[This is a lot, and it's also a surprising response that Charles isn't expecting. He didn't imagine that an attempt to open up a conversation about feelings with D'Artagnan was destined to go well - it never does seem to go well for him with the young men in the city he knows. But this is... helpful. Including, what he finds to be, the unnecessary rudeness of the man calling him insufferable.
Is that a misunderstanding in the end, along the lines of the man casually telling him he'd kill him? A slap thrown at him purely out of spontaneous, frustrated feeling? It doesn't make it more acceptable if it is, but it would merely make this man impulsive, rather than callously and intentionally villainous.
He's glad to hear that the storm, at least, doesn't sound like it was too eventful for D'Artagnan. The way it's reported on feels curious - as if it's coming from a police officer of some kind, who's offering only the objective details of the situation. Charles notes his own impression, and files it thoughtfully away.]
No, it's quite fine. Thank you for explaining thoroughly. [Because that is what this feels like. The man making a considerable effort despite his own condition. He appreciates it.] If I can be clearer, I always want to try to do more to that effect. I'm always open to being asked. [Clarity is essential. Slowing slightly, Charles waits for D'Artagnan to catch the few steps he's behind him up to him, and then walks beside him so he can better see the man's face.]
I am sorry that I made it feel like I wasn't interested in your opinions. I generally am. [Even though he definitely wasn't at the time. He was too wrapped up in trying to suppress his own anger.] I was angry at the time [he won't lie about that] but I don't feel that way now, either. [A beat.] And even if I was, I don't see anger on anyone's part as a worthy reason not to try to work things out with someone again.
[There's clear panic in the man beside him, and it automatically trips the desire to try to comfort, to protect-- but after a moment, Charles decides... to try allowing it to happen without attempted intervention. All along, this man has shown him that he seems to exist in a state of near perpetual tumult. Is a reaction like this, that looks like distress in need of assistance, something for this man that isn't the dire thing it would be coming from someone who isn't this way?
That's the new theory, anyway. If giving some patience and listening may be more workable with D'Artagnan, Charles is willing to try holding back other more natural instincts on his part.]
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Is that a misunderstanding in the end, along the lines of the man casually telling him he'd kill him? A slap thrown at him purely out of spontaneous, frustrated feeling? It doesn't make it more acceptable if it is, but it would merely make this man impulsive, rather than callously and intentionally villainous.
He's glad to hear that the storm, at least, doesn't sound like it was too eventful for D'Artagnan. The way it's reported on feels curious - as if it's coming from a police officer of some kind, who's offering only the objective details of the situation. Charles notes his own impression, and files it thoughtfully away.]
No, it's quite fine. Thank you for explaining thoroughly. [Because that is what this feels like. The man making a considerable effort despite his own condition. He appreciates it.] If I can be clearer, I always want to try to do more to that effect. I'm always open to being asked. [Clarity is essential. Slowing slightly, Charles waits for D'Artagnan to catch the few steps he's behind him up to him, and then walks beside him so he can better see the man's face.]
I am sorry that I made it feel like I wasn't interested in your opinions. I generally am. [Even though he definitely wasn't at the time. He was too wrapped up in trying to suppress his own anger.] I was angry at the time [he won't lie about that] but I don't feel that way now, either. [A beat.] And even if I was, I don't see anger on anyone's part as a worthy reason not to try to work things out with someone again.
[There's clear panic in the man beside him, and it automatically trips the desire to try to comfort, to protect-- but after a moment, Charles decides... to try allowing it to happen without attempted intervention. All along, this man has shown him that he seems to exist in a state of near perpetual tumult. Is a reaction like this, that looks like distress in need of assistance, something for this man that isn't the dire thing it would be coming from someone who isn't this way?
That's the new theory, anyway. If giving some patience and listening may be more workable with D'Artagnan, Charles is willing to try holding back other more natural instincts on his part.]