InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Destroy before reading."

Syd(ney) Barrett (_donttouch) wrote,
@ 2017-05-17 21:08:00

And, as they had discussed, the next day was back to work. She had gone to Cary first, the intention to find Kerry, but with a pleasant sidetrack of talking with the scientist. He did, in fact, have some poking and testing that he wanted to do --something about more theories that the journal brought up -- so Syd forced herself to stay still for the prodding. It worked, for the most part, particularly after Cary saw her trying and eased the tension with a little talk. Simple stuff, how he thought she could continue harnessing her ability and an unknown echo of
what Hank had said about part of it being psychological. The conversation also turned toward the light saber, with questions about whether she felt any after effects and if she'd like to continue working with that. Knowing all too well the stability that came with knowing the person you cared about could take care of herself, Cary saw nothing wrong in giving both Sydney and David that peace of mind. Just in case. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worse.

Syd, naturally, was pleased to continue being his guinea pig in that respect.

Afterward, it was Ptonomy she found next, which was actually perfect because she needed to bribe him into a favor soon. And what could she possibly offer the memory man? Pancakes. He loved them but couldn't cook them. Baking was apparently more his bag. So favor was exchanged for favor, and she couldn't quite help herself in innocently asking about yesterday afternoon, which had him looking at her suspiciously before she flitted away.

It all led her to Kerry, who had been heading over to Cary and her punching bag. But sparring was so much more fun. So that was exactly what they did, an hour and a half of moving and trying to best one another, moves and tips given from the younger girl as Sydney tried to get one over her. Still didn't work; the student still had much to learn from the master. They were about to switch when Kerry brought up a good point; had she tried with someone else? Other than David, because Kerry liked not having an explosion to worry about, thanks. Syd snorted, giving a shrug, but then she got to thinking about it. Maybe she should change it up. "I should find Rudy or Ptonomy and ask."

"Yeah, you should." Kerry thought that could possibly be interesting, grinning. "You get a hold on telekinesis and could toss things at me." Rudy wouldn't.

With that thought in mind, Syd wandered over to David's bedroom, figuring he wasn't there yet but would pop his head in relatively soon. She debated telling him about the newest plan, or letting him suss it out. Mostly because she was curious whether people were the same to him when they were switched. Humming, she plopped on the bed and sat cross-legged, going over various ideas in her head as she waited.

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_donttouch
2017-05-20 02:47 am UTC (link)

The grin, wide in its amusement on her face was funny. So was his advice. It was true, after all. Tugged along, she gave a small wave and then nodded at the other conversation. Air, air would be good. She stepped up to the window, staring out for a minute, and then turned to face herself. David.

"It's weird looking down so much." She was focusing on those things, the way she had to peer down instead of up. "I feel awful about it." Admitted quietly, before she added, "I know I shouldn't, but I do." She also felt frustrated, but that was because she disliked big surprises. And this was a big surprise. "It..might be a setback." She wasn't sure yet, still had to process.

Taking a breath, she smiled again, and glanced around. "No shouting or things breaking, though. That's probably good." She tugged on their fingers as well, that making her smile more. "This is good too." Syd chuckled then, eyebrows lifting a little. "I had actually thought about this; later, when I figured it out more."

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xgene
2017-05-20 03:06 am UTC (link)

"It's weird looking up." And actually understanding it this time. Processing it. Having the chance to actually let it sink in rather than being in a completely confused daze. Rather than thinking it might be some new kind of delusion that miraculously got him out of Clockworks at the same time. David had no explanation at the time, no real comprehension of what happened -- but now he did. And now he was looking at himself, at Syd, and they were in it together this time, rather than having a solid wall between them and a dead Lenny to stare at.

One thing was for certain though, as Syd offered what was happening right now, internally. An insight into all the wheels cranking in physical brain that probably wasn't in the best condition after years of abuse. Thankfully the mind inhabiting it right now was good. Bright. Incredible. "I get it," David offered, smiling sheepishly. "Remember how much stuff I destroyed trying to figure things out? How I got people trapped in my memories, in the astral plane?"

Screwing up was bound to happen. "We got through all that then, and we'll get through this now." Setback or not. "Baby steps." That was all anyone could ask of them.

The small smile turned into a bigger one as he saw his own face brighten up a little. Still weird, but at least, it was a smile. "It is pretty good," confirmed by snatching up a second hand to do the same with that one too, because they could for the time being. "Thought about another switch-a-roo, huh? Good to know it can be done without explosions." That comment was met with another roll of the eyes, smile fading for a moment. "Our favorite persona somehow took care of that and is all pleased with himself. Course, bragging to yourself is like sitting at the cool table in the cafeteria of a mental hospital." A beat. "I should know, because I never sat there."

Smile back in a flash, David took a mental step back and observed himself, distancing that it was Syd for a second. "Why didn't anyone tell me I look like a startled otter when I'm panicking? Because I do and I find that very discouraging." He'd seen it! In Melanie's office once what happened sank in. The look on Syd's face when it was his face. Startled otter, one hundred percent.