[ video ]

[hostage]

[The video opens with a view like this. Jesse walks across the balcony, filming the scenery rather than himself, but he's narrating:]

Ugh, oh my goddd... Look how blue that is. Just, like, really blue. That's insane.

[He's not paying attention to where he's going, apparently, because he bumps into a table and knocks over a few empty beer bottles. It's not visible, but the sound's unmistakable, really.]

Shit - haha.

[He turns the camera around on himself, waving and smiling around a hand-rolled cigarette that's stuck between his lips. He's not wearing a shirt, so enjoy the view of his bony, blinding white chest and the horrible Chinese dragon tattoo over his heart. On the bright side, his burns from the museum fire are long gone?]

'sup, Heropa. Just wanted to let you know I'm totally not coming back. I'm staying in Miami for, like, ever. Have fun with the creeps and the psychos up there. It's been a pleasure. Except not.

Comments

[acrossyourpath]

It's not so bad. Nothing's forever anyway.

[hostage]

Well, I don't wanna get all gloomy about it. I just know what I'm good for. Love and marriage ain't really it.

[acrossyourpath]

Those aren't good for much, either.

[hostage]

Good for plenty. Just not for everybody.

[acrossyourpath]

You can say that about anything.

[hostage]

Sure. I try not to judge.

[acrossyourpath]

Fair enough -- takes all kinds around here.

Anywhere, but especially here.

[hostage]

Variety's the spice of life or whatever.

[acrossyourpath]

Speaking of variety--

Do you actually like your powers?

[hostage]

Hell no. Shit hurts like a bitch.

[acrossyourpath]

Healing hurts?

[hostage]

It's like a trade. They heal, I get hurt instead.

[acrossyourpath]

Mm. [ She pauses. ] Sort of like mine.

[hostage]

What's yours?

[acrossyourpath]

[ A hesitation. ]

It's luck.

[hostage]

Like good or bad or..?

[acrossyourpath]

Both. Usually good for me.

[hostage]

Hey, that's awesome though.

[acrossyourpath]

And usually bad for anyone else.

So it depends.

[hostage]

Well, hey, most powers end up bad for the other guy.

[acrossyourpath]

If the other guy deserves it.

[hostage]

They probably do if you're having to use it, right?

[acrossyourpath]

It just sort of happens, to be honest. But it comes in handy at a poker table.

[hostage]

Ah, that sucks.

On the bright side, my luck's about as shit as it can get, so I'm probably immune to you.

[acrossyourpath]

[ She laughs. ]

Might be worth testing out sometime.