TLV Inbox: Act II

[greatoldjohn]

[in a rather deep voice] "This is John Doe. Please leave your message. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I may respond in text if I'm currently with Arthur. Apologies."

[previous inbox]

Comments

w/Justine [continued]

[greatoldjohn]

[from here]

[ His expression doesn't lighten. ]

That means you've been hurt for days! Why didn't you call for me? Why didn't you say something!? Even if you didn't want to see me for some reason, I would have made you feel better-

[ A deeeeeeeep breath in. ]

I'll carry you. And fix you up on the way.

Re: w/Justine [continued]

[todayiwas]

[She shakes her head, pushing back against that.]

I didn't want to do anything. I wanted to sit and read and forget that I was stranded with nothing and no one.

[She sits up and reaches out a hand for him, though.]

w/Gale (continued)

[greatoldjohn]

[ from here ]

I do, actually. It's one of my favorite things to do.

[ He spends SO much time in the library. ]

And that's fair. It has it's disadvantages. And isn't great for our current... situation. But if you're having trouble sleeping, I can do it for a limited time. That might help.

[karsiteweave]

I will keep that in mind, thank you, and I may ask you for book recommendations should we make it back to our other vessel. I'm not certain reading is a particular focus of our current caretakers!

[ Said with a notably disapproving tone. Cannot believe these people are up to no good, he's taking no notes on the irony of such disapproval coming from an inmate. ]

After the Admiral tells them to go ham on the NS and he talks to Jesus

[callmefives]

Fives looks for him rather than using the communicator. "John, hey." He smiles a greeting. "Wanted to ask you about some coordination things."

Audio, before the Admiral’s Contact

[abrightboy]

Hi John. It’s Malcolm. Sorry to bother you. Um. Justine just attacked Walter. Cut his arm. I thought things were… in hand on your end.

Re: Audio, before the Admiral’s Contact

[greatoldjohn]

[ The answer is a low rumble, just as clearly not directed at Malcolm. ]

Fuck. I told her I didn't want that. I told her to let me handle things.

[ Ugh. ]

I'll talk to Zack when I can, see what he can do about it; he's her temp at the moment. Is Walter all right?

text, before the admiral's message

[themostfun]

Hi, John. I'd like to talk with you about something that happened recently.

[ The Arthur getting attacked thing, and some stuff in the immediate aftermath. ]

Re: text, before the admiral's message

[greatoldjohn]

Sure. Want to do it here or in person?

Post NS, still in hiding; action John's cabin

[weirdnecro]

John?

[She pops out from the cabin's kitchen. Two cups of coffee are in hand, hot and steaming. Sokie has made herself comfortable since he picked her up. And she keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop, for a sign of whether she will vanish or be shackled to the ship, one way or the other. If she will be discovered.

But for all she had been enjoying her share of creature comforts, she's been watching thr entity known as John Doe. He's been shaken up, but the why eludes her still. She's tried to give him privacy but...well. It was kind of difficult when she was hiding in his rooms.

But now she sought him out, and when she did- with whatever he was up to- she raised the mugs.]

Made you something decent for once. I don't care what shape you take, but you should come sit with me for company.

[She raises her eyebrows.]

Though if you want me to lay on your lap or vice versa dearest, I won't say no.

Re: Post NS, still in hiding; action John's cabin

[greatoldjohn]

[ John doesn't know what mechanism has allowed Sookie to stay when some others were taken, but he's glad for it. And as she comes in from the kitchen, he'll smile, looking up from his book before putting it aside. He's just a man at the moment, he'll hold up a hand for the coffee. ]

I wouldn't mind that. Would you like to lay your head on my lap? I could read you some of the poetry I'm reading.

Backdated to Collins attack; text

[planetdialup]

Hey John. I'm okay, Hanna is okay, but this message is a just in case.

Dennis Collins attacked with the intent to kill. He's run off, and I'm going to follow him and try to calm him down.

I'll message you in an hour. I'm armed. I'm okay.

And if this fails, I'm sorry.

Re: Backdated to Collins attack; text

[greatoldjohn]

[ John is going to spend a few minutes cursing to himself before he tries to type an answer. Then he decides that's not enough and she'll feel him reaching out, his voice in the back of her mind. ]

Aerith? If Collins won't listen to reason, call me here. I can be there in an instant. And letting him kill you will do more than you realize.

I'll know where he is if I need to.

[pharadyne]

[After this discussion with Sokie]

John, darling, would you mind checking a knife for a curse? I don't think it's cursed, only I don't want a repeat of that cursed sword incident so I'm doing some due diligence.

[greatoldjohn]

Makes sense. That whole thing sucked.

[ He's probably still prepping at this point but- ]

Sure. Right now, or when we head out?

Audio

[heyboss]

John?

We need to talk. Are you home?

Re: Audio

[greatoldjohn]

I can be. Is everything all right?

...it's not Arthur, is it?

[ He had some issues with marriage. Maybe something triggered him? The urge to check is high but he's going to wait til Sheehan explains. ]

Forward dated to after Arthur gives her a smack; a letter

[weirdnecro]

It's a small thing. The paper is thick, and perhaps it was handmade- or maybe it was simply heavy from its quality. But it has been clearly ripped out of a book, if with neatness and precision.

There are many pages. And they are wrapped with a single page that is folded around and reads: For John Doe.

It has been sealed, with not only her sparkling green fires to make sure only John can open it but with a red wax seal. The symbol within the seal is that of a heart cupped lovingly in a hand.

And the letter reads as follows...

Once John picks up the letter, the magic will fade. The rest is completely mundane.

Just a letter.

After Justine's Everything explodes

[lestercraft]

[Christ people need to stop tampering with fucking food.]

John. Are you alright?

Re: After Justine's Everything explodes

[greatoldjohn]

[ In a voice that sounds more like the King than John- ]

No.

December 10th; audio

[abrightboy]

I thought... normally I'd want to talk to you, if something this.... bad happened. And I didn't know if it was okay if I did. Last time I sent you a message, you didn't answer, but I know you were going through some stuff. Even if you don't answer this one, I want you to know that I hope you're okay. If... you're not talking to me because we're not friends anymore, though, just... just let me know. So I stop bothering you. Thank you.

Re: December 10th; audio

[greatoldjohn]

[ John takes a minute before he answer this because-

What the fuck?

What the fuck is he talking about?

Wait-

'Something bad' happened?

Wait, does that mean Malcolm was in the-

...he's honestly surprised Justine would have done anything to Malcolm. She'd seemed very inclined to stay away from him, really. Was there something else?

Unfortunately 'you were going through some stuff' basically describes the last six plus months so it seems like he'll have to try and ask him what he's talking about. Not that he wants to. He doesn't want think about anything he's been dealing with right now. He's confused and upset and worried and a little hurt that Malcolm would think that he'd just drop him like that and that would lead to Bad Things. He doesn't want that, especially if things are sensitive right now. ]

...Malcolm, I have no idea what you're talking about. But. I'm not really sure why you'd think I don't want to be friends anymore. We haven't even had an argument or anything. Why-

I'm just confused.

Text;

[bythelight]

John Doe;

I am given to understand you were the previous warden of Astarion Ancunín. The Admiral has assigned me to his care, and I intend to dedicate myself to it with the fullness of my ability. Should there be anything you believe I need to be told about his time here, please know my door is always open. I have peacebloom tea in my cabin.

Anduin Wrynn

Re: Text;

[greatoldjohn]

[ John has, thankfully, had a little while to get over his Feels regarding the whole thing and the fact that Anduin had arrived and been assigned before he'd even met or heard of him?

Clearly, it happened because it was time to pass the baton. It was for the best for Astarion.]

I was Astarion's former warden, yes. And I'm glad to hear you're dedicated to helping him. I don't think there's anything I can tell you: it looks like it's time for you to help him.

But what I will say is that if you ever need help if a coma happens or something happens on board where you're stuck, I will always be happy to help look out for him and make sure he's okay. I still care about Astarion a lot.

Would you like to meet for tea? I don't mind answering questions but I'm sure you'll be able to handle everything.

[abrightboy]

[Malcolm is clutching a gold envelope in his hands, containing a wedding invitation. He knocks. When John comes to the door, he looks nervous, but smiles.]

Hi. I'd... like to ask you something.

[greatoldjohn]

[ John looks like John at the moment, but he does look a little nervous when Malcolm looks nervous. ]

O-of course. What is it?

After the file spat; in cabin

[weirdnecro]

She comes home.

That's the important part. She comes home, and when she opens and shuts the door, it is quiet and deliberate. No slamming. At first, from the way she walks, everything seems okay.

But her expression is blank, and mentally, everything is packed away tight.

And she nearly trips and falls into the conversation pit. When she stumbles, not a sound is uttered, not even a soft curse. Just a soft exhale of surprise.

Sokie physically is back. But mentally, it's difficult to say where she is. Especially as she hasn't even tried to look for John, like she usually does.

Re: After the file spat; in cabin

[greatoldjohn]

John isn't in the conversation pit. He was waiting in the bedroom, out of sight, where he couldn't potentially just be Encountered if she wasn't in a mood to deal with him.

When he hears the thunk of it, he pokes his head in there, and that's where he stays as he takes a look at Sokie, especially her eyes.

"Hey," is all he's got. Because he can tell it's bad. After a moment- "Want me here or should I clear out for a little bit?"

w/Abel (continued)

[greatoldjohn]

[ continued from this thread ]

[ There are times when John is very careful about touch, but this is one where he's going to assume. So the door's getting closed behind him and he's walking in and first Alex, then Abel, are getting a head pet. ]

Want some company on the couch?

Re: w/Abel (continued)

[inthebiblicalsense]

[Alex accepts the offering, bumping his little black head against John's palm before hopping down and going to find a less dramatic spot to nap in his dad's bedroom.

The lump shifts, Abel peaking out enough that John can see him nod before he starts to sit up, but if he has been being cautious about being too forward before, he doesn't seem to care all that much when John sits, falling right back down to half lay across his lap.

At the very least he'd stopped crying, but the following headache, the way that he is mad at himself in ways he's not even sure he wants to comprehend, he isn't sure how to start talking.

Words come out wrong anyways, don't they?]

[todayiwas]

Late one evening, as she can't sleep, she calls to him.

John.

She's in her cabin, feeding pages of her notebook into the fire, slowly one at a time.

[greatoldjohn]

John isn't asleep, of course. His response is immediate, flavored with warmth and love.

Yes? Is everything all right?

Spam

[falkeditupagain]

The morning after Sheehan had given him a lecture the music coming from John's bathroom is a little different from Hanna's usual. Its harder, rather dramatic, angry and yet Hanna still manages to use his shampoo bottle as a microphone despite how grumpy he is. It really isn't subtle.

He seems to be fine when he comes out for breakfast though, dressed and fussing with his hair. Except that seems a little more frustrated too, using his comm as a mirror with the front facing camera as he attempts to get the wavy curls to lay right before he gives up with a groan and let's himself flop face down on the table.

Re: Spam

[greatoldjohn]

"...okay, that looks like you feel like shit. What's up, Hanna?"

He is going to get pancakes with bacon and eggs and yes, they're in a smiley face, pushed over towards him.

cold call no chaser

[takestime]

Would you give me some of your blood again?

I'd trade.

Re: cold call no chaser

[greatoldjohn]

Sure.

[ Beat. ]

Why?

[todayiwas]

Sometime after Jedao leaves, Justine calls for him in her room.

John.

Are you available for me? Come to me?

[greatoldjohn]

There's no answer.

...well, other than John being in her room, leaning against the inside of the door between one blink and the next. He offers her a tired smile.

"Hey, Princess."

audio

[cactusy]

Hey, uh-- I got a question for you. Personal, but important.

Sicknesses, infections, biological contagions; that kinda stuff. You're immune, right?

Re: audio

[greatoldjohn]

[ He was the King in Yellow. 'Immune' is...

He's going to keep it simple. ]

Yes.

...did you need help with something?

action;

[onlyhearmusic]

He would have texted but someone (Kahl) stole his communicator with reality-bending powers so instead Collins went directly to John Doe's room and banged quite loudly on the door. He grunted and growled a bit as he instinctively tried to yell but there wasn't the ability to talk much less yell so the noises that came out instead were disconcerting and unnatural sounding. It hurt his throat, too.

He banged on the door some more, intent to get someone's attention the only way he could at the moment. He wasn't leaving until he could, er, communicate with someone. Somehow.

Damn, he was going to need a pen and paper or something. He was too discombobulated to have thought of that ahead of time.

Re: action;

[greatoldjohn]

The door opens between one knock and another and John looks cross even before he identifies Collins being the one behind it. Sokie is recovering from a death toll. And John, while not having participated in Sheehan's post, isn't too pleased about how much of a jackass Collins chose to be about it.

"What the fuck do you want, Collins?"

[onlyhearmusic]

This time when Collins knocked on John's door it was much more considerably soft. Hopefully Sokie would forgive him for all the interruptions to her beauty sleep. At least this time it was during the middle of the day though if he had to try again later that was fine. He thought it might be better to eat the cookies fresh but perhaps it was the effort that counted. John didn't even need them anyway. It was just a thought.

He stood and waited, a covered plate of cookies in hand. He looked about as awkward as he felt despite his effort to remain completely natural.

Forward dates to the 15th

[inthebiblicalsense]

Abel has done what he can, he's told the people who need to know, he's attempted to reach out to people who might could give him techniques to help himself, but what is left is asking for help from someone who knows won't judge or ask too many questions and is just a thought away.

It's a relief really, laying on the couch without having to pick up his communicator, and call out to John with all the terribly hurt and troubled feelings that he can share and doesn't have to explain.

John, can I ask you a favor?

Re: Forward dates to the 15th

[greatoldjohn]

Definitely.

John's been around a lot lately. So it's not really surprising he answers quickly, a small flow of warmth and fondness coming with the words.

continued

[greatoldjohn]

[ from here ]

They're in the bed in their cabin.

They're in a bed of leaves in a garden across the lake from Carcosa.

Every second he kisses her, the need to deepen things again, differently, skin against skin only raising the temperature. John's voice is smooth and low inside her head.

You are mine and I am yours.

Re: continued

[weirdnecro]

Always.

It's dizzying. She's feeling the covers against her back- there are leaves against her skin. She thinks, for those brief moments, she can see the their flowers in the garden space.

She kissed him, her mouth wandering to kiss his nose, his chin, and back to his mouth again.

The joy was there, intense, changing to a hot and steady desire. Not surprising, especially with the friction she could feel, of skin on skin.

John. Her voice was a soft plea between them, a mental reach for them to connect. Wanting more of him, always.