A couple of interesting things are happening to Dustin right now. Beyond the obvious, I mean.
Firstly, he's never had his life directly threatened before - at least that he remembers. Even in his first memory, Dustin always had the distinct impression that the creature was at most seeking to maim rather than kill, like it needed him for something. Otherwise, for all of his misgivings about his upbringing and the fact that he's recently started to deal with some pretty shady characters, Dustin has lived a relatively safe life.
Secondly, even in those cases where he's been paranoid that things could go south, Dustin has never felt so unprepared to handle a dangerous situation as he has now. He has an unlit lighter in one hand, a broken stick in the other, and no range of motion to get the two to meet again. With a claw already at his neck, trying to defend himself with either will just get him killed faster. The bear has been poked and there is nothing he can do about it.
Except, maybe...
"--What are you testing?" he stammers. Too late to try bargaining again? Dustin has gone stock still, trying not to flinch into the sharp edge of the claw under his chin. "At the lake. If I can swim or not? Can't test that if I'm dead."
no subject
Firstly, he's never had his life directly threatened before - at least that he remembers. Even in his first memory, Dustin always had the distinct impression that the creature was at most seeking to maim rather than kill, like it needed him for something. Otherwise, for all of his misgivings about his upbringing and the fact that he's recently started to deal with some pretty shady characters, Dustin has lived a relatively safe life.
Secondly, even in those cases where he's been paranoid that things could go south, Dustin has never felt so unprepared to handle a dangerous situation as he has now. He has an unlit lighter in one hand, a broken stick in the other, and no range of motion to get the two to meet again. With a claw already at his neck, trying to defend himself with either will just get him killed faster. The bear has been poked and there is nothing he can do about it.
Except, maybe...
"--What are you testing?" he stammers. Too late to try bargaining again? Dustin has gone stock still, trying not to flinch into the sharp edge of the claw under his chin. "At the lake. If I can swim or not? Can't test that if I'm dead."