Things have been a little tougher for Aqua from time to time due in no small part to his inability to read human words. Many people simply assume that it's the English language that's the problem, not language in general. That leads to some people taking the time to help him out where reading is necessary. Most times, he just guesses with mixed results.
Aqua looks up at Su-jin, then over to where he's pointing, lifting his own arm to point in the same direction, at the same thing. "They're full of words," he repeats quietly, tracing one of the words in the air with his finger. He's familiar with the shape of it, as well as the shape of a few others on this particular sign, but he has no idea what it says. He's tried to learn a little by following along as his screen reader tells him what's on his phone, but it's difficult when there's no one there to make sure he's even following along correctly.
Looking toward the beeping, Aqua drops his arm and checks for traffic like SU-jin did. Because Su-jin did it, actually. Before following him out onto the crosswalk, however, Aqua reaches for Su-jin's hand. Something comforting for the selkie who's still a little nervous about crossing the street. Except that Su-jin is still a stranger and maybe having someone he doesn't know grab his hand is not a nice, comforting thing for him. Maybe he doesn't like that. With that in mind, Aqua pivots and gently grabs the other man's sleeve instead. Only then does he follow Su-jin onto the crosswalk. A compromise. Some people may not think of it as much of one, but to Aqua, it's huge.
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Aqua looks up at Su-jin, then over to where he's pointing, lifting his own arm to point in the same direction, at the same thing. "They're full of words," he repeats quietly, tracing one of the words in the air with his finger. He's familiar with the shape of it, as well as the shape of a few others on this particular sign, but he has no idea what it says. He's tried to learn a little by following along as his screen reader tells him what's on his phone, but it's difficult when there's no one there to make sure he's even following along correctly.
Looking toward the beeping, Aqua drops his arm and checks for traffic like SU-jin did. Because Su-jin did it, actually. Before following him out onto the crosswalk, however, Aqua reaches for Su-jin's hand. Something comforting for the selkie who's still a little nervous about crossing the street. Except that Su-jin is still a stranger and maybe having someone he doesn't know grab his hand is not a nice, comforting thing for him. Maybe he doesn't like that. With that in mind, Aqua pivots and gently grabs the other man's sleeve instead. Only then does he follow Su-jin onto the crosswalk. A compromise. Some people may not think of it as much of one, but to Aqua, it's huge.
"Yes please. Will you teach me?"