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

[tryingitall]

Haven't we all? You know, I never expected to hear your voice again. I suppose the place is good for something, after all.

[He means it. Certainly being dragged here is an inconvenience, but it's doing wonders for his social life.]

I've read the various propaganda packets and extrapolated a few opinions based on the points where they agree. And I've spoken to a few family members other than you.

Are you safe, now? You have a place to stay?

[afallenstar]

Yeah, the family reunion's just heart-warming, isn't it.

[ So maybe that's not the most genuine thing in the world, but at least she's got a smile for Balthazar, right? That's more than can be said for most of her siblings. ]

Depends on your definition of safe. Raphael let me stay in his house overnight. [ And please tell her you find that scenario as bizarre as her, Balthazar, because it's still giving her brain aches just thinking about it. ] I'm not sure whether to stay or find a place of my own, though.

[tryingitall]

I know that's sarcasm, but I'm actually finding it interesting, myself.

[He can hear the smile in her voice, though, so he returns it.] Well, I'm in the tower apartments, and they're...quite basic. That, and I'll have to leave in a month. I'm not sure what I'll do by then, either.

I've spoken to Raphael, too. [There's a pause. Yes, it's decidedly awkward. On the other hand, he's convinced Raphael genuinely wants to keep them from dying in the Darkness, and that may be all they need in this place.] I'm not sure what to tell you. I'm still working things out.

[afallenstar]

Interesting's not the word I'd use.

[ Try unnerving, that's a lot closer to her feelings towards it all. She's still trying to work out just where she fits in all of this. The turning up in a strange location should really be a concern to her, but it's kind of taken a back seat in the wake of all the siblings here. She barely had the chance to touch down in Heaven, hasn't yet had the opportunity to twist and contort into the Anna that unbeknownst to her is coming in the future, but that doesn't mean it hasn't scared her. Every angel knows the horror stories of prison, after all. Castiel, Raphael, the kindness of their approaches (at least, by her standards) is making her uneasy.

Balthazar though, he's one of the special few, the rare exceptions in her 'siblings are terrifying' rule. He left too, after all. ]

Might have to actually get a job, perish the thought. Rent an apartment, play human. Wouldn't that be fun? [ She's totally teasing, but the apartments in the tower aren't necessarily a bad idea. She's weighing up her options briefly, which is why she falls silent for a moment or two. Raphael's place is safe, theoretically, but well. Raphael. It's a rock and hard place kind of situation, really. ]

Christ, what have we landed ourselves in.

[tryingitall]

I suppose your perspective is different. [After all, Balthazar's never experienced life as a human being. He can't see the other angels as enemies, not entirely. Even the ones that might be ready to kill him are just siblings. Misguided, dangerous, powerful siblings.] I'm sorry. I wanted to help, when I heard you were still alive, but there wasn't much I could do.

[Never mind that, now.] Is it fun to play human? I only half tried it. You'll have to give me pointers. [He smiles, ignoring the rhetorical question.]

Well, you're perfectly welcome in my place. It's only a one-bedroom setup, but it's not like either of us sleeps, so, you know. Mi casa, su casa. At least until they kick me out in March.