abyssdressing | In which we pretend that self-image is important.

Entry tags:

characters: glasses_gleam

In which we pretend that self-image is important.

[Jade walked on as he contemplated. Where was he? He didn't really know, nor care; the nexus had a mind of it's own as of late and he'd seen at least three different versions of Auldrant so far, as well as other places. He just wanted to see a familiar face so he could ask them an important question.

One that could change how the world saw him forever, and it wasn't something he wanted to play at without serious thought and guidance from anyone that could offer him input. In particular there were a few people he wanted to ask since he saw them more than others, and one in particular because they were in a relationship.

Some of the time. Of course he had to hope he didn't find the wrong versions of people, as ard as that might be, he was sure it was possible with only a little effort on his part. The Necromancer couldn't deny he was something of a magnet for trouble.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Being a trouble magnet himself, it shouldn't surprise Jade that a certain redhead (complete with her own mini-disaster in tow) eventually crosses his path. The colonel's presence is something of a shock for Luke though. While he looks like Jade and walks like Jade, was it really him? There's a sense of familiarity that she can't shake off, so after staring for a bit she picks up her son and jogs over. ]

Hey, Jade! Hold up!

[Turning to the voice, out of habit, his hand is flexed to hold his spear should he need it, but his stance loosens almost instantly upon seeing the owner of the voice and he adopts a smile..]

Well, if it isn't one of my favorite Lukes~ With a little helper today~

[ Ah, so it is him! ...one of him, anyway. Now all she has to do is figure out which Jade this is. Maybe name tags wouldn't be such a bad idea. Both redheads beam at Jade and the smaller even waves. ]

Yeah, I figured we'd get out of the house for a bit while the weather hasn't gotten too cold. How're you doing?

[Returning the wave, he nodded as he listened.]

Oh, I'm just... Well, I can hardly complain~ Peony would say I'm not paid well enough to subject anyone to that.

[Gesturing that they walk with him, he resumed his slow pacing.]

I believe it may be time for a change. What do you two think?

Wouldn't it have to be the other way around though? It only seems fair to pay whoever lets you torture them.

[ Not that she can imagine any amount is fair compensation for being the butt of Jade's mockery. He's as dangerous with words as he is with that darn spear of his. ]

[ His question takes Luke by surprise though, and she casts him a puzzled look as they start off. ]

What kind of change did you have in mind? If you mean running around in your bathrobe, the answer is no!

"Oh? I suppose I can part with a bit of gald, for a few people~ Though, really, that seems more like a specialized service..."

[He wasn't going to say more; Asch would complain about Luke's child being taught bad things. Still, children had a habit of asking awkward questions even without an influence.

On the matter of the question, he chuckles.]

I thought I'd save that for the warmer months, Luke. Perhaps a haircut? Though, admittedly it is hard to imagine myself with different hair...

Heh, why doesn't that surprise me. And I guess there'll always be types of people who'd jump at a torment service. Why waste their time when they can pay good money to have you complain at other people? You can even borrow Mieu and double their aggravation!

[ All parties involved should be thankful that Aidan is content to watch the proceedings without chiming in. For now. Mostly due to the conversation not making much sense for a toddler. For her part, Luke can't help looking a bit relieved. It's highly awkward to have your pseudo-father figure running around in his bathing suit. Though the alternative is almost as surprising. ]

A haircut! [ That prompts a response from the kidlet. He waves again and echoes Luke cheerfully, earning a pat on the head from her. Haircuts are fun! ] You aren't kidding. Somehow you've always seemed like an unchangeable fixture. Even seeing you in an outfit besides your uniform was a shock to start with. Are you planning on getting it cut? Or you could dye it!

[Was it really that much of a shock? Then again, Luke had been one to consider he had an air-conditioning system under his uniform...]

Really? I suppose it's time I told you the truth...

[He comes over, putting a hand on Luke's shoulder before leaning to look her son in the eye.].

I'm a vampire~ I drink people's blood~

[Or so he says anyway. The whole unchanging figure bit from Luke amused him too much to let it go. He was considering dying though, as it had been brought up. Maybe red~]

[SUDDENLY OUT OF NOWHERE there is a Fon Master laying in the middle of the road.]

[It doesn't seem as though he's collapsed. In fact, by his posture it rather looks like he knelt down to grab something (a cane, it would seem, which is sitting just in front of him) before just... tumbling down to the ground.]

[He's also very clearly just sleeping.]

[It'd probably be a good idea to make sure not to trip on him or something.]

[Pausing, Jade surveyed the small Fon Master before him. Something was so...typical of this; working himself to exhaustion and sleeping in his down-time. He picked up the cane and eyed it carefully as he cleared his throat and suppressed a chuckle.]

Ion, Anise would be distraught to see you sleeping in the dirt. She might have rathered you chose the grass instead...

[The moment Jade says his name, Ion perks right up, almost as though he hadn't fallen asleep at all! He pauses, staring down at the ground where the cane had been, and then slowly turning to look up at Jade. There's a scuff on his cheek where his face had made contact with the ground.]

[But he doesn't even acknowledge this, instead just replying with a smile.]

Oh, hello Jade. I didn't realize you were there.

[Notably, he makes no attempt to get up from where he is on the ground.]

How nice to see you again.

[Well, an Ion, at least. Kneeling down, the man pulled an handkerchief from a pocket and dabbed Ion's cheek with it before offering the cane.]

Do you need help, Ion?

[After all, while even Ion isn't immune from Jade's teasing, even the Colonel found it hard to be outright mean to the boy.]

[Ion smiles at the bit of pampering, far more used to it than the usual Ion wandering around this place, before taking the cane.]

Actually, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind helping me stand? I must have been sitting here long than I thought. I can't quite move my legs...

I suppose it would be ungentlemanly~

[Moving closer to the boy~~to baaaadtouch~~ help him up, Jade slipped an arm around him and slowly raised him to hs feet so his knees wouldn't ache from a sudden rise.]

I daresay, Ion, you may be cheerier than usual. If that's possible.

[~~His true title is Jade the Badtoucher~~. Ion leans on his cane as he stands, appearing just a bit unsteady. He winces, but he manages to make it more or less up-right.]

Cheerier than usu-- a-ahh!

[But the moment Ion straightened his legs out, he gave a sharp cry and clung to the nearest thing -- Jade, that is -- for support. Closing his eyes tightly, it's clear by his expression that he's in pain. Though the reason isn't quite so obvious.]

[He takes a few unsteady breaths before looking back up at Jade, forcing a smile. He's still clinging pretty tightly, almost as though his legs weren't holding him up at all.]

S... sorry... I just need a moment.

[~~He should just embrace all his talents.~~ Well, this, while surprising; was unexpected.

Ion, in pain. It seemed almost a cosmic rule, even if it wasn't physical pain. Jade held Ion fast to help support him~~and make all the fangirls cry both "why" and "yes" at the same time~~. Though, this was unfortunately going to require explanations on both their parts, Jade did have to pose a request to the Fon Master.]

Ion, I don't mind you taking your time...but you may need to explain so I am up to date on your constitution.

...you mean you don't know?

[It shouldn't continue to surprise him that he's yet to meet anyone who really knows what's going on with him, but it does. He tries putting some weight on his legs again, but only sinks down a little further -- the muscles aren't really cooperating at all right now.]

...w-well. I would be happy to explain it to you, though for now, I... think you may have to help me find a place to sit down. I don't think I'll be able to walk very far on my own. [You know, given he's having trouble with standing right now.]

[Nodding, the man kneels again, but smiles as he scoops the boy up. It doesn't seem like they'll get far even if Ion tries to walk, so Jade carries him a little ways until there stands a bench.

Pausing to mentally note on the almost sad convenience of it, that hardly stops him from using it, seating Ion first before joining him, with a chuckle.]

I have to say Ion; I don't believe I've carried many men in time~ [Joking aside though, it was time to be serious, and while he kept a smile on, it was definitely more of his usual false one.] Now, tell me about yourself.

[When Ion said he'd need a little help, he didn't quite expect to get scooped up like that. But he doesn't flail at all, not wishing to make Jade's job more difficult. Not that it should be at all, really -- Ion's fairly light. Perhaps a bit more so, given his condition.]

[He relaxes a bit once he's set down, resting his hands on his knees and massaging them a bit, hoping to get more circulation going.]

...you recall Tear's miasma contamination, don't you? [He keeps his eyes fixed on the ground, in spite of the smile on his face as he speaks.] The doctors told her there was no cure, but I figured out a way to save her by taking her contaminated fonons into my own body.

By all means, I shouldn't have survived. But eventually the miasma settled into my arms and legs rather than my internal organs. They seize up sometimes, and it makes me rather tired...

[He looks back up, now looking just a tad embarrassed.] When you found me earlier, I had been crouched down like that for awhile, and ended up falling asleep waiting for my legs to move again. It wouldn't be the first time I've just fallen asleep on the ground like that, either.

[Jade reached up, removing his glasses long enough to rub his temples. It wasn't that he was unhappy with Ion; it's just that, well.

Most people would be very upset at hearing a friend was going to be in pain for the rest of their life. Sure, the miasma would eventually dissipate, perhaps. That would take years if it happened at all. Replacing his glasses, Jade made sure his smile was back on as well.]

How kind you've always been, Ion. [Kind, idealistic, and so influential somehow. He reached, patting the boy's head idly as he thought about how different life must be for everyone in this Ion's version of Auldrant.]

I'll keep you company until we find an Anise. Or Arietta. I'm sure they'll insist on doting on you~ [He didn't really want to touch on how tragic this was, because he was still alive, and really in the end that's what most wanted, regardless of the quality of life he might have. While that was selfish, Ion seemed to be happy just being alive as well, so everyone was happy with this arrangement perhaps?]

[Jade could try and hide it, but that singular action was enough to explain why the smile on his face didn't quite reach his eyes.]

Oh, thank you, Jade. Though if you could not mention the fact that I fell asleep in the middle of street, I would greatly appreciate it. I wouldn't want either of them to worry... and I'm sure Sync would be angry that I left without bringing my crutches with me.

[...his version of Auldrant is certainly very different.]

I think it can be our little secret~ It wouldn't do after all, because I would also have to mention carrying you; and I suspect all three would be quite jealous indeed.

[He chuckled, despite the fact that Jade knew it was slightly true. But Sync? Really. That was something he hadn't seen coming, as the other replica had been intent on dying.]

Though, now I'm curious. Sync lived?

[It was morbid, and an indirectly direct explanation of what had happened. Jade respected Ion enough to not hide things from him, but he also wasn't going to give specifics, either.]

[The phrasing is enough to shock the smile right off Ion's face. There's a pause, perhaps as he realizes there's no point in asking Jade to reiterate what he means, given the implication of the question itself.]

...yes. He's been a great help to me ever since I became ill. I don't think I'd be walking around at all if not for him.

How odd...

I'm glad. It's wonderful to hear, Ion.

[It was wonderful, really, but it just made Jade recall Sync's words on Eldrant, and wonder just how badly the boy had been lying to everyone, including himself.

Though really, Jade had been the same way at a point in his life.]

Tell me about life with him in it?

[Asch can be spotted descending a narrow staircase leading from the second story of a building adjacent to the library. He doesn't seem particularly hurried or bothered, despite his trademark frown set firmly in place.]

[If anything, it's too easy to fall into a rhythm here. Every time this pseudo-Auldrant draws him back to itself, it becomes increasingly familiar to raid the library, find a nice quiet loft to make plans in and go over his painstakingly slow "universal progress", have a hot cup of tea, and then get wormholed out again with none the wiser.]

[He does notice Jade, however. Asch casts him a fleeting look as if trying to decide whether it'll be less of a headache pretending not to have seen him at all.]

[Thankfully Asch didn't have dwell long on his decision as it was made for him; he cut over and immediately walked toward the red-head.

Truth be told; Jade was fond of Asch, and sure he'd be just as fond of him as he was Luke if he had lived. As it was, Jade just contented himself to teasing an Asch whenever he found them here. It was interesting how just a small group of seven people had made him start looking at things differently in his life.

He came up, a smile on as he raised a hand.]

Asch~ You look as cheery as ever, care to share what's on your mind?

[...Too late.]

[The commentary receives little more than a grunt in return as Asch pauses and turns back to face Jade. It's just too bad he can't tell the devils apart. Or what this one's thinking. Or whether the raised hand is a truce flag or an indicator that Jade's about to do all in his power to tease the hell out of him.]

No, not particularly.

...What about you? Did you come over here to discuss what you're planning or are you just going to dangle information out of reach?

[Or troll him. One or the other, Asch suspects. He's never been especially friendly with Jades and only ever bothered with them when plot details needed to be compared. He can't imagine this one approaching him for anything less.]

[As much as Jade was prone to ...well, Jade-like behavior; he was going to make a slight break from the trend at least temporarily. He came up, looking Asch over curiously, and noted that as always; the redhead was very businesslike. Such a terrible departure from Luke.]

Hmm? Not at all~ I thought I might instead perhaps make a bit of small talk, of course if you really desire such a thing; I can oblige.

[He tried. Really, it's just Asch was too much fun to not make a small jab at. While he would prefer getting to know the redhead a little more; the spikey defenses were even enough to repel Jade usually.]

'Small talk.'

[A look-over won't reveal anything too unusual. Asch's hair might be longer than normal, and he seems to have run out of hair gel. His clothes are conservative and black, though not his Oracle uniform. It finally wore out months ago.]

[Asch observes the other man skeptically for a moment before settling into a scowl. It's not as if it makes much difference one way or another. Whether he stops for a "chat" or not won't change when or where his next opportunity to get back on the trail to reclaiming what he lost will show up.]

...What about? [The literal definition of small talk right here.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

In which we pretend that self-image is important.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

/mostly a placeholder before work but Jaaaaade

Iooooonnnnnnn~ And, I know all about tagging before, and during work. ._.

Tagging is more fun than work!

Yessssss~

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

It is nao time for bed~ I will tag in the morrow~

: D~

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject