CELL PHONE LOG - BARRETT <-> MORGAN

[gluttoning]

Comments

/2

[gluttoning]

You're a lot smarter than I could even think of.

I don't get it. I'm sorry. But it sounds really impressive.

I didn't think teleporting existed. Except for Star Trek.

[tablescraps]

It didn't. I managed to demonstrate the first step of the process of teleportation... but my accident happened, so I guess progress is in stasis again.

The science behind it is complex, but it's mostly just indulgent. I enjoyed working it out, like a puzzle. Maybe it's like playing sports for you.

[gluttoning]

I wouldn't call football a puzzle for me. :-) Just hard work.

Would you want to go back and try again someday?

[tablescraps]

Probably not. I lost the desire to continue my work with everything else.

( rip to the investors he ghosted who are probablt very upset right now )

It's also complicated. I wasn't aware of it at the time, but... I think that man probably doesn't want me to continue my research, either.

( He's kind of just... stuck... )

[gluttoning]

What he wants shouldn't matter.

He's never going to be satisfied, anyway.

[tablescraps]

No, he won't be.

But I'm not sure if I want to attract his attention or not. If he does care, then he'll probably approach me. Though... there's always a chance he may no longer care about me at all.

[gluttoning]

Do you think he'd try to do something to you again?

[tablescraps]

He might.

( Or maybe Mithrun just wants to believe he'll care enough to do something about it personally - instead of sending some henchmen to handle things at a flick of his wrist.

There's nothing worse than being angry with someone who doesn't care about you. )

It depends on whoever he's with now. He likes stoking desires in a person and fulfilling those wants. If the person he's with now has business interests that would be hindered by my research...

( ... then he'd do something. How personally, Mithrun can't be sure. But he suspects that has to be the only reason he would've cared to interrupt his research the first time, besides just being done with Mithrun.

Mithrun had run his course, and couldn't satisfy his hunger anymore. )

[gluttoning]

Then do your research in private. For fun. Or whatever it is scientists like to do with their science.

You shouldn't let him touch you again.

[tablescraps]

( He'd probably find out - that's Mithrun's instinct. There was always a risk Mithrun's choices would catch up with him.

But - if they didn't... If he really didn't care - if he was no longer with anyone who wanted Mithrun's research gone...

What was left for Mithrun then? )

Live, do my research, and die old... Is that what you mean?

[gluttoning]

And eat a smurf at least once. Maybe.

And wait until I read Moneyball so I can talk to you about it. :-)

But yeah. That's what I mean. If your research is something that is important to you again someday. Or if you learn you do like the idea of being a chef again. Or an astronaut. Or the guys who drive ice cream trucks. Or just being Morgan and not doing any of that.

You still don't need him anymore.

[tablescraps]

( ...

He still isn't sure, but. )

You said you can cook, right?

[gluttoning]

Sort of. I like eating more than cooking. But I like making nice stuff or barbeque for my family sometimes.

Why?

[tablescraps]

Teach me. At least the basics.

I don't know if I'd become a chef. But maybe I can manage a dish you'd like.

[gluttoning]

[Oh.

His heart skips a bit, and he isn't sure why.]

A dish I'd like? Me?

Yeah, I could show you. I don't have a lot here at the dorm, but we have a big kitchen at home.

[tablescraps]

Yes, you. ( Silly!! ) What's your favorite?

( Though, to be fair, it doesn't have to be Barrett's favorite - just something he'd enjoy eating. )

I don't mind going to your house, if it'd be easier for you to teach me there. My dishes won't be very good at first, but I don't mind practicing.

( Considering he runs repetitive content over and over in Fragment, redoing dishes until he gets them right is not daunting to him. And, of course, he presumes he'll pay for whatever he uses up. That's fine. )

1/2

[gluttoning]

Double cheeseburger with roasted gouda, medium rare, lettuce, tomato, carmellized onion, pickle, dijon mustard, brioche bun, toasted.

[gluttoning]

[...]

I'll show you. I don't mind trying it even if it needs help.

I'll show you how things taste, so maybe you can tell what needs to be changed.

Maybe I can make something for you, too.

[tablescraps]

( boiger... Mithrun copy & pastes Barrett's burger order into a separate document. He'll do some of his own research into how cooking this might work ahead of his flight. )

Okay. Thank you. I don't know what I like, so I don't know what to ask for, though... Anything you're proud of is fine.

[gluttoning]

You like strong flavors. Right?

I'll find something for you. :-) Even if I have to try a bunch of things.

I'll still get to do it with you.

[And the thought of it is exciting. He's glad no one is commenting on how openly he smiles at his phone in the middle of the university library.]

[tablescraps]

Okay. I'll try them all, however long it takes.

I'll see you soon.

( And by that, he means, I look forward to seeing you. )

[gluttoning]

Yeah. See you soon, Morgan.

I'll look for Moneyball after I'm done studying for tomorrow. Promise.

[And maybe Faulkner. Who knows.]

[tablescraps]

All right. I'll quiz you on Saturday, so don't forget.

( Teasing, )

[gluttoning]

💀💀💀

After a whole day of football? Are you sure I'll even remember my uniform number?

Maybe I'll still remember the name of the book. :-)

[tablescraps]

Hmmm. I'll consider passing you if you remember my name, at least.