[video]

[medalsome]

[For once, Joaquin is not dressed in his soldier uniform when the video starts up. Instead, he's more casually dressed down in a hoodie representing the local community college and some jeans. His hair is wet like he's fresh from the shower. There's a little pink to his cheeks though whether that's from the heat from the water or maybe just the tiniest edge of embarrassment is hard to say...]

So, you'll never guess what I found while on my jog today, or maybe you've already seen it yourself.

[He holds up an unmistakeable calendar and coffee table book, a grin spread wide over his face. Okay, so he's definitely NOT embarrassed.]

For those of you still lacking in ideas for Christmas gifts, I'd like to suggest these lovely items right here. Think about it! ImPort exposure! Beautiful men! And proceeds go so lovingly to charity. 'Tis the season, as they say. And hey, no one is going to judge if you want one for yourself. After all, a calendar is quite useful; a great investment that will last you all year long.

As a bonus, anyone who buys one can come corner me and I'll autograph it for free! [He waggles his eyebrows teasingly.] You know you want it!

Comments

text;

[mathemagier]

Really, I'd just managed to forget about that.

permatext;

[medalsome]

How could you forget about me looking sexy? I have been shot through the heart!

permatext;

[mathemagier]

[Too soon, Joaquin]

Fitting, seeing as last I saw you, you were certainly in danger of that!

[medalsome]

What do you mean? Did something happen to that cafe?

[The last time he saw him? Wasn't it at lunch?]

[mathemagier]

[What? Hermann's not following. Forgetting that he might not know about TV.]

We saw everything that happened in Heropa. You were there, Mr. Sanchez.. The two of you could have died.

[medalsome]

[Oh. That.]

Well, I'm a registered hero. It's important that I do what I can to protect others. That was my job back home as well.

Honestly though I wasn't planning on going at first. It just started as a fire, but then I realized Manolo was there and I caught wind of the attack and

Things happened. I couldn't leave it alone knowing that.

[mathemagier]

It was a trap.

[They couldn't know that at the time of course, but he's still agitated. He'd go and lecture Manolo too, but]

..How is Mr. Sanchez?

[medalsome]

It was. But I'm not going to hide when people are in danger. I'm a soldier.

Manolo is doing better. Our roommate picked up some healing abilities during the craziness of it all and he patched up a lot of Manolo's injuries. His guitar fared pretty badly but I think that's worked itself out too.

[mathemagier]

Well his instrument is fixable. You are both very fortunate. Just because you are a soldier doesn't mean you're invincible.

[medalsome]

Oh I am very aware. I didn't lose my eye falling down a flight of stairs.

And while I'm not invincible anymore I still managed to take down four of the attackers myself without anything worse than bruising. I'm not about to hide just because there's danger. It's my job.

[mathemagier]

[Wince. That's a fair point]

Yes well, not all of us are soldiers.

[medalsome]

Quite. Those of us who are know what we're doing.

I would appreciate it if you could remind Manolo that he isn't a soldier, or a registered hero either.

[mathemagier]

I wouldn't go that far. But if Mr. Sanchez won't listen to you, I doubt I'll be any more effective.

[medalsome]

Pardon me, Doctor, but I'm starting to get the impression you don't have any respect for me despite my experience. Let me reassure you, I do know how to handle myself in combat situations.

I dunno. Outside pressure might help get it through that thick skull of his.

[mathemagier]

I don

[Those letters are swiftly erased, because it's Newton that doesn't have any respect for soldiers- or 'jocks' as he calls them, like they're still in high school or college and it's a competition]

No, I respect your skills, but people did die that day. Heroes, similar to yourself. There are a great many variables in combat, and individual skill isn't always the largest factor. The outcomes are always unpredictable.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[glad you got here first. Newt was considering and it wouldn't have been pretty]

[medalsome]

Hermann

I understand very well that people die. What I don't understand is why you feel the need to tell me things I already know. Just what are you trying to say? What do you want me to do differently?

[mathemagier]

[You mean he wasn't speaking plainly? orz]

What I'm trying to tell you, is that just because you are a soldier of some notable skill, that those things alone are not particularly reassuring to those watching.

I'm telling you to be careful.

[medalsome]

I am careful. I promise, I'm not going to just throw my life away. I wish I could reassure you beyond that, but that's all I've got.

You can rest easy knowing I won't be charging in without thinking, but I'm not the type to stand by and let helpless people get attacked. I'd come to your rescue if I knew you were in trouble, too, you know?

[mathemagier]

I can teleport; the chances I'd need rescued are slim.

[NOT THE POINT]

But I appreciate the sentiment. I'll see if I can't speak to Mr. Sanchez for you.

[medalsome]

Teleport?

Thank you. He probably won't listen but... I don't know. I'd like for him to stay out of harm's way. He's got quick reflexes, but he's got a tender heart. He shouldn't be anywhere near a battle.

[mathemagier]

Ah yes, I believe I've mentioned it before, but perhaps didn't explain much about it. I can move instantly from one place to another, negating distances.

[medalsome]

So... literally like a porter, but you can do it yourself? That... amazing.

[mathemagier]

Yes, but it does have limitations, so it's often still more convenient to simply walk or use the actual porters. Still, in emergencies, it's quite useful.

[medalsome]

I bet. I'm glad you have a good means of protecting yourself. Not everyone is so lucky.