[Briefly, Jim wondered the depth of what he had just asked. If he had to guess, maybe it was giving this kid a better chance. When Jim was his age, or what he had to guess was his age, it'd been rough. His parents had been accepting of Karen into their home, both of them similar to Jim with their adventurous nature and love of animals. Other people around his home? Not so much, and Jim knew their words of panic and fear were somewhat well-justified, but being only a kid, he had took those words to heart with a fierce anger. Karen was family, family was important, and he'd accept no treatment of her that was less than that.
And with that personality, that over-protective persona he developed, made some people give up and gave both him and Karen a wide berth. So he adjusted. He adjusted to living with her and his parents, and between the sacrifice he had made to save her that had cost him his right eye to him moving up the ranks at South Academia, he'd dealt with the fact that despite his calm and kind nature, his 'charming' persona as his mother called it, his choice to have a crocodile meant he wouldn't be a people person.
Truthfully, even though he didn't have that many friends, he was damn happy about his life.
Going to Duel Academia had gave him experience with people who didn't care all that much, Jim finally able to call more people than a few 'friends'. But even now, with the knowledge that the people he knew back home were ones he could count on, he wouldn't take it for granted. He wouldn't be dependent on people who he knew probably wouldn't leave, but sometimes couldn't be there. He'd take what would come, good or bad - it was how he was raised.
With Oliver, Jim just supposed his offer meant he was hoping the kid wouldn't have to be alone here.]
Hahah, I believe you, Oliver! Also, you don't have to call me 'sir' if you don't want to. ...But thank you, though.
[His smile, absolutely genuine, grew at the sight of the outstretched pinky. A gesture of a promise? A notion of a pact? Whatever it was meant to be, Jim found it childishly endearing, despite the story behind it being anything but childish. So he extended his own, all fingers curled in but his pinky, and wrapped the finger around Oliver's with a chuckle.]
Sorry for the delay!
And with that personality, that over-protective persona he developed, made some people give up and gave both him and Karen a wide berth. So he adjusted. He adjusted to living with her and his parents, and between the sacrifice he had made to save her that had cost him his right eye to him moving up the ranks at South Academia, he'd dealt with the fact that despite his calm and kind nature, his 'charming' persona as his mother called it, his choice to have a crocodile meant he wouldn't be a people person.
Truthfully, even though he didn't have that many friends, he was damn happy about his life.
Going to Duel Academia had gave him experience with people who didn't care all that much, Jim finally able to call more people than a few 'friends'. But even now, with the knowledge that the people he knew back home were ones he could count on, he wouldn't take it for granted. He wouldn't be dependent on people who he knew probably wouldn't leave, but sometimes couldn't be there. He'd take what would come, good or bad - it was how he was raised.
With Oliver, Jim just supposed his offer meant he was hoping the kid wouldn't have to be alone here.]
Hahah, I believe you, Oliver! Also, you don't have to call me 'sir' if you don't want to. ...But thank you, though.
[His smile, absolutely genuine, grew at the sight of the outstretched pinky. A gesture of a promise? A notion of a pact? Whatever it was meant to be, Jim found it childishly endearing, despite the story behind it being anything but childish. So he extended his own, all fingers curled in but his pinky, and wrapped the finger around Oliver's with a chuckle.]
So...shall we start exploring?