deercountry | june catch-all

Entry tags:

june catch-all

Who: viktor and others, open to all with some closed prompts in comments
What: june catch-all, some tdm prompts
When: june
Where: various

content warning; terminal illness, arcane season 1 spoilers

misc lab stuff and various fruits.

[viktor's lab in the willful machine is usually left unlocked when he's working inside. friends or acquaintances have likely been told they're welcome to stop by if they like, either to say hello or to get help with whatever a vaguely sketchy lab could handle. of course someone he doesn't know can just walk in too or knock. maybe there's a sudden downpour and that ajar door is tempting? go for it.

the lab has been slowly filling with all sorts of nonsense on the various tables- lasers! tasers! some weird machine hooked up to a blood gem? it is not unlikely to be walking by and hear some minor booming noise and either a curse in czech or a satisfied 'a-ha!' feel free to investigate.

this month there's something else too, a bowl full of fruit. all the fruits mentioned in the tdm in fact, there to be tested on though it looks more like they're just for guests if people are unaware there's some weird shit going on.]

Just a moment, make yourself at home. [he might say to guest. that would include eating some fruit, right? enjoy. probably not the raw lemon though, that's weird.]

[ooc; if you want to memshare i am game, my only hard limit on memories is no suicide stuff please. self sacrifice is fine! feel free to ask to make sure one is okay. if you'd like a viktor memory let me know any hard limits and what sort of memory you might prefer!]

gaze and time loops.

[having lungs mostly working for the moment is pretty great, in viktor's humble opinion. it means walking around the trench doesn't come with the risk of coughing up blood and attracting beasts and generally having a bad time, along with added perks like not getting so easily winded and going for longer. it also means he finds himself out longer than he usually would, which maybe isn't the best, as it turns out.

for example, making his way home through gaze and hearing the chilling cry of a beast, sighing and trying to make his way around what turns out to be the wrong corner. maybe that's where he sees your character before the snarling of a too close beast starts in earnest.

and then snap! they're both back about an hour, where they passed on the street. the look viktor gives is somewhere between resigned and 'fuck this, actually.'] There is a term for this. 'One of those days,' I think.

[ooc; if you'd like to wildcard or do something else you can pm me here or find me at

dichotomy]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Neither did I. [viktor admits, regarding the carnage.] Though maybe it reinforced some things.

[ah staying here for the night- yes, he refuses to let either of the ghosts taint this place. he turns to kiss pal a moment, chaste, before he's getting to his feet with a sigh.

and his eyes go to the chalkboard, the scrawling.] I do. I'm not letting them ruin this place.

[he can guess what the steps are, and a curl of irritation in his gut reminds him of certain talks. what he doesn't know is-] What is this about lying?

[If only Jr. was here and not in the lab, he could do a little sweeping... alas. Well, the heavy things that got knocked over are just going to have to wait. Palamedes hums and stoops to pick up some fallen books, the strange border in the middle of the room between mess and no mess where his ward had been.

Ah- and. He'd stood in his office in this very building and told God, This won't benefit anyone to know, which is technically not "I will keep my mouth shut forever," so you know what.

Whatever, empire? Whatever, empire.] Promise me again you won't let that- [the cool scribbling, everywhere] leave this room?

[Which he takes as a given, so after a beat, he goes on:]

It's about him again, like it always is. I'd figured it out, about Lyctorhood, which is why I'd refused; the steps aren't finished. [Casually, he says this, waving a hand at the chalkboard with its steps as he stacks books back onto their shelves.] I don't know how to finish the work myself. I'd need more time, and of course, Camilla. But there's a way to do it that doesn't dispose of the cavalier.

[Mm. Hmm. Hmmmm...]

I think she figured it out. Cytherea. I can only guess how... Anyway, what she knew or didn't doesn't matter; this one will bruise more people than just his delicate ego, if it gets out.

[So please, the rage is very sexy, but this one goes in the box and doesn't come out again, he's asking nicely.]

I promise, so long as errant magic fruit do not once again make me a liar. [hm, bitter. still viktor moves to start wiping the board clean, happy to see the words vanish piece by piece.

though he does pause halfway, turning as palamedes continues.] What? [his words are a snap, there's that good old anger that once was directed at the source.

he closes his eyes, lets out his breath and finishes wiping away LIED with a pointed aggression.] All that talk of honorable sacrifice, the spineless bastard. I cannot-

[he pauses, as if surprised at himself, then turns again.] I cannot go back to him. Will you put our project with my lungs as a priority? I think it is time we did.

[There's that lovely anger; Palamedes smiles despite himself, though it's strained - he knows exactly where that anger is coming from, although his own isn't so... fresh. It's why he presses so persistently for Viktor to please... not eat fruit for a while, whatever.]

He told me the honorable sacrifice story too. Mine even had 'poetry' in it.

[For eating souls!! Souls of their loved ones! For fuck's sake, how could anyone— no, he's focusing. He looks around for something to sweep the broken beaker into, glancing up at Viktor when he's ducked down to do just that. He's relieved; he's been torn about asking, not that, well - he does kind of thing he has ammunition against God, at this point, but the issues of agency, and so on.

So: good. He nods.]

Absolutely. Start first thing in the morning? I want to start with a clear head.

[And Viktor wants his private study sleepover, also a priority.]

Ha, it was a favorite beat in the circling stories. He must be powerful, given his charisma skills are severely lacking. [viktor replies as he finishes with the board.] I do not know how else he convinced an empire of this nonsense.

[hm, this new news really pisses him the fuck off, it seems. the fact there was a way, the fact he went on and on about wars but strung his 'family' through it, just- yes, letting it go again. it's not surprising, as infuriating as it is. he did not lie to 'god's' face when he called him repulsive.

better to focus on this, offering pal a crooked quirk of his lips.] It is a plan. I have something from the tunnels that might help our efforts.

[he definitely showed him the hexgem already, and it certainly makes this all seem far more plausible than it did before.]

Maybe the rest of his saints were charming, besides Cytherea. And Patience.

[Whatever that guy's name actually is; Palamedes isn't super interested in finding out. He watches Viktor a moment, watching the anger bubble and then simmer back down, and then he feels secure enough to look back down at his pathetic attempts at sweeping. There's a broom in his office, but like, going to get it...]

I'll try anything that isn't drugs. [c..cool jokes. really though.] Bright and early, then. I spent all day with her; I missed you.

[So please, tell him all about what fun other work happened today before the ghosts showed up. That is excellent slumber party fare.]

Please, the two I've met are either unbearable or off kilter. [viktor snorts.]

And honestly, it's just the hexgem. The shimmer I'm making a proper lockbox for. [just incase. his lab isn't as secure as he'd like.

he mostly uses his cane to push things into a more reasonable pile before dealing with the annoyance of kneeling to pick it up, somewhat sure they've at least gotten all the glass. he lifts his head to smile at pal, the feeling mutual.] Well, lucky for you we're starting a very intensive collaboration together. I think you'll be seeing a lot more of me. [dry, fond.]

You're being generous. [Lyctors... gross. Anyway, good choice, putting that thing in a box. He straightens up from picking up bits of things off the floor and moves in for a quick peck, newly energized (!) by the thrill of productivity. Plans, and so on.]

And for years to come. [When these new lungs definitely work, because they will, or else. He will hire Remina to loop them back, or so help him--] I'm looking forward to it.

[Thinking about their slumber party though, he crosses to pick up the blankets he'd thrown at Singed's jumpscare, looks at them a moment, and then flops them into a messy pile on the lumpy couch. They'll be getting there shortly; who needs to fold.]

It will... well. When we're through the tricky parts— then I'll say it was fun.

Gods forbid. [offering lyctors generosity? no thanks. regardless he picks up a few more of the books before deciding it's clean enough, for now.

he glances over to pal again, putting the blankets on the couch.] I can't believe you threw a blanket at a ghost. [he offers, quite ready to make light of the whole situation even if it's wildly uncomfortable still, deep down. a lot to think about that can be done later, not on what will be a nice night so help him.

he moves over, behind pal where he can comfortably rest his his forehead on the back of pal's neck without much ducking, the tall bastard.] The tricky parts will be the fun parts. You know if you do not wish to do the surgery itself we may be able to find someone else capable.

[because professional or not it might be a lot, opening up someone you know. getting to the lungs isn't an easy surgery by any means, he expects it will be a touch gruesome with what they have to work with, unless necromancy eases the process considerably.]

[Palamedes tuts at that, gesturing very pointedly at his blanket pile, like, well, it did work? Kind of?]

Say it like you're impressed?

[Ha ha, and hello; he reaches over his shoulder briefly to tousle Viktor's hair as best he can at this angle. This is... a fair point, but counterpoint: they're one for one on having other people mucking around in Viktor's lungs turn out creepy and uncomfortable. Two for two, if Remina and the blueberries count in a sideways kind of fashion.

He hums, and turns halfway to slide an arm around Viktor and lean in close.]

I want to do it. You'll be bored without me there. [Whether he has to somehow stay awake for this, or not... either way.] Although I'll allow an assistant, just in case...

[Like, he'll need breaks? But he can do this; the thing he cannot do is trust anyone else 100% poking around in there, so at the very least, he will be Supervising.]

It was very heroic. Quick thinking. The ghost was shamed to be one of those eh, those cheap costumes. I swooned. [is viktor's very dry answer, that comes with a kiss to the back of his neck so. who's the real winner here.

he's happy to put his arms around pal's waist and rest against him for a moment, tugging at whatever odd omen bond he has to try to call rio back inside. she does what she wants so he doesn't expect a speedy response.]

I suppose we'll see who is available and trustworthy. Your little flock are a possibility. [despite his menacing of them.] If I can't be awake is it odd to ask for a recording? I wish to see the process myself.

[it is weird but what can you do.]

[Everything's coming up Palamedes, this is excellent praise, which here means it makes him laugh, short and sweet, so thanks. He is an excellent and heroic winner, indeed.]

They're very capable, you know. And they do like you. [His little flock... he's pretty sure they like Viktor, when they aren't startled or heckled. They like his scones? Pros, cons.

It is profoundly weird to ask for a recording, but as Palamedes is a necromancer, he says,] Where would I put a camera? I doubt Rio's going to want to watch.

[And Rocky would actually menace the little flock, so a proper camera...? Hmm.]

If you trust them I will. I fear seeing my organs may make them less intimidated, but that is a problem that can be solved. [creatively. relax. anyway he likes them too, so he's fine with the flock being assistants.

in fact.] Have one of them hold your omni. You have plenty of them to spare. [the flock, not omnis.

speaking of rio skitters in with the haste of someone who realizes palamedes is here, thumping her large head against his knees in demand of pats. usually viktor would make a joke about how she likes pal better but for now he just enjoys the moment for what it is, morbid requests and all.]

Hmm, yes, find a way to carve 'don't mess this up' on the side of one of your ribs in advance, that will really drive the point home.

[Is he serious? Who can say. Mostly not, surely. And oh, good gracious, there's his favorite big pink goofball of all time, right on cue. Palamedes hums and kisses Viktor on the forehead, then on the cheek, like sorry, he is very much here to talk about lungs, but let him also show this lizard his love for a hot second, thank you. Then he stoops down to hug her around the neck, to be sure she's not suffering, like he'd seen—

Rio affection delivered, he moves to sit on the lumpy couch, reaching for Viktor with one hand and leaving the other on Rio's head. Yes, this is pure luxury, come here...]

I'll get you your recording somehow, don't worry. We should make arrangements to stay somewhere else, though, while you're in recovery. The facilities at the Lumenarium are medically sound, but the corruption, you know.

[Maybe it can get in through an open lung replacement incision, who knows!! Does The Red provide convalescence rooms, he wonders.]

Oh that would be very funny. I wonder... [don't give him ideas.

no worries, watching pal and rio is very good for his crops, so he watches for a moment before moving to sit on the couch. when pal joins him he leans into him, watching rio make herself comfortable, closing his eyes and cataloguing the way his lungs are already beginning to deteriorate again as the month comes to a close.]

Hm, we could stay here? If you think a room could be made appropriate. [he's going to be so fucking bored during recovery, god. even if it's the death price for failure.] Certainly not Lumenwood, that place is a nightmare. No offense.

Though regardless we will make do, as we always do.

[Palamedes gives him a loving elbow nudge for that; no sweet pranks that involve carving bones, sir, save those for Junior. That arm then wraps around Viktor's shoulders, and he turns for another cheek kiss. While Rio receives her obligatory pats, of course; that's important.]

I know how you feel about my poor, undeservingly maligned workplace, yes. This place would be fine— if Allen is alright with it.

[Of course Allen will be alright with it, but asking is polite.]

The moon bolsters paleblood vitality, and this whole place is about the moon, I'd say. [understatement.] I'll add 'suitable recovery space' to my list of spaces to clear out; the infirmary is too crowded, and I'm not letting you recover on a cot in here.

[Pointed!! No cots! He settles into a more relaxed slouch, ducking his head to press a kiss to Viktor's shoulder next. Hi.]

I have a good feeling. We'll work it out.

[viktor huffs. shame, that would be pretty much the funniest thing he'd do in his life. probably not worth it but he can dream.]

He will be, I'm sure. Even if Allen did not know me he would likely put himself out to help. [a sigh, though fond. that guy. apparently his kind of people are busybodies, who would have thought. but yes they'll ask, they aren't heathens. probably apologize for the ghost racket too, though if he heard he probably would have ran in so it's fine.

and that gets a snort.] Yes, the paleblood loving cult. I suppose that has it's perks in this case. [and then a small laugh.] Oh come now, first bunsen burners and now cots? I feel you do not appreciate my lab at all, Palamedes.

[he turns, smiling at the shoulder kiss.] I think I do too. At least I truly believe there is a chance I did not have at home.

[The ghost racket and the ghost mess... The rest of this will be cleaned up eventually. After several hours of productive lung study, in the morning. Or Palamedes will simply make a quick jaunt across town to grab Junior, whichever.]

With you on bedrest, who's going to remind him not to work twenty hours a day? We'll have to draw up a rotation. [The looking after Allen association, a new nonprofit Palamedes has ushered into existence, here.

And wow, do not bring up bunsen burners, he can take only so much.]

I appreciate your lab. I don't appreciate the idea of you crammed into a corner somewhere and calling it adequate rest. Even our actual bed is fairly small.

[Hmm, maybe they should one day get a larger bed? Although they would need a larger house, to go with it? Fascinating possibilities. Palamedes blinks himself out of the big-house-without-bunkbeds-and-with-boyfriend fantasy, before he gets ahead of himself while they're still on Lungs. Hearing Viktor say he believes in the chance now squeezes around his heart in the exact opposite way that Viktor saying he had only a few months left did, some time ago; that's another kind of progress, huh.

Mmph. Well, enough pretending he is one hundred percent a mature adult all the time, twisting to face Viktor and wrap both arms tight around him and tip them both over to lying down on this truly heinous couch, landing with a satisfied hum. The overwhelming energies of hope and possibility have to go somewhere: this is where. Love him.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

june catch-all

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