Guess it wouldn't have. Pretty sure if people knew, some people would be more frustrated we weren't able to stop things from progressing. But the girls stay in their rooms at the mansion and I'm here. Not much more to be done.
[ it's a very calm sort of explanation, and they lean a hip against the bar as they fold their arms over their chest to look at him curiously. ]
... why are you awake? [ to kill or be killed. it can be either or, and they won't know without asking. ]
[ that is fine, because the glow dies a little and he can see their eyes for the time being. and they don't look thrilled they're having this conversation, but it's fine. ]
After everything, I don't think you'd be the one to hurt somebody. [ so. there is one other option. ]
Shut up, you know what I mean. I just... feel like if you were gonna take one of those you would've by now. There are some I think that would tempt just about anybody.
... Having the power to change anything still wouldn't change the fact that everything that happened did at one point happen.
[ Sins are FOREVER and at this point it is impossible for Jacopo to forget what he had done. Until he reincarnates or is wiped clean of his memories. ]
Do you think I'm that mad? [ THAT INSANE honestly yeah don't blame them even though the tone is asking if GABRIEL is crazy ] I'm not going to deliver myself on a platter for them.
I know. Obviously everything still happened, it's that it doesn't have to keep happening. [ to which they pause, and then: ] You never really believed in all of this, did you? Not fully.
[ said in a tone as if they can see why, but curious. and they snort with the next sentence. ]
Hey, it's worth asking. But in that case... [ they are turning to grab a glass. ] Give them hell when you find them.
They're apples that somehow bring miracles, but at a price of killing one person. It's really shady no matter how you cut it.
[ Killing is a big deal, but he's like... Eh, one person is kind of chump change if you think about it? It's good to be skeptical. Maybe there would be more consequences later. Who knows.
Maybe on whim he could have tried. Results come from risks and for him he saw results from violence. It makes enough sense to him. ]
I plan to, but ideally it's to survive the night and figure out the rest after.
I meant the project as a whole, obviously the apples are screwed up. But people are still tempted. Like there's literally a whole line about "lead us not into temptation" but not only is this tree leading people to temptation, it's asking for it.
Anyway. [ they say, going to work and not knowing about how jacopo will fail to survive the night, hands more visible as the glow dims. ] If that's true you may as well stick around for a little longer. Figure out your strategy.
Even if this redemption project were to be true, it would be useless to me.
[ Because he's so stuck and obstinate... Wanting to show sincere apology to the people he wronged. Becoming someone different and better can't replace that. ]
I have a plan, though how well it'll work will depend on the person. [ He's thinking people are not THAT stupid to consume something someone else prepared, but there are backup plans. ] But... I can stay a little longer.
Morgana's still alive, isn't she? You told me you wanted to see her one more time.
[ maybe it's a low blow to say this... but they nod at a bar stool. have a seat. come have a drink with them, even if it's just a sip to taste, before you march to your potential doom. ]
[ It's fine. He will come over to occupy a stool, then. ]
See if they're up to enjoy something to drink, last rites of sorts or pity for their victim. If they're stupid enough, whatever concoction I make should have them dizzy or sleepy. [ A shrug. ] I can hold up in a fight, but it'll come down to skill... And luck.
Maybe I can get a laugh going through the car with those wizards and see them get cursed to hell.
[ there's a moment they seem to pause, racking their memories. they... knew that? maybe? it's hard to say, and they don't move for a few moments before they continue mixing a drink. they mispoke and simply will not speak on it again because it's a sensitive subject. ]
If you're drugging them to wear them down, it does give you a little bit of an advantage. [ they don't like talking about murder, exactly, but they do think it's good to have a plan if someone's possessed and out there. ]
Anything to distract them, right? Even if you don't kill them if you can make it until the morning that's enough.
[ it is okay. it doesn't help that i think the memories they got were also from before morgana died but we love memloss too ]
Ideally, I'd like the wizards to do enough work where they're distracted long enough for me to knock them unconscious. That isn't... Hard, technically.
[ Making the Opportunity, though. ]
Not sure how long I have to prepare anything complicated. If this person is fast or lucky in finding me, then even less time.
[ yes all the memories were alive morgana, it's fine. ]
The wizards are good at being annoying. If you can get a lot of them firing off spells all at the same time, it'd give you time to move and knock them out with a good hit. You know where the pressure points are on a person, right?
[ there's another moment of mixing, and a flash of something on their arm under the glow before they present him with an espresso martini. tada. look how pretty. ]
... I know you're right. And you have to know how much I hate that.
I do. This isn't my first time dealing with people trying to kill me.
[ And he will just hide that he is considering killing them. Disarming takes a lot of more work than that, but... Killing will be a last resort at least.
His gaze lifts when the drink is presented and he'll accept it with a small smile. Hard to smile big during death hours. ]
Yeah, I know. That probably makes two of us. I mean not that I'm the one being killed right now, but... never mind.
[ they know what kind of person jacopo is. they've heard the memories of ghosts and everything, know the kinds of things he deals with. it wouldn't surprise them if he did kill just o get out of the situation. they're not even sure they'd blame him.
they also go about making a second martini for themselves. even if jacopo doesn't drink his, they will drink both. they'll need it to get through the stress of the night. ]
Now I know you're just messing with me. [ the tone's light, though the glow of their face does flicker a little bit, making it easier to see some faint outlines of their features. nothing distinguishable though. ]
Better that only one of us has to worry about that.
[ Though he doesn't like that Gabriel has had to worry about people coming after them. Maybe if he had time, he would ask more about it, but this is the moment in the afterlife where he doesn't have time. It's finite, just for now...
He takes the glass to admire it first, then gently swirl it with rotating motions. ]
Messing with you? What's wrong about wanting to seeing another face that isn't your killer's on the night you might die? It'd be the closest thing to not dying alone.
[ But ultimately that's what it's going to be. If he were to die tonight, then it would be him and his murderer. Whoever it is, they might be crazed, they might be desperate, and that will be the last he sees until waking up elsewhere.
Taking a sampling sip, he savors it for a moment before forming an opinion. ]
[ if jacopo had time, maybe gabriel would tell him more about the things he's avoided saying. the things they never thought would really make a difference because it's the past, and who cares? except they care, because they're still trying to improve from their past.
that's the thing they never really told him, the last time they talked. all they wanted to accomplish in the end was being a good person and maybe being happy. ]
I feel like seeing my face wouldn't... [ but then it registers what jacopo says and enough of the glow is gone he can see them frown in real time. ] Okay. Okay, when you put it that way, I get it.
[ and as they continue mixing the drink, it's a little easier now to see a few things. like looking at something underwater, or looking through a beam of light. there's a face. masculine, a strong jaw and a little bit of a five o'clock shadow not out of fashion but out of just not addressing it. there's the slope of a nose as their head turns, brown eyes fixated on what their hands are doing with a little more concentration than usual. it's a simple dark, long-sleeved shirt and their--his? his expression looks a little sad and a little stressed and a little angry all at once knowing that there is such a high chance that's actually going to happen.
this man is going to die alone, and he can't fucking do anything about it.
but there's a flicker of a smile anyway when the assessment of the drink comes through. ]
Thanks. I figured if I wanted caffeine in my drinks I should upgrade from vodka and Red Bull to something a little classier.
[ TOO BAD!!!! IT IS THREE!!!!!! AND HE IS JUST A HEAD!!!
But maybe if they had time, he would have listened to it all in this same bar or on a walk. They don't have time... Jacopo doesn't think of it as a last time at least, not with them knowing that the other part of heaven is within reach. There could be some obstacles before they reunite, but in the afterlife there's time.
Maybe next time, whenever that is. It might be soon, so there's nothing to be sad or stressed about he thinks. It's why he raises his eyebrows when he can make out Gabriel's outline. What is there to mourn? Death seems to not be the end.
Still, he's sympathetic even if it's muted and muffled. It's difficult to talk to someone knowing when they leave this confined space that they might die. ]
You know I wasn't pressuring you. [ It was just a bit of sad banter, which might be manipulative. Not his intention, but he got something out of it. ] You have a nice smile.
[ So he wonders... If death waits for him tonight, will he be thinking about the golden wheat fields of a home he doesn't remember and the beating rays from the sun in that clear blue sky? Will he be remembering Morgana, face healed and smile so bright? Would it be other smiles instead, maybe of some people here in Heaven.
So many are bright, kind, and as much as they draw him in, they also terrify him, but he knows death is cold. It's dark. Even when he waited for it with purpose before, it didn't change the nature of its embrace... And human weakness seeks warmth.
(The reality is Jacopo will not picture anyone before he dies. Lucas will be too swift, freeing him from any lasting pain and giving him too short of a moment. Instead, Jacopo will reflect on how he will die an awful man, one who has not suffered enough for all of his sins. His last company will be crippling guilt.)
Even though Gabriel hasn't even taken a sip of their own, Jacopo thinks he has stayed here long enough. He downs his whole drink, then gets off the stool, ready to meet the night of his decapitation. ]
[ yes. and he will be just as devastated that there are three and jacopo is a head!! god!!!! ]
And you called me needy. [ it's a joke that lands flat, even if the light, easygoing expression feels a little forced. reasonably, he knows that the people who die are thrown into a healing area and they're being taken care of.
but that doesn't change what will happen before then. it doesn't change the pain of someone being hunted, fighting for their life, and eventually being killed. it doesn't change being alone in the dark, not knowing if someone will figure out the truth. and maybe that's only a part of what bothers him.
still. as much as he would love to keep jacopo here and maybe just... do something stupid, like hide him somewhere until the morning, anything to try and stop this, realistically he knows he can't. not just because he's powerless, but because jacopo won't let him. he watches as he slides off the stool, his own martini barely touched as he turns to collect the dirty glass. ]
I'll think about it. Maybe next time we meet I will. [ ...he should try to stop him. but he knows better, even if there's some amount of guilt attached to watching him walk away. ] ... good luck.
[ "be careful" goes unsaid, as does "I'm sorry." they're just words, but he thinks the sentiments are expressed enough. ]
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no subject
[ it's a very calm sort of explanation, and they lean a hip against the bar as they fold their arms over their chest to look at him curiously. ]
... why are you awake? [ to kill or be killed. it can be either or, and they won't know without asking. ]
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[ He looks at them even though he has never seen where their eyes are. Just assumes they are there. ]
... What do you think?
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[ that is fine, because the glow dies a little and he can see their eyes for the time being. and they don't look thrilled they're having this conversation, but it's fine. ]
After everything, I don't think you'd be the one to hurt somebody. [ so. there is one other option. ]
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Everyone has the potential to hurt someone and the apples have become more tempting as of late.
[ He wouldn't be surprised if more bodies turn up, especially if you don't actually Die Die. ]
Regardless, someone is going to die tonight.
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Shut up, you know what I mean. I just... feel like if you were gonna take one of those you would've by now. There are some I think that would tempt just about anybody.
[ regardless, someone is going to die tonight. ]
You think that someone should be you...?
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[ Sins are FOREVER and at this point it is impossible for Jacopo to forget what he had done. Until he reincarnates or is wiped clean of his memories. ]
Do you think I'm that mad? [ THAT INSANE honestly yeah don't blame them even though the tone is asking if GABRIEL is crazy ] I'm not going to deliver myself on a platter for them.
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[ said in a tone as if they can see why, but curious. and they snort with the next sentence. ]
Hey, it's worth asking. But in that case... [ they are turning to grab a glass. ] Give them hell when you find them.
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[ Killing is a big deal, but he's like... Eh, one person is kind of chump change if you think about it? It's good to be skeptical. Maybe there would be more consequences later. Who knows.
Maybe on whim he could have tried. Results come from risks and for him he saw results from violence. It makes enough sense to him. ]
I plan to, but ideally it's to survive the night and figure out the rest after.
[ HE DOES NOT SURVIVE THE NIGHT ]
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Anyway. [ they say, going to work and not knowing about how jacopo will fail to survive the night, hands more visible as the glow dims. ] If that's true you may as well stick around for a little longer. Figure out your strategy.
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[ Because he's so stuck and obstinate... Wanting to show sincere apology to the people he wronged. Becoming someone different and better can't replace that. ]
I have a plan, though how well it'll work will depend on the person. [ He's thinking people are not THAT stupid to consume something someone else prepared, but there are backup plans. ] But... I can stay a little longer.
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[ maybe it's a low blow to say this... but they nod at a bar stool. have a seat. come have a drink with them, even if it's just a sip to taste, before you march to your potential doom. ]
What's your plan?
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[ It's fine. He will come over to occupy a stool, then. ]
See if they're up to enjoy something to drink, last rites of sorts or pity for their victim. If they're stupid enough, whatever concoction I make should have them dizzy or sleepy. [ A shrug. ] I can hold up in a fight, but it'll come down to skill... And luck.
Maybe I can get a laugh going through the car with those wizards and see them get cursed to hell.
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If you're drugging them to wear them down, it does give you a little bit of an advantage. [ they don't like talking about murder, exactly, but they do think it's good to have a plan if someone's possessed and out there. ]
Anything to distract them, right? Even if you don't kill them if you can make it until the morning that's enough.
no subject
Ideally, I'd like the wizards to do enough work where they're distracted long enough for me to knock them unconscious. That isn't... Hard, technically.
[ Making the Opportunity, though. ]
Not sure how long I have to prepare anything complicated. If this person is fast or lucky in finding me, then even less time.
no subject
The wizards are good at being annoying. If you can get a lot of them firing off spells all at the same time, it'd give you time to move and knock them out with a good hit. You know where the pressure points are on a person, right?
[ there's another moment of mixing, and a flash of something on their arm under the glow before they present him with an espresso martini. tada. look how pretty. ]
... I know you're right. And you have to know how much I hate that.
no subject
[ And he will just hide that he is considering killing them. Disarming takes a lot of more work than that, but... Killing will be a last resort at least.
His gaze lifts when the drink is presented and he'll accept it with a small smile. Hard to smile big during death hours. ]
I wonder what kind of face you're making.
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[ they know what kind of person jacopo is. they've heard the memories of ghosts and everything, know the kinds of things he deals with. it wouldn't surprise them if he did kill just o get out of the situation. they're not even sure they'd blame him.
they also go about making a second martini for themselves. even if jacopo doesn't drink his, they will drink both. they'll need it to get through the stress of the night. ]
Now I know you're just messing with me. [ the tone's light, though the glow of their face does flicker a little bit, making it easier to see some faint outlines of their features. nothing distinguishable though. ]
no subject
[ Though he doesn't like that Gabriel has had to worry about people coming after them. Maybe if he had time, he would ask more about it, but this is the moment in the afterlife where he doesn't have time. It's finite, just for now...
He takes the glass to admire it first, then gently swirl it with rotating motions. ]
Messing with you? What's wrong about wanting to seeing another face that isn't your killer's on the night you might die? It'd be the closest thing to not dying alone.
[ But ultimately that's what it's going to be. If he were to die tonight, then it would be him and his murderer. Whoever it is, they might be crazed, they might be desperate, and that will be the last he sees until waking up elsewhere.
Taking a sampling sip, he savors it for a moment before forming an opinion. ]
It's good.
no subject
[ if jacopo had time, maybe gabriel would tell him more about the things he's avoided saying. the things they never thought would really make a difference because it's the past, and who cares? except they care, because they're still trying to improve from their past.
that's the thing they never really told him, the last time they talked. all they wanted to accomplish in the end was being a good person and maybe being happy. ]
I feel like seeing my face wouldn't... [ but then it registers what jacopo says and enough of the glow is gone he can see them frown in real time. ] Okay. Okay, when you put it that way, I get it.
[ and as they continue mixing the drink, it's a little easier now to see a few things. like looking at something underwater, or looking through a beam of light. there's a face. masculine, a strong jaw and a little bit of a five o'clock shadow not out of fashion but out of just not addressing it. there's the slope of a nose as their head turns, brown eyes fixated on what their hands are doing with a little more concentration than usual. it's a simple dark, long-sleeved shirt and their--his? his expression looks a little sad and a little stressed and a little angry all at once knowing that there is such a high chance that's actually going to happen.
this man is going to die alone, and he can't fucking do anything about it.
but there's a flicker of a smile anyway when the assessment of the drink comes through. ]
Thanks. I figured if I wanted caffeine in my drinks I should upgrade from vodka and Red Bull to something a little classier.
no subject
[ TOO BAD!!!! IT IS THREE!!!!!! AND HE IS JUST A HEAD!!!
But maybe if they had time, he would have listened to it all in this same bar or on a walk. They don't have time... Jacopo doesn't think of it as a last time at least, not with them knowing that the other part of heaven is within reach. There could be some obstacles before they reunite, but in the afterlife there's time.
Maybe next time, whenever that is. It might be soon, so there's nothing to be sad or stressed about he thinks. It's why he raises his eyebrows when he can make out Gabriel's outline. What is there to mourn? Death seems to not be the end.
Still, he's sympathetic even if it's muted and muffled. It's difficult to talk to someone knowing when they leave this confined space that they might die. ]
You know I wasn't pressuring you. [ It was just a bit of sad banter, which might be manipulative. Not his intention, but he got something out of it. ] You have a nice smile.
[ So he wonders... If death waits for him tonight, will he be thinking about the golden wheat fields of a home he doesn't remember and the beating rays from the sun in that clear blue sky? Will he be remembering Morgana, face healed and smile so bright? Would it be other smiles instead, maybe of some people here in Heaven.
So many are bright, kind, and as much as they draw him in, they also terrify him, but he knows death is cold. It's dark. Even when he waited for it with purpose before, it didn't change the nature of its embrace... And human weakness seeks warmth.
(The reality is Jacopo will not picture anyone before he dies. Lucas will be too swift, freeing him from any lasting pain and giving him too short of a moment. Instead, Jacopo will reflect on how he will die an awful man, one who has not suffered enough for all of his sins. His last company will be crippling guilt.)
Even though Gabriel hasn't even taken a sip of their own, Jacopo thinks he has stayed here long enough. He downs his whole drink, then gets off the stool, ready to meet the night of his decapitation. ]
Consider shaving.
no subject
And you called me needy. [ it's a joke that lands flat, even if the light, easygoing expression feels a little forced. reasonably, he knows that the people who die are thrown into a healing area and they're being taken care of.
but that doesn't change what will happen before then. it doesn't change the pain of someone being hunted, fighting for their life, and eventually being killed. it doesn't change being alone in the dark, not knowing if someone will figure out the truth. and maybe that's only a part of what bothers him.
still. as much as he would love to keep jacopo here and maybe just... do something stupid, like hide him somewhere until the morning, anything to try and stop this, realistically he knows he can't. not just because he's powerless, but because jacopo won't let him. he watches as he slides off the stool, his own martini barely touched as he turns to collect the dirty glass. ]
I'll think about it. Maybe next time we meet I will. [ ...he should try to stop him. but he knows better, even if there's some amount of guilt attached to watching him walk away. ] ... good luck.
[ "be careful" goes unsaid, as does "I'm sorry." they're just words, but he thinks the sentiments are expressed enough. ]