Angel (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
phaseshifter) wrote2015-10-07 07:38 pm
phaseshifter) wrote2015-10-07 07:38 pm
Entry tags:
IC Contact - Snowblind
This is Angel. Leave a message.
This is Angel. Leave a message.
Day 48 | @Mnemosyne, audio | sorry Angel he's about to melt on you a little
bookofnope
2015-10-21 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Angel. This is Beckett.
[The message comes in the dead of night, maybe 2am, and he sounds awful. Even putting aside the breathless coughing - no wonder he can't sleep - the confidence and amused, inquisitive detachment are all gone from Beckett's voice. He sounds dead serious, and very unsure - even a little afraid.]
I hate asking for favours, but this is an important one, and you seem the best person to approach it with. [He'd formed a very good opinion on her through their conversations. But he still hesitates. Not just an important favour, but a personal one as well...]
You were right when we last spoke. I'm... not well, and... not improving. It might not be as bad as it feels, [He chuckles dryly, but it just triggers another cough] but I need to be prepared for... all eventualities.
[A deep breath, and out with it. Just be out with it.] I've seen that others have met people they're familiar with here. There might be... there are a man and a woman from my world. Kindred, like me. Lucita and Anatole. They'll know my name. If I am - not present [he actually stumbles a little over the words]
Please be kind to them. They will need it. Tell them that I was here and that I... didn't find the answer. They'll understand. And they will repay my debts.
[The message comes in the dead of night, maybe 2am, and he sounds awful. Even putting aside the breathless coughing - no wonder he can't sleep - the confidence and amused, inquisitive detachment are all gone from Beckett's voice. He sounds dead serious, and very unsure - even a little afraid.]
I hate asking for favours, but this is an important one, and you seem the best person to approach it with. [He'd formed a very good opinion on her through their conversations. But he still hesitates. Not just an important favour, but a personal one as well...]
You were right when we last spoke. I'm... not well, and... not improving. It might not be as bad as it feels, [He chuckles dryly, but it just triggers another cough] but I need to be prepared for... all eventualities.
[A deep breath, and out with it. Just be out with it.] I've seen that others have met people they're familiar with here. There might be... there are a man and a woman from my world. Kindred, like me. Lucita and Anatole. They'll know my name. If I am - not present [he actually stumbles a little over the words]
Please be kind to them. They will need it. Tell them that I was here and that I... didn't find the answer. They'll understand. And they will repay my debts.
I...
[ It takes a few seconds for her brain to fight off the drowsiness enough to form a response, and even then she's lost for words. Her immediate urge is to lay on the reassurances - tell him he's going to be alright, that there's no need to worry, that he can tell these people himself if they show up because he's going to be fine.
Except that would feel more disrespectful than helpful, really. That'd be comforting herself, not him. If something is important enough for him to reach out this way, then it's also important enough for her to agree to it with no questions asked. ]
That's hardly a favour. There won't be any debt to pay. But I - okay.
Is it really that bad? Did you speak with one of the doctors?
[ It takes a few seconds for her brain to fight off the drowsiness enough to form a response, and even then she's lost for words. Her immediate urge is to lay on the reassurances - tell him he's going to be alright, that there's no need to worry, that he can tell these people himself if they show up because he's going to be fine.
Except that would feel more disrespectful than helpful, really. That'd be comforting herself, not him. If something is important enough for him to reach out this way, then it's also important enough for her to agree to it with no questions asked. ]
That's hardly a favour. There won't be any debt to pay. But I - okay.
Is it really that bad? Did you speak with one of the doctors?
[The truth is that he was not expecting a response, and despite what he'd observed of Angel, wasn't expecting such easy agreement. He sounds hesitant again.]
I'm with Dr. Epps now. Not good, he said, but nothing decisive - I might just be the city's next great joke, the vampire who thought he was dying of a cold. [He can't quite laugh, but he manages the mockery just fine.] But... breathing hurts. Considerably. I don't know.
[He doesn't know, and he knows there's nothing he can do either way. That's what it all boils down to. He was immortal once. Helplessness is terrifying.]
But... let's say I'm becoming rather aware of how precarious every day here is. I can't leave this - can't leave them to chance.
I'm with Dr. Epps now. Not good, he said, but nothing decisive - I might just be the city's next great joke, the vampire who thought he was dying of a cold. [He can't quite laugh, but he manages the mockery just fine.] But... breathing hurts. Considerably. I don't know.
[He doesn't know, and he knows there's nothing he can do either way. That's what it all boils down to. He was immortal once. Helplessness is terrifying.]
But... let's say I'm becoming rather aware of how precarious every day here is. I can't leave this - can't leave them to chance.
Nobody is going to joke about this, friend. Um - nobody decent. So forgive me if I keep hoping it is just a cold.
[ Having a doctor pronounce the situation not good is beyond worrying, though. Still, she isn't going to say that out loud. Beckett isn't stupid. ]
It will all be okay. Your, um - your friends must be very important to you. You're more of a softie than you let on, huh?
[ Having a doctor pronounce the situation not good is beyond worrying, though. Still, she isn't going to say that out loud. Beckett isn't stupid. ]
It will all be okay. Your, um - your friends must be very important to you. You're more of a softie than you let on, huh?
Nobody? I would. He is profoundly disgusted with his current situation, and it comes through.] I was the one who told you that we are still not human, wasn't I? The irony alone...
[He can't keep this up. He gives a shivering sigh, then grumbles under his breath.]
And I am not a - Kindred are not very good at "friends". But we hold our alliances close.
[He can't keep this up. He gives a shivering sigh, then grumbles under his breath.]
And I am not a - Kindred are not very good at "friends". But we hold our alliances close.
If you did laugh, I'd - I'd make really disapproving noises at you. There's nothing funny about - about thinking that you might be dying. It's scary.
[ She's not very good at sounding stern, but the sentiment comes through. She might be worried but she can be cross too okay DON'T TEST HER. ]
And I have to disagree with your assessment about being bad at friends, too. You obviously care a lot, or you wouldn't - you know. You're so proud!
[ She's not very good at sounding stern, but the sentiment comes through. She might be worried but she can be cross too okay DON'T TEST HER. ]
And I have to disagree with your assessment about being bad at friends, too. You obviously care a lot, or you wouldn't - you know. You're so proud!
What a tangible threat. I certainly can't risk it. [He's playing along rather than making fun of her. Something about it helps. And he... can't very well admit to just how scary it is, but can't summon up a sarcastic dismissal either.] I've risked final death any number of times before. It was simply never so... slow.
[It isn't the word that he expected to come up with, and maybe it hits a bit too close. He coughs despite not strictly needing to, and resumes being indignant. Proud, honestly...]
If you think I'm bad, you should meet more... run of the mill vampires. [Wait, possibly not helping his case here.] Lucita and Anatole... we are not exactly normal, for our kind.
[It isn't the word that he expected to come up with, and maybe it hits a bit too close. He coughs despite not strictly needing to, and resumes being indignant. Proud, honestly...]
If you think I'm bad, you should meet more... run of the mill vampires. [Wait, possibly not helping his case here.] Lucita and Anatole... we are not exactly normal, for our kind.
This way there's more time to think about it, huh. I understand.
[ It had taken a good while for the Vault Hunters to get to her, after all. Plenty of time to wonder if she really had to die. ]
But - if it's not progressing quickly, that means there's hope. Hold onto that.
Do you... want to tell me about your friends? To help me recognise them if it comes to that.
[ It had taken a good while for the Vault Hunters to get to her, after all. Plenty of time to wonder if she really had to die. ]
But - if it's not progressing quickly, that means there's hope. Hold onto that.
Do you... want to tell me about your friends? To help me recognise them if it comes to that.
Sounds like you're speaking from experience. [It's the kind of thing he's sharp to, despite not being high on empathy. People's stories and histories. Especially with things that are new and strange to him - like the fear of dying.
He mulls over her question for a long moment. These are personal matters, but he did ask her for the favour. He feels a certain obligation to provide information with it.] Anatole would not hide who he is, name or nature, and nothing of all this should surprise him. Lucita... [he sighs faintly] Lucita doesn't trust easily. But if she finds herself here, she'll ask after other Kindred, too. Only... be careful if you approach either of them. They are much older than me, and much less - well - human.
He mulls over her question for a long moment. These are personal matters, but he did ask her for the favour. He feels a certain obligation to provide information with it.] Anatole would not hide who he is, name or nature, and nothing of all this should surprise him. Lucita... [he sighs faintly] Lucita doesn't trust easily. But if she finds herself here, she'll ask after other Kindred, too. Only... be careful if you approach either of them. They are much older than me, and much less - well - human.
Yyyy...es. I'm one of the people who died before coming here.
[ Putting it clinically like that makes it sound less scary. Less important. Much easier to dismiss. Awesome. ]
I... you must feel bad if you're calling yourself, um. Humanesque. Does, um - does that mean they're more dangerous than you? In the, uh, bitey sense. Oh, geez. Sorry, I don't - I really don't know the etiquette for this sort of thing.
[ Putting it clinically like that makes it sound less scary. Less important. Much easier to dismiss. Awesome. ]
I... you must feel bad if you're calling yourself, um. Humanesque. Does, um - does that mean they're more dangerous than you? In the, uh, bitey sense. Oh, geez. Sorry, I don't - I really don't know the etiquette for this sort of thing.
You? [He is genuinely shocked, and appalled. Here he is complaining to her about dying of what may or may not be a cold, and it turns out she has more experience with... is it final death? Does it count if... but then, most who become vampires don't know that they'll wake up from their first death, either.
For the first time in Norfinbury, he feels a strange sense of common ground.]
I apologise. I didn't know - [Now it's his turn to fumble with his words. They do make a pair.] Forget the etiquette. It is what it is. They... hunting is more important to them. But it is more that they find it harder to - acknowledge mortals.
For the first time in Norfinbury, he feels a strange sense of common ground.]
I apologise. I didn't know - [Now it's his turn to fumble with his words. They do make a pair.] Forget the etiquette. It is what it is. They... hunting is more important to them. But it is more that they find it harder to - acknowledge mortals.
You didn't know because I didn't tell you! So there's no need to apologise. Honestly. [ Feeling guilty for mentioning it? YEP. Geez. ]
Your friends - do you mean they're, um. Snooty? Like vampires in stories, where, um. You know - humans are like cattle to them and stuff? Only not that bad. I assume. I mean, they're your friends so, um.
Your friends - do you mean they're, um. Snooty? Like vampires in stories, where, um. You know - humans are like cattle to them and stuff? Only not that bad. I assume. I mean, they're your friends so, um.
[He still feels like he ought to say more - something more meaningful, and it's doubly difficult with his mind already not at its clearest. So in the end he settles for what he knows.]
Well. Welcome to the other side. If you were a neonate, I would say congratulations. [It's halting, but manages to be about as dryly humorous as he can pull off right now.]
To those who feed on them, humans are cattle. [It's the plain truth, and he doesn't try to sweeten it. But this being Angel, he does add a little more softly:] though if it improves your feeling, all three of us had greater concerns in our existence than cruelty for its own sake.
Well. Welcome to the other side. If you were a neonate, I would say congratulations. [It's halting, but manages to be about as dryly humorous as he can pull off right now.]
To those who feed on them, humans are cattle. [It's the plain truth, and he doesn't try to sweeten it. But this being Angel, he does add a little more softly:] though if it improves your feeling, all three of us had greater concerns in our existence than cruelty for its own sake.
Um, thanks. I think.
[ The attempt at humour sits well with her, at least, even if it falls a little flat. She's pretty sure a neonate has to be a babby vampire, right? Probably.
It's that last bit she's more concerned about, anyway. ]
I... see. Um. Do you actually believe that, though? That we - they're cattle, I mean. Or is that just something you - you sort of train yourself into thinking? So you don't feel so bad doing what you have to do?
[ Because she understands that, at least. The presumed necessity of it. The fact that Beckett and his friends aren't cruel about it indicates that if nothing else. ]
[ The attempt at humour sits well with her, at least, even if it falls a little flat. She's pretty sure a neonate has to be a babby vampire, right? Probably.
It's that last bit she's more concerned about, anyway. ]
I... see. Um. Do you actually believe that, though? That we - they're cattle, I mean. Or is that just something you - you sort of train yourself into thinking? So you don't feel so bad doing what you have to do?
[ Because she understands that, at least. The presumed necessity of it. The fact that Beckett and his friends aren't cruel about it indicates that if nothing else. ]
[That her response is good - or at least, not that bad - is a tangible relief.] You should have a party. Though I'm afraid that we are all out of the immortality and superhuman powers that normally go with the package. But at least you could still enjoy the sun, if it ever shows up.
[It's something he might have said to someone in her situation back in his own world, except he is much less sarcastic about it. This is, he realizes through the mental haze of acute physical discomfort, a very strange conversation.]
I - [he begins to answer as casually as he might have in his own world, too, but pauses, almost like he's thinking better of it.] I'll answer you if you want, but I should warn you that you won't like it.
[It's something he might have said to someone in her situation back in his own world, except he is much less sarcastic about it. This is, he realizes through the mental haze of acute physical discomfort, a very strange conversation.]
I - [he begins to answer as casually as he might have in his own world, too, but pauses, almost like he's thinking better of it.] I'll answer you if you want, but I should warn you that you won't like it.
I - wow, this is awkward. I wouldn't want immortality. I died by - by choice. So it-- I can forego the party.
[ Have a really rubbish attempt at a laugh. LIKE REALLY SUPER RUBBISH. ]
And - ummm. I suppose that means I know what the answer is, doesn't it? That's terrible.
[ It's not a condemnation - she's sad for him more than anything else. It sounds like a very lonely way to think about things. ]
[ Have a really rubbish attempt at a laugh. LIKE REALLY SUPER RUBBISH. ]
And - ummm. I suppose that means I know what the answer is, doesn't it? That's terrible.
[ It's not a condemnation - she's sad for him more than anything else. It sounds like a very lonely way to think about things. ]
[There's a soft hiss of breath from his end that he clearly didn't mean to let escape. Nothing very dramatic, but enough to make it obvious that he isn't happy to be hearing this. It is pretty incredibly awkward. It's a moment before he speaks.]
In my experience, immortality, much like life, is what you make of it. The first or second t- time - [Now is actually a good time for the coughing to start up again. There you go, Beckett, found the bright side...]
Pardon - ugh! [There's a clatter as he briefly moves the tablet aside, so she won't have to deal with even less pleasant noises.] Perhaps you should speak with one of those boys who go on about hopes and dreams. They'd make... less distressing conversation partners. If nothing else.
In my experience, immortality, much like life, is what you make of it. The first or second t- time - [Now is actually a good time for the coughing to start up again. There you go, Beckett, found the bright side...]
Pardon - ugh! [There's a clatter as he briefly moves the tablet aside, so she won't have to deal with even less pleasant noises.] Perhaps you should speak with one of those boys who go on about hopes and dreams. They'd make... less distressing conversation partners. If nothing else.
I really don't think my level of distress is what's important here. That sounds - do you at least have some water nearby? That has to be heck on your throat.
[ It's much easier to fuss at other people than be fussed at herself. And she doesn't really think now is the time to explain why death was the only option for her, since it's only likely to make Beckett feel worse. ]
[ It's much easier to fuss at other people than be fussed at herself. And she doesn't really think now is the time to explain why death was the only option for her, since it's only likely to make Beckett feel worse. ]
[Oh lord, not more fussing... though better her than many others, he has to admit.] Yes, it's fine - you do realize that a proper damned soul isn't likely to be offended by the word "hell", yes? [Back to some attempt at humour. And he does let her hear that he is taking a drink. Anything but fussing.]
But perhaps it should be. I am asking for... what may turn out to be a lot, already.
But perhaps it should be. I am asking for... what may turn out to be a lot, already.
Sorry, um. Force of habit.
[ She's mollified by him taking a drink, at least. HE GETS TO ESCAPE THE FUSSING.
FOR NOW. ]
And I told you, you're not really asking for anything at all. I'd try to be nice to your friends even if I didn't know they were your friends! Despite them potentially seeming, um, odd.
[ She's mollified by him taking a drink, at least. HE GETS TO ESCAPE THE FUSSING.
FOR NOW. ]
And I told you, you're not really asking for anything at all. I'd try to be nice to your friends even if I didn't know they were your friends! Despite them potentially seeming, um, odd.
[During this conversation.]
I forgot to warn you.
Filters on the network can be hacked.
So far, I know of only one person with a program that can do this, and it's someone I trust, but if one person can, it's possible that there are others. Be careful what you say, even if you think it's private.
[And then for good measure, he sends the same warning to Rhys's tablet.]
I forgot to warn you.
Filters on the network can be hacked.
So far, I know of only one person with a program that can do this, and it's someone I trust, but if one person can, it's possible that there are others. Be careful what you say, even if you think it's private.
[And then for good measure, he sends the same warning to Rhys's tablet.]
Edited 2015-10-26 01:45 (UTC)
'Odd' may turn out to be an understatement.
[It could be a joke, but it isn't. He'd said that they wouldn't hurt her and he stands by it, but...] I did note that you tend to be nice to - well. Everyone. You put up with me, after all. But I am asking you to be kind to ones who might not be kind to others. You should know. It is a favour. My kind takes those very seriously.
[It could be a joke, but it isn't. He'd said that they wouldn't hurt her and he stands by it, but...] I did note that you tend to be nice to - well. Everyone. You put up with me, after all. But I am asking you to be kind to ones who might not be kind to others. You should know. It is a favour. My kind takes those very seriously.
I-- oh, I don't just put up with you! You're my friend!
[ She's taking the kind of tone that should really be accompanied by a slap on the wrist. ALAS, DISTANCE. ]
But I'll do it if it comes to that, I promise. Even if I still don't think it counts as even a little favour.
[ She's taking the kind of tone that should really be accompanied by a slap on the wrist. ALAS, DISTANCE. ]
But I'll do it if it comes to that, I promise. Even if I still don't think it counts as even a little favour.
[Friend, she says, as if he'd never outright said that his kind don't deal in friendship. He should find it irritating, but... she may not know what privileges she'd earned with him by her agreement, but he does, and he won't forget.]
Thank you, Angel. [You might think a warm tone would be awkward from him, but it isn't at all. It's quiet, but natural.] In this case, I hope I can at least be a good friend to you.
Thank you, Angel. [You might think a warm tone would be awkward from him, but it isn't at all. It's quiet, but natural.] In this case, I hope I can at least be a good friend to you.
@Mnemosyne; voice | Day 52, morning | SORRY FOR SPAMMIN UR INBOX ANGEL
bookofnope
2015-11-01 04:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[Beckett sounds much better than last time but also - gasp! - noticeably worried.]
I saw today's obituary. Are you safe?
I saw today's obituary. Are you safe?
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