I've been here for quite some time, and so have you. It's well possible we might've talked over the phone before, but that's not important. Where would you prefer to talk? The lobby's a little too public, the topic will likely get sensitive.
[completely serious here, too. whatever it may be, she at least seems to be taking it quite to heart.]
It's... okay. I'm sorry, maybe I'm just feeling a little more worked up because I feel that it's really important. [She does give a small sigh, and true to her admission, is looking a little conflicted and distraught.
She does regain focus to stare at him after, though!]
It's about miss Diva.
[And lets that sink in. If her eyes looked any tired just a moment ago, they're clear and sober as they look back at him now. He must know, surely. Does he get the drift, now?]
[ ah. Garry looks more serious as soon as she says it. So this woman knew Diva, too? She had to. This was probably about Abel's disappearance and Diva's subsequent depression... He can only hope that the latter hasn't done anything stupid and gotten herself (and maybe him, too, apparently) in trouble. ]
I see... Okay, I understand. [ sort of. ] ... Let's go to my room, then. I'm the only one in right now. Follow me.
[ and, indeed, he'll take her there if she follows. It's not a long walk, and he makes it quietly, locking the door behind them when they get there just in case. ]
[The shift of his tone and expression speaks for themselves, not a trace of the gibbering man who "threatened" to fight back on a hypothetical ambush left (or maybe he's just forgotten about it for the time being, but she won't spend any time wondering about that one).
With a small bow, she'll follow him upstairs. 3.004, huh... Her eyes invariably trail to the door bearing the plaque of 3.006, but it's brushed aside an instant later to step into Garry's apartment.
Once there, she makes no pretense and gets right down to business.]
Despite herself, Diva's the type of person who wears her heart on her sleeve and is open about her feelings, so you must already know. [he grew serious too, at that, but no harm in confirming it.] Correct?
her rude thoughts unbeknownst to him, he was actually going to try and shape up a little and offer her a drink, since this conversation might end up being long; however, he doesn't have a chance to. He's a little surprised, but if it's this urgent, he doesn't mind. ]
You mean... about Abel, right? [ Garry nods. ] Yes, I do. We've spoken about it already, she and I.
well, "urgent"... it's not like there's the worry Diva might go off on her own for a murder party over the other residents at the drop of a hat (thank goodness for small blessings.......), but still, the sooner they speak about this, the better.]
Correct. She's understandably still upset, but do you know what Father Nightroad wanted for her before his sudden departure, and why we're at a utmost crucial period right now?
[ Crucial? Garry's eyes narrow in concern; he hadn't heard about anything like that, and though he's trying to scrub his brain for something Diva might have said about her plans, he can't come up with anything. ]
I'll put it simply and as straightforward as I can, then. Diva's central problem is that she objectifies herself, because throughout the long centuries of her existence, that's the only way she was taught to be alive. Not to 'live', but to stay 'alive', as someone's prized doll. Father Nightroad was kind to her, stayed by her side, and treated her as a human girl tirelessly so that she may come to value her own life, as well as those of others around her. He wanted her to acknowledge the humanity she firmly still denies to this very day, and she was just beginning to believe him before he disappeared.
[She doesn't want to intimidate, she swears it's not her intent, but IT'S BEEN MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES THIS IS SERIOUS, OKAY...]
In other words, this period now is crucial because without people by her side to act as true friends who do not seek to make use of her for what she is, it's only a matter of time before she reverts. That would be rejecting everything she was taught, and return into believing bonds with other people is a meaningless waste.
[and she pauses there, because that was... sort of a lot, right. but it's the most clinical explanation she's got, so--!]
[ some of her wording makes Garry a little uncertain, but he knows what she's talking about, because he's come to essentially the same conclusion on his own - Diva's biggest problem was her self-image and sense of worth. As she speaks, he nods in understanding. ]
... I know. I've been trying to help her, too, if I can. [ he's not sure what she's getting at, though. ] Do you... want me to do something?
I would like to keep in touch, yes, within the limits of your comfort. This topic is important to me, but Diva doesn't like me, so you're the best-placed out of anyone in Haven to look after her and stay by her side. [she may or may not be overdoing the BLUNT thing... still, it's well-meaning!]
In other words, you're the closest human friend she has here that would want her to be happy for her own sake. She has other acquaintances she talks to with in town, but they're the type of people who would seek to manipulate and use her for their own ends. We can't exactly ask her to stop seeing these people, she needs every bit of support she can get right now. I don't think she's in a position to understand anyway, if anyone tries explaining to her why being treated as a pawn is bad. What do you think?
[ Diva doesn't like her? Garry raises an eyebrow at that, but he listens politely even so. He has to wonder how much he should listen to this woman's advice on Diva if the vampire herself had no love for her, though. ]
Of course. I don't need you to tell me to stay in touch with her... It might seem hard to believe, but I really do like her, you know. [ even if it took a while. ] If you mean stay in touch with you, well... that's fine, too.
[She nods, looking serious and vaguely preoccupied. BUT WHAT SHE'S SAYING MAKES PERFECT SENSE, RIGHT...]
I'm aware, I wouldn't have sought to speak to you personally otherwise. Ideally, she needs to learn to think for herself and value her own well-being someday, but until she can come to understand why, she needs constant reliable support at her side. I confess to hope that her fondness for you will come to outweigh what she has towards a unsavory person she's also close to, but I also realize wishful thinking is far easier said than done. [briefly closing her eyes, she reaches a hand up to rub her temple.] The most I can do is keep an objective view on her progress; I do apologize, asking so much of you so suddenly.
[she's just that tough stepmom who cracks down on things and isn't necessarily liked but still aims for the best! uwoooo...]
N-no, it's fine... [ although he's definitely surprised - he's never heard her mention this woman. To think there were people watching over her, possibly without her knowledge... Suddenly, Garry wonders if there are weird nuns keeping tabs on his behavior, too. No way, he's not dangerous enough. Right? ]
I'll do my best to help her. But... 'unsavory person?' Who do you mean?
[only within diva's scope... alas, questions are inevitable when you operate through shady means!]
Someone who acts civil, but forges relationships to manipulate them. The sort of person that makes friends for use, not out of goodwill or simply the sake of.
I can tell you for your personal reference, but please don't bring it up to her. That'll put into question how you've come to know their relationship, although if you ask her about other people she's close to, she shouldn't be adverse in telling you herself. It would probably help getting a more impartial image too, if you hear the story from her side also. [Her shoulders slump a little at that, though, as she gives another small sigh.] I can only watch over her and ward off beings physically stronger than her, but that's insignificant when her heart is what needs support and protection.
[tilting her head aside, she rubs her temple with a vaguely discouraged look.]
No, I suppose that's not true. Our first conversation went by quite well, but it happened after that. I caught her trying to kill and feed on an innocent person during her first month here, so I stopped her by force. She was forced to retreat, and probably still begrudges the fact that she can't overpower me. It's... something like a strict kindergarten teacher with a child, I guess.
[ there's an obvious wince at the mention of her trying to kill someone - every time it comes up, he feels like he needs to reevaluate his life decisions, but... that was her first month here, right? She's gotten better since then, right?! He really hopes so.
But, again, he feels like his question isn't answered. Despite looking slightly more uncomfortable at the reminder of just what kind of person he's promised to support and look after, he asks again. ]
Y-yes, I can believe that... But you still want to help her. Why?
[...ah, maybe she was a little too casual. She does notice the stiffening of his frame, which... admittedly, only makes it more confusing. does this guy go back and forth, between being scared and fond of Diva...?
At that question though, her look is blank.]
...
Are you asking why a person would want to help someone else, when they see them in trouble?
[it IS vaguely confusing, she thinks. would 'human empathy' be a satisfactory answer, by any stretch?]
Well, for someone that physically attacked you, this much is a little...
[ unusual. He's hardly a hard-hearted rogue, but if Diva had flung herself at him with the intent to kill instead of saving him from certain death at the hands of a monster back when they'd first met, he's pretty sure he wouldn't care a whit about what happened to her. ]
She attacks me because she can't express her feelings through other means. She doesn't know how; she wasn't taught such a simple, basic, and human thing.
... Diva's plenty human, [ he replies, sounding just slightly defensive, although he knows what Ciel means. Still, he doesn't really understand - it just sounds like Diva was upset because she was attacked while feeding, which... well, if she was going to kill someone, he can't fault Ciel for stopping her, but...
This woman is probably hiding something, he thinks, but he's not sure what. ]
Then... she's jealous of you? For beating her? [ as he says it, the gravity of that statement finally sinks in. ] ... W-wait. You beat Diva in a fight?
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I've been here for quite some time, and so have you. It's well possible we might've talked over the phone before, but that's not important. Where would you prefer to talk? The lobby's a little too public, the topic will likely get sensitive.
[completely serious here, too. whatever it may be, she at least seems to be taking it quite to heart.]
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... If it wasn't good, you should have just said so. Just what do we have to talk about that's so private, anyway?
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She does regain focus to stare at him after, though!]
It's about miss Diva.
[And lets that sink in. If her eyes looked any tired just a moment ago, they're clear and sober as they look back at him now. He must know, surely. Does he get the drift, now?]
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I see... Okay, I understand. [ sort of. ] ... Let's go to my room, then. I'm the only one in right now. Follow me.
[ and, indeed, he'll take her there if she follows. It's not a long walk, and he makes it quietly, locking the door behind them when they get there just in case. ]
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[The shift of his tone and expression speaks for themselves, not a trace of the gibbering man who "threatened" to fight back on a hypothetical ambush left (or maybe he's just forgotten about it for the time being, but she won't spend any time wondering about that one).
With a small bow, she'll follow him upstairs. 3.004, huh... Her eyes invariably trail to the door bearing the plaque of 3.006, but it's brushed aside an instant later to step into Garry's apartment.
Once there, she makes no pretense and gets right down to business.]
Despite herself, Diva's the type of person who wears her heart on her sleeve and is open about her feelings, so you must already know. [he grew serious too, at that, but no harm in confirming it.] Correct?
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her rude thoughts unbeknownst to him, he was actually going to try and shape up a little and offer her a drink, since this conversation might end up being long; however, he doesn't have a chance to. He's a little surprised, but if it's this urgent, he doesn't mind. ]
You mean... about Abel, right? [ Garry nods. ] Yes, I do. We've spoken about it already, she and I.
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well, "urgent"... it's not like there's the worry Diva might go off on her own for a murder party over the other residents at the drop of a hat (thank goodness for small blessings.......), but still, the sooner they speak about this, the better.]
Correct. She's understandably still upset, but do you know what Father Nightroad wanted for her before his sudden departure, and why we're at a utmost crucial period right now?
[she's not hammering it up, she swears...]
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N-no... What was it?
1/2
...
2/2
[She doesn't want to intimidate, she swears it's not her intent, but IT'S BEEN MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES THIS IS SERIOUS, OKAY...]
In other words, this period now is crucial because without people by her side to act as true friends who do not seek to make use of her for what she is, it's only a matter of time before she reverts. That would be rejecting everything she was taught, and return into believing bonds with other people is a meaningless waste.
[and she pauses there, because that was... sort of a lot, right. but it's the most clinical explanation she's got, so--!]
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... I know. I've been trying to help her, too, if I can. [ he's not sure what she's getting at, though. ] Do you... want me to do something?
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In other words, you're the closest human friend she has here that would want her to be happy for her own sake. She has other acquaintances she talks to with in town, but they're the type of people who would seek to manipulate and use her for their own ends. We can't exactly ask her to stop seeing these people, she needs every bit of support she can get right now. I don't think she's in a position to understand anyway, if anyone tries explaining to her why being treated as a pawn is bad. What do you think?
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Of course. I don't need you to tell me to stay in touch with her... It might seem hard to believe, but I really do like her, you know. [ even if it took a while. ] If you mean stay in touch with you, well... that's fine, too.
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I'm aware, I wouldn't have sought to speak to you personally otherwise. Ideally, she needs to learn to think for herself and value her own well-being someday, but until she can come to understand why, she needs constant reliable support at her side. I confess to hope that her fondness for you will come to outweigh what she has towards a unsavory person she's also close to, but I also realize wishful thinking is far easier said than done. [briefly closing her eyes, she reaches a hand up to rub her temple.] The most I can do is keep an objective view on her progress; I do apologize, asking so much of you so suddenly.
[she's just that tough stepmom who cracks down on things and isn't necessarily liked but still aims for the best! uwoooo...]
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I'll do my best to help her. But... 'unsavory person?' Who do you mean?
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Someone who acts civil, but forges relationships to manipulate them. The sort of person that makes friends for use, not out of goodwill or simply the sake of.
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... Do they have a name? I can talk to her about them, maybe...
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I can tell you for your personal reference, but please don't bring it up to her. That'll put into question how you've come to know their relationship, although if you ask her about other people she's close to, she shouldn't be adverse in telling you herself. It would probably help getting a more impartial image too, if you hear the story from her side also. [Her shoulders slump a little at that, though, as she gives another small sigh.] I can only watch over her and ward off beings physically stronger than her, but that's insignificant when her heart is what needs support and protection.
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[ this is all a bit strange. But he'll definitely look out for Diva. ]
Why do you care about any of this, though...? You said that she doesn't like you.
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We started things off the wr--
...
[tilting her head aside, she rubs her temple with a vaguely discouraged look.]
No, I suppose that's not true. Our first conversation went by quite well, but it happened after that. I caught her trying to kill and feed on an innocent person during her first month here, so I stopped her by force. She was forced to retreat, and probably still begrudges the fact that she can't overpower me. It's... something like a strict kindergarten teacher with a child, I guess.
[it's the worst analogy
BUT IT'S ACCURATE...]
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But, again, he feels like his question isn't answered. Despite looking slightly more uncomfortable at the reminder of just what kind of person he's promised to support and look after, he asks again. ]
Y-yes, I can believe that... But you still want to help her. Why?
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At that question though, her look is blank.]
...
Are you asking why a person would want to help someone else, when they see them in trouble?
[it IS vaguely confusing, she thinks. would 'human empathy' be a satisfactory answer, by any stretch?]
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[ unusual. He's hardly a hard-hearted rogue, but if Diva had flung herself at him with the intent to kill instead of saving him from certain death at the hands of a monster back when they'd first met, he's pretty sure he wouldn't care a whit about what happened to her. ]
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She looks aside, her shoulders faintly slumping.]
She attacks me because she can't express her feelings through other means. She doesn't know how; she wasn't taught such a simple, basic, and human thing.
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This woman is probably hiding something, he thinks, but he's not sure what. ]
Then... she's jealous of you? For beating her? [ as he says it, the gravity of that statement finally sinks in. ] ... W-wait. You beat Diva in a fight?
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IF SHE'S NOT WEARING THEM I'LL CHANGE THIS TAG...
YES SHE IS... we good
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