sixwordstories | (no subject)

Excuse me, I'm looking for this address, can you help me? [holds out a piece of paper]

[looks at address] Uh, that place is quite a long way from here. [not entirely without sympathy] What happened, you take the wrong bus?

[Rory nods] Yes, I'm afraid so. I don't entirely understand the system here. [he sighs] Am I terribly stuck?

Guess you are. [sigh] OK, I'll help you out. I'm not doing anything that can't wait. [extends hand] Nathan Petrelli, pleasure to meet you. And you are?

[Rory smiles brightly. He is grateful for the kindness of strangers, much like the book heroine.] Rory Flanagan. I am most grateful for your assistance Mr. Petrelli. I've only come here for Uni, I'm still easily turned about.

[grin] Pleasure to meet you, Rory. Yeah, this city can get pretty confusing for a first timer. Come on, let's get you where you need to go. What are you here to study, if I may ask?

I'm studying Music Therapy at NYU Steinhardt. I am hoping to work with children. So many broken souls out there, I want to do my part to help at least one heal. [he smiled softly at the older man, he was charming, commanding, sure to be someone of import]

[thinks about that for a second] Sounds like a noble goal. We certainly need more of that attitude in this world. [is reminded of his brother Peter and lets it go] We can use my car, if you like, or would you prefer I call a cab for you?

I'd be happy for your company, if you don't mind bringing me. You can tell me about yourself, Mr. Petrelli, now that you are part of one of my American adventures.

[Nathan throws back his head and laughs] "Adventure"? Well, that's a first. Not much to tell, really - I've lived here all my life, born and bred. Was a lawyer and in politics for a while, finally packed it in and went into IT. My family was... concerned. To say the least.

C'mon, my car is right over there. Mind your head. [... Christ why did he say that.]

I will, thank you. [Rory said with a smile, getting into the (very nice) car and buckling up.] Why were they concerned? Are you happier with your job now? Happy is important.

[small snort. you obviously don't know the Petrellis too well, kid.]

They place a lot of emphasis on appearance and social status over ..."happiness". The right job, the right connections, so on. And "my son the systems admin" doesn't quite have the same ring as "my son the lawyer" or "my son the senator."

How about your people, how do they like music therapy?

[Rory frowned a little] Yes, my family is very happy about my choice, but they would have been happy for me no matter what I did. As long as I am living a life that Jesus would approve of, that's all that matters to them. I'm sorry your family doesn't seem to put your heart before their desire to look good for others, 'tis cruel by my definition. If you will pardon me saying so, of course. I shouldn't judge.

[grin] That's good to hear.

And no, no, that's OK - we Petrellis probably deserve everything you have to throw at us. Disapproving of each other is the LAST of our problems. [shakes head in cynical amusement]

...What exactly does "music therapy" entail, though? How's it different from, uh, "regular" therapy? [Like he himself has dealt with more times than he cares to count]

It means using your voice, or an instrument, to help channel your feelings, sometimes it's too hard for someone to talk about what is bothering them, so this is a way of dealing with it. Especially for children. They don't have the language, but the music speaks for them.

Do you have children, Mr. Petrelli?

Wow, that sounds really interesting. I hope it works out for you.

[tries desperately not to fidget with awkwardness] ... Yeah. I do, but I don't see them much. [and why is he telling that to this kid he just met? jesus.]

With God's help, everything works out.

Oh, I am sorry to hear that, I am sure they miss you quite desperately. [Rory says sincerely, putting a kind hand on Nathan's arm and patting gently]

[small smile] Nah, not really. They're better off without me and from what I hear, they've mostly moved on - as far as they tell me in Christmas cards and phonecalls, I mean. I'm still pretty much persona non grata in their lives, and I can't say I blame them.

[looks out the car window] And looks like we're here.

[Rory puts his hand on Nathan's arm and smiles warmly at him.] I am sure they love you quite dearly, more than you know.

And thank you for the ride. It's been a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I wish you well.

[small smile] Yeah, well, love's always been a funny thing in my family.

You're welcome, pleasure to meet you too. Take care of yourself.