He simply looks at her for a long moment, eyebrows raised, before he manages a response. “– I’m not bein’ forceful with anyone who DOESN’T have it comin’. I like t’think I’m a pretty good judge of people by now,” he says knowing full well that he can be a little ‘shoot first, ask later’ from time to time. Rick’s upbringing – an orphan from a young age, looking out for himself – has left him with a very specific view of people. Particularly in his line of business. Sure, those tactics won’t apply to EVERYONE he encounters now, but that’s a little harder to admit. Rick sighs, “What if…I say I’ll try a little bit harder t’not immediately go for the…aggressive approach?”
EVEN THOUGH IT WAS HER GOAL to get the adventurer to attempt to be a bit more understanding, hearing him say he would ‘ try ‘ was a bit humorous. fits of giggles trickle down her rose tinted lips, a terrible attempt made to cover her mouth & stifle the sounds. it never occurred to her how strange the image of rick serving as more of a peaceful person came into view in her mind. it definitely was not his style, as he would say. as her laughter dies down, she would resort back to her more professional attitude —— throat clearing as she offered rick a bright smile. “ i think, i would appreciate your attempt & i think evy would too. but —— don’t change too much. “ she would playfully wink. “ admittedly, a lot of the scrapes you managed to help your family out of was from your rough approach so. perhaps a truce is in order. you try to be a little less ‘ guns a blazin’, ‘ but don’t be afraid to go all out should they decide to be difficult. sound fair ? “
He hadn’t PLANNED on this becoming an actual argument, but for whatever reason, she doesn’t seem to be dropping the issue. “– Didn’t realize this was such a big deal t’you. I handle things how I think it’s best – sometimes people need a little more STRONG armin’ than others…just how it is.”
“ IT’S NOT. I’M JUST SAYING that your ‘ strong arm ‘ technique shouldn’t always be your go to. if there’s proof that they have ill intentions, then obviously you nip it before they have a chance to follow through with their plans. if there isn’t proof however, you should give them a fair chance. “ it’s odd that someone like mako, a proficient fighter herself, would say that violence wasn’t always the answer —— but it was something she truly did believe in. you should ONLY use your skills when said oppressors are attempting to hurt you or attempting to hurt people you love. hurting them straight up, even just for information, seemed unnecessary in her eyes.
“Is it?” He SMIRKS, eyebrows raised in an almost smug expression, “Cause I’m not surprised at all. I’ve been around, kid, and the folks I’ve come across rarely wanna do things the EASY way.” A brief pause, “Besides, my way seems t’really make a statement – tends t’move things along a lot quicker.”
“ WELL, OF COURSE THEY DO when said people are left with no other option. it’s either give you what you want, or face the consequences. it’s a STATEMENT alright, but you don’t need guns to make that clear for you. “ she contemplated on making a comment on how his son didn’t seem quite as BRASH as he was, but she refrained. no need to make this into a bigger argument.
The English language cannot fully capture the depth and complexity of my thoughts, so I’m incorporating Emoji into my speech to better express myself. Winky-face.
“ I —— I DON’T … “ in a very rare instance, the warrior was left speechless. eyes blink a few times to regain composure, incredulous expression left across soft features. “ is this code for something ? are you planning to release an army of evil again ? miss o’connell, i’m incredibly confused. “ so this is why alex tries to avoid his parents in social settings.
IF BY GREAT, you mean dodging the conversation left and right, at these non-existent parties he attends, then sure … mako would be right. but in this case, she’s not. because after all, how would alex explain it? he’s tried, believe him, he’s tried. but no story exactly fits right with the GAUDY GOLD piece seemingly glued to the skin of his wrist. and more times than not, it leaves the person curious and asking questions, dissatisfied; as if knowing there was more to it or that alex … was OUT RIGHT talking out of his ass.
❝ it grows on you. quite literally. ❞
LOUD LAUGHTER WOULD ECHO the room at his little quip, easily amused by this conversation. thank goodness that alex SEEMED to be a good sport when it came to her gentle teasing, all done in good fun of course. mako was never one to be malicious of her intent, especially when it came to playful banter with friends. “ i can’t believe you’ve managed to live with that thing on you for seven years. what a feat ! “ her hand would come to rest on his shoulder in a friendly gesture, smile still bright as hazel eyes meets his gaze.
“ IF I WERE YOU, i’d change the story of how you came to acquire that manacle every time someone asks about it. otherwise, you might go mad repeating yourself. good way to impress any potential romantic interests, if you catch my drift. "
it might seem surprising with the flash of gold and the hefty weight that comes with it, the light and power pouring out of it and into him … but there are days he forgets– NO. days where it feels as if it had simply always been a part of him. but that would not be the truth, the manacle was a choice he made as a much smaller boy. it had been a foolish choice of a child, that left him with not quite an adventure but not quite a nightmare either. it was somethingIN BETWEEN— something that lasts even now, and he pays that child’s { foolish price } day after day. maybe then he didn’t know right from wrong, but he tries to KNOW NOW, though the lines of life more often than not appear too blurry to be clear. ❝ i’m afraid you’ve got me there. ❞ / @sworduser cont.
THE WARRIOR IS NOT ONE to boast, but there’s a hint of a pleased smirk that graces her features at his confession. it’s not often that you meet an adventurer, especially one with a family history such as his. “ well, at least you can admit to it. a rare trait to be found in men nowadays, mister o’connell. there may be hope for you just yet. “ a bubble of laughter leaves her lips, slender digits come up to shield any more that dared to escape. “ i’m familiar with your family’s history, & i must say, i’m very impressed. well, you could consider me an ‘ admirer ‘ of sorts. i’ve always longed to go & explore the world, but never had a reason to do so. it must have been quite the ride —— dealing with ‘ that thing ‘ for so many years. “ arm extends to offer her hand in greeting, pink lips offering a sweet smile. “ my name is mako mori. it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance mister o’connell, even if you do make questionable decisions. “ cue a friendly wink cast in his direction, wanting to keep her formal banter somewhat light-hearted.
“ DOESN’T IT BOTHER YOU TO HAVE that thing around your wrist on a constant basis ? “ would she ever leave him be when it came to the manacle ? mako was naturally a curious person, but in this instance it was much too easy to tease him. “ you must be popular at parties. what a great conversation starter ! “
" i certainly know right from wrong " ( no he don't )
EYES WOULD TRAVEL DOWN TO VIEW the golden manacle that wrapped itself around his pale wrist, returning his gaze with a look of judgement etched upon soft features. “ was it right to put on the manacle ? or wrong ? “ she’s harsh & the warrior realizes this, but she was unable to refrain the thoughts that quickly spilled onto the surface. “ sounds to me you still have some more exploring to do on the subjects, mister o’connell. perhaps you should reconsider your previous statement, hmm ? “
A tilt of his head. “FAIR enough,” he adds with a small shrug, “– And I only rough ‘em up when the situation CALLS for it. Just so happens that…the situation usually calls for it.”
“ YOU ONLY MAKE IT SEEM THAT WAY, “ she retorts, followed by a short puff of air. “ but admittedly, it’s a wonder how you’ve managed to come such a long way with your ‘ special ‘ form of communication. “
There’s an audible GROAN, not one who’s usually looking to part with either of his pistols – but he could use the help, honestly. He’s not quite proud enough to end up DEAD before letting someone lend a hand. “Alright, alright!” he hands Mako a pistol as he reloads his own, taking a look around to see if there’s a good exit strategy. “– M’not so sure we can fight them all off on our own, and I’m sure as hell not lookin’ t’go DOWN with this ship.”
A PLEASED EXPRESSION CROSSES her features for a brief moment, gladly taking the pistol into her own hands. almost immediately, mako takes aim at one man approaching with a shotgun, the gun blast sending mako back a bit against rick & the wall. however, the bullet manages to hit her target’s leg, giving them a bit more time. “ agreed. i would prefer not to get shot, but i also don’t want to burn to death. “ she shouts, looking over the wall to see if the path was safe. “ we’re all clear. so then mister o’connell. you’re the expert in these situations. what should we do ? “
