If you want you can write it and take a picture. That might be easiest until we see each other again in person.
[ As if that's some far off distant point. In reality, he's just impatient to learn. ]
Even if I can't master it entirely, which I can, aiming for perfection is how you achieve the best results. I'd push you too if you were learning my native tongue, you know. Are you sure you want to subject yourself to me?
[ Reluctantly, he fishes out his notebook from under a pillow and writes down the word “Dear.” Part of him would much rather hold this tidbit of information hostage, just to force Sasuke to come around sooner rather than later. With a sigh, he takes a picture and sends the image over. ]
There.
Yeah, yeah. You’re hot shit. We get it, dude. But I’m talking about timeframe.
I already “subject myself to you” with training, don’t I? At least I’m less likely to injure myself in this scenario. Teach me.
[ The picture is opened greedily, studied for a moment or two. It takes a full two minutes before Stiles is getting a response sent back, this one a picture of a sheet of paper in return. The words "Dear Stiles" are written three times, one set on top of the other. He feels distantly pleased with himself. ]
I can't say how long we'll be here. It won't pressure me to deliver a half-finished product, however, unless you're just saying that to motivate me to study even more. It already gets the majority of my attention. [ For now, before he starts working. ]
It's good that you're being assertive. Fine, I'll start giving you lessons. You'll need to keep up or I'll leave you behind.
[ Mouth quirked in a crooked grin, Stiles looks at the picture for far longer than necessary. He’s reminded, quite suddenly, of tutoring Malia. Right now, he feels the same warmth of pride and affection for Sasuke that he did his girlfriend then. He doesn’t quite know what to make of that. ]
Good job, dude. Your penmanship is pretty damn good already.
God, you’re just making me crazy curious about this mystery subject. You better tell me when you’re ready.
[ The acquiescence to teach him Japanese is a small victory. ]
The tough love act is cute, but we both know you wouldn’t leave me behind. Nice try, though.
Penmanship is important when you're writing more complex characters. Growing up we were taught that messy writing is indicative of a messy life. I practiced my calligraphy as often as I could.
[ Usually under Itachi's tutelage, but that isn't a topic he wants to open them up to now. Not yet, not after their last conversation. ]
You're underestimating just how bad-natured I can be. In fighting no, I wouldn't leave you behind. It's not your skill. But with something like this I know you're sharp enough to do well if you try, so any slipping on your part will be perceived as laziness. I don't tolerate that.
Weird. Calligraphy is kinda treated like a feminine hobby back home. No one expects a guy to have neat or pretty handwriting. He’d probably be mocked for it, actually.
[ “But your handwriting makes me wish I’d spent more time practicing mine,” he almost sends, only to delete the words. The confession feels too personal. Apparently, that’s his limit: complimenting another man’s penmanship. ]
Do I seriously come across as lazy to you?
[ To be fair, the assessment wouldn’t necessarily be wrong; Stiles is lazy in his own way. While the ADHD is a real problem, he enables it further by allowing himself to become distracted when bored. Nearly all his teachers would agree that he cruises through classes without putting in any real effort. ]
Even when it comes to my language? Somehow it's almost hard for me to believe. English is far more simplistic and rudimentary in its design so it's less surprising there.
[ He finds himself overly curious about it, what "Japanese" is like where Stiles comes from and how he'd be perceived. Would he blend in? Or would he be as out of place there as he is here? ]
You don't come across to me as lazy at all. That's why I want to push you.
If I thought you had no potential it would be easier for me to give up on you and move on. As it is, I'll start putting together a plan for you. I want more assignments for work in English as well.
The thing is, I don’t know anyone who writes in a language other than English. There are probably a few who prefer to write in Spanish, which is the second most common language in the US. Japanese, though? Forget it.
[ A moment of hesitation. While there’s more he can add on the subject, he generally tries to avoid talking about the pack with outsiders. ]
My friend Kira is Japanese, but she doesn’t speak or read it. It’s rough on her to be so unfamiliar with her own heritage because she’s a Thunder Kitsune. Anyway, since most kids are clueless about other languages, I doubt they’d mock the handwriting of those languages as being too feminine. Then again, I’m probably giving people too much credit.
[ The insistence about his intelligence and potential has Stiles fidgeting, the back of his neck hot from pleased embarrassment. ]
Then push me. I’ll work harder if I’m challenged.
You want an assignment? How about we play a word association game. I’ll write a word down, show it to you, and tell you what it says. Then you practice writing it, tell me a different word you associate with the first one, I’ll write it down, rinse and repeat.
PS (post scriptum) I’d appreciate it if you could keep anything I tell you about the pack to yourself. I know I can trust you with that stuff, but I don’t want other people to have that information.
If anyone held the misconception that my writing style is somehow feminine I'd allow them to continue holding it. It doesn't impact me beyond allowing me a glimpse into what's considered noteworthy for children in your world. [ Karmic retribution perhaps for years of him criticizing Naruto's style of writing, slipshod and barely legible. ]
I won't and haven't spoken to others about anyone you've mentioned to me, or shared any of your history. I wouldn't do that without explicit permission or need. That said, is this a common issue for those your age? You talked about being removed from your culture as well.
[ Cue internal debate that feels as if it rages on for a millennia, while in reality it only takes about three seconds for him to throw in the towel. ]
It is sort of pretty though.
[ regret.exe ]
Thanks. I know I probably seem like a loudmouth who doesn’t shut up, but I swear I haven’t said anything about your stuff either.
So, here’s the deal. The surface answer? America was built on immigration. For that reason, it’s considered a melting pot. In case that metaphor doesn’t translate well, it means America is like a bunch of different ingredients dumped into a pot and stirred together into one end product. Over generations, families tend to lose their culture and sense of heritage. But there’s more to it than just that. Not even a hundred years ago, Japanese people in America were forced to relocate into internment camps. Sure it’s been a while since then, but society is slow to change. Bigoted idiots still exist in droves and make sure kids like Kira don’t feel like they belong. It’s easier for Americans to assimilate than to stick out.
I’m definitely NOT an expert on the subject. You should ask Jonas for his opinion too.
[ “Choose wisely.” What the hell. Why does Sasuke always need to be so weirdly extra all the time? Rolling his eyes, Stiles considers a useful word to start with. After a moment, he writes it down, takes a picture, and sends it to Sasuke. “Bat.” ]
Multiple meanings. The most important two are… 1) The name of the weapon I use and 2) The name of the animal Peewee is.
[ Sasuke stares at that text for a moment, then... slowly looks down at his paper. Pretty. He just said he didn't care if someone called his writing feminine so having it assigned an adjective that isn't even – necessarily – gendered shouldn't matter to him. And yet it does, somehow. Wouldn't "elegant" or "well-structured" fit better? ]
So the answer is that discrimination in your country forced them to abandon their history for the sake of staying safe and showing their commitment to America itself. Was it that way for Polish people also? It's regrettable that things happened that way, but I'd be lying if I said that answer surprised me. People have similar natures in all worlds, even if it's not race that divides mine.
[ He lets Stiles stew over that text as he looks at the picture, immediately recognizing it from his studies. It's simple, after all, even if the first definition is one he doesn't know. No matter. A picture is taken of the word "vampire", oh-so-carefully written out. ]
Enough with that nickname. And make sure to give all of the meanings, not just two.
I mean, discrimination contributes, but I can’t say by how much. This isn’t something I’ve ever researched before. As for Polish people, I never had any contact with my extended family. My mom was the only one who would have told me about their history and she passed away when I was ten. There are definitely jokes and stereotypes. Like how stupid “Polacks” are. (Ethnic slur, don’t use it.) I have no idea what kind of discrimination they faced beyond that, though.
You’re right about people’s nature. Pretty telling, isn’t it? Here in Aefenglom we have all these people from different races, cultures, time periods, levels of technological advancement – and in spite of that, it’s the same story over and over again in each world. Like history is always doomed to repeat itself, everywhere, regardless of circumstance.
You mentioned bloodlines to me once. Are they what divide your world?
[ “Blood” is sent back. In the picture, a few Arachne limbs are doodling with poor coordination in the margins of the notebook. ]
If I gave you every definition for a word, we’d never get anywhere. The first word I showed you has way too many usages as a verb. Like, “I XXX my eyelashes.” Replace XXX with that word and it means fluttering your eyelashes in a flirty way. Just focus on the main meanings for now. We can add as your vocabulary grows.
You’ve probably seen the word I sent you already. It’s what you drink now.
[ Jokes and stereotypes? Damaging though words can be, it's almost enough for him just to know that Stiles hasn't faced violence or active abuse as a result of his lineage. Almost. That all too predictable desire of his returns. ]
You should research it when you can. You might find that it matters more to you than you think it will, and it will give you more to say to opinionated and pushy people like me who question you. [ Some levity? He can certainly try.
It seems right to before things grow more serious again, penning back the word "family". The F is capitalized this time, no similar fun doodles here. He saves the photo with Stiles's, wordlessly. ]
Bloodlines divide my world, yes. So does power, and in most cases those are tied to one another. There are some abilities which can't be learned through effort but only by birth, and any family with a powerful enough "bloodline limit" ensured either that it would last into the modern age or that it would attract enough attention that it would need to be destroyed. Most of them are gone now with only a few remnants still scattered through the world, so I have a greater opportunity to make sure this next generation knows true peace.
I don't know how to say that word. "Blood". Teach me later.
[ With a sigh that wants to be longsuffering and yet is fond more than anything, Stiles resigns himself to studying up on his ancestry when it becomes possible again. Not because he cares – he honestly doesn’t – but because it’s obviously important to Sasuke.
The brief explanation about bloodlines has Stiles chomping at the bit to ask questions. He’s typed out a series of them to send before pausing, breath lodged painfully in his throat. It’s too soon, isn’t it. Given how closely the subject seems to be tied to the Uchiha clan, he decides not to push for more detail. While he doubts that Sasuke would resent him for inquiring, there’s a part of Stiles now determined to prove they can have normal, casual conversations like actual friends. ]
How? I could try to sound out the syllables and get around the translation magic that way, but I won’t be able to coach you well on the pronunciation. Unless you have another idea?
[ “Family” immediately makes him think of “dad,” but in the interest of steering clear from potentially damning subjects, Stiles chooses “pack” instead. ]
A group of animals, like wolves. In my world, it’s what we call a group of supernatural people, whether they’re werewolves or not. You can also call the bags we carried during the expedition this word.
[ Another case of a word having an almost overwhelming amount of different meanings. Stiles wishes he paid more attention to his Spanish classes; remembering how his teachers laid out those lesson plans would be useful here. ]
We'll need to adopt a few standards. A phonetic alphabet will be a start since English is nonsensical in its written form. [ Don't even try to fight me on this. ] Beyond that we should agree on how to say words to get around the magic. A common sound after each syllable to keep it from translating, something like that.
[ A predictably methodical and reasonable tactic. It belies how he truly feels about it, realizing that this is now growing into a real ritual between the two of them. A source of bonding that he doesn't know how to approach. The feeling is set aside as he puts pencil to paper.
"Village". Advanced enough to make it obvious that he studied it very intentionally. ]
Why does the word "pack" have two letters at the end of it that make the same sound?
[ As much as he may love to argue simply for the sake of it, Stiles doesn’t contest that English is nonsensical. Vaguely amused, he wonders what words in particular pissed in Sasuke’s cereal with their rule-breaking pronunciation or spelling. Maybe they should introduce homophones into the lesson plan next; that’ll be fun. Speaking of fun, however…he’ll need to make sure going forward that training, in all its forms now, is separate from hanging out. While Stiles has no issue helping Sasuke with English, this defeats the purpose of why he texted his friend in the first place. ]
Because English is nonsensical. It probably has something to do with the origins of the word. Like America, English is a language cobbled together from a bunch of different languages. The bestiary I showed you is mostly in Latin, which is a dead language that most modern languages are rooted from. Not any Asian languages, though. (Japanese is an Asian language; Asia is the continent Japan is located in.)
[ “Village” draws a big, fat blank for him. What the hell does he associate that word with? There’s no way he’s going to admit “peasant”; that just sounds awful. “Medieval” is too complicated to explain. Eventually, Stiles settles on the terminology from Sasuke’s own world: “Hidden.” Below it, he writes “Hide” ]
First word is the past participle of the second. As a verb, it means to conceal. As a noun, it’s the skin of an animal. Like in hunting? Anyway, you never explained Hidden Villages to me.
[ After the text is sent, Stiles realizes that he’s pushing for information and curses viciously. God, can he not go ten fucking minutes without being a nosy little asshole? ]
Take the language of outsiders and then pressure them to conform?
[ There's no way for him to communicate his amusement on a topic that sounds so serious, his interest in it wry but it doesn't stop him from rereading Stiles's words in order to commit them to memory. Asia. Japan. The portal between their worlds, if one exists. ]
These definitions have nothing to do with one another. [ What the fuck is wrong with this language. Nevertheless, the next word comes all too quickly, the simplest by far to write.
"I". ]
I held that information hostage from you but it isn't so complex. Hidden villages are where ninja gather and live, taking on jobs from the outside world and living peacefully with one another when they can.
Dude, you haven’t heard anything yet. Our country was already inhabited by an indigenous people the founders of the US either systematically butchered or forcefully relocated in order to colonize the land. The icing on the cake? America is known as the “Land of the Free.” Brutal, huh?
[ Pencil tapping against the notebook with increasing agitation, Stiles sits on his next response for a minute. From “hidden” to “I”…? He doesn’t like that association at all. It takes him a bit to think of an appropriate association himself, one that isn’t “lonely” or “isolation” or “alone.” This conversation is staying light, goddammit. ]
Yeah, I figured. To both answers, that is. You absolute pain in the ass.
[ “Ego” is what he eventually replies with, even if it’s definitely NOT the first word that comes to mind. Or second. Or third. Or – ]
You have a lot of this word. Too much.
It means pride, conceit, self-esteem. A famous psychoanalyst also referred to it as one of the three constructs of the psyche. The other two are id and super-ego. Lydia would know way more about that if you get a chance to talk to her while she’s here.
Edited (THERE, get wrecked loser) 2020-05-19 03:05 (UTC)
You actually gave yourselves that self-aggrandizing title? [ It'd be funny if it weren't a little pitiful, honestly. ] Your country's story is still somehow familiar to me. Similar things have happened in my world, though I suppose they always do when people stand in the way of perceived progress.
[ That topic is equally doomed to get heavy and even Sasuke seems to sense it, snorting first as he moves onto the insult then again when he reads the definition of the word he's given. "Ego"? ]
I've spoken to her already so I'll remember it for the next time. Why would "I" make you think of "ego"? Are you actually saying pride is what you think of first when you think of yourself?
Calling me your student and a "brat" is a strange way to attempt to infantilize someone older than you.
[ He doesn't regret pushing him, not even when the word shifts so markedly. The letters that make it up are particularly simple; it feels wrong for such a complex concept. Immediately the reply he wants to use comes to him, and in spite of his reservations he retains his own personal commitment to playing fair.
"Also" is written and photographed, if only because he doesn't yet know the word "same". ]
We also have the word "lonely". I assume it will translate properly.
Are the spider limbs now permanent? I wonder if I should adjust your training to incorporate them.
[ After slipping on his shoes (and slapping away all the eager-to-assist extra limbs), Stiles exits the cottage. Due to the independent competency that Sasuke has demonstrated this far, it takes him some time to understand why “also” is being used here. ]
Are you trying to say “me too” or something? The word you wrote is awkward in this context. Try this instead.
[ Arachne limbs provide him a makeshift surface to write against. “Same” is jotted down. But then he hesitates, not quite ready to send it over. Staring at that word, recognizing the implications of what this game has revealed about Sasuke’s life, a strong emotion burrows in his heart and takes permanent residence there.
Finally, he sends an image. “Same” is followed by a full sentence below, which reads, “Hang with me?” ]
Had an incident this morning and needed to transform. I don’t know how to shift back, so I’m hoping they disappear after the full moon.
[ The first time he saw Naruto alone and recognized his loneliness, Sasuke had felt a strange, childlike happiness. Swallowing the fact that the first word Stiles thinks to relate to the concept of self is "lonely", he feels no similar relief. Kinship isn't what he wants; what he wants is the other teen's happiness, fulfillment, safety, and wellbeing.
Is it a reflection of how he used to feel? How he feels now? Or how he feels overall? ]
What happened? You didn't tell me anything.
[ The game and their conversation are effectively on hold, even as Sasuke studies the image he's been sent and attempts to puzzle it out. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ As if that's some far off distant point. In reality, he's just impatient to learn. ]
Even if I can't master it entirely, which I can, aiming for perfection is how you achieve the best results. I'd push you too if you were learning my native tongue, you know. Are you sure you want to subject yourself to me?
no subject
There.
Yeah, yeah. You’re hot shit. We get it, dude. But I’m talking about timeframe.
I already “subject myself to you” with training, don’t I? At least I’m less likely to injure myself in this scenario. Teach me.
no subject
I can't say how long we'll be here. It won't pressure me to deliver a half-finished product, however, unless you're just saying that to motivate me to study even more. It already gets the majority of my attention. [ For now, before he starts working. ]
It's good that you're being assertive. Fine, I'll start giving you lessons. You'll need to keep up or I'll leave you behind.
no subject
Good job, dude. Your penmanship is pretty damn good already.
God, you’re just making me crazy curious about this mystery subject. You better tell me when you’re ready.
[ The acquiescence to teach him Japanese is a small victory. ]
The tough love act is cute, but we both know you wouldn’t leave me behind. Nice try, though.
no subject
[ Usually under Itachi's tutelage, but that isn't a topic he wants to open them up to now. Not yet, not after their last conversation. ]
You're underestimating just how bad-natured I can be. In fighting no, I wouldn't leave you behind. It's not your skill. But with something like this I know you're sharp enough to do well if you try, so any slipping on your part will be perceived as laziness. I don't tolerate that.
no subject
[ “But your handwriting makes me wish I’d spent more time practicing mine,” he almost sends, only to delete the words. The confession feels too personal. Apparently, that’s his limit: complimenting another man’s penmanship. ]
Do I seriously come across as lazy to you?
[ To be fair, the assessment wouldn’t necessarily be wrong; Stiles is lazy in his own way. While the ADHD is a real problem, he enables it further by allowing himself to become distracted when bored. Nearly all his teachers would agree that he cruises through classes without putting in any real effort. ]
I won’t waste your time like that. Promise.
no subject
[ He finds himself overly curious about it, what "Japanese" is like where Stiles comes from and how he'd be perceived. Would he blend in? Or would he be as out of place there as he is here? ]
You don't come across to me as lazy at all. That's why I want to push you.
If I thought you had no potential it would be easier for me to give up on you and move on. As it is, I'll start putting together a plan for you. I want more assignments for work in English as well.
1/2
[ A moment of hesitation. While there’s more he can add on the subject, he generally tries to avoid talking about the pack with outsiders. ]
My friend Kira is Japanese, but she doesn’t speak or read it. It’s rough on her to be so unfamiliar with her own heritage because she’s a Thunder Kitsune. Anyway, since most kids are clueless about other languages, I doubt they’d mock the handwriting of those languages as being too feminine. Then again, I’m probably giving people too much credit.
[ The insistence about his intelligence and potential has Stiles fidgeting, the back of his neck hot from pleased embarrassment. ]
Then push me. I’ll work harder if I’m challenged.
You want an assignment? How about we play a word association game. I’ll write a word down, show it to you, and tell you what it says. Then you practice writing it, tell me a different word you associate with the first one, I’ll write it down, rinse and repeat.
no subject
I’d appreciate it if you could keep anything I tell you about the pack to yourself. I know I can trust you with that stuff, but I don’t want other people to have that information.
1/2
I won't and haven't spoken to others about anyone you've mentioned to me, or shared any of your history. I wouldn't do that without explicit permission or need. That said, is this a common issue for those your age? You talked about being removed from your culture as well.
2/2
Choose wisely.
no subject
[ Cue internal debate that feels as if it rages on for a millennia, while in reality it only takes about three seconds for him to throw in the towel. ]
It is sort of pretty though.
[ regret.exe ]
Thanks. I know I probably seem like a loudmouth who doesn’t shut up, but I swear I haven’t said anything about your stuff either.
So, here’s the deal. The surface answer? America was built on immigration. For that reason, it’s considered a melting pot. In case that metaphor doesn’t translate well, it means America is like a bunch of different ingredients dumped into a pot and stirred together into one end product. Over generations, families tend to lose their culture and sense of heritage. But there’s more to it than just that. Not even a hundred years ago, Japanese people in America were forced to relocate into internment camps. Sure it’s been a while since then, but society is slow to change. Bigoted idiots still exist in droves and make sure kids like Kira don’t feel like they belong. It’s easier for Americans to assimilate than to stick out.
I’m definitely NOT an expert on the subject. You should ask Jonas for his opinion too.
[ “Choose wisely.” What the hell. Why does Sasuke always need to be so weirdly extra all the time? Rolling his eyes, Stiles considers a useful word to start with. After a moment, he writes it down, takes a picture, and sends it to Sasuke. “Bat.” ]
Multiple meanings. The most important two are… 1) The name of the weapon I use and 2) The name of the animal Peewee is.
no subject
So the answer is that discrimination in your country forced them to abandon their history for the sake of staying safe and showing their commitment to America itself. Was it that way for Polish people also? It's regrettable that things happened that way, but I'd be lying if I said that answer surprised me. People have similar natures in all worlds, even if it's not race that divides mine.
[ He lets Stiles stew over that text as he looks at the picture, immediately recognizing it from his studies. It's simple, after all, even if the first definition is one he doesn't know. No matter. A picture is taken of the word "vampire", oh-so-carefully written out. ]
Enough with that nickname. And make sure to give all of the meanings, not just two.
no subject
You’re right about people’s nature. Pretty telling, isn’t it? Here in Aefenglom we have all these people from different races, cultures, time periods, levels of technological advancement – and in spite of that, it’s the same story over and over again in each world. Like history is always doomed to repeat itself, everywhere, regardless of circumstance.
You mentioned bloodlines to me once. Are they what divide your world?
[ “Blood” is sent back. In the picture, a few Arachne limbs are doodling with poor coordination in the margins of the notebook. ]
If I gave you every definition for a word, we’d never get anywhere. The first word I showed you has way too many usages as a verb. Like, “I XXX my eyelashes.” Replace XXX with that word and it means fluttering your eyelashes in a flirty way. Just focus on the main meanings for now. We can add as your vocabulary grows.
You’ve probably seen the word I sent you already. It’s what you drink now.
no subject
You should research it when you can. You might find that it matters more to you than you think it will, and it will give you more to say to opinionated and pushy people like me who question you. [ Some levity? He can certainly try.
It seems right to before things grow more serious again, penning back the word "family". The F is capitalized this time, no similar fun doodles here. He saves the photo with Stiles's, wordlessly. ]
Bloodlines divide my world, yes. So does power, and in most cases those are tied to one another. There are some abilities which can't be learned through effort but only by birth, and any family with a powerful enough "bloodline limit" ensured either that it would last into the modern age or that it would attract enough attention that it would need to be destroyed. Most of them are gone now with only a few remnants still scattered through the world, so I have a greater opportunity to make sure this next generation knows true peace.
I don't know how to say that word. "Blood". Teach me later.
no subject
The brief explanation about bloodlines has Stiles chomping at the bit to ask questions. He’s typed out a series of them to send before pausing, breath lodged painfully in his throat. It’s too soon, isn’t it. Given how closely the subject seems to be tied to the Uchiha clan, he decides not to push for more detail. While he doubts that Sasuke would resent him for inquiring, there’s a part of Stiles now determined to prove they can have normal, casual conversations like actual friends. ]
How? I could try to sound out the syllables and get around the translation magic that way, but I won’t be able to coach you well on the pronunciation. Unless you have another idea?
[ “Family” immediately makes him think of “dad,” but in the interest of steering clear from potentially damning subjects, Stiles chooses “pack” instead. ]
A group of animals, like wolves. In my world, it’s what we call a group of supernatural people, whether they’re werewolves or not. You can also call the bags we carried during the expedition this word.
[ Another case of a word having an almost overwhelming amount of different meanings. Stiles wishes he paid more attention to his Spanish classes; remembering how his teachers laid out those lesson plans would be useful here. ]
no subject
[ A predictably methodical and reasonable tactic. It belies how he truly feels about it, realizing that this is now growing into a real ritual between the two of them. A source of bonding that he doesn't know how to approach. The feeling is set aside as he puts pencil to paper.
"Village". Advanced enough to make it obvious that he studied it very intentionally. ]
Why does the word "pack" have two letters at the end of it that make the same sound?
no subject
Because English is nonsensical. It probably has something to do with the origins of the word. Like America, English is a language cobbled together from a bunch of different languages. The bestiary I showed you is mostly in Latin, which is a dead language that most modern languages are rooted from. Not any Asian languages, though. (Japanese is an Asian language; Asia is the continent Japan is located in.)
[ “Village” draws a big, fat blank for him. What the hell does he associate that word with? There’s no way he’s going to admit “peasant”; that just sounds awful. “Medieval” is too complicated to explain. Eventually, Stiles settles on the terminology from Sasuke’s own world: “Hidden.” Below it, he writes “Hide” ]
First word is the past participle of the second. As a verb, it means to conceal. As a noun, it’s the skin of an animal. Like in hunting? Anyway, you never explained Hidden Villages to me.
[ After the text is sent, Stiles realizes that he’s pushing for information and curses viciously. God, can he not go ten fucking minutes without being a nosy little asshole? ]
We can rain check that conversation if you want.
no subject
[ There's no way for him to communicate his amusement on a topic that sounds so serious, his interest in it wry but it doesn't stop him from rereading Stiles's words in order to commit them to memory. Asia. Japan. The portal between their worlds, if one exists. ]
These definitions have nothing to do with one another. [ What the fuck is wrong with this language. Nevertheless, the next word comes all too quickly, the simplest by far to write.
"I". ]
I held that information hostage from you but it isn't so complex. Hidden villages are where ninja gather and live, taking on jobs from the outside world and living peacefully with one another when they can.
I just wanted to force you to train.
no subject
[ Pencil tapping against the notebook with increasing agitation, Stiles sits on his next response for a minute. From “hidden” to “I”…? He doesn’t like that association at all. It takes him a bit to think of an appropriate association himself, one that isn’t “lonely” or “isolation” or “alone.” This conversation is staying light, goddammit. ]
Yeah, I figured. To both answers, that is. You absolute pain in the ass.
[ “Ego” is what he eventually replies with, even if it’s definitely NOT the first word that comes to mind. Or second. Or third. Or – ]
You have a lot of this word. Too much.
It means pride, conceit, self-esteem. A famous psychoanalyst also referred to it as one of the three constructs of the psyche. The other two are id and super-ego. Lydia would know way more about that if you get a chance to talk to her while she’s here.
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[ That topic is equally doomed to get heavy and even Sasuke seems to sense it, snorting first as he moves onto the insult then again when he reads the definition of the word he's given. "Ego"? ]
I've spoken to her already so I'll remember it for the next time. Why would "I" make you think of "ego"? Are you actually saying pride is what you think of first when you think of yourself?
I don't believe you.
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Geez, getting called out by my own student. I suddenly understand how my teachers at school felt.
[ Though he’s in the middle of gathering his things to go for a walk, Stiles pauses long enough to jot down a conciliatory word. “Lonely.” ]
Adjective for when you’re sad about being alone. Happy now, brat?
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[ He doesn't regret pushing him, not even when the word shifts so markedly. The letters that make it up are particularly simple; it feels wrong for such a complex concept. Immediately the reply he wants to use comes to him, and in spite of his reservations he retains his own personal commitment to playing fair.
"Also" is written and photographed, if only because he doesn't yet know the word "same". ]
We also have the word "lonely". I assume it will translate properly.
Are the spider limbs now permanent? I wonder if I should adjust your training to incorporate them.
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[ After slipping on his shoes (and slapping away all the eager-to-assist extra limbs), Stiles exits the cottage. Due to the independent competency that Sasuke has demonstrated this far, it takes him some time to understand why “also” is being used here. ]
Are you trying to say “me too” or something? The word you wrote is awkward in this context. Try this instead.
[ Arachne limbs provide him a makeshift surface to write against. “Same” is jotted down. But then he hesitates, not quite ready to send it over. Staring at that word, recognizing the implications of what this game has revealed about Sasuke’s life, a strong emotion burrows in his heart and takes permanent residence there.
Finally, he sends an image. “Same” is followed by a full sentence below, which reads, “Hang with me?” ]
Had an incident this morning and needed to transform. I don’t know how to shift back, so I’m hoping they disappear after the full moon.
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Is it a reflection of how he used to feel? How he feels now? Or how he feels overall? ]
What happened? You didn't tell me anything.
[ The game and their conversation are effectively on hold, even as Sasuke studies the image he's been sent and attempts to puzzle it out. ]
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and scene