[ It's not like he and Finn have known each other that long, so chances are Jim has no real reason to worry, but ever since they first met here in Minaras, they've kept regularly in touch, whether by text or calls, or by meeting on occasion.
So it's a little strange when he gets nothing but silence for a few days in a row; Jim would think nothing of it if Finn were to just reply to his texts saying he's busy or something, but the complete silence worries him a bit, and knowing where Finn's been staying, he takes advantage of one short work day and the fact he's near to Finn's place to drop by. Unannounced, he's prepared for the real likelihood that Finn isn't around, nevertheless he knocks on the door and waits, hoping that it's Finn who answers. ]
[ He's not avoiding Jim, not really. After what happened, he even intended to reach out and tell him. But then he didn't want to worry him, and now he's wondering why he thought it was a good idea to tell him. They don't know each other well, and he knows that James cares, but the whole situation is bizarre enough without him being That Guy(TM).
Y'know, That Guy(TM) that's randomly attacked by a stranger for his blood only to realize that the attacker isn't the only blood drinker in the group-- It's just been a hell of a week. Point is, Finn felt kind of bad about it and didn't really intend to ignore him, but here they are.
Anyway, if Jim is particularly keen-eyed, he may notice a small bloodstain on the rug he's standing on. Nothing to worry about. Until Finn does open the door, the only one home at the moment and wearing an open button-down shirt that shows off the bandages across his chest nicely. What a catch.
Then his eyes (tired, dark spots beneath them) grow wide and he slams his (sore) shoulder into the doorjamb to try making the entrance as small as possible. ]
[ He spots the blood stain eventually, while waiting for Finn to open the door, but doesn't think anything of it until he sees the bandages on Finn, making his eyes widen in slight concern. ]
Finn— I was, uh... in the neighborhood, and since we haven't talked in a while, I thought I'd check in. [ Well that didn't sound dumb or clingy at all. Let's move on, shall we. ] What happened?
[ He's not even going to ask if everything's okay, because clearly it isn't. ]
[ Any other day, Finn would probably melt a little with such a confession. Today, he's hoping a hole will open up beneath his feet.
He opens his mouth and waves his hand like he intends to speak, even taking in a breath but- but- All that accomplishes is Finn not breathing while waving between them, gesturing at his chest. How does he explain? How in all of creation does he explain? He can't tell him the truth, it's too crazy. Say something sane and normal, something that won't be nearly as alarming but still close to the truth. ]
I was mugged.
[ N O ]
I mean-! Wait, no, hold on, that didn't- That didn't come out right. What I meant was that I- O-Okay, there was a guy- But it wasn't like that, it was more like-...
[ And his voice trails off while he stares into the middle distance, realizing that he was, in fact, technically mugged. ]
[ Clearly Finn isn't a quick thinker under pressure, because that sure as hell isn't less alarming than the truth.
Well, okay, it's maybe a little less alarming than the truth, but not not alarming. Jim's eyes widen, and he lets out a— ] What? [ —that gets quickly swallowed up by Finn's panicked words that follow.
And you know what, that whole nervous flailing speech is doing absolutely nothing to put his worries to rest. He heaves out a sigh, and before Finn can keep floundering, he asks abruptly. ]
[ Certainly not a quick thinker when it comes to talking, that's for sure. And he even thinks he might have lowered the temperature a little, which is worse. But he's no longer disillusioned once Jim asks his question. ]
Ah- Yeah. Yeah, sure.
[ If he was a little more on his toes and not still recuperating from blood loss, he would probably warn him about the, uh... blood on the walls. Not his. So, there's that. Vanessa had gone on a little artistic spree, citing that the symbols would ward off evil or something like that. After everything, Finn just went with it.
Making an excellent impression on his crush, no doubt.
Anyway, Finn rubs at his tired eyes and closes the door behind them. ]
Sorry. A lot's been going on. I didn't want to worry anyone... And it's a weird story... Can I get you anything?
[ You see Finn, this is the kind of thing you just don't let a guy see after you mention being mugged or some guy attacking you out of nowhere or—
Just, whatever happened. Jim can't even begin to imagine how it ended up with all the blood-drawn symbols on the walls, but he is kind of assuming that it's absolutely related. Especially with all the bandages and who knows what other injuries Finn has on him.
He's totally going to ignore that offer and just turn back to Finn with a genuinely concerned look on his face. ]
[ So much for not worrying anyone. At this point, he'll have to just tell James the truth, no matter how bizarre it may be. Though, the part that really hangs Finn up is potentially getting someone else in trouble. ]
Sorry. Just- [ Gently, he takes Jim's arm and leads them to a couch. Both because this is a whole story and because standing isn't the best thing in the world for Finn right now. Vertigo is annoying at best, and it might be a little obvious by how he rubs at his temple before he sits. ]
Vanessa did those. She said they'd ward away evil or- or something like that. Makes her feel safer. [ And, hey, maybe it works. Who knows?
Right, so... rubbing at his eyes again before looking at Jim properly. ]
I was attacked by someone, but it wasn't his fault. Apparently, he-... [ His hand dances around again, holding his breath, trying and failing to figure out a better way to say this. ] He needs to... drink blood to live. And he'd been starving himself for awhile, I think... He even asked me first, but he wasn't in his right mind and-
[ Yeah, just... gesturing at his chest. ]
A sword was involved. I'm not hurt badly. Mostly just blood loss... I know it sounds crazy.
[ Jim hasn't met Vanessa, so despite her kindly offering Finn a place to stay and him hearing only good (or at least not-bad) things from Finn about her, this kind of makes him a little concerned. Who in their right minds goes around covering walls with symbols written in blood? ]
This isn't your blood, is it?
[ Should've started with that, Finn. Because you know, blood loss, and then there are these symbols... just saying. ]
You met a vampire. There's a vampire here.
[ Vampires are real. Like, sure, with all the shit he's seen so far, of course they'd be real, go figure. It's just so wild every time Jim learns of yet another new thing. ]
That's because it is crazy, Finn. Just— blood loss? Did you go see a doctor? Disinfect your wounds, at least? Have you had anything to eat or drink yet?
[ He's taking off his jacket and pulling up his sleeves, guess Finn's just gotten himself a nurse now. ]
No, no, it's not mine. [ It's hers. ] And there's two, actually. [ That he knows of. Which is presumably okay, because he sure doesn't appear to be worried about it.
All of the questions and the jacket coming off, though? That, he's a little worried about. His eyes stay on Jim's arms while the sleeves get pulled up- Finn, pay attention. ]
Ah- It- No, I didn't go anywhere. We disinfected them as best we could, though.
[ What was he supposed to tell a doctor? Honestly? But at this, he rubs a hand over the bandages across his chest, only just now realizing that it's been on full display this entire time. Fantastic. At least, it doesn't look like anything's bled through (too badly). ]
I've been sleeping a lot, so... not really a lot of time to eat. Vanessa mostly has deserts and things...
[ A shrug. He's so super fine. ]
I'm okay, really. I was going to call you at first, but I didn't want to worry you about it.
[ Two vampires. Well, okay then, that's great. Especially if they go around starving themselves to the point of potentially causing this kind of harm to someone else.
But Jim's not going to touch on that point, nor is he going to ask who they are. But that doesn't mean he's not going to be concerned about other people's safety, and in this particular case, Finn's safety. ]
When did you get these bandages on? You might need to have them switched. I can help.
[ He moves closer to Finn, so he can have a closer look at the bandages, see if they're loose or coming off anywhere, or if there's any blood staining them. ]
[ So, yeah, probably due a change. Even though he's mostly been sleeping, he's moved around for them to be a little loose on the edges, and there is one dark stain, small and faint, but proof of old blood.
He just hopes he's not obviously blushing right now, though. This is serious, but James being so close with such talk while Finn's feeling light-headed is going to be an interesting combination.
Then again, this isn't how Finn would like to look while being shirtless around James for the first time. ]
[ Judging by the state of them, they're definitely due for a change. And since Finn doesn't oppose (not that it looks like he's in good condition to), he nods, gesturing for Finn to lead the way. ]
Okay. You've got a room? Let's set things up there. Just tell me where I can grab some clean bandages, a bowl of water and a cloth or towel I can get dirty.
[ And yes this is serious Finn, so get your priorities straight!! ]
Well, I don't know if this helps, but where I come from, death is everywhere. Not like here, I mean I know more people who are dead than alive at this point.
What I'm saying is, dwelling on it doesn't help. It's not a riddle and there are no answers to find. Death just is and it happens to everything eventually. The way it works here is different than what I know, but it's still the same thing at its heart. The only trick is just learning to walk the line between accepting the inevitable and never giving up the fight against it.
The only thing we can do is continuing to live, no matter how hard it gets.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
action;
So it's a little strange when he gets nothing but silence for a few days in a row; Jim would think nothing of it if Finn were to just reply to his texts saying he's busy or something, but the complete silence worries him a bit, and knowing where Finn's been staying, he takes advantage of one short work day and the fact he's near to Finn's place to drop by. Unannounced, he's prepared for the real likelihood that Finn isn't around, nevertheless he knocks on the door and waits, hoping that it's Finn who answers. ]
no subject
Y'know, That Guy(TM) that's randomly attacked by a stranger for his blood only to realize that the attacker isn't the only blood drinker in the group-- It's just been a hell of a week. Point is, Finn felt kind of bad about it and didn't really intend to ignore him, but here they are.
Anyway, if Jim is particularly keen-eyed, he may notice a small bloodstain on the rug he's standing on. Nothing to worry about. Until Finn does open the door, the only one home at the moment and wearing an open button-down shirt that shows off the bandages across his chest nicely. What a catch.
Then his eyes (tired, dark spots beneath them) grow wide and he slams his (sore) shoulder into the doorjamb to try making the entrance as small as possible. ]
James! ... Hey!
[ Smooth. ]
no subject
Finn— I was, uh... in the neighborhood, and since we haven't talked in a while, I thought I'd check in. [ Well that didn't sound dumb or clingy at all. Let's move on, shall we. ] What happened?
[ He's not even going to ask if everything's okay, because clearly it isn't. ]
no subject
He opens his mouth and waves his hand like he intends to speak, even taking in a breath but- but- All that accomplishes is Finn not breathing while waving between them, gesturing at his chest. How does he explain? How in all of creation does he explain? He can't tell him the truth, it's too crazy. Say something sane and normal, something that won't be nearly as alarming but still close to the truth. ]
I was mugged.
[ N O ]
I mean-! Wait, no, hold on, that didn't- That didn't come out right. What I meant was that I- O-Okay, there was a guy- But it wasn't like that, it was more like-...
[ And his voice trails off while he stares into the middle distance, realizing that he was, in fact, technically mugged. ]
... It's not as bad as it sounds. [ It's worse. ]
no subject
Well, okay, it's maybe a little less alarming than the truth, but not not alarming. Jim's eyes widen, and he lets out a— ] What? [ —that gets quickly swallowed up by Finn's panicked words that follow.
And you know what, that whole nervous flailing speech is doing absolutely nothing to put his worries to rest. He heaves out a sigh, and before Finn can keep floundering, he asks abruptly. ]
Can I just come in?
no subject
Ah- Yeah. Yeah, sure.
[ If he was a little more on his toes and not still recuperating from blood loss, he would probably warn him about the, uh... blood on the walls. Not his. So, there's that. Vanessa had gone on a little artistic spree, citing that the symbols would ward off evil or something like that. After everything, Finn just went with it.
Making an excellent impression on his crush, no doubt.
Anyway, Finn rubs at his tired eyes and closes the door behind them. ]
Sorry. A lot's been going on. I didn't want to worry anyone... And it's a weird story... Can I get you anything?
[ Manners, he's got 'em. ]
no subject
Just, whatever happened. Jim can't even begin to imagine how it ended up with all the blood-drawn symbols on the walls, but he is kind of assuming that it's absolutely related. Especially with all the bandages and who knows what other injuries Finn has on him.
He's totally going to ignore that offer and just turn back to Finn with a genuinely concerned look on his face. ]
Okay, what are these? What happened, Finn?
no subject
Sorry. Just- [ Gently, he takes Jim's arm and leads them to a couch. Both because this is a whole story and because standing isn't the best thing in the world for Finn right now. Vertigo is annoying at best, and it might be a little obvious by how he rubs at his temple before he sits. ]
Vanessa did those. She said they'd ward away evil or- or something like that. Makes her feel safer. [ And, hey, maybe it works. Who knows?
Right, so... rubbing at his eyes again before looking at Jim properly. ]
I was attacked by someone, but it wasn't his fault. Apparently, he-... [ His hand dances around again, holding his breath, trying and failing to figure out a better way to say this. ] He needs to... drink blood to live. And he'd been starving himself for awhile, I think... He even asked me first, but he wasn't in his right mind and-
[ Yeah, just... gesturing at his chest. ]
A sword was involved. I'm not hurt badly. Mostly just blood loss... I know it sounds crazy.
no subject
This isn't your blood, is it?
[ Should've started with that, Finn. Because you know, blood loss, and then there are these symbols... just saying. ]
You met a vampire. There's a vampire here.
[ Vampires are real. Like, sure, with all the shit he's seen so far, of course they'd be real, go figure. It's just so wild every time Jim learns of yet another new thing. ]
That's because it is crazy, Finn. Just— blood loss? Did you go see a doctor? Disinfect your wounds, at least? Have you had anything to eat or drink yet?
[ He's taking off his jacket and pulling up his sleeves, guess Finn's just gotten himself a nurse now. ]
no subject
All of the questions and the jacket coming off, though? That, he's a little worried about. His eyes stay on Jim's arms while the sleeves get pulled up- Finn, pay attention. ]
Ah- It- No, I didn't go anywhere. We disinfected them as best we could, though.
[ What was he supposed to tell a doctor? Honestly? But at this, he rubs a hand over the bandages across his chest, only just now realizing that it's been on full display this entire time. Fantastic. At least, it doesn't look like anything's bled through (too badly). ]
I've been sleeping a lot, so... not really a lot of time to eat. Vanessa mostly has deserts and things...
[ A shrug. He's so super fine. ]
I'm okay, really. I was going to call you at first, but I didn't want to worry you about it.
no subject
But Jim's not going to touch on that point, nor is he going to ask who they are. But that doesn't mean he's not going to be concerned about other people's safety, and in this particular case, Finn's safety. ]
When did you get these bandages on? You might need to have them switched. I can help.
[ He moves closer to Finn, so he can have a closer look at the bandages, see if they're loose or coming off anywhere, or if there's any blood staining them. ]
no subject
[ So, yeah, probably due a change. Even though he's mostly been sleeping, he's moved around for them to be a little loose on the edges, and there is one dark stain, small and faint, but proof of old blood.
He just hopes he's not obviously blushing right now, though. This is serious, but James being so close with such talk while Finn's feeling light-headed is going to be an interesting combination.
Then again, this isn't how Finn would like to look while being shirtless around James for the first time. ]
If you want. You don't have to.
no subject
Okay. You've got a room? Let's set things up there. Just tell me where I can grab some clean bandages, a bowl of water and a cloth or towel I can get dirty.
[ And yes this is serious Finn, so get your priorities straight!! ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
un: absterge | post unwinding / at the mouse house
You have retrieved yourself?
un: tin soldier
Are you okay?
no subject
no subject
If youre willing.
[ You kinda just answered, though, buddy. ]
no subject
no subject
Yeah
It does do that
no subject
( #existentialism. )
no subject
Well, I don't know if this helps, but where I come from, death is everywhere. Not like here, I mean I know more people who are dead than alive at this point.
What I'm saying is, dwelling on it doesn't help. It's not a riddle and there are no answers to find. Death just is and it happens to everything eventually. The way it works here is different than what I know, but it's still the same thing at its heart. The only trick is just learning to walk the line between accepting the inevitable and never giving up the fight against it.
The only thing we can do is continuing to live, no matter how hard it gets.
[ Please say he's helping. ]
no subject
Apologies. Death ails, as a professional matter.
It should not elude an exorcist.
no subject
Death does work strangely here. We can't assume it works the same as our homes so. Maybe it just takes time and study?
Or maybe something here is interfering with how death usually works.
no subject
Neglect me. Your welfare is more fragile.
no subject
[ Was he insulted? He can't tell. He doesn't know where this conversation is anymore.
It's not Wangji's fault that this place leaves Finn perpetually confused, though. ]
I'm fine. I'm great.
[ Finn, stop. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)