raisetheearth | Oh, come on!

Entry tags:

Oh, come on!

Who: Jacob, Tony, and anyone who wants to help out.
Where: Just on the outskirts of Shepherd's Haven.
When: August 30, 2016 Tuesday
What: Coming home only to meet his fears.
Warnings: Language, maybe? And a scaredy cat.
Status: Open!

Jacob is a little ways outside of Shepherd's Haven. As night starts to fall and the stars become visible, he gives his mom and little sister hugs along with goodbyes. He smiles as he waves and starts his walk home, alone with his thoughts, just the way he likes it. He runs over the events of the day in his head. His family was doing well and weren't struggling to stay stable. He'd bring flowers on his visits and see his eldest sister's grave. And the day was easygoing, nothing too out of the ordinary.

Unfortunately, that ordinary is about to change to something absolutely not ordinary. As he reaches the skirts of Shepherd's Haven, he sees something none too pleasant to him, and wheels around to look at the wispy figure. All he can tell is that it's staring back at him before he lets out a yell and runs the other direction. But he sees a second, and a third, and... dear God, they're just everywhere, aren't they?

His face pales and his panic is causing him to feel nauseous. He trembles, not sure what to do. In his preincarnation, ghosts are a force to be dealt with. And he'll deal the only way he knows how - summoning fire. In the middle of a field, he's summoning magic, which will take him a moment to complete.

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Probably not surprise, but it does mark him rather plainly as numbered.

"Helping with what, starting a range fire?" He drawls in a distinctly bored tone. Apparently he's not nearly as worried about the ghosts as Jacob is. "Don't worry about me," He gestures dismissively as he stalks a little closer, with Lady still bounding around nearby. "Besides, they're harm--" Oh, hello, you alright buddy?

An echo? Wouldn't surprise him, weird stuff like this usually ends up with an echo. "Hey, you alright?"

Jacob gives a mildly annoyed groan at the range fire comment.

"Making fun, then?" he says briskly, eyeing the man moving closer. "Or, are you jealous?"

The ghost before him seems to stare emptily back. Jacob's throat quivers as he hears Tony's question.

"Z-Zael..." he covers his mouth, his voice sounding heartbroken. "It's Zael. What's he doing here? I... I don't understand..." Was he not reincarnated like Jacob was? How did he die? And how on Earth did he come to Shepherd's Haven? All of these questions and more seem to pile in his mind. But all he can do is stare - his friend is a ghost, one he treasures, but a being he fears.

Jacob falls to his knees the next moment and bangs both of his fists on the ground.

"Damn it!" he shouts, though probably only loud enough for he and Tony to hear.

Edited 2015-09-01 04:15 (UTC)

"Pfeh," Tony's not even going to dignify that with a retort. "Whatever." In fact, since mister pyromaniac here is obviously fine and not in need of any kind of aid he's tempted just to ditch the dude to his own devices.

He doesn't have the patience to deal with someone as snippy and impatient as he is thank you very much. Hypocrite? Absolutely, but the fact remains.

The frozen stare quickly dissolves into collapsing onto the ground, and Tony's fairly certain he's stumbled upon something private. He doesn't know this guy, doesn't know this Zael he's talking about either, and is fairly certain it'd be a lot better if he just turned around and left. He's torn, he could just leave and let the firestarter deal with whatever he's dealing with on his own, but he felt a little bad about abandoning someone in distress in a field, even if they are kind of an ass~~pot, kettle, etc.~~.

So instead he just hovers a little ways away, not quite watching but still keeping Jacob in his peripheral vision while trying to pretend he's totally keeping watch for... something. Who knows what but something. Yeah this is totally a not awkward or weird compromise no sir.

Jacob stares at the ground a bit longer, gripping his hands tightly, as he comes to terms with what he's seeing. Somehow, something doesn't make sense. Steadily, he stands back up and briefly rubs a hand across his face.

"Right, then." He turns to Tony and gives him a stare. What is he looking for? He tries not to humour the thought that he's waiting for something worse to arrive. Whatever, the fact still stands that he doesn't like ghosts.

"...Excuse me." He walks toward Tony, being cautious of any wisps nearby, and sometimes glancing back at Zael's ghost. "I'll need your help, if you don't mind."

Tony's given up trying to make sense of things a long time ago. Perhaps that's why, as another specter looms nearer he just watches impassively until it decides to move away again. Or just wafts, they really don't appear to have much in the way of will, as far as he can tell.

Well he'd really like something that could put up a good fight, that'd let him blow off some steam, but since the ghosts aren't really a threat, and Jacob's just mouthy he can't come up with any reason to try to punch either of them. Which is really disappointing, he'll have you know.

His gaze shifts back to Jacob, expression still distinctly disinterested and bored. "Yeah? What d'you want?"

As the spirit drifts near Tony, poo Jacob is trying to keep his composure. How well that's working, might be up for debate, as he visibly stiffens, Tony might have even heard him inhale sharply before holding his breath.

There is an absolute look of distaste on his face as he tries to speak again. He gives an uncomfortable, frustrated groan.

"You... seem to not be worried about these things." He grips his hands, more uncomfortably. He takes another breath and sighs it through his teeth. "Could you...?"

He can't seem to get the rest of the sentence out of his mouth. How is he supposed to ask for help? He's a full grown man, for crying out loud. He's capable, physically and mentally. But, his fear is just going to keep him in the field, crying like a helpless child. His brain doesn't work with ghosts, unless there is a very good reason to. Unfortunately, going home is nowhere near a good reason to him.

Jacob's not doing a very good job of it. Sure, he's putting in a valiant effort, but given the way people have been acting around Tony these days he's fairly alert to signs of fear. The inhale, the unusually stiff posture, this dude's freaked out.

At the question Tony just casts another lazy glance after one of the spirits. Nope, not even remotely concerned. His eyes shift back toward Jacob and he tilts his head a little to the side inquisitively.

"You tryin' to get back into town?"

Jacob stares at Tony a moment before he manages to slowly nod his head.

"...Please?" is the best he can bring himself to say, with maybe almost embarrassment in his tone. Nice to other people that might need help? Definitely. Needing help himself? Not so easy to forgive. Whether it makes him a problem, or seem incompetent, or cause people to mock him, he doesn't like any of the feelings he gets from asking for help for something so trivial.

And with how close some of the spectres come, it takes virtually everything Jacob has not to jump right behind Tony. He does, however, lean visibly away from them, somewhat closer in Tony's direction.

There's a few moments where Tony's just leveling the most 'are you serious?' look at Jacob, but it doesn't last. He's a bit of a jerk, at times, and still in a Mood after the whole blow up over the doppelganger but...

Yeah he knows terror when he sees it, he's felt it enough times to recognize the signs. He gives a small sigh, and thumbs over his shoulder. "Sure. Come on, just keep your head low I'll get you through 'em."

When Jacob leans closer Tony just casually tosses an arm over his shoulders, as if to tuck him close to guard him. It'll be fine, ghosts wouldn't dare touch a demon.

When he is pulled suddenly under Tony's arm, it is highly unexpected, to say the lease. Jacob's eye becomes wide and he just sits there for a second. Was he getting mugged? Kidnapped? Being mistaken for a girl? Wait... When he realises nothing is going on, especially to his previous suspicions, a light blush crosses his face. He takes a few mental notes of the weird feelings he gets, being smaller than Tony - thoughts of his family, how tiny he actually is, how arm wrapping should probably be his job to help out defenseless girls or kids. And yet, the arm is comforting. Maybe he should try looking into a dating life when he gets home. His awkward thought process causes him to stammer.

"R-right. I live in Woodend, in an apartment. I'll let you know where to make turns."

Jacob takes a breath, releases some of the tension out of his chest, and lets Tony walk him to his doorstep.

Nope, not mugged nor mistaken for a girl, and kidnapping would just be silly. Tony doesn't know anything about him, after all, other than he has similarly colored hair and a distinct fear of ghosts. Fortunately for Jacob, Tony's too distracted keeping an eye out for ghosts to notice the blushing.

"Woodened? Got it, come on then let's get you home."

Tony gives him a little tug to nudge him along, letting him hunker down under his arm. Fortunately the ghosts aren't hostile, so they're really in no danger. Lady, meanwhile, makes gleeful circles around them while they walk because she is a bundle of energy at all times.

As they get to the doorstep, Jacob gently steps out from beneath Tony, clearing his throat. The trip home was relatively smooth and he was grateful for it. He looks back at Tony, and down at Lady. Quite the hyper little fuzzball...

"Uh, Thanks. For helping me get home." His eyebrows arch up as he thinks for a moment. Then points behind him. "I don't have alot in ways of a thank you, but, you can at least come upstairs, if you like. I can make coffee or something. The... uh... dog can come, too. As long as it's careful around potted plants."

Y'know, something for your trouble. He even thinks he might have some cake in the fridge or something to give. Hospitality was something he regularly did for his family, so he was more than happy to accommodate a guest for a bit.

Sometimes you just need an arm to hide under to make things a little less scary. Fortunately Tony isn't actually a mugger and his creepiness is purely by accident.

"Don't sweat it," Is the immediate response. Not like he was doing anything anyway. Wandering around in the wilderness for lack of anything better to do."Huh? You know... sure, I could go for a coffee. Since you're offering." Honestly he didn't expect any kind of repayment but it might be nice to take a load off for a little bit.

It was kind of lonely avoiding everyone he knew and loved in Shepard's Haven. But damn it if his pride isn't too great to return. "Don't worry, she's housebroken. Just don't leave any big pans of water around, she can't resist a swim."

Jacob blinks. It swims? Weird...

"Alright, follow me."

It's several levels upward, and all stairs unfortunately. But there's a reason Jacob chose this spot. When he opens the door, he wasn't kidding about the potted plants. They hang, they're on tables, and even on the floor. But they're well taken care of and the apartment is tidy.

"Go ahead and take a seat." He indicates a sofa along a wall to the left side of the entrance. "How strong do you like your coffee?"

He heads instantly to the kitchen and starts preparing the coffee pot. Then makes sure to set out a small</> bowl of water for Lady, heeding Tony's warning, in case it was thirsty.

Well, she is part swan.

Tony saunters along after him, with Lady hot on his heels, little nub of a tail wagging a mile a minute in excitement. So many new adventures for her, new people, new things to smell! The stairs don't bother Tony, he doesn't even mention them. Lady has some difficulties with her awkward feet, but makes it up without a fuss otherwise.

Also, damn, he wasn't kidding about the potted plants. Casually he eyes them, just raising an eyebrow slightly. He'd never kept plants, didn't really know of anyone who did, so this was a bit new for him. "Eh? I'm not picky, whatever's good for you."

He's going to peer at a plant or two before accepting the offer of finding himself a seat, Lady meanwhile does her doggy diligence and proceeds to sniff all the things. That is until a water bowl is offered, and then she waddles over to bounce in gleeful excitement at Jacob. Now that they're in brighter light it's possible to see that her teeth aren't a standard shiny white like one might expect, but a dark grey almost black. "Hey, thanks for that. She's been working hard tonight."

He actually genuinely appreciates the thought. Poor girl was probably parched.

"Yea, no problem."

Jacob pets the little swandog behind the ears with a friendly smile. The dark teeth were a little surprising, and might have been intimidating if it weren't for how social the pet was.

Jacob had made the coffee on the stronger side. Not so strong to 'put hair on your chest,' but it was noticeable. He also made a notable check to the fridge. After the pot finished brewing, he got two mugs out from the cupboard.

"Cream? Sugar? Are you hungry? I have some cake that I got the other day, a marble sort."

He prepares to reach for some saucers as he asks.

Lady is definitely a charmer, and doesn't seem to realize that she should be regarded any different from a normal dog. Sure she has funny looking feet and funny looking teeth, but she enjoys chasing a ball just as much as the rest of them.

"Smells pretty strong, sure I'll take some cream," Never mind he just said he didn't mind how strong it was, nor how he managed to smell it that well from that far away. Don't mind him just letting a few odd quirks slip past. "Heh, dude I'm always hungry. But if you're offering I won't say no."

Because who in their right mind says no to cake?

"You know, you're awfully friendly to a stranger. Don't think I've even caught your name yet?" They really should introduce themselves if they're going to be eating cake and having coffee at an unreasonable hour.

Jacob almost drops the saucer upon hearing how friendly he was being. He tries to pass it off as nothing as he sets it properly on the counter, turning to the fridge. He might be blushing a little there. It's not often his hospitality is called out.

"Sorry, you're right. I'm Jacob. I run a flower shop a few blocks from here."

He turns back to the counter and sets the cake on it as he gets a knife from the drawer. He cuts two generous slices and sets them on each of the saucers, then retrieves two forks, setting them on the plates as well. He finds it funny that they take their coffee the same. The creamer into the coffee follows, then he grabs a saucer and cup, carrying them to Tony and holding them out to him. He returns to the kitchen to retrieve his own before setting himself on the sofa next to Tony.

He takes a long gulp of coffee, as if he'd been longing for it all day.

"So, what brought you out this time of night?"

Edited 2015-09-05 02:15 (UTC)

Tony has a bad habit of that, calling people out on their hospitality. Mostly because he lacks much of any and is spectacularly slow to trust more often than not. He's been burned too many times, it's made him a strange blend of emotionally cautious while outwardly reckless. Because at this point in his life very little can do any harm to him. Physically, anyway.

"Tony, I'm - was, a bouncer at the strip club. Nice to meet you." He should probably be slightly ashamed of admitting that but he really isn't. It was a decent enough job, paid well, and he actually enjoyed talking to the workers there. Besides what other jobs gave one an excuse to toss full grown men out the front door? Good times.

"Oh, thanks," He murmurs, a little surprised Jacob brought it out to him, even offered the faintest bit of a smile. Yes, cake and coffee, a much better alternative to his initial plans of be lost out in the brush until daybreak. "Me? I don't sleep well, so I was out for a walk." It was a half-truth, but half-truths count well enough.

Jacob raises his eyebrows. A bouncer at a strip club. And he said it so straightforward and casual. How do guys do that? Not that he was frowning on it, just the way Tony said it might have been enough to make Jacob snicker if he heard it during the day from a customer. Jacob nods his head and gives a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Tony."

Then comes the half-truth. Jacob is none the wiser toward it. He certainly doesn't make a habit of distinguishing lies in people's words.

"Insomnia, huh? That has to be a pain. Does walking usually work?"

He takes another look at Lady.

"You have a... rather interesting dog. What breed is she?"

By having a very different view of what things are actually shameful. But really it probably was fairly amusing how nonchalantly he said it, like it was just any old normal profession. Well, in a way it was, but not everyone saw it that way.

Tony's lies are difficult enough to pick up on anyway, being as he speaks with the same smooth drawl no matter what he's saying.

"No, but it's something to do," He grins, sipping his coffee.

"Wolpertinger." Pretty sure that isn't an official dog breed, Tony.

Okay, so Jacob snickers a slight when Tony grins at 'finding something to do.'

"As long as it's something, I suppose. You seem happy about it."

It was a what?

"Wolf... and tiger?" He tries to decipher the title. "It's... It looks nothing like any of those. Did you get it from your past life?"

Yes, Tony, with a dog that weird, Jacob inevitably knows you're a numbered. And he just outed himself.

"Do I?"

Oh good, he's faking better than he thought. Well that's a small bit of encouragement. Although he is enjoying himself having some company and coffee.

"No, no, not a wolf and tiger, wolpertinger. She's not a dog, actually, came from the Swan when it woke up back before the invasion." He smirks a little. "Ah, so you are numbered. Wondered if you were, what with the hair."

And the fireworks but he really has no reason to think that was anything more than a lighter. Too far away to have seen it and all.

Ah, the Swan. That was a whole bunch of weird, back then. Weird things come from weird places.

"Yea, I'm a Numbered. And if you tell anyone outside the Network, I'll kill you." His tone is just snarky enough to be taken jokingly, but he is serious about not telling anyone other than the Numbered exactly what he is. "And I used to be blond." He gives a chuckle. "Oddly, I seem to be able to be taken more seriously with silver hair. I guess I looked too young before. Thankfully, I haven't gotten too many questions about my appearance changes from my family."

He reclines after finishing his cake and takes another drink of his coffee.

"What about you? I mean, the white hair is obvious, but how much has your past changed you?"

A kind of pensive question, really. He sort of wonders how much of him could change, if there was more to be expected, and how others deal with those changes as they come.

"And don't be afraid to ask for seconds, if you want. I have plenty more." He says it genuinely, with a bit of a warm tone. Having company was nice for him, too. Not something he saw much of, since he didn't really take time to get to know the people around here, or on the Network.

Yeah, yeah there was. A lot of weird and turmoil and horror. That probably also gives a small clue as to just how long Tony's been numbered, if he was around for all of that.

"Pfeh, I'd like to see you try that," He smirks. Is the confidence more play, or genuine? Hard to say. "Don't worry, I don't exactly go around selling people out. Might be pretty safe here for the most part but you never know what kinda lunatic will come crawling out of the woodwork." Besides, he's been sold out, he knows exactly how terrible it can be. "You too? Well, light brown, kinda right in between. I miss it sometimes." Having hair that wasn't shockingly white, that is.

Good cake, by the way, considering he'd finished it off fairly quickly.

At that question however he grows a little distant, withdrawing a bit. "Eh, enough," Too much. Far too much. "More than I would've expected." A whole lot more. But coming out and telling someone you're turning into a demon isn't exactly something for polite conversation.

"I'm alright, don't encourage me I'll eat you out of house and home." Back to the joking grin, but he's really not kidding. He will absolutely do that and not even notice.

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