001: Video

[tryingitall]

[The first images that appear are fuzzy close-ups of a hand. Calloused, tan fingers, a grass-stained palm, and—ah! He’s been covering up the lens accidentally. Balthazar has never had occasion to use one of these things before, and, already uncomfortable and disoriented, he’s a little slow to learn. Oops.] Oh. There I am. Do I look that bad? Eurgh.

[He does, in fact, look ill; eyes shadowed, skin pale and clammy.] I’ve decided I don’t enjoy pain, except in very small, controlled doses.

[There’s a long pause, during which Balthazar looks like he’s trying to construct a speech, or maybe just keep from throwing up. Or both. He may not be dealing with the shock of arrival very well. In any case, he gives up on profound observations quickly.] However, I do enjoy alcohol, in large, uncontrolled doses.

[His smile is wan.] No, I’m not asking. I don’t take candy from strangers.

[Another pause, with him staring elsewhere, frowning mildly. The questions he really wants answers to--what the hell happened? why am I here? what do I do now?--don't seem to have simple answers. And the question 'who else is out there?' may have answers he doesn't like.]

…So, are there games on this thing? [Beep-boop-boop. Hello, button mashing.]

Comments

[ofthursday]

That is fair enough.

[Castiel has latched onto the small comforts he can find, and it's difficult to judge others after what he's done, so he's sort of just accepted what happened with their Father. It's weird and awkward, but it could be so much worse.

But it's clear Balthazar needs time to think about it, so Castiel just continues right on at his attempts at being big brotherly, if not a particularly good role model.]

I have access to some very strong alcohol.

[tryingitall]

[The smile stays in place, but there's no real indication he's smiling at anything now. Not even the offer of a drink.]

You know, I don't think I have much appetite for it all of a sudden. Rain check?

[Another deep breath, and he reaches up to rub his face with both hands.] Where are you living now, anyway? Not in this building.

[ofthursday]

Of course.

[Though if Balthazar doesn't want alcohol, it's a clear sign even to Castiel that something's seriously wrong. The only issue is that there are several somethings that it could be.

He's quiet at the question for a few seconds, because the answer is slightly awkward and he's not at all sure how Balthazar will take it. So he goes with the truth, just slightly understated.]

With a friend from our world. I've stayed in several places over time, however.

[tryingitall]

[It's several somethings at once, really, but not the least of them is the concern that the hangover might hit harder than he's used to. He still feels sore.

Castiel's hesitation to answer is not reassuring. Balthazar gives him a slight frown, but he's feeling too dazed to probe too deeply.] I...could use advice. I may not be in a fit state to think it over right now, but you will keep in touch?

[ofthursday]

Of course.

[The answer is immediately; whatever Balthazar needs him for, now or in the future, he'll be there.]

You can contact me either the normal way, or through these devices.

[Castiel's no fan of angel radio, but if Balthazar prefers it he'll respond.]

[tryingitall]

These devices...there seems to be a function for filtering signals, correct? It might be safer to stick to them.

[What with all the other angels around, and all.

He looks at Castiel, struggling to read him. He thought he knew him so well, but lately he's lost that confidence. Even at that rate, the familiarity is reassuring.] I'm glad to see you, Cas. Even under these circumstances.

[He pats him on the shoulder, a little heavily, and sighs.]

[ofthursday]

There is.

[He's surprised by Balthazar patting his shoulder, not that the gesture itself is all that strange, but just that he would do so after what happened; or what Balthazar surely knew would happen.

When he responds, he means for his voice to be even, but it wavers just barely.]

I am glad to see you too.

[He never thought he would again, after all.]

[tryingitall]

[He wants to be angry. He probably should be angry. For the moment, it seems like it takes too much energy. He gives a bittersweet smile at the quiver in Castiel's voice.]

I admit, I have some regrets. But we can ignore the proverbial elephant in the room for now. I'd prefer it that way.

But don't be a stranger.

[ofthursday]

We can do that.

[He's quite content ignoring it, if Balthazar is. Maybe they can fake some sort of semblance of normalcy between them, at least, while they have the opportunity to actually do so without war or everything else hanging over them.]

I won't. Don't hesitate to contact me if necessary.

[And with a small nod of farewell he disappears, to let Balthazar have some time and space to get settled in.]

[tryingitall]

[The whole thing leaves him feeling shaky, but tentatively hopeful. After Castiel departs, he smiles faintly at nothing in particular, and returns to his NV once more. It's got to have at least solitaire, right?]