ic inbox

[headjacked]

Heyyyyyyyy, kiddo, you've reached me. Me who is Rhys. Anyway, not sure why you're trying to get in contact with the king of the dweebs, but I'm sure you've got your reasons. Reasons you should probably re-examine. I'm just sayin'.

Last chance to back out.

No?

Don't say I didn't warn ya.

Comments

[jumpthegun]

[He breathes a sigh of relief at Rhys just accepting that. It makes John's life easier. Mary shakes her head and sighs.

Lies don't suit you, John.]

It's fine. I deserved it the way our last conversation ended. I really am sorry about that. There's just been a bit of trouble lately about things.

[Mental health things he doesn't really want to get into.]

Shouldn't have snapped at you.

== video

[headjacked]

Let's call this a mutual apology acceptance.

[ -- then he swaps to video, because the Personal Stuff is out of the way. Therefore, John should be fine with a regular chat, right? Right!! ]

It's good to have you back, man.

video

[jumpthegun]

[Damn it, Rhys! John glances up and over at Mary one last time. She needs to stay quiet.

Darling, I'm not the one who decides when I talk. That's all you.

He licks his lips and steels himself to maintain focus as he flips over to video. John has really slept in several days, so he's looking haggard atop everything else. He forces a small smile for Rhys, though.]

Good to be back to myself, if not here.

[Just keep it brief. Don't give an opportunity or reason to elaborate.]

[headjacked]

-- geez, you look rough. Maybe -- maybe take it easy for a day or two, yeah? Super easy.

[ Rhys projects an air of gentle, oblivious teasing, but in reality, he's watching John's eyes. Watching and waiting. ]

[jumpthegun]

[He is sweet.

John rubs his eyes to cover for the urge to look away.]

Not much time for that, is there? I'll manage, Rhys. Is Angel doing all right? I know Claire was with you last I heard, too.

[headjacked]

Angel's fine. [ You won't throw him off that easily, Dr. J. ] Dude, if you need a laydown, you take a laydown. You're no good exhausted and stressed and... etc.

[jumpthegun]

[Sweet and has a point.

The doctor frowns slightly, pointedly not looking at Mary in irritation.]

I said I'll manage. I've been a little wound, so I'll sleep tonight.

[Implying you haven't slept any other nights. Maybe not the best strategy.

This time, John can't help it. He shoots Mary an annoyed glance. He really doesn't need the running commentary.]

[headjacked]

A 'little wound' --

[ There. That there. It's plain as day to someone who used to do the same, on the regular. He points an accusitory finger, but keeps his voice level.

Whatever this is, it isn't John's fault, but it's gotta be addressed. ]

D -- John. I'm one of the very few, if not ONLY, people-slash-person you can't fool when it comes to stuff like this.

[jumpthegun]

[Fuck.

John clears his throat.]

Leave it, Rhys. It's not important.

[headjacked]

...you... you have to know why I can't just accept that.

[jumpthegun]

I don't have a psychopath digitally imprinted on my brain.

[Maybe not digitally...

Muttered under his breath:]

Not funny.

[It's not like Rhys hasn't already figured it out.]

[headjacked]

Okay, so, if that's the bar, you're saying you're seeing something less bad than that.

And I trusted you with that.

[jumpthegun]

[Trust is a two way street, Mary points out.

John bristles visibly, starting to feel boxed in.]

I told you who it was.

[headjacked]

And you told me they were gone, which was a lie. So.

[ Point. Blank. Stare. It could still be General Corporal Sergeant Whoeverthefuck Dr. John said, he knows, but why would he be this defensive? ]

[jumpthegun]

[It was Major Sholto, thank you.]

I'd really rather not talk about this, Rhys. It's not going to be a danger to anyone here.

[headjacked]

Except maybe you, and I've -- I've lost enough friends, okay??

[ Rhys sighs, his usual level of drama evident in the huff, before he shakes his wrist a few times and holds it up to the camera. A gaudy bangle with a wire wrapped around it. A brilliant blue, glowing iris serving as a gemstone. ]

There's my last secret.

[jumpthegun]

[Oh... maybe not so clever. Poor dear.]

You kept Handsome Jack?

[headjacked]

Yeah, I kept him. Powerless, voiceless, unable to do anything but observe. If that.

[ I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream, anyone? ]

[jumpthegun]

[John's not entirely sure what the greater cruelty is.

Definitely keeping him alive like that, Mary chimes in, looking somewhat wary. He deserves it, mind.

The doctor sighs, rubbing his eyes again.]

Y'know what? Fine. That's fine.

It's... my wife. My dead wife. I'm seeing her. Happy?