04 | voice

[fistofthejoestar]

I'm sorry to ruin all of the pleasant news that's been shared recently, but this is important.

[this is quite a departure in tone from what people on the network usually hear from Jonathan - it's steely and solemn, no trace of the sunny young man chatting amiably about dogs and lost items.]

A week ago two imPorts were kidnapped by a man named Robert Jennings for the sole purpose of hunting them down like animals. [the disgust in his voice is barely contained] They were rescued and Mr. Jennings himself was apprehended - but a group called the Go Fors whose services he utilized is still operating.

They provided technology which made it possible to spirit the pair of them away without causing suspicion, as well as keep them trapped long enough to be hunted. There were at least six individuals involved; I can provide names and some other information to whoever would like it.

This can't be allowed to happen again. I'll do whatever I can to help anyone interested in taking this up as well, whether through more details or physical assistance, but...in the meantime, please be careful, everyone.

[there's no telling what else they might attempt before they're brought down.]

Comments

[heavyhitter]

I mean, it does hover...

[ She sounds a little doubtful about that though, and glances down at it. It's not like it hovers that high. And what if nasty things splash up on it? That thought pretty much settles the decision for her. She pulls it up in the parking lot with a sigh that's all the concession to his point that she plans to voice and waits for him to climb off. ]

[fistofthejoestar]

[unlike some people, Jonathan doesn't gloat when he wins a debate. he simply hops off the vehicle and waits for her to do whatever she needs with locling it up or. whatever, he's no expert at this. in the meantime he tries to cheer her up a little at the loss of convenient transportation.]

It'll be good exercise.

[heavyhitter]

[ She groans theatrically as she locks the vespa up and pockets the keys. ]

Do I look like I'm a fan of good exercise?

[ Really, the studded leather jacket is pretty far from a comfortable workout shirt. But she turns back toward him and pockets both hands, more or less ready to go. ]

What if I die of too much walking? Will you carry me?

[fistofthejoestar]

[he fought undead scourges in a sweatervest outfit straight out of Fresh Prince, do you think Jonathan has any idea what a practical workout outfit looks like?]

I don't think that it's really far enough for that to happen. [but he tilts his head slightly as he sets off, in acknowledgement of possibilities] But I'd be happy to carry you whenever you like.

[heavyhitter]

[ A little encouragement is really all that's needed for her to increase demands immediately. She's quick to step after him, smiling brightly again. ]

Will you carry me now?

[fistofthejoestar]

I thought that was only if you collapsed from overexertion?

[which isn't exactly a no, but Jonathan's trying to hedge his answer since he already knows he'll cave if she pushes even slightly harder. his only option is to try and get her to reconsider.]

[heavyhitter]

[ Please, like she would give up that easy. But since those are the terms... ]

Oh, yeah, true.

[ She promptly drops, straight to the sidewalk. Who cares who sees and who cares what she rolls in, she's busy. She flops dramatically onto her back, with an arm thrown over her eyes and the other one outstretched. ]

I can't go on! It's too much! I'm fucking dying!

[fistofthejoestar]

[and all she receives in response is a quiet sigh before there are a pair of very strong arms wrapping around Ramir and lifting her up to be cradled against Jonathan's chest. drama queens.]

That was a bit much, don't you think?

[heavyhitter]

[ It surpasses a laugh and goes straight into a victory cackle when Jonathan scoops her up. She's even okay with being carried like this — usually she'd insist on riding on his back, or shoulders or something. But this is fine, this time.

With a satisfied grin up at him: ]

Any lengths necessary, buddy. Don't you know that about me yet?

[fistofthejoestar]

[he just rolls his eyes and starts walking again, looking steadfastly at the path before him instead of down at her.]

I'd think you'd know it doesn't take that level of extremity with me.

[seriously, just lamely pretend to have turned your ankle or just say 'no you're carrying me' and he's done for. such a pushover.]

[heavyhitter]

[ Fine, if he won't take her grin, then she'll just settle down with a little squirming, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Comfy. ]

Yeah, I know. You're easy. Probably could've gotten away with just a please.

[ She really does wonder how far that would go, too. She's willing to bet pretty far. ]

[fistofthejoestar]

[yeah, just nestle your head into those massive pecs. it's like built in pillows.]

Well, courtesy will never hurt you.

[he's not saying it would have worked even though he knows she's probably right, because come on. even Jonathan has his limits, and considering how lax he is otherwise it's a frightening wall to finally run into.]

[heavyhitter]

Yeah, but I gotta save that shit. You know? When I come to you for something and say please, you'll know I really need it.

[ Which she might, at some point. She already knows she wants Jonathan as someone she can count on. It's just a matter of building sturdy enough connections that can be rested on when in need. ]

[fistofthejoestar]

It's not really a limited commodity. I'll be able to tell when the request is urgent even if you're polite all the time.

[whoops, someone's gently dadding again without even noticing...]

[heavyhitter]

Polite all the time. [ She repeats it like it's a phrase she's trying to learn in a foreign language, then laughs. ] God, can you imagine? It'd ruin my whole image!

[fistofthejoestar]

Is that so terrible, if it's only an image?

[the question is light, but he really wants to know.]

[heavyhitter]

Are you kidding me? [ Her answer is just as light, considering how genuine it is. ] "Only an image"? That's the most valuable thing I got.

[fistofthejoestar]

I suppose I simply don't see the point in it all. Why lead people to believe you're something you aren't?

[it's not just Ramir who puzzles him with this. maybe it's Jonathan's own experiences that have made this difficult to understand, or his natural penchant for honesty. what was the point in not allowing people to know your real self? basing relationships off false pretenses seemed like a surefire way to never be certain of their sincerity.]

[heavyhitter]

Really?

[ A frown edges into her easy smile. That's actually an honest question, isn't it? ]

Come on, that shit happens in nature all the time. The lizard that puffs up to look threatening, or whatever.

[ This is a more uncomfortable answer that she'd counted on, and she hopes he doesn't look too deeply into it. ]

[fistofthejoestar]

That's done to defend itself, though, isn't it? Is acknowledging one's true self really a weakness?

[that was so sad, that people might think who they really were was so vulnerable that they needed to build up false pretenses to protect themselves. it was so unnecessary - true friends didn't care, and other people's opinions were so fickle that there was no guarantee that such a strategy would work.

but it seems that he's poked a sore subject for Ramir, judging by her reaction, and so he simply lets it drop with that reply. thankfully there's a built in excuse for the sudden veer in topics.]

...we're here now.

[heavyhitter]

[ She doesn't like where they've left this. She hops down a little abruptly and straightens her jacket with a sharp tug and a sharper frown. They're here so he can show off, so she should just get ready to enjoy the show...

...But she can't let it go just yet. She turns back again to face him, still frowning, and jabs a lecturing finger toward him. ]

Hey. Don't think I'm protecting some fragile, delicate inner self just because I don't bother with "please". I know how I want people to see me, that's it.

[fistofthejoestar]

I never assumed any such thing. It simply seems like a great deal of energy to expend on covering up something that isn't shameful in the first place, especially when people don't always see what we'd wish them to see.

[and wouldn't he know that pretty well? there had been no proof of the lies Dio had spread in their childhood, and yet people had believed them despite his best efforts to dispel the cloud of ill will. Jonathan isn't really apologetic with his answer, because this isn't something he's sorry for believing; it's a gentle explanation, nothing more.]

[heavyhitter]

[ She watches him a few seconds, like she'll find a secret message or ulterior meaning — which of course she won't — then breathes a quick laugh. ]

It's like we're speaking different languages.

[ She's still not entirely satisfied that he gets it, that this is a choice and not something to hide behind, but her offense has been outweighed by her unwillingness to expend the effort. Good enough. ]

[fistofthejoestar]

[he shrugs with a small smile, happy that the topic has apparently been dropped for good this time. he doesn't like to have upset people, even unintentionally.]

It's entirely possible. I've never been particularly skilled at expressing myself.

[at least from his perspective, anyway. but that's really not all that important at the moment.]

Shall we begin now?

[heavyhitter]

Yeah, let's do it. [ Any last vestiges of annoyance drain away; she moves quickly between emotions, and anger is no exception. ] What's up first?