Re: Quicklog, Patrick's cabin: Patrick G/Newt P
What I meant, rather, was that he has anger. It's not all been relegated to Sue. Life for him would be easier if it had been. Your brother can be nasty when he wants to be. [Not that Newt wanted to keep talking about Adrian or, for that matter, Sue. Although Patrick might not've shared the sentiment, Newt was glad to move on to Webster. It wasn't anything that had anything to do with him, and he felt he'd been doing quite enough divulging.] There're different kinds of intelligence. I can tell you neither Connie nor Adrian have any relating to people and how to talk to them. [It wouldn't assuage years of feeling like a disappointment, of course, but it was true, all the same.] Was it—forgive me, but was it better once he was gone? Connie, I don't imagine, felt you had to be one thing or you were nothing. [Newt'd been a disappointment to his own family, as well, and he understood it took a toll on a person.
Newt didn't know if he knew what he liked really, but he didn't bother contradicting Patrick. Instead, he laughed, rather to himself than at Patrick.] I can absolutely believe it, darling. You do ask me an awful lot of questions without answering any in return. [He said nothing further about the bowties; his point, he felt, had been made.] She thought you were too young, if I remember correctly. It wasn't that she didn't want you. She just couldn't quite convince herself it was all right. [Which sounded vaguely familiar.
Patrick didn't understand Newt's offer at all, but the man couldn't bring himself to correct his friend immediately, if at all. It was utterly embarrassing. With a sigh, he leaned forward, elbows on the table and his chin there, trying not to smack himself.] Yes, I've been to a handful of places, if it's something you're interested in. [He was watching Patrick's abandoned food, rather than dare anything else. He was quiet a moment. He dithered. Then, he just made himself speak.] That wasn't what I meant, however. I meant me. Erm, but I understand, if you'd rather not.