Una and O'Brien in the Land of the Dead

[mrs_persson]

Who: Una and O'Brien
What: Having a chat whilst looking for their quest item in port
Where: Somewhere in Rubacalva
When: Early on in the port
Warnings: Probably none

Comments

[mrs_persson]

She almost gaped again, and half-wondered if he was just saying this because he thought she'd want to hear it, or to get a rise out of her. She she kept her expression composed this time and merely nodded.

"Perhaps he doesn't fully understand why he did it himself," she pointed out. "But he wants to try and make things right. Apologise, perhaps, if that's the right word."

[mrs_persson]

"Because despite this mistake, he's been your friend, hasn't he? And yes, he's injured you, broken your trust on this matter, but how many other times has he helped when no one else would?" She was sympathetic, really; broken trust was no small thing. But she didn't want to see O'Brien throw this away, particularly not when Beatty seemed penitent, in his own way. "Give him a chance, at least. He deserves that much."

[mrs_persson]

"Tell him that. Tell him how his actions have affected you, how it's damaged your relationship. And at the same time, listen to what he has to say for himself. Try to see it from his point of view-and remember you understand one another better than anyone else on this vessel. But that doesn't mean you can't make mistakes."

She wondered how she'd found herself in this position: providing relationship counseling to two old men who'd never had to learn these skills. It was almost funny. No, it was funny. And sad.

[mrs_persson]

"What you sound is..." She thought for a moment.

"Inexperienced."

[mrs_persson]

Una shook her head. "Not at all. Not to me, anyway."

She ventured the tiniest of half-smiles. "Mind you, I never thought I would find myself teaching friendship skills to you and Beatty. But it's not pathetic at all."

[mrs_persson]

"Is it so very dreadful, this bit of ownlife known as friendship?" Her tone was light, though not teasing exactly. It wasn't as if she wanted to make a joke of it, after all.

[mrs_persson]

"All the more reason for you to try and patch things up with Beatty," she said reasonably. "Because who else understands so well, if not me after all this time?"