(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

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[allucinator]

Ah, I won't be in harm's way. I'm clever like that. It's just, uh, easier for all o' us if I don't sleep with you two.

[inafadingcrown]

In truth, I have spent little time there myself, as of late. I am usually at the clinic or with my daughter. [Sleep? What sleep?]

But surely we might find you other lodgings, if that is your objection. [Call it her maternal instinct, but this bothers her.]

[allucinator]

It's-- uh-- I'll find my own way. Once I start gettin' money, I mean. I'm sure there's hotels an' stuff. I'll be fine, ma'am, don't worry.

What clinic? If you don't mind me askin'.

[inafadingcrown]

As you wish. [She doesn't like it, but she'll respect his wishes.]

I do not mind at all. Usually, I lend a hand with the transport run clinic, though recent events had me dividing my time between it and the Initiative Infirmary.

[allucinator]

[He perks up at that, interested.]

They take on new people?

[inafadingcrown]

[And that merits a smile in return.] An extra pair of hands is always welcomed.

[allucinator]

Then I, uh, I guess I'll see you there. Ma'am.

[inafadingcrown]

I suppose you shall. Do you have skill as a healer or do you intend to offer your assistance to those who do? [If she knew the term "gopher" in this context, she'd use it. But she doesn't, alas.]

[allucinator]

I, uh, got a few skills. This and that. Stitches, helpin' women give birth, stuff like that. But I think I'll run around til I learn more.

[inafadingcrown]

I am aware that my methods may be considered somewhat...behind the times by most, but I, at least, would be more than willing to teach you what I know. [What can be taught, anyway. Elven grace and the power of magic rings isn't exactly transferable.]

[allucinator]

[It's a while before he replies-- after talking to Rin, after showering and eating a bit. He looks quite a bit better, though still rather emaciated and nervous.]

I'd be grateful for it, ma'am. And, er, if you don't mind-- I think I'll be stayin' in our place after all. I, uh . . . I get nightmares, but they ain't nothin' for you to worry about. I'll try and put some stuff up on my door, muffle the sound, stuff like that.

[inafadingcrown]

By rights it is as much your space as mine; I do not mind at all. And worry not, I am well familiar with nightmares of the sort I believe you describe. I will not disturb you. [It comes from having seen battle herself and spending the vast majority of her life among soldiers.]

[allucinator]

I'm kinda worried about disturbin' you, to be honest.

[A beat. Warily:]

They're-- they're bad ones. I mean, I dunno what you're familiar with, but-- might wanna invest in some earplugs or somethin'.

[inafadingcrown]

[A nod.] When my husband first returned from war, he did not rest easy. I managed then and there was not a door between us. And I do not sleep much, regardless. I will adjust.

[allucinator]

[He nods again. For some reason his cheeks are a little flushed, though he doesn't know if it's from embarrassment or gratitude.]

Thanks, then. Ah-- maybe tomorrow you and I can start on that medical stuff.

[inafadingcrown]

I would be glad of it.

[allucinator]

[He nods. Again, with that same strange shyness:]

What-- I mean, what should I call you?

[inafadingcrown]

"Galadriel" will suffice.

[allucinator]

Yes, ma-- Galadriel. I'll, uh, I'll see you later.

[inafadingcrown]

[Oh, that little slip is endearing.] Until then.