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[if he's honest, part of his reason for heading that way is in fact due to diarmuid's words. though not because he's in any kind of a rush to try it himself. but there's something amusing about the thought of the boy cooking something too spicy for him to eat. their meals back at the monastery hadn't exactly been filled with flavour, so clearly diarmuid has been taking advantage of what's on offer here.
not that he's really any different. though his tastes have ventured more towards the known, as rarely eaten as certain meals may be. but its been a long time since he was last on the continent--
the signing earns diarmuid a look. one that's equal parts impressed and annoyed. he still hasn't given up trying, despite just how clear the mute has made it that he has no plans on ever using the language for himself. he's tenacious, if nothing else. which is why the mute once again turns his attention away from the gestures and instead sticks to listening. as always.]
not that he's really any different. though his tastes have ventured more towards the known, as rarely eaten as certain meals may be. but its been a long time since he was last on the continent--
the signing earns diarmuid a look. one that's equal parts impressed and annoyed. he still hasn't given up trying, despite just how clear the mute has made it that he has no plans on ever using the language for himself. he's tenacious, if nothing else. which is why the mute once again turns his attention away from the gestures and instead sticks to listening. as always.]
[He nods, frowning softly.]
... Perhaps I just wish it were only monsters.
[But after a moment, he shakes his head, offering her hand a pat.]
Just unpleasant thoughts of the past. I shall not dwell when I should be happy to see you again. Have you made your rounds about the town? I'm sure you're surprised to see so many new faces.
[A lot of people came and went, since Rei was here.]
... Perhaps I just wish it were only monsters.
[But after a moment, he shakes his head, offering her hand a pat.]
Just unpleasant thoughts of the past. I shall not dwell when I should be happy to see you again. Have you made your rounds about the town? I'm sure you're surprised to see so many new faces.
[A lot of people came and went, since Rei was here.]
I've seen most of the people I knew well.
[Rei slips her hand up to take his in a firm grip.]
Lance, Chloe, Allura. The other Paladins. There are a few I've yet to see. And...yes, there are certainly a lot of new people. Far more than when I left.
[Rei slips her hand up to take his in a firm grip.]
Lance, Chloe, Allura. The other Paladins. There are a few I've yet to see. And...yes, there are certainly a lot of new people. Far more than when I left.
[Diarmuid just walks along pleasantly, more than happy to ramble about the enjoyable flavors of so many different countries. So many lands they'd never visit! America! Oh, he could go on and on about hamburgers (and absolutely has).
It's only when there's a lull in the conversation that the boy nudges the Mute with a sharp elbow.]
You know, you could always try more things. With new faces. [If the man thinks for a moment Diarmuid wouldn't continue to try and get him new friends in town, he's got another thing coming.] Surely you've ran into some of my acquaintances by now! They're all very nice, aren't they?
It's only when there's a lull in the conversation that the boy nudges the Mute with a sharp elbow.]
You know, you could always try more things. With new faces. [If the man thinks for a moment Diarmuid wouldn't continue to try and get him new friends in town, he's got another thing coming.] Surely you've ran into some of my acquaintances by now! They're all very nice, aren't they?
[it's not the first time that they've had a conversation like this before, and he doubts it'll be the last. the idea of having to build relationships with other people isn't something he looks forward to doing though. even back at the monastery, his contact with the monks had been minimal at best. unless they needed something from him, or he had some sort of chore that took him in to their vicinity, he hadn't really sought any of them out for company.
it was only ever diarmuid's persistence that had forced him out of that habit years ago, and left him grateful for those moments that the two of them were able to spend together. the friendship that they built, however undeserving of it he is, had quickly become the one bright point in his life. and now, stuck in this town, it's even more true than ever. he doesn't need anybody else to care about.
so of course, the idea of having to spend time with diarmuid's friends is still met with resistance. other than the few moments he's spent making sure that they aren't a danger to the boy, he hasn't seen any reason to seek them out again. why would he? he wasn't brought back for his own benefit. he didn't earn this third chance.
he glances, all too briefly, back at diarmuid. only barely able to make eye contact before he's looking away again. he doesn't like letting the boy down like this. but neither is he ready to start seeking company from others. not when he knows they won't be anywhere near as accepting of his silence as the monks were]
it was only ever diarmuid's persistence that had forced him out of that habit years ago, and left him grateful for those moments that the two of them were able to spend together. the friendship that they built, however undeserving of it he is, had quickly become the one bright point in his life. and now, stuck in this town, it's even more true than ever. he doesn't need anybody else to care about.
so of course, the idea of having to spend time with diarmuid's friends is still met with resistance. other than the few moments he's spent making sure that they aren't a danger to the boy, he hasn't seen any reason to seek them out again. why would he? he wasn't brought back for his own benefit. he didn't earn this third chance.
he glances, all too briefly, back at diarmuid. only barely able to make eye contact before he's looking away again. he doesn't like letting the boy down like this. but neither is he ready to start seeking company from others. not when he knows they won't be anywhere near as accepting of his silence as the monks were]
[He cannot help but sigh through his nose at that. Does he not realize... just how crucial knowing one another is? But he cannot change the man's headspace, cannot force him to do anything he will not. So he leaves it be, not forgotten, but shelved in the meanwhile.]
I've met a number of interesting people here; I owe many of them my lives, even...! And, if I may be so bold, I'd like to think I've returned the favor a number of times. Chloe, she gave me her last name. And Clara helped treat my wounds in her bathroom once. And Wade, he has put up with me being in trouble a few too many times...!
[Sorry, he's back to rambling to the quiet.]
Rei has recently returned, too; Rei, she'd helped me out of some difficult situations.
And when I'd d— [ah no no back it up-] When I'd gotten sick, she helped me through it. Even let me into her home to use her shower. You haven't even gotten to see a shower, have you? Running water is an incredible thing.
I've met a number of interesting people here; I owe many of them my lives, even...! And, if I may be so bold, I'd like to think I've returned the favor a number of times. Chloe, she gave me her last name. And Clara helped treat my wounds in her bathroom once. And Wade, he has put up with me being in trouble a few too many times...!
[Sorry, he's back to rambling to the quiet.]
Rei has recently returned, too; Rei, she'd helped me out of some difficult situations.
And when I'd d— [ah no no back it up-] When I'd gotten sick, she helped me through it. Even let me into her home to use her shower. You haven't even gotten to see a shower, have you? Running water is an incredible thing.
[more names to add to the list of people he needs to look in to. though some of the reasons for adding them are a little less welcome than he'd like though. injuries and danger and he still remembers just what diarmuid's scars look like. another reminder of his own failure to protect the one pure thing left in his (former) life. sure, he realises that there was very little he could do in the time before he woke up here. but that failure is something that he will always keep ahold of. if he'd just been here then maybe there wouldn't be a statue sitting in diarmuid's cabin right now.
(yes, he knows what that means now. but no, he isn't pushing for more)
at the mention of the shower, or running water, the mute looks almost...embarrassed. briefly. there's a few moments hesitation, before he lifts a hand, twisting at the wrist to mimic flushing the toilet. he's seen running water, but not under the best of circumstances.
in his defense, he'd needed to relieve himself and he hadn't realised he was in somebody's garden until after he had his trousers down. the less he has to think about the minutes that followed, the better. needless to say, a crash course in using a modern toilet is something he never wants to relive.]
(yes, he knows what that means now. but no, he isn't pushing for more)
at the mention of the shower, or running water, the mute looks almost...embarrassed. briefly. there's a few moments hesitation, before he lifts a hand, twisting at the wrist to mimic flushing the toilet. he's seen running water, but not under the best of circumstances.
in his defense, he'd needed to relieve himself and he hadn't realised he was in somebody's garden until after he had his trousers down. the less he has to think about the minutes that followed, the better. needless to say, a crash course in using a modern toilet is something he never wants to relive.]
[Oh, friend, if only he knew that's what you fretted over; he's learned that in the end, you can never truly protect someone fully. Just being there is what matters, be it late or not. Diarmuid just laughs softly at the gesture.]
Already had a horror story or two, a chara?
I had mistaken toilets for basins to clean one's hands first.
[A TRUE NIGHTMARE]
... I also learned that the lids of toilets are wonderful weapons...
Already had a horror story or two, a chara?
I had mistaken toilets for basins to clean one's hands first.
[A TRUE NIGHTMARE]
... I also learned that the lids of toilets are wonderful weapons...
Edited 2020-06-06 07:13 (UTC)
[he doesn't really know where to start with that. on the one hand, knowing now what toilets are for, he can understand why diarmuid may have been embarrassed by that. but at the same time, it makes sense. a basin of water is still water. what other use would they have had for it, back at the monastery.
but it's the latter part that concerns him more. that gets his focus. because why would diarmuid need to know of an alternate use for a toilet lid? at what point did he find himself in a position to need to discover that?
(he knows, at some point, he'll need to make sure the boy can defend himself here. that neither of their stays are permanent, and that this town can pull them apart at any point. so if there's a way to help guarantee diarmuid's safety, they'll need to find it. even if it means the mute having to lift a sword again.)
he gives diarmuid a look, a press for more information. his expression is too serious for it to mean anything but a need for an elaboration on the makeshift weaponry part]
but it's the latter part that concerns him more. that gets his focus. because why would diarmuid need to know of an alternate use for a toilet lid? at what point did he find himself in a position to need to discover that?
(he knows, at some point, he'll need to make sure the boy can defend himself here. that neither of their stays are permanent, and that this town can pull them apart at any point. so if there's a way to help guarantee diarmuid's safety, they'll need to find it. even if it means the mute having to lift a sword again.)
he gives diarmuid a look, a press for more information. his expression is too serious for it to mean anything but a need for an elaboration on the makeshift weaponry part]
[He smiles sheepishly.]
A friend had been blacksmithing downstairs, and was wearing a rather frightening mask. When she emerged out from the darkness toward me... well, the door to the downstairs is beside the toilet, and I had panicked and threw the heavy lid at her head and send her rolling down the stairs...
[He holds up his hands.]
She was fine, though! A shaken brain, but...
... They call it a concussion.
A friend had been blacksmithing downstairs, and was wearing a rather frightening mask. When she emerged out from the darkness toward me... well, the door to the downstairs is beside the toilet, and I had panicked and threw the heavy lid at her head and send her rolling down the stairs...
[He holds up his hands.]
She was fine, though! A shaken brain, but...
... They call it a concussion.
[ Inside Diarmuid's mailbox, there is a nondescript white envelope with his name on it. Inside, there is a colorful pog, with a message written on the back in silver fine-tipped sharpie. There's no stamp on the envelope, implying that it was hand delivered rather than mailed. ]
it's been real.
it's been weird.
it's been real weird.
see you on the flip side!
– GP
[ The pog is enchanted with dream magic, so that it can be given as a gift, but cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed. ]
it's been real.
it's been weird.
it's been real weird.
see you on the flip side!
– GP
[ The pog is enchanted with dream magic, so that it can be given as a gift, but cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed. ]
In early October, a gift will be left on their doorstep, or in their mailbox. Inside a small box, wrapped in silvery paper, is a Sneakoscope — is a glass spinning top that stands upright when placed on a surface.
It contains a note from Luna which reads the following:
Dear Diarmuid,
This is a Sneakoscope, a magical item from my world. It is known as a 'dark detector' and will light up, whistle and spin when it detects that someone untrustworthy is nearby, or if they're doing something deceptive. I hope you'll find it of use in Deerington.
From Luna.
[ Towards the end of the month, something will be left outside of Diarmuid's cabin. Tucked under a small collection of pebbles to hold it in place, and framed by two large bird feathers for The Aesthetic, is....... an art piece.
The childlike work appears to have been done in a variety of things: there's some chalk, markers, a few paints.... That bloody encounter with Deerington's purest monk apparently left quite an impression on a certain strange demon. Though spelling Diarmuid's name is..... Well. There was an attempt. ]
The childlike work appears to have been done in a variety of things: there's some chalk, markers, a few paints.... That bloody encounter with Deerington's purest monk apparently left quite an impression on a certain strange demon. Though spelling Diarmuid's name is..... Well. There was an attempt. ]
[ .......Because Peter recently learned that Luna, in her strange suspicious state, had killed Clarisse, and she'd also mentioned something about Diarmuid, and Peter's..... feeling very worried for his friend. This absolutely is coming too late, but he only just found out about the Clarisse thing. ]
Hey, man?
I don't know how to ask this so I'm just... going to
Did Luna attack you last month?
Hey, man?
I don't know how to ask this so I'm just... going to
Did Luna attack you last month?
[..... Well, feck.
He had not planned for anyone to learn of that unfortunate day. Luna had... just been influenced by some power in Deerington, just like so many others. He had forgiven her pretty quickly, even with the new scar that now permanently marks his forehead, under his unruly bangs.]
She did.
I apologise for not saying any thing, I did not want to make it worse for her.
He had not planned for anyone to learn of that unfortunate day. Luna had... just been influenced by some power in Deerington, just like so many others. He had forgiven her pretty quickly, even with the new scar that now permanently marks his forehead, under his unruly bangs.]
She did.
I apologise for not saying any thing, I did not want to make it worse for her.
No, it's okay
I understand completely
[ He's been much the same, but apparently it had been worse than he'd even.... thought. And he really, really doesn't want to ask this. He's terrified of the answer. ]
Were you
hurt really badly?
[ ....Did she kill you? ]
I saw her when she was like that
I know it wasn't her fault
But she seemed..... like she wouldn't hold back if I didn't leave her alone
So I was worried she might have done something serious to you
I understand completely
[ He's been much the same, but apparently it had been worse than he'd even.... thought. And he really, really doesn't want to ask this. He's terrified of the answer. ]
Were you
hurt really badly?
[ ....Did she kill you? ]
I saw her when she was like that
I know it wasn't her fault
But she seemed..... like she wouldn't hold back if I didn't leave her alone
So I was worried she might have done something serious to you
[ Stone him? Oh god. Oh god, Diarmuid. ]
With magic? Fuck
Are you sure you're really okay? Did someone take a look at you to make sure?
[ It would be very like Diarmuid to downplay his own injuries. ]
It's okay, I'm all right
She didn't hurt me
[ Well... not physically, anyway. ]
She just got really upset at me
She thought everyone was against her and...
and that everything I felt for her was a lie
With magic? Fuck
Are you sure you're really okay? Did someone take a look at you to make sure?
[ It would be very like Diarmuid to downplay his own injuries. ]
It's okay, I'm all right
She didn't hurt me
[ Well... not physically, anyway. ]
She just got really upset at me
She thought everyone was against her and...
and that everything I felt for her was a lie
[He hesitates, and Peter is absolutely accurate in saying he's one to downplay injuries, because he replies at last with:]
I've been tending to myself! I shall live.
Only one of the wounds bled.
[He's mottled with bruises, and his body aches, but he's fairly certain there's nothing bleeding inside him.]
Is Luna alright?
I think the town is enfluencing her.
I've been tending to myself! I shall live.
Only one of the wounds bled.
[He's mottled with bruises, and his body aches, but he's fairly certain there's nothing bleeding inside him.]
Is Luna alright?
I think the town is enfluencing her.
[ Diarmuid.... This painfully sweet boy. ]
I'm really worried about you
I mean you probably barely even had time to heal from October's bullshit, and then....
[ ....October still feels like some weird blur to him, but Peter hasn't forgotten how bad off Diarmuid was. ]
I think she's okay now
Mr. Constantine helped her
You're right, it was definitely something from the town
[ Now it's his turn for a long pause. ]
I was worried you might've gotten killed again
I'm really worried about you
I mean you probably barely even had time to heal from October's bullshit, and then....
[ ....October still feels like some weird blur to him, but Peter hasn't forgotten how bad off Diarmuid was. ]
I think she's okay now
Mr. Constantine helped her
You're right, it was definitely something from the town
[ Now it's his turn for a long pause. ]
I was worried you might've gotten killed again
October was not kind
but I am used to Deerington's unrelinting waves of trouble.
Just brewses and stiff aches, mostly, I swear it!
Worry not, friend, I am not door-nail dead...!
[That's the saying, right? He's pretty sure.
He's trying to lighten the mood, though; he's not sure if it's working at all, but...]
But I am releived that she is okay.
I am glad Mr. Constantine was there to help, I fear I was lack luster suport this time.
I need to apologise for my terrable handling of it all.
but I am used to Deerington's unrelinting waves of trouble.
Just brewses and stiff aches, mostly, I swear it!
Worry not, friend, I am not door-nail dead...!
[That's the saying, right? He's pretty sure.
He's trying to lighten the mood, though; he's not sure if it's working at all, but...]
But I am releived that she is okay.
I am glad Mr. Constantine was there to help, I fear I was lack luster suport this time.
I need to apologise for my terrable handling of it all.
[ It's... taken a little time for Luna to actually do this. It's been a couple of weeks since the incident. John had gotten rid of the little creature before the end of November, but then she's had to deal with the fallout. With her own feelings, her own guilt before she works out what to do with the others, the one's she'd really hurt.
She feels awful. Truly. Diarmuid has only ever been kind to her, a good friend. And she hurt him. Friends don't hurt friends. She has much to make up for, and she has to make a start with that.
Bundled up warm against the cold and snow, she makes her way over to the boy's cabin. And when Diarmuid does answer the door, she steps back a little. Quietly ashamed and opting to offer a little distance between the two of them. There's a huge tupperware tub in her hands, filled with freshly baked brownies. Apology brownies.
She can't quite look him in the eye, her brow furrowed slightly. But she's quick to offer assurances: ]
It's... me. I'm me again. [ She slowly holds out the box to him. ] I... made brownies. For you.
She feels awful. Truly. Diarmuid has only ever been kind to her, a good friend. And she hurt him. Friends don't hurt friends. She has much to make up for, and she has to make a start with that.
Bundled up warm against the cold and snow, she makes her way over to the boy's cabin. And when Diarmuid does answer the door, she steps back a little. Quietly ashamed and opting to offer a little distance between the two of them. There's a huge tupperware tub in her hands, filled with freshly baked brownies. Apology brownies.
She can't quite look him in the eye, her brow furrowed slightly. But she's quick to offer assurances: ]
It's... me. I'm me again. [ She slowly holds out the box to him. ] I... made brownies. For you.
[ Despite his quiet fretfulness, Peter can't help giving a little smile to himself at that. He really is glad you're not door-nail dead, Diarmuid. You've died enough in this place. And Peter's kind of started worrying what might happen if someone dies.... too much. ]
Are you able to get around okay?
I could help you out around the house and stuff, it'd be no problem
[ This boy needs to rest up. ]
Oh
No, you
You don't have anything to be sorry for
What was going on with her was....a lot, and I don't think there's much most of us could have done. I.... couldn't help her at all
[ It's still something he feels really bad for, too. Luna had been so.... upset, and he..... can't ever forget the way her face had looked. The hurt through the anger. ]
You're a really good friend, man. To her. To a lot of people
One of the best I've ever had, personally
[ He's never really gotten to tell Diarmuid that before, and lately.... there's this need to tell people how he feels. ]
Are you able to get around okay?
I could help you out around the house and stuff, it'd be no problem
[ This boy needs to rest up. ]
Oh
No, you
You don't have anything to be sorry for
What was going on with her was....a lot, and I don't think there's much most of us could have done. I.... couldn't help her at all
[ It's still something he feels really bad for, too. Luna had been so.... upset, and he..... can't ever forget the way her face had looked. The hurt through the anger. ]
You're a really good friend, man. To her. To a lot of people
One of the best I've ever had, personally
[ He's never really gotten to tell Diarmuid that before, and lately.... there's this need to tell people how he feels. ]
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