[That's a shame because Miller is certainly thinking about him. He didn't exactly lose sleep over it, but since the boy didn't show again that day and now that he's ditched this week's session as well, Miller's decided to take some action.]
[With a notably serious presence, his heavy footsteps go through the base, starting with the cafeteria, the gyms, the pool, and eventually, heading to the kill house.]
[It's easy to spot that head of long blond hair there. Coming in closer, Miller sits himself down on a bench roughly fifteen feet behind Liquid, waiting for him to finish rather than startling an emotional boy with a gun. The shots are loud, but it's not anything he can't handle.]
[Miller doesn't like leaving any of his pupils behind. It doesn't help that Liquid has somehow made himself one of his favorites.]
[Of course, it's hard to answer that question honestly. Miller tells at least part of the truth.]
Snake is a very busy man. He has his whole base and business to run. Even when things were just starting, he only popped into a few training sessions and never took on a pupil himself.
[He turns to look at Liquid, expression serious.]
I'm the best he has, soldier, don't doubt that. He put thought into handing you to me.
He put you into the most capable hands he has, and he would not do that for just anyone.
[The boy's body language tells Miller pretty much everything he's thinking. It's helpful to be able to read between the lines, but mending the ailed teenage heart is not easily done.]
[A disappointed sound escapes the Hell Master before he can stop himself. He walks in front of Liquid and stops just before him. They're close to the cafeteria, but this hallway is the less common route to take, and therefore, presently empty. He's not going to be able to speak this seriously with his student over food-- now is the time. His voice is halfway to a commanding shout.]
Why, Liquid? If you're ashamed, there's nothing for you to be ashamed about. You're my most promising recruit, and I don't train any sissies who run away and say "I can't."
[He slams his fist sideways against the wall, sounding an echo through the hall.]
[Good, good. Liquid's looking at him, he's opening up, he's venting. All of this is a step up in Miller's book. Holding this in and avoiding the issue was only going to bother them both further.]
[Moreover, now Miller knows exactly what the problem is. He hears the boy out and keeps his arm against the wall.]
You're human, soldier. Though you're strong and have a soldier's mentality, you are still going to have these kinds of feelings, and even if it feels like it, they're not something to be ashamed of.
Consider this another way of training your body. Acknowledge that the feeling is there and fight on. Don't worry so much about what I think because I'm not bothered by it. I've known many soldiers who have the same reaction every single time they fight. It's not as strange as you think.
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[With a notably serious presence, his heavy footsteps go through the base, starting with the cafeteria, the gyms, the pool, and eventually, heading to the kill house.]
[It's easy to spot that head of long blond hair there. Coming in closer, Miller sits himself down on a bench roughly fifteen feet behind Liquid, waiting for him to finish rather than startling an emotional boy with a gun. The shots are loud, but it's not anything he can't handle.]
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[Miller stands and takes a few long strides forward, eyes looking over his student again for injury or illness.]
You don't look like you're sick. Why didn't you come?
[His voice his even, not too hard, but not too gentle either. He's disappointed that Liquid skipped out.]
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You don't find me to be suitable instructor.
[He speaks with a hint of doubt in his voice.]
If it's Snake's technique you want to learn, I can get you started on that soon. But somehow, I don't think that's the issue here.
[He looks around the range. Mentioning anything out loud here is sure to make things worse.]
Let's talk over some food. Come on.
[Touchy-feely instructor that he is, Miller gives a brief pat to Liquid's back.]
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[Of course, it's hard to answer that question honestly. Miller tells at least part of the truth.]
Snake is a very busy man. He has his whole base and business to run. Even when things were just starting, he only popped into a few training sessions and never took on a pupil himself.
[He turns to look at Liquid, expression serious.]
I'm the best he has, soldier, don't doubt that. He put thought into handing you to me.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
[The boy's body language tells Miller pretty much everything he's thinking. It's helpful to be able to read between the lines, but mending the ailed teenage heart is not easily done.]
[A disappointed sound escapes the Hell Master before he can stop himself. He walks in front of Liquid and stops just before him. They're close to the cafeteria, but this hallway is the less common route to take, and therefore, presently empty. He's not going to be able to speak this seriously with his student over food-- now is the time. His voice is halfway to a commanding shout.]
Why, Liquid? If you're ashamed, there's nothing for you to be ashamed about. You're my most promising recruit, and I don't train any sissies who run away and say "I can't."
[He slams his fist sideways against the wall, sounding an echo through the hall.]
Look at me, soldier! Hold your head up high!
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(The comment has been removed)
[Moreover, now Miller knows exactly what the problem is. He hears the boy out and keeps his arm against the wall.]
You're human, soldier. Though you're strong and have a soldier's mentality, you are still going to have these kinds of feelings, and even if it feels like it, they're not something to be ashamed of.
Consider this another way of training your body. Acknowledge that the feeling is there and fight on. Don't worry so much about what I think because I'm not bothered by it. I've known many soldiers who have the same reaction every single time they fight. It's not as strange as you think.
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[Miller offers him a bit of a confident smile.]
Did you ever consider that I might even be a little flattered?
[He brings his arm down from the wall and stands more casually before his confused student.]
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If you ever want to talk about things like that, we can. I know a lot for an old man.
[He turns around slowly in case there's something else Liquid wanted to say, and reaches for the door to the cafeteria.]
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