galactically | Catch-all overflow post

Never underestimate a person's ability to either love or tarnish an image so badly that they become blinded to it.

[An image, not a person. Being in the show business for years allows Sheryl a certain kind of perspective for a celebrity's point of view, one who's also seen how obsessive certain kinds of people in the media can be — from paparazzi to low-brow tabloids.]

That strikes me as deeply unfortunate.

[Seeing people as an idea rather than a whole.

Of course, he doesn't recall his lone friendship in his life may well have been deemed this]

It is.

[Sheryl pauses, knitting her brows as she changes the subject. While the two of them are being serious like this, it's only a matter of time before she inevitably brings up a certain topic.]

Slaine... when I told you about what happened to me a while ago, you didn't pity me. That's why— [A pregnant pause.] It took me some time to understand what you meant, but thanks.

[Slaine is silent at first, as he considers those words. He finds himself once more surprised that Sheryl has dwelt on something that he'd said some time ago, thinking his opinion nominal at best in terms of importance.

Surely, gods have more pressing matters to focus on]

...I see no reason that you should thank me. [A beat, before he thinks to add-] I was simply being forthright in my opinions.

[As that is all that they are]

Don't misunderstand. I still think that it's perfectly acceptable to rise above your circumstances.

[One thing that, it seems, they'll always disagree on. If she can get out of poverty, then surely anything is possible. Being prideful will be a thing for Sheryl quite often.]

It's just, well... [She grumbles, burying her face against his shoulders to muffle it.] What happened in the past stays in the past for a reason. I hate getting pity.

I don't think it unacceptable — I merely acknowledge it isn't always possible.

[And on that, Slaine understands they disagree. He'd never say that people shouldn't be able to do better, especially if their merits should warrant it, but he's quite certain that isn't always within the realm of possibility.

No matter how one might strive or achieve, some things remain beyond reach]

It seems to me that pity is looking down on another. Sympathetically, perhaps, but looking down all the same.

Why not? Explain.

[As in, explain what he means by that. Sheryl groans, moving her face just a little to narrow her eyes while her cheek remains squished against his chest.]

That's why I hate it, Slaine!

Let's say someone with considerable power saw fit to use it poorly. Perhaps he uses it to deny those with less any resources or means, or actively oppresses them, threatening death should they oppose. Under such conditions, with no one and nothing, an individual may have no viable opportunities.

[He's quiet after saying this, seeming to have nothing further to say. But he does speak up, after puffing out a tense breath.

The subject is difficult, even if he doesn't know why]

If people were to pity you... Do you not suppose that reflects on something within themselves?

[Something about his reply is disconcerting to Sheryl, a very depressing example for a simple question she asked of him. Her brows knit tightly, lips pressed into a thin, firm line, remembering Galaxy's law for mandatory implants for every citizen within that fleet. It's... eerily similar, only Slaine makes it out to be something worse.

She stays quiet, seeming to lack an answer until her lips part. A sigh.]

How unfortunate, for anyone who live like that... [She closes her eyes.] I would've found a way out of there, no matter what it took. Even if... [Her eyes slowly open, half-lidded, voice low and quiet.] Even if I have to die trying.

[Hesitation lingers as she speaks for once, feeling her fingers tremble until she forces them to curl inward.]

That's why, anyone who looks down on me means nothing to me.

Catch-all overflow post

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