video; un: white_lotus

[pummelling]

[The magitek's pulled back far enough to feature not one, but two members of Audentes... or, rather, one of them striving vainly to nudge his teammate out of the feed. It's the tail end of the struggle, though, and Kung Jin is fighting a losing battle. It takes half a second for Asher Millstone to shove his way into view, taking up half of the screen and speaking up before Jin can truly get a word in.

The law student looks more excited than ever when he starts speaking, and even lifts his arms above his head in a “raise the roof” sort of gesture.]

It’s time to get wiggity wiggity whack, yo!

Don't. [He nearly slaps a hand over his friend's mouth, but reconsiders, elbowing him back instead.] So, Audentes. Since we're almost all set to leave on our next assignment, it's come to our attention that not everyone here is from a world that people like Asher or I consider "modern day".

Whoa, you? Wait a minute. Last I checked, there was nothing normal about you, man. People in your world, like, rip dudes’ spines out through their mouths and crap!

[After he says this, Asher immediately turns from Jin back to the camera, and waves his hands emphatically in its general direction.]

Don’t try that.

[Jin casts a dubious glance at Asher and moves right along in spite of all the interruptions.]

Even if you look the part, you’ve still got to play the part, too. If you're looking for any advice or tips to blend in properly on-planet, we’re pretty much experts-- so let us know if you need a hand.

[The paler of the two pops up right behind him, leaning on the other’s shoulder.]

That’s right, baby! We’ll teach you how to be 90s.

Comments

[whatshimadayou]

I was expecting that only Jin would answer me.

[moneyballer]

[Asher stares blankly at the camera, frightened.

He has a tendency to let paranoia get the best of him, no matter how irrational the fear may be. There's no way that Hanzo knows, does he? It's not as though he and Miles talk, and Nami wouldn't tell anyone else his secret, she's too trustworthy.

This is far more of a personal issue than he'd like to let on, especially in such a public network post.]

Oh, no, I just-

[A deep breath.]

I'm just really concerned about the mission, so I thought-

[He wants to keep talking, but no other words come to mind.

Drat.]

[whatshimadayou]

You have no reason to speak to me.

[In his mind, their last conversation ended badly. He feels as if there is no reason for Asher to bother with him, after all.

He could not blame him.]

[moneyballer]

[Hanzo will notice that the young man's gaze is averted immediately, now directed towards the floor.

What a strange change of heart, no?]

Whatever's happened, happened, right?

[whatshimadayou]

...Mm.

[Hanzo's voice becomes a fraction softer.]

Nothing can change what has occurred. That is true.

You did not think so, when we last spoke.

[moneyballer]

[...Spoken after a delay, rather quietly.]

No.

[But then he gains enough confidence to look the other in the eye, as if to question him very personally.]

But you have, right?

[whatshimadayou]

I am trying to.

It is difficult to say if I have been successful.

[moneyballer]

[These are words Asher needs to hear.

In that moment something changes in his expression. If he were a better liar and a less emotional person, it'd be easier to conceal the many emotions that wash over him.]

But you're trying though, right?

That's gotta count for something.

[whatshimadayou]

I suppose so.

...You seem as if you need this to convince yourself as well.

[moneyballer]

[At that, he is quiet.

No matter. The way he averts his eyes is telling enough.]

There are some things that happened, in the past few months...

[Things that can't really be changed.]

That I wish I could take back.

I think I get it now, what you said before.

[About lives not being like stories.]

And I'm sorry.

[For what, exactly?

That remains unclear.]

[whatshimadayou]

Asher, you are as subtle as a neon light in the night.

[which is to say, not at all]

If you wish to speak further on your experiences, inform me.

Regardless, I do not think you owe me any apology. I know what I am. I want to change that.

[moneyballer]

[He should come clean, perhaps, but not here.

Maybe later.

The two words he offers in response are telling enough.]

Me too.

[whatshimadayou]

...Asher.

You have a heart that wants to do well. That much, I do know.

Call me, if you ever wish it.

[moneyballer]

[He knows this about himself, he knows and yet he still has so many doubts.

Things are improving though, he is improving.

Perhaps one day, he will become a person he actually likes.]

Okay.

[This conversation may have been brief, but it is one he will remember.]

Thank you.

[For now, however, he hangs up.]