Just try and sit back, get my palette wet, getting mentally prepared for the consequences [W4, Fri]

[hydrokinetics]

[It's some time after the investigation that Percy finds himself making rounds and checking on those he hasn't yet. He knows Yuna's in good hands, as is Xion, and that takes some weight off of him. He finds that he's restless though, frustrated that somehow something like this happened again under their noses.

It's why he finds Barnham in the hall holding a towel, and he tilts his head carefully. There's a box in his arms and Mrs. O'Leary's at his feet, barking cheerfully at the man who helped save her.

Percy, on the other hand, seems a little bummed to see Barnham's demeanor.]

Mr. Barnham? [Just a tentative address, just to see how Barnham's really holding up.]

Comments

[hydrokinetics]

Just because something shouldn't be doesn't mean it won't be. Annabeth being dead shouldn't be the case either. [And yet here they are.]

I think it might serve to help make your focus a little stronger, actually. But that's still tomorrow. Even if we're not close to everyone here, it's always a little rough when people you like more than others are victims of circumstance.

[moraled]

[...]

Indeed. But whether I know them or not... whether I dislike or like them, each victim deserves the respect of a full and complete effort to discover the truth of their fate.

[hydrokinetics]

Tomorrow, Mr. Barnham. [It's a repeat of what a lot of people said to him last week.] We've looked over everything we could for right now, haven't we? So...tomorrow. [And he's lightly jabbing Barnham in the back with his box to keep him moving toward the lounge.]

[moraled]

... Yes, yes, I understand.

[Despite himself, it makes him smile slightly, even as he shakes his head.]

We shall handle it tomorrow.

[Tonight, they won't discuss it anymore.]

[hydrokinetics]

Exactly. Take a day to process everything and realign your thoughts to be the best you can be in tomorrow's trial. [It's only when they get to the lounge that Percy puts his box down, opening it and poking around before pulling out an actual bottle of blue Gatorade. He's also handing it to Barnham without any room for argument.]

Drink that. It'll help, I promise.

[moraled]

[... really percy]

... Are you attempting to take care of me, Young Percy?

[hydrokinetics]

Not in the slightest. [But there's a smirk that says "yes."] Think of it more as helping out a friend. [He pokes Barnham's arm with the bottle.] Is there really something so wrong with that, sir?

[moraled]

You are far too cheeky for your own good.

[Just!! Saying!! The sass!!]

I do not require looking after.

[hydrokinetics]

Just consider it part of my charm. [This is probably the most like his old self that he's been all week. It's easier to set aside his own broken feelings when he's focusing on something else.]

I don't know about that though, Mr. Barnham. I think all of us are supposed to be looking out for each other, aren't we? Otherwise things are just going to get even worse. [He makes a contemplative face though.] It's either that, or I send you to Sara.

[moraled]

I do not consider sass to be charming, Young Percy. [IT'S SAID STERNLY... but in truth he doesn't mind this at all.]

... Lady Instructor Valestein has more than enough to handle at the moment.

[Stop!! This!!]

[hydrokinetics]

Guess it's a good thing I've given up trying to impress people then. [But he finds the tone funny and instead he grins. He's also sitting on the couch, pointedly staring at the space next to him. Sit your ass down, Barnham.]

I think Sara and I are similar where we can juggle multiple things at multiple times. I tried to tell her the same thing and she still conned me into taking a nap. [Sara has a certain effect, even he knows that.]

[moraled]

[... Percy...

He takes a seat with a sigh, at least.]

Allow me to be more clear, then. Do not, under any circumstances, imply to the Lady Instructor that I require any sort of assistance.

[She'd...probably never let him live it down...]

[hydrokinetics]

[Thank you, Barnham. Take your Gatorade and just chill for like five minutes. However, he looks a little genuinely confused?]

...why not? [Please explain this to him, Barnham.]

[moraled]

[His eyebrows arch slowly, but hey, he's taking his gatorade!!]

The Lady Instructor is rather fierce. I fear what ideas she would get in her head if she was told I needed assistance in any way.

Particularly as it is not true.

[Sara is too much for him like 90% of the time.]

[hydrokinetics]

[That's a start but. But! ........]

Are you afraid of her? [He's! Trying not to smile too much but Barnham, come on. Also shut up, as far as Percy knows everybody in this stupid town needs help.]

[moraled]

Excuse me?

[???!???!]

I am not afraid of her in the least! Do not be ridiculous!

[hydrokinetics]

[Just. A look.

Try again, Barnham, that is absolutely not convincing.]

You're not afraid of her, but you don't want me telling her anything about you. [Really?]

[moraled]

Indeed.

[STOP. JUDGING.]

If I fear anything, it is that she will then proceed to harangue me for the rest of our time here, though I am perfectly fine!

[hydrokinetics]

[He's a 16 year old boy, why wouldn't he judge this?]

Usually people who're fine don't aimlessly wander around with towels. [A shrug.] It could be worse…when I met Annabeth, I woke up in the Big House after killing a minotaur and all she did was tell me I drooled in my sleep before she ran away and made me chase after her.

[Women are scary, the end.] If you won't talk to Sara, talk to somebody else? That's all I'm suggesting.

[moraled]

[Stop that.

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, and finally opens up the gatorade.]

I shall... see to doing what I-- [can.

Except then he tries the gatorade.

And he's from a medieval canon where all they drink is like...water, milk, beer??? The mix of sugar and everything else in this is overpowering and he chokes for a moment.

Aaaaaaaaa.]

What in the blazes is this?

[??!???!]

[hydrokinetics]

[How unfortunate that Percy's only response is to start cracking up.]

It's called Gatorade. It's something from our world, it's supposed to help replenish electrolytes and stuff? For energy. And since you guys soaked in corpse water and then probably took a long bath to sweat the stuff out…[A shrug.] Present from Annabeth, I think.

[Sorry about his everything, Barnham.]

[moraled]

[jfc you're a punk and he should kick your ass. He sets it aside with a wrinkled nose.]

It is disgusting.

[SO MUCH SUGAR.]

Is everything in your world as sweet as this?

[Still... he won't...toss it out. If it was Annabeth who got them the gatorade.]

[hydrokinetics]

[:)]

Not everything. Some of the other drinks in the box are just normal juices. [You know. The box in his lap that he's been carrying around.] It's an acquired taste, but you get used to it. I just got used to it after swimming.

[moraled]

[Percy.........]

... I suppose if it is for the better to drink it, I shall do so.

[Grimacing all the way.]

[hydrokinetics]

[A shrug.]

Believe it or not, sometimes sugar actually helps. Besides the whole sports drink replenishing thing, it's comforting in a weird way. Does that make any sense?

[...so yeah, he's just genuinely trying to help even if he's enjoying giving Barnham shit.]