, but totally open for anyone else to drop by!)

Comments

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"I'm not entirely sure that's true, but I'm glad you think so," Jon said. "It's...it has been...easier."

[mother_love]

"Good," Billy said with a genuinely glad look. "Us socially awkward, mostly loner types have to look out for each other after all right?"

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

Jon eyed Billy's stature and physique. "I, um. I'm fairly sure we're not the same type."

He was a noodle-armed academic. Billy was Not.

[mother_love]

"Ah in that way no, no we aren't. Difference keep things interesting though." Billy said with a slight shrug. "Maybe that is partly why we ended up here on the island.... All these different people filling niches and complementing collection of strengths and weaknesses."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"Or we're just...the flotsam of the universes," Jon said. "Ending up here by chance."

Such an optimist.

[mother_love]

Billy gave Jon a bit of a side eye glance and sipped the tea for a moment before setting the mug down again ant looking at Jon squarely.

"Well... that's one way to look at it of course. If that is the tone you want to set for your life.' There was a slight pause before Billy continued. "Speaking from experience though, it doesn't work out all that well."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

Jon gave him a sour look back. "Speaking from experience, nothing does. No matter how I look at it, that won't change anything."

Sorry, Billy; Jon had reason for his fatalism.

[mother_love]

"Fair enough" Billy said with a shrug. "Guess only time will tell."

He knew a losing battle when he saw one. He knew that much of Jon already to know that line of conversation would lead no where. And so he focused on the content of his nearly empty mug before venturing to speak again.

"So, class seems to be going pretty good so far this semester" he offered, again painfully aware of how much he really did suck at social interactions outside a very limited and restricted set of parameters. "I think it's been good so far at least."

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"I hope so," Jon said. "Without knowing where or when everybody's coming from, it's difficult to say, but at least it should help a bit."

And prove to everybody that yes, he was actually a millennial and not a boomer.

[mother_love]

Pffft please you weren't that old looking there Jon.

"Eh general topics and such are a safe bet really. Those unfamiliar can get a crash course, and those that know more or who are even experienced with it can get a chance to show off their skills and brag a bit. Sounds like a win-win overall," Billy added with slight nod.

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

No, he only looked near fifty instead of thirty.

"That was sort of the idea, yes," he agreed. "It's...well, probably more fun than useful, but it is a summer course."

[mother_love]

"Hey, if you can make it fun and help people learn that's a major victory. And yeah, it's a summer class, but i imagine this kind of class could actually be a help to people, even if they are less than vocal about their lack of experience or understanding."

Said the man who had struggled for almost a month before finally getting an updated phone after finding himself stranded on the island for the foreseeable future.

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"I'm pleased you think so," Jon said, nodding. "I hope it's been a help."

[mother_love]

"It has. Don't sell yourself so short" Billy said. "Not everyone is able to do it. Lord knows I am not good teacher material... or a role model of any sorts", he added with a dry laugh.

[intheeyeofthebeholding]

"If anyone sees me as a role model, they should probably be forcibly restrained," Jon said seriously. "But I...well, I'm glad it's been helpful."