savingthrows | Inbox for ximilia

[ That gives her pause. Is Bucky her friend? They've barely met, but he's been kind to her, helped her. Like Mike, just a grown up, and surprisingly decent for one of those. ]

Okay. Friends.

[ There's a smile in her voice at that. She can't quite help the way her lips curl, shy and pleased. Eleven isn't very good at making friends - but they seem to be good at finding her.

Softly: ]

I keep my friends safe.

It's the other way round, kid. Ain't your job to keep me safe.

[Because he's very much the adult in this situation. Eleven deserves the chance to be a kid here. And that means not having to worry about keeping other people safe.]

[ That makes annoyance flare in her briefly. ]

you also don't have the job.

[ Sharp, though the words come out a little more slowly than others because she's frustrated, however mildly. ]

I'm strong. And you don't choose for me.

You're right. I don't.

[Have the job, or get to choose for her. But his voice remains calm, at ease despite her clear annoyance. This is familiar territory for him, and he'd like to believe his last attempt at explaining his reasons for being so protective worked out for the best.

Sort of.]

I'm not doubting that you're strong. And I'm not saying you can't take care of yourself. All I'm trying to say is that you're not here alone, Eleven.

[ A small huff of breath. It's not a derisive snort, and therefore can be counted as progress. ]

Yeah. [ Then, more softly: ] Friends.

[ Because she gets that. Friendship, and wanting to protect. Sometimes a little too much even, a little more than is necessary. Caring for people means being scared sometimes, not for yourself but for them. ]

Do you worry less, when you see me?

I'd still worry. But it'd be a whole lot easier to manage with you on my six.

[Though he means it a little more literally than with people like Sam. He doesn't want Eleven there to watch his back. Instead, it simply means that he can take point and try to head off any hits headed her way.]

When we get back to the station, we'll go break out the Doc's waffle maker. Cook up a mountain of waffles, just for the two of us.

What's... 'on my six'? [ A beat. ] I'm not good at math.

[ She's learned her numbers, but not much beyond that.

She does decide she'll check in on him, though. He might worry, but so does she. And unlike him, she has a way to see him whenever she wants. ]

Yes. I want that. We can make it really tall.

It means I'd prefer having you watch my back. Get you to keep me safe in person.

[Because that's easier to explain than going over clock faces right now.]

It's a deal. I'll cook, you stack.

[ It's cute he thinks she'll be standing behind him. What an adult thing to say. But Eleven lets him believe it - if it makes him feel better, why not. Eleven will allow it. After all, she knows better. ]

Deal. I'm sorry I can't be there. In person. But I'm still watching, sometimes. So it's okay.

[That is in no way creepy to hear. But he's not going to push for more. Not when they're stuck in entirely different locations like this.]

Nothing to apologize for. When we get back to the station, we can make up for it all.

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