Haruko 'Ru' Mei Pang (ru_the_day) wrote in rrinitiative, @ 2013-08-03 18:11:00 |
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Entry tags: | day twenty-one, haruko, haruko and matt, matt |
new friends
Characters: Ru and Matt
Setting: Matt's new room
After Ru had settled in a little bit, glancing at the computers, and generally wondering why they bothered doing this, she headed to her old room, and knocked on the door. Stepping back, she rubbed her upper arms with her hands to keep them warm--she was still in her pajamas, which were small and thin. Thankfully they accentuated her figure, though they also revealed some of the scars on her form that generally weren't shown when she wore normal clothes.
Thankfully, she wasn't self conscious.
While waiting for her to arrive, Matt had started to carefully take down the pictures Ru had decorated her room with and making a neat pile of them on the desk. He had balked a little when he realised just how she had come by them but had forced down his displeasure and continued with his task; unlike the vandal who had burnt the books in the courtyard, this he could at least understand and while the destruction of books could never sit well with him, the desire to surround one’s self with such beautifully shot pictures he could certainly empathise with. He favoured his left hand as he worked, the bruising on his right quite vivid by that point and flexing his fingers was proving to be a struggle despite wrapping it a wet washcloth the moment he was able to do, an attempt to reduce the swelling that had proved too little too late.
He was just adding to the pile when the knock came at the door and it was only a matter of leaning over slightly to pull it open, a polite smile on his face as he did so not wanting to get off on the wrong foot with a new person. “Haruko I presume?” he asked, stepping back and opening the door wider to let her inside.
"That's me." she answered with a smile, stepping in to the room properly. Her room, that was. She saw he was already at the process of un-decorating, so there was that. "Matt, please to meet you." she told him, thinking this would also work for meeting someone new. Even if she'd also met Angel, and had plans to wander around and see who else was in the same block now. She shut the door behind herself to keep the cold breeze out there, and she headed for the wardrobe so she could grab more appropriate clothing. "So, is this as awkward for you as me?" she asked in an amused tone, putting a bra on beneath her tank top.
“Which part?” he asked, turning away to give her a little privacy as she changed, stepping back over to the wall to untack a couple more pictures. “The fact we’re two strangers being forced to meet under unusual circumstances even for this place or that I’m now going to be living in what is still in effect your room?” Because clearly the getting changed part in front of someone she didn’t know from Adam didn’t seem to bother her.
She watched him turn away, having been curious if he would do so or if he'd not care, or what. Reactions told a lot about people. She kept changing, not really doing anything like taking her time or anything, just getting things done in a normal fashion. "Possibly all of it." she answered. "Shall we do standard 'getting to know you' stuff?" she asked. "I've seen you around, but not much. You seem to be someone who keeps to himself--is that accurate or am I reading things wrong?"
“If you’d like,” he replied, amusement tinging his voice at the forthrightness of her reply - as someone for whom conversation didn’t necessarily come easy, he appreciated it. “And that would be a more than fair assessment though here I have found that to be less the case than it was in prison.” And before that even, it was just the connections he had made at the facility and inextricable drawn him more into the fold than he had been before.
"I would like." Ru confirmed for him. "I'm interested in people. They're fascinating, aren't they? So many others want nothing to do with them, but I can't imagine not wondering what makes others tick." she shared. "Are you a loner type because you like to observe, or because you dislike crowds? Or a third option I haven’t put forward."
Matt smiled at that even if the expression was lost on Ru for the moment what with his back still being to her, heading back to the desk to set down the pictures then sitting down in the chair. “That they are,” he said, turning towards her. “And both, the former mostly. There are other factors of course but then there always are. What about yourself? You’re clearly an observer too but do you prefer to be a part of things or on the outside looking in?”
"I find the best place to observe is in the middle. You can throw in stimuli that helps figure out reactions to people, even. You don't have to rely on everything else going on. You can really contribute to figuring things out." she shared. She got finished getting dressed, then started to help get things off the wall and gathering up things. "I've always been someone who's interested in other's motivation. What about you? Lifelong observer, or is this more recent?"
“But if you’re influencing things then you aren’t an impartial observer, you have a stake in the results even if it just seeing results,” he pointed out. “Though of course according to physics, the simple act of observing something can alter its outcome so...” He trailed off then gave a little shrug, rising once more to assist her. “And a lifelong observer really though unlike you, I’m not overly concerned with the motivations behind other actions.” He paused, looking contemplative before adding. “Most of the time anyway.”
"I never said I was impartial. I just like to see what sparks result in what outcomes. Sparks that otherwise may not have occurred. And I find working out others motivations is simply fascinating. The scariest haunted house in the world is in the grey matter behind the eyes." she said with a smile. "Who is the exception to your rule?"
Matt ducked his head, conceding to her point. “Human psychology is fascinating,” he said, tugging the last picture from the wall. “All the technology we have now to investigate and explore how the brain works yet so much of human behaviour is still a mystery. One I think our overseers seem fascinated with exploring.” Ru’s question he debated for a moment before answering, debating whether or not to be honest with her - he had more than enough trouble lurking over him with the Pippa situation and he wasn’t looking to court anymore by revealing details to someone he barely knew even if they seemed to have a fair amount in common with himself. “My f...f...f...friend Edan,” he replied, frowning slightly at the appearance of his stammer. “But then she isn’t just someone I’m observing, she’s my friend.” A truthful answer enough even if he did downplay the nature of his relationship to Edan.
"People do strange and wonderful and terrifying things. Its pretty epic." Ru agreed with a smile. When he stuttered she paid it no mind, save for mentally jotting it down. "Friends can be the most fascinating and rewarding subjects of all." she said very much understanding why one could be the exception. "Individuals we care about have more dimension even if it is merely subjective."
“There is nothing quite like the human condition,” he said, surprisingly himself a little as he smiled back. Perhaps it wasn’t that surprising though given how much overlap there seemed to be between Ru’s perspective on things as his own. “And you’re right of course. I’ll confess, this is the first time in a long while there’s been anyone who has warranted that extra attention.”
Ru really liked seeing the smile back. She was guessing he was the type who didn't do that a ton. "Maybe we could get together, see what we can see, see if there's any sparks to light up. This place in general is so full of potential, with all the different types of people here, the paranoia right alongside incredible complacency..." she trailed off. "And, I'll put this out there right now, should you need anything you want help with? I'm your girl."
His smile didn’t fade but as Ru carried on, a discerning look came over Matt’s face. “It sounds to me you like to court chaos Miss Haruko,” he observed, leaning forward in his chair. He might have steepled his fingers as well if his right hand hadn’t sent up a wail of protest and he let his hand wall back to his lap. “There’s someone else here like that and she and I do not get on, I wouldn’t like the same thing to happen here. If you want to play that’s fine but I respectfully ask you don’t involve Edan in your games.” His expression was still pleasant but there was a seriousness to his voice that could not be mistaken as anything else.
"I do like to court chaos." Ru said with a confirming nod. "Just, controlled and carefully designed chaos. I don't do things for things sake. What I do is smaller scale influences, and I see what happens. I can see a big situation and influence where the pawns move. Or just instigate a pawn moving at all. It's chaotic but designed." she explained.
"Who is it you're speaking of? Perhaps she needs a little chaos directed her way." she suggested. "I'll steer clear of Edan, unless you deem it necessary to redirect her." she said, leaving it in his court. She'd be open to helping him if his subject got out of hand.
“Designed chaos? Surely that’s oxym...m...moronic,” Matt pointed out. The concept however had him intrigued; less about creating a massive explosion but rather small controlled detonations to change and possibly redirect a course of action - a metaphor he couldn’t realise was entirely apt for the small woman in front of him. “And I’m talking about Pippa, I’m sure you’ve seen her around. The petite blonde with the face tattoo.”
"Nature is all one big mess of designed chaos." Ru said with a little grin. "I just follow the leader of mother nature on that." she explained. "I quite love taking part in it, I'd love to have someone else around who could help. I already have another interested party whom I think you could get along very well with. Do you know Zach?" she asked.
Then she heard the description of the woman. "Ah...she is difficult to miss. I'll have to observe her, see what it is that's going on. We could both make an effort to, then discuss possible events to lay in her path. I would certainly be interested in doing so. If she's going about flagrantly causing trouble and it isn't even for a purpose, that's offensive to my sensibilities. Can't have that."
Attention well and truly ensnared, there was a charm and enthusiasm to the way Ru explained herself that Matt couldn’t help be drawn to even if he hadn’t agreed with her. As it was he did and he found himself leaning further towards her, her words drawing him in. “Only from what I’ve seen on the journals, I haven’t spoken to him. He is very candid about himself, it’s intriguing.”
“As for Pippa, she offends many of my sensibilities. Even without what she did to Edan, I still believe she was the person who set fire to a significant number of books from the library and that...” He had to pause for a moment to swallow down the anger that still rose whenever he thought about it. “She is a menace, pure and simple.”
Ru appreciated how he leaned forward, and she was very much hoping this worked out. That they could work together, and strike up a positive relationship. So far, it seemed the odds were in their favor. It made her smile. "He is very candid. He's...discovering the world at the moment. He's led a self inflicted isolated life. I'm attempting to help him branch out more. I believe he'd benefit from meeting you just as much as you him. The three of us together could be quite the team." she said. When he continued to explain about Pippa's deeds, Ru definitely frowned. "Well that's ignorant." she observed. "I'm aware I chose pictures from books but I didn't destroy the books. That's just uncalled for on a number of levels, and I must admit, in my intellectual mind, it's offensive because information and education are incredibly important." She sighed. "We'll most certainly have to teach her some sort of lesson."
“Well perhaps you could facilitate a meeting for the three of us?” Matt suggested. “Thankfully the three of us have all been assigned new rooms on this block - an interesting turn of events even if I heavily resent having my room taken from me.” Hearing Ru’s response to Pippa’s actions on cemented his decision that she was someone with whom he wanted to spend more time with and gave a grim little nod of satisfaction. “An attitude you and I both share Haruko. I would be most interested to hear how you would consider teaching her a lesson.”
"I would love to set that up." Ru said. "Perhaps tomorrow, I'll cook the three of us a meal. We can discuss things from there." she said, already having something in mind. Plus, it had been quite a while since she'd been able to cook anything. So, she was looking forward to it. "I'll need to do some personal research on her first--after all, proper psychological warfare cannot be engaged in if you don't have the right tools in your belt."
The offer of a shared meal along with the meeting was a pleasant surprise and one that had him smiling again, something he noticed was happening with increasing frequency. “That sounds wonderful,” he replied. “Will you need any help preparing it?” He continued smiling as the conversation swung back to Pippa, the expression taking on a dark satisfaction at having found such a competent ally. “Forewarned is forearmed. I’ll be intrigued to know what you discover – I’ve had to keep my distance from her out of necessity the last few days so she’s rather out of my scope at the moment.”
"I don't require help, but if you'd like to offer it, I won't turn you down." Ru said with a sweet smile. "And good to know. I'll see what I can see. And of course, any information you can provide on her would be very welcome."
“Consider this to be me officially offering then,” Matt said. “Just let me know what time you want me in the kitchen and I’ll be there. As for Pippa...” He looked thoughtful, careful considering what to say that would actually be helpful to Ru as opposed to just his own ardent dislike for the woman. “...Everything is a game to her. She likes to play the fool and the innocent as much as she does provoking a reaction and hates when people don’t buy into her act. I get the impression she’s clever but not nearly as much as she thinks she is, she makes judgements far too quickly for her own good and that’s what trips her up I think, when people don’t react the way she thinks they will.” Like when he had smashed that lamp over her head during the blackout, she definitely hadn’t seen that coming, a memory he couldn’t help but relish a little, a look of satisfaction crossing over his face. For all the negative fallout that had come in its wake, he hadn’t regretted his actions in the slightest.
"I'll let you know then," she said. Then Ru listened, taking all of that onboard. When the look of satisfaction hit him, she had to smile. "Have you had a successful encounter with her, taking her off guard?" she asked, quite hoping the answer was yes.
"I have," Matt smirked a little, running his uninjured hand through his hair. "During the blackout, I don't know if you were here when that happened. I was in the library and she found me in there, I think she was hoping to scare me. She certainly didn't foresee me smashing a lamp over her head in the dark." He shrugged. "It was unrefined and sloppy but incredibly satisfying. I don't doubt she's plotting her revenge somewhere though."
"Occasionally one must work with what's in front of us." Ru said, nodding as she took that in. "What happened in the wake of that?" she asked. "And do you mind my asking what you did to your hand?" she asked, since she had noticed he was visibly injured there. And now that they were talking and very much getting along, she wanted to know what had happened. If it needed her attention, she would be happy to focus.
"To me, nothing. She did however trash Edan's room in retaliation but when the opportunity came for her to press the issue before the jury she did nothing so..." He shrugged. "She is difficult to predict so I'm remaining wary." The question about his hand caught him a little by surprise if only for the sudden change in topic and he looked ruefully at it, a faint sense of embarrassment beginning to creep up his knack. "A momentary lack of control resulting in a foolish action," he explained, trying not to wince as he attempted to flex his fingers. "I really should know better than to lash out at a reinforced door."
"Oh, that's quite unpredictable. What was Edan's 'offense'?" she asked, aware that with someone like Pippa, that might not have been that much of an offense in the first place. Though beyond that, she didn't actually care, currently. It could have been a totally legitimate event and she'd have been fine. "We all have those moments." she said, nodding in understanding. "Let me know if you need anything for that, it looks untended."
Matt's expression turned contrite then, for the first time genuine remorse bleeding into his features. "Unfortunately that was my fault, I made the mistake of mentioning Edan during my encounter with her. It was how I was able to discern Pippa was responsible for what happened to Edan's room - she'd left a note on the mirror about 'reigning in your attack dog'." He let out a sigh and scrubbed his hand through his hair again. "A foolish error on my part where I let my emotions get the better of me, something that appears to be happening more frequently since coming here. This is just the latest instance of such." He held up his injured hand as if punctuating his sentence. "I've applied a rudimentary cold compress but I feel an ice pack may be in order as well. Aside from that there's little to be done though the offer is appreciated. If it swells much more I may have to consult the doctor."
"It happens to the best of us." Ru told him, understanding. "Don't worry. I'm confident we'll all be able to deal with this Pippa problem in due time." she added, knowing she'd have to make it a mission of hers. She walked over to him to get a little bit better a look at his hand. "I'll get you ice." she promised, ticking her gaze up to his eyes. She smiled then, something genuine. This place was turning out to be such a good place for her to be. She was meeting people that she was sincerely pleased to have interactions with. People she thought were much more like her than most others she'd met in her life.
His time with Edan had clearly done him good as he made no attempt to move away as Ru came closer but he was still more than appreciative that she made no attempt to take his hand to look at it. Her promise and the warmth of her smile only enamored her further to him and Matt responded in kind. "Thank you Haruko."
"You're very welcome, Matt." she said in return. "I'll get one load of stuff here, and drop it at my room, go get ice then come back for the rest. But I must say--this has been an absolutely wonderful meeting." she shared. "I couldn't have asked for a better person to have gotten my room."
"It really has been," Matt replied warmly. "I'm glad to have found an upside to this situation, this morning I couldn't have predicted something so positive coming from it." A thought struck him and he glanced behind Ru to the wardrobe. "Before you decide what to take on this first trip, could I possibly ask if there are any things you could spare for Edan? She was in block B so there is little chance of her getting her own things back."
"Oh, absolutely. You can choose a few things, if you would like to. I hope she a very small woman, but either way take your pick." she asked, since Ru knew she sure was. But either way, she would gladly help out Matt. It may have been a different story if Edan had asked herself, but for her newfound friend? Oh, she was happy to help.
Ru considered. "A pillow case would work." she said, knowing she didn't actually have all that much. "I can take my clothes and toiletries in that first." she said. "But either way, let me know if she requires anything else of mine." she told him. She gave him a little bow. "Anything for a friend."
"I will," Matt replied with a nod. "And likewise, should there be anything I can do to assist you, please don't hesitate to ask." It had only been a short encounter but, like Ru, he considered himself to have made a friend and he was nothing if not dedicated to the few people he counted as such.
"I certainly will. It's been a pleasure." she told him, before bowing out, going to drop things at her room then retrieve ice for his hand. The day had started off interesting, but she couldn't have dreamed it would be this fantastic. It was with a smile that she was on her way.