deercountry | House meeting

Entry tags:

House meeting

Who: Reaper (

no_reload), Fern (

laminae), Luz (

imaglyphwitch), Luca (

schoolingfish), Varian (

droptheious)
What: Disaster House has a meeting
When: Beginning of November
Where: Disaster House in Cassandra

Content Warnings: Will add as they come up.

[Reaper had taken his time with recovery, which left him trapped in his room for a few days. When it seemed that he could get around without having long episodes of shortness of breath, he appeared more downstairs. That's where he happened to be, settled into a chair with the other occupants of the house.

He knew they had questions, knew that most of them would have to do with Lance's outburst on the network. That wasn't the kid's fault; they didn't always control their Omens. And Lance had been circling the drain for years now, barely holding on. Not the kid's fault. For as long as he had known Lance, the kid had been teetering on the edge of a mental crisis.

However, this wasn't about Lance right now. This was about the household where he resided, and many of the youngsters who lived in it. As the eldest, he knew that his position here was the most tenuous.

So Reaper sat quietly, one ankle crossed over his other knee. He remained in comfortable black clothing, and while situations like these usually had him wearing his mask, he had decided against it. Instead, his scarred face was bare, though he kept his hood up to cover most of his white hair. His gloved hands were folded in his lap, thumbs clasping the mask that he would normally wear. Instead, it lightly tapped against his thigh.]

So, I suppose we should call this meeting to order, hmm?

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[Fern is visibly tense. Thorns have already sprouted up on his body in between the mushrooms, and he looks like he's doing his best to hold it together. Thankfully he is, even though he really, really doesn't want to do this. You know what's way easier? Accepting every single major flaw of a parental figure and going along with them even when the situation might be toxic.

You know what's wrong? Accepting every single major flaw of a parental figure and going along with them even when the situation might be toxic.

He's trying to do the right thing here, trying to make sure this isn't going to just be another Martin or Gumbald or Grassy Wizard or Maul. But it's hard.]

You wanna explain why you messed Lance up so bad he had a breakdown over a public network?

[Reaper watched Fern in particular, aware that the kid was the one most likely to not enjoy this kind of conversation. There was a distinct lack of swords involved, and so far the kid had been unsuccessful in actually killing him over the years. He didn't expect violence here, not when the young ones sitting around like this. He frankly wouldn't let it come to that.

Still, he had never had trouble reading Fern, so the thorns were a clear indication of agitation. It was going to be a long day, wasn't it? Yes, yes it was.]

I expect the public nature of his break-down was his Omen. I was dead at the time the post was made. [As for messing Lance up, there was no amount of talking that would bring the full weight of Lance's long and continued circle of the mental breakdown drain.] Lance has taken considerable mental assaults for years. At least for as long as I've known him. He hasn't been in a position thanks to Deerington's monthly antics to deal with all that he's been through.

[Fern scowls a little, looking away.]

Yeah, we all have. [No one was special and got out scar-free from Deerington.] But you still caused it, dude. You were his breaking point.

[And oh, he does not like that. He knows what that's like, he feels so stupid for not figuring this out earlier (not that he reasonably could have, but he's going to go ahead and beat himself up anyway), and now the apparent danger and unhealthiness of all of this is hitting him square in the face and he doesn't like it.]

I knew you were a bad guy, but this takes the cake.

[Reaper raised his white eyebrows at the accusation, but he saw no point in denying it either. He knew when to push someone, and Lance had been easy to read at the time. High on the blood lust, spoiling for a fight and trying to pick one with him. Who was he to deny that right of the kid?]

I never pretended to be anything than what I am.

[He considered himself rather consistent that way. He adapted and changed, and he thought he had softened quite a bit over the last three years. He was still a bad guy, as Fern said.]

But I still do what I can to protect this house and its occupants. That won't change.

[Fern grumbles a little at that.]

I know.

[He hasn't, but he also never disclosed the torture of a literal child while in Deerington to any of them. That's a big thing to leave out.

He shakes his head, still stubborn.]

Yeah? What if you wake up one day and decide you don't want to? Or what if the city messes with your head? If either of those happen then we're all dead.

[Because there's no way any of them would be able to stop Reaper if either of those things happened. Fern, being the only one who has actually fought him before, is very certain about that.]

[Reaper was sixty years old, and he had done plenty of abhorrent things that he hadn't spoken about. He closely guarded his secrets, and that too would not be changing any time soon. He expected that the only reason anyone was discussing details about the Lance situation was because Lance himself had made it public. Otherwise, it was a matter between the two of them.]

The same could be said about a number of people in this city. [He looked directly at Fern. He had fought the kid enough to know that technically even Fern was dangerous to this household.] Some of the teenagers of Deerington had the highest body counts when the city dug deep into them.

[But it was no excuse for what they would do if he lost it, was it? He could deflect, but they were looking for clarity.]

I never went insane - well, more than normal - in Deerington. Mental affects don't last long on me. I have regenerative and degradation abilities that basically... reset my brain. [Or at least that was Deerington. He was still exploring the shift of his powers here.] So messing with my head isn't an effective means to dealing with me. When I kill, I have my reasons.

[Another consistency that he had always maintained. There was a reason for everything that he did.]

But they aren't living with us. [That's the big difference here, it's why they're having this meeting in the first place, and so he figured it went without saying.] We aren't talking about the rest of 'em, we're talking about you.

[Obviously none of them are completely safe, but Fern is more reasonably confident that if he went off the rails Luz and Varian could take him out, and vice versa. The four of them, Luca included, are on more even footing when it comes to a fight. Reaper, on the other hand, is on a whole other level.]

Dude, no one can trust that what you're saying now is just how things will always work. We've already all seen the months having different effects on our blood, you're no different. [Having a different physical state never meant anything in Deerington, and it doesn't mean anything here, so Fern doesn't believe hinging their safety on one assumption for a second is a good idea.] This place might be even worse than Deerington when it comes to stuff like this, and we'd all be dumb for just taking the easy way out.

[He's positive taking the easy way out would just get one or more of them killed.]

If this city and its blood effects can corrupt my ability to think clearly, then it will be up to you to kill me or drive me off. [He would not say that it couldn't happen, but he considered it unlikely even with these blood powers.] You've trained enough with me to know how to defend against me.

[If Fern or any of the others went off the rails thanks to this place, he was confident that he could play his part in putting that to an end if he happened to be aware of it. He was taking a more active interest in the household and its occupants, more so than he had in Deerington.]

I'm not certain what you are looking for me to say then, Fern. My assurances seem to not give you any confidence in me. If you are needing to put stipulations to my continuing to occupy a room here, by all means, do so. [He had known Fern for two years after all, and he had never previously garnered this bristled reception. Okay, so he easily pushed the kid for a fight, but that was how they operated and it was good to see how Fern had progressed.]

[Fern's metaphorical heart absolutely sinks at what Reaper says, and he looks frustrated and more than a little insecure.] Dog, there's no way I could do that. [He's a good fighter, sure, but he'd absolutely get killed if he tried, he doesn't doubt that for a second.

So cool, it's all on him to fail if Reaper decides to off the entire house one day. That's great, that's more guilt he can pile onto his shoulders. He had gotten lucky with Eda, and failed with Maul, and Sweet P., and he'd fail here, too.

Of course, this is all his fault in the first place, a voice in the back of his head is telling himself. For getting so unhealthily attached to adults who give him the slightest bit of attention, and offering Reaper a roof when the dream started breaking down. He should have been better about all of this, and not so desperately selfish.]

I don't know! [He's kind of snapping that, because he's having a great time right now.] Maybe it's not the safest thing having you here right now, dude! None of us can trust anything here, and relying on me if something bad happens is just asking for trouble.

[Reaper sighed heavily and leaned more in his chair, stretching one leg out as he considered. Fern's issue was confident and the right motivation, but otherwise, the kid had the ability to at least give him a run for his money.]

Fern. [He said the name firmly just to get attention back on him.] I will teach you how to drive me off then. Personally. As an assurance policy that you have all the abilities necessary to do this, but it's a lack of confidence.

[And he had been an instructor for many years. He didn't invest too much time into it these days, but he had tactics that had spanned a war and beyond. He also knew himself enough to know what would force a tactical retreat. It might not cover all situations or scenarios, but he could do that.

Like extending an olive branch, right? Only that olive branch was tactics to kill him. It almost amused him how he would do such for no one else. He valued that Fern offered him a roof over his head, no questions asked.]

I will leave if you want me to. [It was as simple as that.] But my leaving doesn't seem to be a way to correct the lack of trust in the system. I think I can build your confidence if you let me.

[Varian's largely kept in the middle for this entire mess. After all, he knows he's capable of being pretty damn dangerous too- take down a kingdom dangerous. But he's also kind of a weedy little nerd and so long as people get his alchemy away from him, he can't theoretically do that much damage.

...Fire powers notwithstanding.

But that comment from Reaper does bring a genuine expression of worry to his face, raising his hands and waving them in a quick, panicked gesture. ]

Whoah whoah whoah whoah, not that! Not- uh...not the killing thing or driving away thing. Bad idea! Really bad idea.

[Varian's privy to a lot of things about Fern's life back home that others are not- and while he knows Fern would agree to such a thing, he also knows that's a slippery slope into a pretty damn bad cesspit Varian's been trying to help him move away from. He doesn't want to spill all of Fern's...everything in front of the house though, so he's trying to be diplomatic, not really his strong suit but here he goes. ]

It's...uh. It's a whole thing. Putting that sort of responsibility on him? Us...I guess. [He casts Fern a worried glance.] That's what he's trying to explain. Because if things go wrong...they'll go really wrong.

[This would be the third time someone has told him that he needs to man up and kill someone he cares about if they go evil. The first time he had been a miserable failure, the second time he hadn't wanted to do it and had been forced to it, and now we're at number three.

Fern is grateful Varian is speaking up, because he's immediately feeling both the encumbering weight of responsibility to accept that offer regardless of whether he actually wants to or not, and the Grass Demon's interest in the prospect of more violence. It makes his head buzz with a whole lot of emotions that don't feel like they're actually his.

He doesn't answer right away, instead reaching up to rub his temples.]

Y... yeah. I don't know. [Varian has every right to be worried, because accepting the offer is on the tip of his tongue.] I'd just screw up again, it wouldn't work. If things go wrong, we're all that, nothing's gonna change that.

[Reaper's gaze shifted from Fern to Varian and back again, and there was definitely something going on which he wasn't aware of. His head tilted with interest, but he reigned in his natural inclination to seek answers, knowing that this wasn't the time or the place to start an interrogation.

It seemed that his suggestion was not going to have the affect to garner trust that he could be driven off or controlled in the household if this place affected him. He wasn't about to let another Maul situation happen, though apparently the Zabrak was not welcome back into the residence.]

So, if I can't be trusted to stay my hand against you all, and I can't offer solutions to dealing with me if I do, is the only suitable option to remove myself from the situation?

[He would accept to the request to leave.]

Or is there another solution that can be agreed upon?

Maybe not...just rely on Fern.

[He doesn't want that weight on Fern. But this is complicated and he doesn't know the right answer. He frowns, staring a hole in the floor. Maul had earned his right back into the home, and it had taken hard work on all parties. He doesn't want to just...dismiss Reaper. That doesn't feel fair. ]

Is there someone we can call in a hurry? Someone who will deal with you? ...I have a feeling you're gonna say Maul but I don't know if he can handle that. Hurting you. Stopping you if...if he has to.

[Fern is infinitely grateful he has Varian to support him. He doesn't have a good answer either, which means if his boyfriend wasn't here he'd probably be making a very, very bad decision.]

Maybe we should just... take some time and have some space to figure this out.

[That's what he could use, at least. He doesn't trust himself to have that kind of responsibility, even though he's willing to take it. At the same time, he wants to make sure Luca and Luz stay safe - there is no way he's going to allow another Maul incident to happen. He won't let them go through that if he can help it.]

[He shrugged his shoulders slightly. He was so used to being able to rely on those that he considered allies to at least put up a fight or provide a mercy kill. Some people he knew would enjoy taking a stab at him, and under normal circumstances, he'd probably welcome it as well.

Still, Fern was young. It was easy to forget that with how gung-ho the teen was about weapons and fighting.]

Maul can handle it. [That was said firmly.] Otherwise, Lance actually might do it. Vira-Lorr potentially, but she might choose not to. [And he had a high chance of killing her too. They knew each other well.]

Very well. Take all the time you need.

[Varian is still watching Fern with no small amount of concern. He reaches out to squeeze the other boy's shoulders, before turning his attention to Reaper. ]

...I...I guess if one thing that's come out of this it's that we know Lance can handle you too, if we need him too. Assuming of course he will, after...well. The mess.

[He's not sure, it's tricky. He exhales, nodding.]

Thank you.

[Fern immediately reaches up, covering Varian's hand with his own for the extra support. It's a small gesture, but it helps ground him a little more.]

Lance shouldn't have to. [Not after that very public breakdown. Even if he sounds like Finn there's no way he can let him go through that again.]

Okay. Thanks.

[Reaper went silent, schooling his expression to neutrality at Fern's comment. If he couldn't be trusted to keep himself sane, and he couldn't be trusted to have people around him deal with him if he went off, then there was nothing more to add. He had been in enough no-win situations to know when to just stop trying to give solutions.

None of them would be acceptable.

Instead, he pushed himself to his feet carefully, covering over any overt signs that he might not be completely healthy.]

I'll leave then.

[He eased himself around to leave the meeting and head upstairs to grab his items. He was used to having his motivations or his abilities to control himself questioned. Felt like Overwatch all over again.]

Edited 2021-11-24 21:58 (UTC)

Wait, I-

[Varian doesn't like this one bit and it's clear in his expression that he's torn here. Reaper is someone he genuinely cares about- someone who has done a lot for him. He needs to protect the other residents of the house, too. He definitely needs to protect Fern. So he's stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Hue hugs his arms around himself frowning as Reaper gets up. ]

...It doesn't have to be for good.

[Fern's eyes are staring a hole in the floor, and it's taking every ounce of his control to not let his abandonment complex take over and just break down and say actually, it's totally okay if he takes on the responsibility of having to murder yet another father figure. It's fine.

Even though he's certain he'd fail at it, and he gets the disastrous effects it would have on his mind.

It's fine, he's just going to disappoint another father figure instead. Totally fine, this is absolutely nothing new to him.

He gives a silent, stiff nod of agreement with Varian's words, not really trusting himself to say anything but agreeing wholeheartedly with him.]

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