IV / video;

[heckblazer]

[ It's probably not a video he records or posts deliberately, considering his lack of technological competence. But there he is, slouched alone on a pub patio, moping behind a cloud of cigarette smoke. He's well into a bottle of...good Lord, flavoured vodka? Birthday cake, no less?

Well. It's not like lushes can be picky. ]

Huh. Didn't think I'd make it to see another one of these days.

[ He adds his cigarette butt to the mountain on the ashtray in front of him, and lights another, muttering softly between his teeth, ]

Happy fuckin birthday to ya, Johnny.
Useless twit.

Comments

[purple_reign]

[John isn't the only one getting frustrated with this conversation. Inanna meets his gaze with that same damned smile, and their eyes flicker briefly before flaring to life with white-hot stars. They pull their hand back and lean back in their chair, watching him quietly with that fiery expression for a few long moments.

Finally they sigh and break eye contact with a hollow laugh, their smile turning a little strained.]

John... You were never baggage. I think it was the other way around, but don't worry. We'll be staying out of your hair from now on.

[heckblazer]

Y- yeah, I can drink to that.

[ Just a little more vodka to wash away the anguish. And "just a litle" certainly doesn't mean another quarter of the bottle vanishing.

Just a little more push and just maybe, they can end up with a slightly better deal without you, you sadsack. ]

'Least I'm honest about using people, mate.

[purple_reign]

[Inanna stares at him, mouth working soundlessly while they try to make sense of the statement. Were they using him? Were they using anyone...? The very idea seems laughable. So much so that they actually do bark out a sharp laugh, more incredulous than angry.]

Wow... I already told you I'd leave you alone, John. You don't have to try to chase me off, but if you really want to then you should consider who you're actually talking to. [They lean in conspiratorially, voice dropping to a whisper as if they're sharing some deep secret and not (what they think is) an obvious fact.] I'm here to be used, not the other way around.

[heckblazer]

[ His patience might be a smidge stronger than people give him credit for, given that he doesn't raise his voice. But, John, you are being baited by both yourself and them. Stop it.

John, what are you doing.

John, what are you saying.

John, for fuck's sake. ]

Right. And what would you be, without the crowds of adoring mortals that you lot bless with the privilege of fawning over you?

[ He leans away, arms folded, legs stuck out beneath the table, trying to create some sort of comfort for himself in the middle of his own internal shitstorm. There's only a just noticeable tremor when he speaks again, muttering: ]


I've done wrong by a lot of folks. Most of 'em I've ever met, actually. But letting people in, getting them to give a shit when I know I'm about to check out? That ain't something even I could do.

[purple_reign]

[A. MAZING. Inanna appears as cool and collected as ever, save for those burning stars sitting front and center in their skull. They speak with a relaxed air, as if they were discussing something as mundane as an unexpected rain shower.]

I don't allow them to get close—not for long.

[There had been a few lovers, of course. Nothing that lasted more than a few weeks.

The corner of their mouth twitches towards a frown, brow furrowing briefly, and their tone becomes more strained.]

I...suppose it was a mistake to try to keep you as close as I did. ...I'm sorry.

[heckblazer]

[ The forced-relaxed body language doesn't last. He draws his legs back in, sinking further into his seat and looking for all the world like he wants a hole to curl up in. ]

I did tell you: "I sacrifice to no god save myself — And to my stomach, greatest of deities." Can't imagine I made your lot in life much better, really.

[purple_reign]

[Inanna stands to leave, offering John one more sad smile.]

You were a dear comfort, John.