Etraya: Inbox

[restingstitchface]

✉ ☏ 🎞

This is Dr. Crane. I'm not available right now but my answering machine is. Maybe you can hold a conversation with it instead?

Comments

[restingstitchface]

No. You play smart.

[Ergo, the fact he is suggesting it suggests a belief he considers this boy intelligent. It's a compliment designed to engineer a bond. Or, as he would call it, compliance.]

You are capable of that.

[copsormasks]

Yeah, I am. [Jason doesn’t see anything amiss here. Of course he’s smart.]

I can do that.

[restingstitchface]

So why not push yourself?

[His voice is light and almost melodic as he turns to investigate another table.]

You don't seem afraid of hard work.

[Afraid, ha ha. GEDDIT?]

[copsormasks]

I can do this. [Jason emphasizes, Crane has him hook, line, and sinker.] I'm not afraid to work hard.

[restingstitchface]

I know you can. [Another compliment. Lovebombing, some people call it.] That's why I'm suggesting it to you.

[copsormasks]

Thank you. For believing in me.

[Jason smiles up at Crane.]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane murmurs his acknowledgement and looks away - like he doesn't know what to do with the compliment. He looks a little ruffled, a little flattered, a little awkward.

Like the sort of person who doesn't socialise often. But it's an act.

Will he be disappointed by failure? Not particularily. It will just be one more piece of data to record, categorise and file.]

No problem. Sometimes we just need someone to see us, no?