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]

I'm sure you do. [There's a fleeting smirk.] I hope I get some level of immunity for being her brother-in-law.

[He grimaces good-naturedly.] Yes, I'm a teddy bear with wings; you know me. Don't tell anyone, all right?

[uberboned]

She likes Crowley. I think the odds are in your favor just a smidge.

[Yes, he just lumped you in the same category as Crowley because you both have British accents. Jinx would.]

Fine. I'll let everyone judge you by your v-neck alone.

[tryingitall]

That sounds promising! You know, I've never actually met Crowley, although I feel like I have. [As much chatter as he's heard about him. He's not aware they have similar accents. Not yet.]

...Wait, what's wrong with my shirt?

[uberboned]

Nothing, especially not if buttons personally affronted you at some point in your life.

[tryingitall]

I'm expressing solidarity with the Amish.

[uberboned]

I'd respect that a lot more if you weren't Necklace Guy. C'mon, Balthazar, no one wants to be that guy.

[tryingitall]

Are you trying to give me a makeover, Gabriel? No offense, but I'm not sure how far I trust your fashion sense, either.

[uberboned]

I wear hunter chic most of the time. It's camouflage.

[We won't talk about his porno life choices.]

[tryingitall]

I suppose I have to respect that. You're clever at flying under the radar; it must be working.

[uberboned]

It helps that I reek of pagan god now. Hiding in plain sight's easy when you're hanging with the last crowd Heaven expects you to run with.

[tryingitall]

I'd like to say I'll keep that in mind, but I suppose if I ever leave this place, I won't be able to.

[uberboned]

Join the club. It's why I'm sticking around. [ALL THE GOOD ONES ARE DEAD. That blows.]

[tryingitall]

Yes. [For a moment he looks serious, even a bit depressed.] This place may be cursed, but I don't like my chances back home, either.

[The smile returns just as quickly as it left.] Well, here's hoping neither of us gets kicked out, mm?

[uberboned]

Two years and counting. Haven't left yet. [Gabriel, at least, has enough forced optimism for everyone.]

[tryingitall]

[He'll accept that optimism and hope that Gabriel being older and wiser means that it's justified.]

When you hit three, will I be invited to the party?

[uberboned]

Make it to October and then we'll talk.

[tryingitall]

Your vote of confidence is underwhelming, but it's a deal.