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[perdre]

[He speaks with a mildly British accent, mixed with twinges of French in every other consonant. His first instinct would have been to use his native language - the latter - but it's become clear that he'll have more luck being understood going with his father's.]

I... wish I could think of something wrong I'd done. Something that would explain why I'm here and why I have to - fight. [He's having a hard time expressing himself. Peter doesn't... really know what he wants to say, other than that he would very much like to be placed back where he came from.] Then I'd feel there was some kind of justification I could understand.

Anyway, uhm - if there's someone I know out there, is... is there any way I can find them? Contact them? I'd really appreciate any help. I - I have a friend - his name is Frederick, he's a doctor, English, taller than me... [He gestures with a flat hand, above his head. Then he reaches into his pocket to bring a small photograph closer to the camera,] This is the only picture I have of him. I don't have pictures of anyone else.

[With a soft sigh, Peter's shoulders drop. He then mutters to himself, a presence of annoyance in his tone,] Je ne sais pas sur quel pied danser...

Comments

[affections]

Yeah. I thought better of him, too.

( She really did. He's her big brother, her hero, really. No matter what, they'd always looked out for each other, and Freddie was the gentle one between their mother's aggressive enthusiasm and their father's hostile ideals about hybrids. This wasn't what he was meant to do. Freddie wasn't meant to be this person. )

Look, I mean. Maybe there's-- some big mistake.

( Neither of them think that, do they? )

[perdre]

Yeah, no - I mean - I'm sure he has his reasons.

[Or something. He doesn't know. He doesn't know. This is weird and uncomfortable and he doesn't know.]

It's - uh. It's nice to meet you, anyhow.

[affections]

( Really. Really, Peter. )

I love my brother more than anything else on this Earth-- or, I suppose, any Earths, all things considered. I can't think of any reason that would make something like this okay to him. He's... it's not like him.

( It's making her worry, truth be told, but at her words she just smiles brightly, brilliantly, a smile that can restore confidence. )

Of course it is. I'm charming. It's nice to meet you, too.

[perdre]

[He doesn't think he want to talk about this anymore. Or about anything at all. But her little comment makes him offer the beginning of a smile.]

[affections]

( Another little handsqueeze, a bit more of an invasion into his emotions, and she releases his hands to grant him some mercy after realising how horrifically uncomfortable this must be, however upsetting. )

Would you rather be alone, for a bit?

[perdre]

[It takes him a little moment to reply - it's a bit like he didn't realize she left go of his hand.]

I don't want to be rude.

[affections]

It isn't rude, I promise you.

( She gives him a little bit of a grin. Not full-force, but rather something to try and cheer him up. )

Take some time. Maybe we'll wake up tomorrow and realise there's been some horrible misunderstanding? But yo can come and find me whenever you need to. All right?