greatoldjohn | TLV Inbox: Act II

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tlv: inbox

TLV Inbox: Act II

[in a rather deep voice] "This is John Doe. Please leave your message. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I may respond in text if I'm currently with Arthur. Apologies."

[previous inbox]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Doe, has Dr. Sheehan taught you how to play Poker?

[No mention of ignoring him and actively avoiding John, no. That isn’t important.

Its just normal, regular behavior that healthy people do, obviously. ]

No, but I do know how to play it, yes. Why?

Laura is setting up poker in the dining hall on Friday.

[That part is easy to say, the next part not so much.]

There is going to be food out, and I cannot trust her to keep her tongue to herself... [Do you see where he's going with this John? Why don't you figure it out so he doesn't have to actually ask.]

...so you'd like me to ask her to be polite while you're playing?

[ Sorry, Varker, he's not going to assume an invitation. ]

[There might be some grumbling on the other line in response.]

Why would I ask if you knew how to play Poker, if that was all I wanted, Doe?

[Read between the lines, make an educated guess, he swears it won't hurt you. But this? This hurts him, obviously. How dare you, John.]

It's weird to think about you talking to her in the first place, but its even more weird if you do it and you're not even in the room.

[ Which is a great way to know that he shouldn't mention that he talks to her when he's not in the room. /cough ]

I don't know. I try not to assume things.

[ Look, he can read between the lines, very well for someone who's only been using language like this primarily for a few years. But not as a native speaker of such social shenanigans. ]

Are you asking me to play?

[the only thing keeping Varker from claiming weaponized incompetence is knowing that John is essentially ESL in the most bizarre way he can think of, frowning down at his communicator before he sighs, heavily.]

Yes, Doe. I'm asking you if you would like to play and keep her from being a nuisance while you do. I don't feel much like going if you can't, so make up your mind quickly. I like making plans ahead of time.

[ John's tone is much more relaxed: straightforward language. His favorite. ]

Then yes, I'd like to come to the game. I'll brush up on the rules before then.

[Varker rolls his eyes, but at least he's getting what he wants.]

I believe Laura said snacks are welcome too, if you wanted to bring anything.

[Because he can be nice and sweeten up the deal when he feels like it.]

Anything in particular you'd like?

[He's been back on that mostly liquid diet during his toll. Food is hard when your not!daughter wants to put everything in her mouth and he can smell far better than he ever had.

But there are some options he can think of that might float well for a card game and not be immediately be too much for him.]

How's your salsa game?

...I believe the phrase is 'on point'.

[Varker snorts, not having been expecting that.]

You sound like one of my ridiculous interns. But chips and salsa are a good option, not especially messy while still being finger food.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TLV Inbox: Act II

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