𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚐𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚊𝚛; INBOX

[lupusintus]

username: mr. chandler( ᴀɴᴊᴇʟɪᴀ3 // ᴛᴜᴍʙʟʀ )

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the dawn after reuniting }{ a note on the nightstand

[matermali]

I am fetching some necessary supplies.

Do not glare, you will only find a headache.

Remember that you can now speak to me from anywhere at all, even when I am hidden.

— Vanessa

text; username: mr. chandler

[lupusintus]

[ Glared is a strong word, but she's on the right track. Approximately seven minutes later: ]

Miss Ives,

If I did not know any better, I would think you were trying to keep me preoccupied with riddles.

[matermali]

[ She hasn't even reached the graveyard yet. He's probably going to have to wait more than seven minutes longer before she returns. ]

Only making certain that you haven't lost any wit, Mr. Chandler.

text; un: Constantine; The City, mid-September

[keepgodwaiting]

[ Since Ethan did her the favor of responding with his username, Johanna will do him the favor of sliding into his DMs. ]

how about a photo, darling?

audio; un: mr chandler; The City, mid-September

[lupusintus]

[ Vanessa busted him, what a great work wife. Even though he'll be on the couch forever now, thanks temptress. At first he accidentally sends her a picture of a table, complete with a glass of bourbon, then quickly rights his wrong in sending her this.

And, since he's gone that far, a thick, southern drawl replaces the text: ]

So? Did I pass the test?

audio

[keepgodwaiting]

[ Oh my god he's old-timey. And look how square that jaw is! And--

The audio reply a moment later is a London accent, working class and tinged with laughter. ]

Oh, you're American. No fuckin' wonder.

backdated to the night of September 13

[playing_human]

[Dorian wouldn't ordinarily go begging for sex. He didn't usually have to. Usually, he could go to a club or a theatre and raise an eyebrow at whoever let their eyes linger on him a little too long. Then for a good span of recent months, he didn't even have to leave his house for sex--until Lily became too "busy" to spend time with him. Truth be told, the sex wasn't even his main concern there.

But now, in this strange city with so little in it, none of his usual methods exist. And the moment he came whisper-close to finding another option, he was turned down.

Figures.

There's a knock at Ethan's apartment door. On the other side is Dorian, looking uncharacteristically hesitant. He'd like not to get rejected twice in twenty-four hours, which is why he usually goes where people have an opportunity to approach him--it's less of a risk. But, while he says nothing, the look in his eyes when he sees Ethan is unmistakably hungry.]

[lupusintus]

[ What, exactly, is Ethan Chandler doing on this glorious day? The same thing he would be doing back home, he has his meager supply of dinner knives set out on the table for inspection and cleaning, judging by the cloth nearby. When weapons are a rarity, one must work with what they have. The knock at the door snaps him out of his thoughts long enough for him to cover the knives with the cloth before he walks over and looks out the peephole.

Once he has identified it is someone he knows, his expression slides into friendly familiarity before he opens the door and leans against the frame. He does not even manage to get a greeting out before he notices the fact that something is off. The hesitation is one thing, but the eyes are another, so he hesitates for a moment before stepping aside to let him in. ]

I take it this isn't a social call?

[ No shit, Ethan. His poor attempt at livening up the mood. ] I don't have anything fancy but I do have whiskey.

[playing_human]

[Last time, Ethan liked the play innocence--many men do--but this time, they're here because it's Dorian feeling some kind of way. When Dorian's feeling some kind of way, he'll do what it takes to feel anything else. And he's not sure Ethan would have the stomach to hurt him if he was asked to. While it would be nice to shove the man down and climb him like a tree, he's going to have to test the waters first--introduce a little roughness at a time and see what the limits are.

The moment the door is closed, Dorian seizes Ethan by the shirt to shove him up against it. But then he pauses, and leans in for a gentle kiss.]

( early november )

[strongroots]

[ It's a completely ordinary day.

Which is a positive, considering the university party and the homicidal urges it instilled in people on certain floors, or even outside its haunted house affair. But it's been a day or two into the new month, and things have settled into its usual unnerving and empty ambience: nothing is afoot, except that everyone here is against their will.

But not within the shops. Maybe Ethan only needed a few things, there's nothing unusual inside the shops, and he himself is nothing more than his very normal 6'3 self. He's not doing anything questionable, or anything to give a person a reason to be alarmed. Totally innocent (for once?).

That doesn't stop him somehow being a reason for the sound of metal clanging, a jar smashing, as a handbasket drops with the sound of sneakers skidding back on the polished flooring of a food store: up ahead, at the end of the aisle Ethan is on, there's one (young adult!!!) boy staring at him stuck like a deer in headlights. Shoulders tense and his hands balled into fists, stuck between what might be obvious as the decision of running, or fighting. Despite the scared look on his face--the shock.

...and it's one Robby Keene, his shopping choices of pizza, sauces, and all now a miserable state on the floor. Give him a second--he really needs it to realise what's just happened.

(he is being cringe.) ]

[lupusintus]

[ Absolutely, for once.

Ethan's still finding new and fascinating objects at various shops but, save for supplies of necessity, he typically finds himself window shopping. He's seen both sides of the track; living a life of privilege in his youth and barely scraping by via working as a showman, so he doesn't overstock. There are others here and, mostly likely, some of them need particular things more than others. He isn't a greedy man.

Everything is new when one comes from the 1890s, which is why he's found himself in this particular aisle, eyeballing some of the sweets. He immediately thinks of Vanessa and her sweet tooth, which means he doesn't notice Robby until the sound of shattering glass causes his head to snap in his direction.

What was he expecting to see? Certainly not a familiar looking face that is squaring up on him in a public place. Instead of making a fuss, he raises his hands to show him he means no harm, eyes squinting as he looks into his face. The kid looks startled as hell, something must have spooked him -- was it him? A part of him considers texting Daniel immediately but another tells him to wait and reassure the kid first.

The last thing he needs is Daniel thinking he lost his temper and scared his surrogate son. ]

Easy. It's alright, just breathe. There's no one here but you and I, I'm not going to hurt you.

[strongroots]

[ There's a moment, after Ethan speaks his reassurances with raised hands, that Robby still doubts. That's the thing about reality and hallucinations melding into one for so long, when you can't tell the difference: who's to say which is which? That the past few days haven't been a lie, much like everything has, lately.

Even if this guy isn't one he usually sees. And that particular note, that's what Robby clings to. He hasn't been a part of his hallucinations, and he can't let himself question everything, can he? And, like he needs to tell himself so: ]

You're real. [ He speaks it plainly, clearly; almost close to a question, because Robby doesn't know if he needs an answer from this guy or himself. But he realises the absurdity of it too, the way his voice carries out-loud; it shocks him with how fucking stupid that must sound, and he's shaking his fists unfurled, his head too. ] Forget it-- just-- been a rough week.

[ Ethan has good advice, but embarrassment is what creeps up Robby's skin, warms up his face as he bends to retrieve his basket and its bits and bobs. The jar smashed fortunately not leaking, peanut butter inside--but he still catches his finger on the glass, and hisses shit--shit more strongly than he needs to.

It's been one of those times. ]

text | username: Nikolai

[korol_rezni_nikolai]

[ Half an hour or so after his confession on the network, Ethan receives the following: ]

Mr. Chandler,

I saw your message just now and felt it would only be right to reach out. Firstly, before you may feel any concern, I did not encounter the wolf last night. I am contacting you not to request an apology, but to offer my assistance, if you will accept it.

You mentioned that you have taken precautionary measures, but that they failed you last night. I was hoping that I might be able to help you arrange some more effective ones, for the next full moon.

[ He could just leave it at that. An offer of help from a stranger. No need to say anything more.

...but the fact of the matter is, Nikolai had felt intense sympathy for the man watching the message. It's not a topic he likes to discuss, but he can't just let Ethan go on feeling guilty and isolated. Not when he knows all too well how that feels. ]

The reason I'm in a position to make the offer is because I suffer a similar affliction. Not exactly the same, but close enough from the sound of it. My particular change occurs each night, rather than with the full moon, so I have a fair amount of practice when it comes to restraints.

Please, let me help you. Or, if you are not willing to allow me to be of practical assistance, know that you may contact me if you need someone to talk to about these matters. You aren't alone.

text; username: mr. chandler

[lupusintus]

[ Thankfully this is via text because Ethan stares down at the phone for a good fifteen minutes before replying. Good that Nikolai specified too, as his mind immediately designated him as a victim. The sigh of relief he gives is a shaky one. ]

Over confidence is what led to this. I thought if I dealt with it on my own terms, no one would be any wiser or get hurt. I underestimated the wolf, and it isn't something I intend to do again.

With that in mind, I think it would be a disservice to the other residents if I didn't at least hear you out. What did you have in mind?

[ He was about to ask him how he felt confident enough to undertake this, but Nikolai beats him to the punch. He feels a pang of sympathy almost immediately but, after Dorian, he's still hesitant to try this again. Maybe he'll talk with Vanessa first when he's able to locate her.

But Jesus. Every night? He can't imagine that horror. ]

Do you know what happens when you change? Can you remember the night's events? You don't have to answer my questions, you're just the first person I've met here who might understand. I wouldn't say it's reassuring, I wouldn't wish my curse on anyone, but it's something.

Then let me extend you the same invitation. I know I've done things I can never take back, having someone there who understood might have made a world of difference.

[korol_rezni_nikolai]

[ When Ethan finally responds, Nikolai's gut twists with sympathy reading his words. He can all too easily imagine the situation reversed and how wretched he would feel in Ethan's position. It's a sobering reminder to him that he must maintain his vigilance and not become complacent. ]

I can understand that desire. It's only natural, to fear being a burden to others. I never had the opportunity to hide my affliction, but if I'd had the chance, I probably would've tried the same thing.

[ Nikolai is painfully aware of what a bad morning Ethan must be having, with his friends missing and all the damage control to be done. He gets right to the point when Ethan asks what his advice might be. ]

Honestly? I was going to offer to chain you up.

Obviously we would need to work out the specifics. Perhaps a cage would be better in your case, since a wolf is shaped very differently to a man and you might be able to slip out of chains. But setting aside the finer details, I was going to offer to imprison you - with your permission, of course - on the night of the full moon, and then release you once the danger had passed.

[ Nikolai is glad that he's able to provide some comfort, however small. Normally he tries to avoid discussion of his condition, but this is different. If talking about it might help Ethan, he is willing. ]

I do know what happens, but only because I've spoken to others who've witnessed it. I never remember any of it. In my case, the demon takes over while I am asleep. It has full control. My body is there, but I'm not.

[ It wasn't always that way. Nikolai had been aware, during that time after the Darkling had first infected him. His memory of that period is fractured and incomplete, but Nikolai honestly isn't sure how much of that is a result of the merzost and how much is his mind protecting itself. ]

You say you're cursed. Is it inherited, or did someone do this to you?

text | @stray

[kampfgeist]

[ deep sigh ethan you are soooo lucky heine loves vanessa as much as he does ]

vanessas fine
she says she needs to rest and then she'll find you

text; un: mr. chandler

[lupusintus]

[ Heine. You are a bro, even if you don't want to be. ]

Did I hurt her? [ Look, he knows when she says fine it doesn't always ring true. ]

Thank you for looking out for her and letting me know.

[kampfgeist]

no
if she was hurt i wouldn't say she was fine

[ of course, that's not to say nothing happened. it was clear to heine that something did happen to vanessa, just... whatever happened wasn't ethan. that's her business to share with him, though, so heine keeps quiet. ]

it might be a day or two
she looked pretty tired

text | un: NAILS

[nichocolatine]

yo
you know how to cook?

text; un: mr. chandler

[lupusintus]

Mr. Nails?

[ .. what. No, literally, what. If only he could see the look he's giving the phone right now, like it just grew a head. He's so surprised that he momentarily forgets to ask how he's doing. ]

I know my way around a kitchen. [ Thank you Sembene and Daniel. ]

un: hidden | text (backdated to 11/30 early evening)

[matermali]

Ethan?

text; un: mr. chandler

[lupusintus]

[ The response is almost immediate. He wasn't about to go to sleep after Heine told him he found her. ]

I'm here, Vanessa.

Are you alright?

{ christmas day

[matermali]

[ Wrapped in silver ribbon are a few white boxes left outside his door with a note attached. The packages include a crystal decanter and set of whisky glasses that are quite similar to one in Sir Malcolm's collection. One more box has a deceptively minimal, but finely crafted leather belt, as she's noticed that they seem to be more in vogue than suspenders around here.

Included is a pastry box from her favorite bakery, and inside are several small lemon cakes, perfect for sharing.

The attached note reads: ]

Ethan,

It seems strange for those like us to consider celebrating Christmas at all. With what we have seen and done, the colors do not look the same.

Are they dimmer, do you think?

Christmas isn't something that Sir Malcolm and I were prone to entertaining, as you can imagine. Sembene did have a special dessert ready, though. That may have been our own sort of celebration, I suppose. I fear I may have taken it for granted.

This is not meant to pain you further. I know that your heart aches as much as my own over his loss, if not more-so, and there is no hiding from the tragedies at our backs. These may be constants, but so are we. Nothing in that has changed. Nothing for you has changed beyond my relief for being allowed to accept you.

Please find your way to making merry with others as well this Christmas season, for you are more beloved than you will accept, and you are more deserving of it than you will accept. People here can see your heart as I have, if you will allow their acceptance as well. Know that you are always in my thoughts, as I hope you will keep me in yours. As selfish as it is, I am glad that you are here with me. We must be steady in our companionship for whatever the new year will bring.

In fondness,
Vanessa

[voice + action] un: Serenity backdated to Dec 25

[chaossealer]

[ Usagi's gotten a little better at handling the device now that she's been using it for a while, so the voice message starts relatively tame, though there is a ruffling sound at the beginning for a few seconds, it becomes clear why when the sound of party poppers are heard in the background. Typical Usagi. And then: ]

Ethan! Merry Christmas! I hope you've been having a great time! Hopefully, you've got a lot of presents. Or maybe cards? Wishing you the best, and now that the new year is upon us, I wish you a happy new year, too! Enjoy the holidays, okay? And don't be too hard on yourself!

[ The voice message ends successfully, though not before she squeezes a final giggle on her end.

On the other hand, Ethan will find a cute Christmas card along with a few boxes of chocolate, in hopes that it will help him feel better! Enjoy those chocolates! ]

text; un: thevampirelestat

[perfectdevil]

Call this a late holiday gift, or something to see you into the New Year. I haven't given gifts in this way in a century or so, and I'm afraid I don't know where you live, so this will have to do.

Check under the counter once you get there, right at the back.

[ Attached is the location of a small café in District 3. Should Ethan go to retrieve the gift, he'll find a package wrapped in black paper with a golden bow tucked underneath the counter, just as Lestat said.

Inside is a beautiful shirt of a deep, jewel-toned red, with an understated pattern embroidered into it to make the garment look flashy but in a kind of understated way. There is also a boxed and delicately placed vintage hip-flask with a snakeskin wrap, polished to a shine. Alongside the gifts is a small note that reads: ]

Ethan,

Many happy returns for this coming year.
May our friendship grow in strength as time wears onwards, and may your wardrobe be blessed with a little colour in the new year.

Lestat.
xoxo