(no subject)

[allucinator]

[Jack appears on the network. It looks as if he isn't aware he's being filmed at first; he glances around him nervously, his eyes darting from place to place.]

So-- right. You guys don't got no newsies, yeah? But I'm grown outta that business anyway, so I figure, I'll do somethin' else anyway.

[And now he focuses on the camera. His eyes are a little sunken in; his cheekbones jut out sharply from his face. The entire effect is unpleasant; he looks like he hasn't slept or eaten in quite some time. Carefully, each movement deliberate, he takes a cigarette out of his pocket; his gaze focuses on that as he speaks.]

I draw pictures. Real good, if I do say so myself. Do paints, too. You want your picture done? You want your wall painted? Maybe you're in theater, you want some sets done, or maybe you want somebody to put a, a, a mural on your wall. If it's somethin' to do with art, I can do it. I don't give a damn what it is. I'll paint you and your stupid girlfriend if you want, 's long as you pay me. Name's Jack Kelly.

[He nods sharply, once, and lights up the cigarette.]

An' in personal business, a couple thin's: this gun's good an' all, but I'm in the knives business, meself. Anybody sellin' any good blades? I don't mean no stores, all right, I ain't lookin' for no directions to no weapons shops. I'm talkin' about the good stuff, the stuff you get on the streets. I don't got much money yet, but like I said, I got a few skills I can exchange.

An' speakin' o' them: I hear I got some roommates. Miss, uh, Galadriel and some guy named Guy? Well, I ain't gonna be in at all. Not for sleepin', anyway. So don't trouble yourself with that, when you don't see me come in.

[A deliberate pause. He exhales a lungful of smoke and watches it drift upwards before adding:]

Asano Rin. I got a bone to pick with you, and I think you know why.

Comments

[allucinator]

If you want. Who're you, that you give so much o' a damn about me?

[implying]

Someone who was also once a new arrival. [ also, you know, rinrinrinrinrin ]

[allucinator]

Mmhm. You do this for everyone, then?

[implying]

Well, I'd be broke if I did it for everyone. But when I can!

[allucinator]

Flatterin'. Anythin' else you want, or are you just here to offer me free junk?

[implying]

My dear, you did see the free cookies tent, yes? In the courtyard, perhaps on your way out? You may set aside suspicion — this is a rather tight knit community, and some of us really are only out to help others.

[allucinator]

I'm not your dear, so don't call me that, you got it? And yeah, that's cute, but I don't believe it. Ain't many people in the world out to just help one another, so forgive me if I don't think you're one o' them.

and suddenly private!

[implying]

You know her from another place like this one — one that brings many people from many worlds. The asylum?

private;

[allucinator]

[OH MY GOD Jack nearly drops his tablet in shock. A long pause.]

Yes. What did she tell you?

permaprivate;

[implying]

I never asked for great detail.

[allucinator]

Yeah, I bet. She remembers it, then. Good.

[implying]

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that you'll find this place significantly more pleasant.

[allucinator]

And you'll understand when I don't exactly believe the word o' some stranger.

[But he's distracted again.]

Is she-- how long has she been here?

[implying]

Even longer than I have, ah... [ brb, digging through memory banks

in a few seconds: ] Eleven months.

[allucinator]

[He whistles softly.]

How's she doin'?

[implying]

Very well, considering. She's an amazing woman.

[allucinator]

Yeah, she is.

[A beat. He sighs.]

Good. Good she's doin' good. An' what's your name, that you're her friend?

[implying]

Vanadi. Friend and roommate.

[allucinator]

[He huffs a laugh, dry and unamused.]

How's her nightmares?

[implying]

[ a beat ]

That seems a little personal.

[allucinator]

It's important.

[implying]

Then I'll let her answer.

[allucinator]

[He scowls.]

I'm askin' because I'm worried, you know.

[implying]

You'll forgive me, I hardly know you from the next Transport who wanders in with any old name on his lips. [ another pause, because dang, since when is he so testy. he lets out a breath. ] You're her friend, I take it?