Been way too long since I wrote any NDU stuff, so have some Proto being an invasive couple-watcher.Â
Proto prides himself on having a near insatiable curiosity. There are many who focus all their time on learning only one trade, one little section of a University's array of studies, and then go off to do that for their entire bleak existence. Not him though, he's the sort who would be more than happy to be a 'professional student' for the rest of his life. There are so many things to research and examine, both in and out of a school setting.
He wants to watch, listen and learn about everything, dissect the world and study it until it all makes sense and then sew it back together, mysteries solved. He wants to use every sense and resource he has to its fullest capability so that he can begin to understand the meaning of mundane things like life and death, as well as remarkable things like the human condition and the thought process of serial killers.
Human beings are so very interesting after all; at some points, so similar, at others, complete opposites. He wants to know what makes them tick, would like nothing more than to study brain scans and direct lie-detector tests, maybe even throw them into a maze and see how long it takes for them to get out, see which paths they choose to take and which obstacles they'd rather avoid.Â
With this sort of mindset it is no surprise that the people he studies the most are the ones that are closest to him.
He's watched Pitch and Pitchiner since the beginning, but he became increasingly intrigued when they started being more open with their relationship. They fight, like he supposes all couples do, and though they sometimes push each other to the very brink, hitting where they know it hurts without mercy, they always seem to come back together, like they can't help but return to each other.
Others may find such strange devotion romantic, Proto thinks it's fascinating. He jots notes down in his journal about each of their fights: how long it takes them to forgive each other, if the forgiveness was rushed forward with sex, and makes theories about what it would take for them to stop forgiving each other. Strangely enough, he can't seem to think of anything that would really make it come to that. They've already stamped on each other's weak spots so much that they've grown over stronger than before. Maybe one day the only fighting they'll partake in is the mock-annoyance and irritation they already so often indulge in.
It's interesting, but not nearly as riveting as the other couple being slowly drawn together right in front of his eyes.
Piki, who is so, so infatuated and obsessed that it's borderline unhealthy, and Jack who seems so starved for positive attention that he takes everything Piki gives him and reacts with a delighted satisfaction. They seem to make each other very happy.
Of the two pairs, Proto knows which one will fall apart first.
Pitch and Pitchiner are well matched in their stubborn, prideful ways. They will always be on equal footing with each other, and if one ever tries to rise himself above he'll be dragged back to the same level soon enough.
Piki and Jack, though, that's another story. As Jack becomes more used to Piki's ways, Piki will only become more possessive and their relationship will become more unbalanced and unhealthy. Neither will even be aware of it at first, but eventually, as Jack grows into himself and matures, he'll start to notice that something isn't quite right, and even though he adores Piki, loves him truly and deeply, something will have to give.
Proto writes in his journal, watches from a distance, keeps his theories to himself, and waits on the metaphorical edge of his seat for the inevitable conclusion.Â
