video; un: dabi

[burnitblack]

[it's a video, but it's dark. either someone on the other end still hasn't gotten the complete grasp of how a magical chunk of crystal is supposed to work compared to a smartphone (the unlikely cause) or they're simply not wanting to be seen right now (the likely cause). not that he cares which of the two people want to assume.

there's a faint "fwooph" and a blue glow momentarily illuminates the surrounding area. dusty wall, dark-colored cushions, an old curtain drifting lazily against the side of a dark boot, and the reflection of that blinding blue flared up in the glass of a three-sided bay window. gone, and it plunges back into the shadows. takes a few more moments for the image to adjust, ultimately revealing the hovering orange end of a cigarette caught in the glass's image.

he'll be keeping the rest of himself in the shadows for the time being.]

I'm lookin for some things.

[this place is a dichotomy, looks old but somehow isn't? since plenty of people here apparently come from different places and worlds, best take a quick shot in the dark for familiarity sake. an exhale sends a jet of smoke into the glass, wisps curling in licks over the surface.]

What do ya know about the Lumenarium? I need some medical shit, but ain't interested in havin some random doctor pokin around.

[he'll get into the details if needed.]

This place got cigarettes? Gonna run out of mine soon enough.

[cause obviously this is an important request and "fuck you" to anyone who tells him to light up an incense stick in lieu. another drag on the cigarette and the rest comes out with the smoke.]

Since money's not a thing here, we can trade.

[leave that vague offer for reasons. seems he's taking pains to not give away features or location on purpose. deal with it.]

Comments

[burnitblack]

[there's a difference between name calling and generic adult insult.]

This one's got a problem with the Lumenarium. Says they're dangerous. People who go in don't come out. That kinda shit.

Any truth to that?

[fact checking. ignoring the last part. like you care.]

[swellter]

[ That is not a generic insult in his world.

Also, what?! That's the first he heard about this. Cue him stalking the rest of his conversation and has no clue who that 'Player One' is. ]

... I haven't heard about that.

I... I'll look into it.

To--

[ Feeling his needs, his omen automatically takes over, effectively locking the conversation and notifying both parties the conversation has been locked. ]

LOCKED

I can get you staples if you need them.

[burnitblack]

[ That is not a generic insult in his world. Also, what?! That's the first he heard about this. Cue him stalking the rest of his conversation and has no clue who that 'Player One' is. ]

[too bad to the people who haven't learned to make their conversations private. dabi hasn't. or if he does, he's not enabled it on anyone so far. possibly for this very reason... fact checking. comparing information and stories. pitting people against each other to find the best truths. fun shit.

huh... so that's what a "locked" conversation feels like.]

wanna explain what's goin on, shouto?

[swellter]

I locked - essentially privatized - our conversation on DeerNet so no one else can read it.

It can be hacked, but it would be difficult. If you want it unhackable, we could use our omens.

Omens are unhackable.

[ But he didn't want to push that on him without his consent first, so he locked the conversation on the Omni instead of using his omen as a communication device. ]

[burnitblack]

I know "what" ya did, idiot. I wanna know why ya suddenly did it.

[don't talk to him like he's a little kid who didn't do his homework.]

[swellter]

Because I almost said your name.

[burnitblack]

oh.

[well how about that. a logical rationale.]

[swellter]

[ He's not usually an emotional mess.

That's just with you. ]

I haven't told anyone here.

I don't plan to either.

[burnitblack]

[he's been one since he was born.

don't pin this on him.]

what's it gonna matter? no one cares.

[swellter]

[ Right like it's not your fault he's subconsciously fearing hugs right now. ]

If it doesn't matter, then are you using Dabi instead of Touya?

[burnitblack]

[blame dad. he never gave you one that wasn't some kind of manipulation.]

dabi. kinda used to it now.

[sides, dad's not here. kills a lot of his fire.]

[swellter]

[ You both deserve each other. ]

I'm used to the picture of you at your vigil.

[burnitblack]

[he might agree with you there. endeavor certainly deserves what he's getting.]

that's a ghost. might as well forget it. ain't me anymore.

[swellter]

I don't know you.

I know Dabi.

[burnitblack]

that was the point.

[swellter]

I want to know Touya.

[burnitblack]

yeah? well he needs staples.

ya said you could get some.

[swellter]

I can.

[ Would get them even if he shunned him. ]

Where do I meet you to drop them off?

[burnitblack]

[uh-uh. not that simple.]

nah. i'd rather we go get them.

[this is the devil speaking. you should hang up now.]

together.

[swellter]

[ Oh. There's an earnest little surge of optimism in that proposal. ]

You do?

[burnitblack]

[use what you can.]

uh-huh.

[swellter]

I'd like that.

[ color him naive to the bone. ]

[burnitblack]

[he's aware of that. gonna take advantage of it.]

sure ya would.

[so will he, but not for that reason.]

[swellter]

[ look at him feeling all soft and gooey inside. ]

When do you want to meet?

[ he has absolutely no clue. ]

[burnitblack]

[gross.]

how soon do ya want me to stop bleeding?

[he's the worst big brother.]