[ closed ] you see a man

[banworthy]

WHO: Vincent Smith (banworthy) + CLOSED starters.
WHEN: July.
WHERE: Various places.
WHAT: People actually want to spend time with Vincent (he's surprised and suspicious, too).
NOTES\WARNINGS: Silent Hill 3 spoilers, cult indoctrination.

Comments

[banworthy]

[ At least hopping off the dumpster is easier than climbing on it, he's on the ground and lightly patting the side of his head. ]

Hearing's back.

[ And he's doing what he can to adjust his clothes to make sure that he looks presentable, or better than he looked sliding off a roof and landing on a dumpster. The bar is on the floor. ]

[aimsforknees]

[ John jumps easily from the roof to the dumpster and then to the ground. It's a natural movement for him, and he makes it look easy. ]

This was fun.

[ And he genuinely means it. ]

[banworthy]

Yes, yes, we all had a good time.

[ His tone dismissive, but he supposes it was fine for what it was, at least. ]

Expensive time but it seems like no matter what fun is had with numbers and what can be acquired with numbers.

[aimsforknees]

[ John is not going to offer to return the favor. ]

They certainly hold a lot back here. Any food you're missing from home?

[ He is curious what Vincent actually eats. Is he a sandwiches guy? He kind of seems like he'd just eat something simple like that, not that there's anything wrong with a sandwich. ]

[banworthy]

Such is how life is.

[ Everything has a cost. ]

No. [ His face scrunches up at the very idea. ] Unlike some people, I don't cling to such comforts so there is very little, if anything, I miss.

[aimsforknees]

[ Surely everyone has some creature comforts, though he doesn't seem willing to admit them. John doesn't think he's telling the whole truth. ]

Really, there's nothing you miss? Etraya is better in all ways?

[banworthy]

No, I hate it here.

[ What? ]

[aimsforknees]

[ What. ]

You don't miss home but you hate it here? I'd tell you to find something you like when you go home, but you won't remember it by the time you get there.

[banworthy]

Oh.

[ He turns his head to make a huh sound. ]

You don't know. [ A thoughtful frown. ] I'm dead.

[aimsforknees]

[ Oh, indeed. ]

Aurora says we can stay here after we're done with our duty.

[ He's not going out outright admit that he's dead too, it's still... fresh. He'll say it if he has to. ]

[banworthy]

Why would I want that?

[ Vincent can't help but give him a bewildered expression at what is being offered. ]

I don't want to be here and I can't go back home. [ He starts rolling his wrist in small circles. ] Clinging to my life is not going to change the fact I'm dead.

[ Besides, if he can solve his issue back home; he may very well be able to have a better afterlife. But that's it's own issue that he has no desire to discuss with John. ]

[aimsforknees]

[ John can see the logic behind that. If there's no reason to hang on, why do so? If he were the type to shrug, he would. ]

Then I hope you rest easy when it's all done.

[ It seems like the right thing to say, though John has never particularly believed in the afterlife. But what should he say? He has no clue. He doesn't want his own life to be over, he wants to have more. He wasn't ready for it to be done. But without Harold here would he feel the same way?

Probably not. ]

[banworthy]

We'll see, I suppose.

[ A dismissive response since he hasn't even fully explained his motivations to Heather. Perhaps, the only person that would understand why he's doing anything will be Claudia. As it stands, he doesn't believe anyone else can comprehend the level of sacrifice that he's willing to go through -- and he doesn't need them to, either. ]

You don't have to force yourself, by the way. I've already gotten over my death.

[aimsforknees]

I'm not forcing anything. You promised a good time and delivered on it.

[ He truly isn't. John wouldn't say that he likes Vincent, but he's softened towards him, a bit. And as someone who hasn't gotten over his death, John can admire someone who at least claims to. ]

[banworthy]

Oh, well, good.

[ He holds his hands out in relief. ]

It sounded almost like condolences and I'm certain you know what I'd think of such a thing. [ He smiles. ] Like I need anyone's sympathy.

[ Another pause as he adjusts his glasses -- grabbing around the frame to push them up his nose. ]

[aimsforknees]

[ That's right, Vincent had been offended when John had talked to him about dying on the train. Though John has to wonder if his attitude is just bravado; is he really so at ease with his own death, or is he simply in denial? Not John's business.

He looks at the mess they've made and decides to change the subject, finding nothing left to say on the matter. ]

Did you warn the bots they'd have a mess to clean up? Or are we letting it be a surprise?

[banworthy]

It's a surprise.

[ Vincent cocks his head to the side as he doesn't balk at the change in subject. He also considers the matter more or less settled. ]

Why not? They love to surprise us all the time -- so they can take some from us, too.

[aimsforknees]

[ John himself might be more considerate, but Vincent has a point too. ]

We made enough noise, I'm sure they'll come investigating soon enough.

[banworthy]

Oh, good.

[ He reaches his hand out to pat John's shoulder. ]

Okay, this is enough time spent with you ... bye.

[ A casual farewell as he's going to figure out how to get back home -- or maybe, he'll see what's there to steal from Hannibal's old residence. Surely, there is some wine and the line that hasn't been pilfered because people are cowards? ]

[aimsforknees]

[ He's not expecting the pat on the shoulder but stands stoically as it happens. And just like that, Vincent is gone. What a strange and amusing fellow. John turns and heads back to the library. ]