± fifteen ±

[not_that_lockon]

[This is probably not the Lyle you are looking for. When the sphere switches on, it looks like Lyle's the latest to be hit by the no-holds-barred anomaly extravaganza that's going on at the moment - so, dear Crucible passengers, you currently have a twelve-year-old on your hands who looks about 3 parts lost and uncertain and one part unimpressed.

Oh, and that Ulster accent of his? Is even thicker than it usually is.]

Neil? Amy? Where are you guys? If this is some sort of prank, it's not very funny. And you didn't have to steal my clothes.

[He folds his arms, the sleeves of his oversized top having been rolled up so he can use his hands better. He's also looking a lot more nervous now that he's not getting a response.] Come on, guys, you can come out now!

Comments

[bit_impossible]

[absently while he gets out a couple cups] They do? Hmm, always got along with you better.

What does your sister do to annoy you?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

What?

All sorts of things.

[bit_impossible]

[just smiles] You'll see when you're older.

Like what? I never had a sister, so I don't know.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[frowns] I hate it when people say things like that.

She thinks that just 'cause she's a girl she's allowed to tell me off for things.

[bit_impossible]

All right then, that wasn't fair of me. I meant that there are people who like you for who you are. You're a good kid, Lyle.

[laughs] Well, I've known plenty of other women like that, but I don't think it was ever simply because of their gender.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[He says nothing to this, but looks thoughtful for a few seconds. What the Doctor says doesn't really make sense to him. Neil's the likeable one, not him.]

[To her second question, though...] What do you mean?

[bit_impossible]

[takes that time to pour the tea and sets down a cup in front of him before taking a seat.] What do I mean? I mean that you don't have to be a girl to tell someone off. All depends on the kind of personality you have. Like, I've been told off for some things, but in turn, I've told others off for doing completely stupid things that would have harmed people in the end.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

But you are a girl.

[bit_impossible]

[sighs, and really doesn't see the point in confusing the poor kid with his current gender issues.]

That doesn't matter. I'm giving you--[he'll never live these words down]--a woman's perspective.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[When he's older, Lyle won't let him forget that. But for now, he brightens.]

Oh. Okay then.

[bit_impossible]

[smiles] Go on, drink up.

What do you like to do, Lyle? Do you and your siblings do anything together?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[takes a sip, then, decisively:] I think I prefer hot chocolate.

[blinks. what an odd question.] Just normal stuff, really. I used to go to marksmanship lessons but I quit a while ago. [stirs his tea moodily]

[bit_impossible]

[annoyance briefly flickers across his features but is easily covered with a nonchalant wave of his hand] Sadly, you're fresh out.

Ohh, like archery and all that lark? Why'd you quit?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[shrugs, and says casually] I realised I'd got as good as I was ever going to get.

[bit_impossible]

[gently] You don't really expect me to believe all that, do you?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

Why not, it's true.

[bit_impossible]

Let me guess, your brother was in the same class as well.

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[Are the few seconds of stunned and then sullen silence answer enough for you, Doctor?]

[bit_impossible]

[sighs slightly] Oh Lyle... What are you going to do instead?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

[shrugs] I dunno. I'll think of something.

[bit_impossible]

Surely you must have some other hobby you'd like to take up! Or are you just going to become a lump and not do anything with yourself?

[not-that-lockon.livejournal.com]

No! ... I'm just not sure what to do yet, that's all.

[bit_impossible]

Well, that's why I asked what you like to do!