24 ⚜ Anonymous Text / CW: abuse mentions

[restingstitchface]

Whether a man is a criminal or a hero is a matter of perspective.

But if you don't want to play your role anymore, and are removed from your motivation for being who you are, what do you do? Do you seek redemption and rehabilitation and transform as an individual, or do you repeat negative behavior? How much do you believe people change only because they are imPorted? In short, do you believe people can change?

If I had anybody willing to discuss this in private with me, I assure you, I'd not be raising the issue publically.

Thank you in advance.

Comments

[slightlyoffchilt]

Perhaps more than I might appreciate.

[Despite his better judgement, Chilton always encircled the Lucifer figure -- be he literal or figurative, his role would nevertheless be undeniably compelling. Chilton caught the orbit of such men, perhaps less in spite of and more because of his heretical nature.]

You have always seemed to come out in the good graces of demons, however, haven't you?

[restingstitchface]

Not always. The first time you deal with demons, you're bound to see your hands burned.

[He closes his eyes and focuses on everything but his hands. He could remember them stuck behind him. Could feel his lungs constricting under his straitjacket. He remembered why he had lost his freedom and who had made him too good an offer not to risk it.]

Science is no protection against them. You understand this, don't you?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Really? Are you so unobservant to sincerely ask that question?

[He didn't know it at the time, but he would rebuff the next Lucifer to walk through the Porter; Chilton had been forged through a hellfire and came out like Damascus steel.

He was something so much more than what he had been.]

I will give you the benefit of the doubt-- [He said with a smile, his skeptical sneer melting.] And say it was rhetorical. But rest assured, Doctor Crane, I will not fall prey to them again.

[Well -- not the literal demons. But Chilton had such a fondness for the human ones. He got to his feet, his smile more pronounced. Whatever had prickled his ego was now forgiven.]

I ought to be on my way, but this chat was illuminating. Part of me is delighted to see you back on track.

[A deep fondness for the human ones.]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane inhales deeply through his nose and grips his fingers together a little tighter; the reaction from yanking Chilton's chain had been caused by rhetorical questioning. The longer this conversation had flowed, the more oppressive it had become. The uncomfortable worry that another man was on his level, and all the concern over being stabbed in the back.

Better to do it first than be a victim.

But Chilton's acid words vanish first, and then his ire. He feels frustrated, but it doesn't show on his facade. He tingles everywhere but holds his nerve and politely bows his head.]

Thank you.

[Politeness, Jonathan. Control.]

I suppose this is good night, then. Goodnight, Frederick.

[Oh, he so much wanted to put doctor, but, control.]