[ Normally, Sebastian would have called beforehand, but considering the static that was making such a thing very annoying, to say the very least... He decides to just go in person instead. So there's a light, even knock at Garry's door! ]
[ normally, when someone shows up unannounced looking for him, it's Diva. However, Diva doesn't even usually bother knocking first, so Garry's left just wondering who would be visiting now. When he opens the door, he looks tired, no doubt thanks to the fading red C on his cheek. ]
-- Oh! Sebastian! What a pleasant surprise. I, uh, didn't know you were coming... [ he probably looks kind of dumpy, and he immediately feels self-conscious. DON'T JUDGE HIM, SEABASS... ]
[ In comparison, Sebastian's skin is suspiciously free of any mark, but it's also a bit surprising in itself with how immediately Sebastian is to continue with his polite, refined formalities. ]
I do apologize for that, Mr. Garry. I would have called ahead, but with the phones in the state they are, I though the effort would have been more frustrating than fruitful.
[ He places a hand on his chest and gives a soft bow. ]
If I may impose further, would you be willing to talk a light stroll with me? There is a matter Mr. Lunettes left in my care that I would like to ask about, if you would not mind.
Oh... Yes, I suppose you're right about that. They're an awful bother lately...
[ that explains the sudden appearance. It was absolutely unlike Sebastian to do anything even vaguely rude; absently, Garry wonders if doing this was difficult for him. Probably. He's smoothing out his hair somewhat nervously when Reim's name is mentioned, and that makes him stop.
Something Reim left in his care... There's one thing that comes to mind immediately, and it's not the bucket of pebbles. ]
... Sure. Is it... important? [ he's guessing so, judging by the more serious tone he takes as he takes a step outside, closing the door behind him. ]
A bit, but I would not worry about it too much... I simply wanted to make sure we were on the same page, really.
[ Sebastian gestures ahead of them both, as if for Garry to lead the way, but he'll start walking a moment after. He doesn't walk ahead of Garry though, evenly and easily matching his stride. ]
Have you been well, by the way? It has been some time since I have spoken with you, and this place does have a way of wearing you down, I have come to realize.
[ What a question... Garry smiles rather crookedly, obviously a little uncomfortable, but attempting to be friendly and polite; he rubs the back of his head. ]
I... Well, I'm still here, as you can see, so I've at least got that. I wouldn't go as far as saying things have been good, though...
[ after all, he's recently deceased - and in a fairly traumatic way, too, although it was at least controlled. He doesn't know whether he should thank Diva or seek comfort from her. ]
Ah, my... I do apologize for that, and for bring up such a topic...
[ And here, they lapse into small talk I'll say, just for the sake of moving along the thread to the good stuff since Caroline will come a-callin' soon. Once they're a decent way from the housing block, Sebastian's light demeanor shifts immediately, and his expression is serious, and his voice matches it. ]
Forgive the walk, Mr. Garry. I simply worry that our housing is not the safest place to have a conversation. I was told that Mr. Lunettes spoke to you about matters with Miss Yao. Is this true?
[ he was wondering where they were going, exactly, and it turns out the answer is "nowhere in particular." Once Sebastian mentions that conversation he had with Reim, though, his nerves disappear, and he nods once. ]
[ He turns his gaze, which had been looking ahead, to Garry instead. ]
I do not know how in detail your conversation was, but for what I wish to ask, I can fill in any gaps if need be after. But Mr. Garry, I will be frank. With Mr. Lunettes gone, there has been some cohesion lost, so it needs to be patched such that this not happen again. We need a bit more intricate of a web so that one loss not be so important, and in the interest of following through with Mr. Lunettes's efforts, I ask you this— Would you join us?
O-of course. I mean, I already told him I would help, but...
[ since he disappeared, Garry had assumed the plans fell through. If he were a bit more outgoing or confident, he would have picked up the slack, but he wasn't. He was worse than ever, in fact. Even going this far was fueled by pure frustration and built-up misery.
[ Sebastian nods, a slow, careful sort of gesture, then reaches up to start unbuttoning the glove of his left hand as his continues. ]
Good. I am glad to have your support. We will meet on Tuesday, in the gardens below, which is why I have gone out searching for a few more for our numbers. But I was asked to brief you in full, so there are a few things about this situation that you should know. I ask your forgiveness in advance, since one portion was somewhat deceitful on my part, but it is not information I give out lightly.
[ He pulls the glove off his hand, showing the occult looking tattoo as well as the pitch black, but not painted nails. ]
So I will begin with this, since it will help to explain the rest. I am a demon, Mr. Garry.
[ Garry truly can't help the look of surprise that passes over his face. In his mind, demons are scary, chaotic creatures that probably kill and torture people just for fun. Things with no human sympathy. Sebastian is very clearly none of those things... or, at least, he didn't think he was.
If this were the Garry that arrived here two years ago, he'd be petrified. The Garry of now only looks surprised. ]
[ The serious expression melts away easily as Sebastian laughs warmly. ]
Well, most of my kind would not consider that a compliment, but I will take it as one all the same. [ It means he's doing a good job, but— ] I have simply lived a very, very long time, and long enough to know that playing the stereotypical role of a demon is unlikely to accomplish my goals.
[ He taps at the seal on his hand. ]
Though at the very least, you need not worry about what my goals are. I am a demon on a leash, so my only goal here is to return to my young master's side. I cannot complete my contract here, so I must return.
[ why is it that all of his friends are way older than they appear? He's heard this so many times that he's not even fazed by it anymore; he merely nods, somewhat dumbfounded, and listens. The only concern he feels is the way he explains it away. "Not likely to accomplish his goals" sort of implies that Garry's thoughts aren't wrong. ]
O-oh... Well, that's okay, then, I guess. You mean someone... summoned you, right?
[ Though now that the tattoo has been revealed, Sebastian slips the glove on and starts to securely button it back in place. He's gotten so used to wearing these gloves that it feels odd not to, now. ]
But that is only something to give you context for the rest. What I am is largely irrelevant, but it fashions my viewpoint in a very particular way. My goal is to return to my young master's side, since it is a part of my contract to protect him.
[ Sebastian says it simply, without any particular emotion in his voice, because it's a simple fact in his view. ]
Which is why I have lent my skills to this effort. It seems to be one that will do something, which is more than simply waiting for deliverance to come to us, yes?
[ he's not sure how he feels about the whole demon thing. Sebastian had been nothing but kind and clever up until this point; now Garry's questioning all of it. Making deals with demons is supposed to be a huge mistake. When Reim asked him, it was one thing - being asked by a literaly devil is another.
But he'd already made his choice, and when the other man restates his reasoning, he can't help but nod. ]
... Yes. That's why I want to help, too. I don't know what I can do, but I want to do something, [ he replies in an uneasy voice. ]
Well, so long as Miss Caroline accepts you, I will at least make sure that you will be able to help.
[ It sounds a bit ominous when he says it like that, but he really just means making sure that Garry is competent enough not only to defend himself, but to kill Beth, should he be the only one to make it to her for some reason. He buttons his glove back securely, then smiles. ]
Now, for why I revealed my nature to you— In the interest of full disclosure, this is part of our plan as well. I was asked to join to fulfill a particular role that my kind is a bit more suited to. I am acting in the position of a mole into the Corporation. We need to figure out where she is hiding, after all.
[ And the web gets more tangled. It's all a lot of information at once, and poor Garry is doing his best to keep up, blinking like a deer in the headlights. ]
W-wait... A mole? You mean, you're working with them...?
[ At least patience is something he has in bounds, since he admits it smoothly. He does realize he might be going a little fast, so he slows down the pace a bit. ]
When it was deemed necessary to have a double agent, I stepped forward to fulfill this role. As a demon, I am suited best to it. The sort of thoughtful politics necessary are second nature to me.
[ Thoughtful politics. He supposes he has a point. Demons are known for trickery and deception. Garry just hopes he's not getting caught on the receiving end of it now. (How can that be, though? Sebastian had always been so kind and generous - it's just hard to believe that he's really a demon.)
Maybe he should ask for proof - but he's a bit too scared for that, too. ]
I... I see. Is it safe for you to talk about that here, though? I mean, what if Yao is listening?
[ That gets Sebastian to laugh, and he bows his head lightly. ]
They are not. At least, not here. There is a reason I asked for you to walk with me, after all.
[ He shrugs, then points towards Garry's feet. At first glance, it seems there's nothing there, but upon closer inspect, Garry's shadow shifts in an unnatural, but subtle way. The edges occasionally curl out into sharp whorls, and it's the same for Sebastian's shadow, if he looks. ]
Though there is a bit of extra caution on my own part as well. You must forgive me for taking your shadow for a bit, but were we to have any passerbys, they would not hear a word from either of us. It is not much, but it my meager safeguard.
[ Speak of the devil - pun not intended. He hopes that Sebastian can't read minds, too, because here's his proof. A few shivers run down his spine, and he hugs his arms as if he's cold, biting his lip.
It's just Sebastian, right? ]
Uh, n-no! It's fine! What did you do, exactly? My shadow...?
[ Thankfully no, and Sebastian just laughs with an apologetic sort of smile. It's an odd contrast now, knowing that Sebastian is a demon, since everything else about him still carries a polite sort of friendliness. ]
My apologies for intruding.
[ He motions with his hand in a "come here" sort of gesture, but it's not to Garry. The whorls on Garry's shadow pull back until they retreat into Sebastian's shadow, which wavers for a moment, but then is perfectly normal. ]
It is a bit complicated to explain, unfortunately, [ Which is code to mean he doesn't want to ] but the simplest way to think of it is that the shadow is an extension of me. It is a bit closer to my real face than this one, but I do much prefer this one when I am amongst humans.
[ indeed, that explains very little, but then again, if Sebastian tried to explain it in detil, he doubts he'd understand it, anyway. All he does is stare at it a bit longer before nodding uncomfortably. Demon magic aside, it had protected them from the prying eyes and ears of Yao, so he should probably be thankful for it instead of questioning it. And, demonic nature aside, all Sebastian had done so far, in his eyes, was help out. Maybe he shouldn't be so nervous. After all, he'd learned by now that monstrous folk weren't always quite as monstrous as people liked to make them out. ]
R... Right. Well, thank goodness. That's a useful ability to have...
Well, I have no shortage of those, at least. In fact, now that you know the truth of things, it is much easier for me to act, since I needn't pretend to be human quite so much...
[ He nods ] In any case, I am glad to have your support. We will meet this coming Tuesday. And... just so you are aware, she is an eccentric young woman.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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-- Oh! Sebastian! What a pleasant surprise. I, uh, didn't know you were coming... [ he probably looks kind of dumpy, and he immediately feels self-conscious. DON'T JUDGE HIM, SEABASS... ]
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I do apologize for that, Mr. Garry. I would have called ahead, but with the phones in the state they are, I though the effort would have been more frustrating than fruitful.
[ He places a hand on his chest and gives a soft bow. ]
If I may impose further, would you be willing to talk a light stroll with me? There is a matter Mr. Lunettes left in my care that I would like to ask about, if you would not mind.
no subject
[ that explains the sudden appearance. It was absolutely unlike Sebastian to do anything even vaguely rude; absently, Garry wonders if doing this was difficult for him. Probably. He's smoothing out his hair somewhat nervously when Reim's name is mentioned, and that makes him stop.
Something Reim left in his care... There's one thing that comes to mind immediately, and it's not the bucket of pebbles. ]
... Sure. Is it... important? [ he's guessing so, judging by the more serious tone he takes as he takes a step outside, closing the door behind him. ]
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[ Sebastian gestures ahead of them both, as if for Garry to lead the way, but he'll start walking a moment after. He doesn't walk ahead of Garry though, evenly and easily matching his stride. ]
Have you been well, by the way? It has been some time since I have spoken with you, and this place does have a way of wearing you down, I have come to realize.
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I... Well, I'm still here, as you can see, so I've at least got that. I wouldn't go as far as saying things have been good, though...
[ after all, he's recently deceased - and in a fairly traumatic way, too, although it was at least controlled. He doesn't know whether he should thank Diva or seek comfort from her. ]
> seek comfort
[ And here, they lapse into small talk I'll say, just for the sake of moving along the thread to the good stuff since Caroline will come a-callin' soon. Once they're a decent way from the housing block, Sebastian's light demeanor shifts immediately, and his expression is serious, and his voice matches it. ]
Forgive the walk, Mr. Garry. I simply worry that our housing is not the safest place to have a conversation. I was told that Mr. Lunettes spoke to you about matters with Miss Yao. Is this true?
NOT LIKE THAT!!!!!!
Yes... That's right. You know about that, too?
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[ He turns his gaze, which had been looking ahead, to Garry instead. ]
I do not know how in detail your conversation was, but for what I wish to ask, I can fill in any gaps if need be after. But Mr. Garry, I will be frank. With Mr. Lunettes gone, there has been some cohesion lost, so it needs to be patched such that this not happen again. We need a bit more intricate of a web so that one loss not be so important, and in the interest of following through with Mr. Lunettes's efforts, I ask you this— Would you join us?
no subject
[ since he disappeared, Garry had assumed the plans fell through. If he were a bit more outgoing or confident, he would have picked up the slack, but he wasn't. He was worse than ever, in fact. Even going this far was fueled by pure frustration and built-up misery.
But he can nod confidently. ]
... I will. I want to do something.
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Good. I am glad to have your support. We will meet on Tuesday, in the gardens below, which is why I have gone out searching for a few more for our numbers. But I was asked to brief you in full, so there are a few things about this situation that you should know. I ask your forgiveness in advance, since one portion was somewhat deceitful on my part, but it is not information I give out lightly.
[ He pulls the glove off his hand, showing the occult looking tattoo as well as the pitch black, but not painted nails. ]
So I will begin with this, since it will help to explain the rest. I am a demon, Mr. Garry.
no subject
[ Garry truly can't help the look of surprise that passes over his face. In his mind, demons are scary, chaotic creatures that probably kill and torture people just for fun. Things with no human sympathy. Sebastian is very clearly none of those things... or, at least, he didn't think he was.
If this were the Garry that arrived here two years ago, he'd be petrified. The Garry of now only looks surprised. ]
... Really? But you're so... nice.
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Well, most of my kind would not consider that a compliment, but I will take it as one all the same. [ It means he's doing a good job, but— ] I have simply lived a very, very long time, and long enough to know that playing the stereotypical role of a demon is unlikely to accomplish my goals.
[ He taps at the seal on his hand. ]
Though at the very least, you need not worry about what my goals are. I am a demon on a leash, so my only goal here is to return to my young master's side. I cannot complete my contract here, so I must return.
no subject
O-oh... Well, that's okay, then, I guess. You mean someone... summoned you, right?
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[ Though now that the tattoo has been revealed, Sebastian slips the glove on and starts to securely button it back in place. He's gotten so used to wearing these gloves that it feels odd not to, now. ]
But that is only something to give you context for the rest. What I am is largely irrelevant, but it fashions my viewpoint in a very particular way. My goal is to return to my young master's side, since it is a part of my contract to protect him.
[ Sebastian says it simply, without any particular emotion in his voice, because it's a simple fact in his view. ]
Which is why I have lent my skills to this effort. It seems to be one that will do something, which is more than simply waiting for deliverance to come to us, yes?
no subject
But he'd already made his choice, and when the other man restates his reasoning, he can't help but nod. ]
... Yes. That's why I want to help, too. I don't know what I can do, but I want to do something, [ he replies in an uneasy voice. ]
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[ It sounds a bit ominous when he says it like that, but he really just means making sure that Garry is competent enough not only to defend himself, but to kill Beth, should he be the only one to make it to her for some reason. He buttons his glove back securely, then smiles. ]
Now, for why I revealed my nature to you— In the interest of full disclosure, this is part of our plan as well. I was asked to join to fulfill a particular role that my kind is a bit more suited to. I am acting in the position of a mole into the Corporation. We need to figure out where she is hiding, after all.
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W-wait... A mole? You mean, you're working with them...?
[ have patience, Sebastian... ]
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[ At least patience is something he has in bounds, since he admits it smoothly. He does realize he might be going a little fast, so he slows down the pace a bit. ]
When it was deemed necessary to have a double agent, I stepped forward to fulfill this role. As a demon, I am suited best to it. The sort of thoughtful politics necessary are second nature to me.
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Maybe he should ask for proof - but he's a bit too scared for that, too. ]
I... I see. Is it safe for you to talk about that here, though? I mean, what if Yao is listening?
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They are not. At least, not here. There is a reason I asked for you to walk with me, after all.
[ He shrugs, then points towards Garry's feet. At first glance, it seems there's nothing there, but upon closer inspect, Garry's shadow shifts in an unnatural, but subtle way. The edges occasionally curl out into sharp whorls, and it's the same for Sebastian's shadow, if he looks. ]
Though there is a bit of extra caution on my own part as well. You must forgive me for taking your shadow for a bit, but were we to have any passerbys, they would not hear a word from either of us. It is not much, but it my meager safeguard.
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It's just Sebastian, right? ]
Uh, n-no! It's fine! What did you do, exactly? My shadow...?
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My apologies for intruding.
[ He motions with his hand in a "come here" sort of gesture, but it's not to Garry. The whorls on Garry's shadow pull back until they retreat into Sebastian's shadow, which wavers for a moment, but then is perfectly normal. ]
It is a bit complicated to explain, unfortunately, [ Which is code to mean he doesn't want to ] but the simplest way to think of it is that the shadow is an extension of me. It is a bit closer to my real face than this one, but I do much prefer this one when I am amongst humans.
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R... Right. Well, thank goodness. That's a useful ability to have...
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Well, I have no shortage of those, at least. In fact, now that you know the truth of things, it is much easier for me to act, since I needn't pretend to be human quite so much...
[ He nods ] In any case, I am glad to have your support. We will meet this coming Tuesday. And... just so you are aware, she is an eccentric young woman.
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