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Forward dated to just before Tim wakes up from his coma.
Dear Kyle,
I've set this up so that if I'm absent from the city for up to two months you will receive this. I'm sorry if it got you momentarily excited.
You made me feel protected. I've somehow managed to tell you this before but you have been a solid rock on which to cling to, a safe harbour to return to since you first shocked me with a kiss.
I love you for that. I hope I was able to provide is a tiny tiny bit of comfort and support in return for all you've given me.
Know that the guilt you hold is unfounded and that you should keep on learning to let it go. You've done more good than bad in this world and your own and you should let those thoughts hold you back.
Dear Kyle,
I've set this up so that if I'm absent from the city for up to two months you will receive this. I'm sorry if it got you momentarily excited.
You made me feel protected. I've somehow managed to tell you this before but you have been a solid rock on which to cling to, a safe harbour to return to since you first shocked me with a kiss.
I love you for that. I hope I was able to provide is a tiny tiny bit of comfort and support in return for all you've given me.
Know that the guilt you hold is unfounded and that you should keep on learning to let it go. You've done more good than bad in this world and your own and you should let those thoughts hold you back.
Hello, Dr. Valenti.
My name is Diego Brando. We spoke earlier this month, although you weren't aware of who you were speaking to at the time, because the post was an anonymous inquiry about people's experiences with death.
I'm contacting you now because there's something I'd like to ask you about, and it's something that could involve Haven.
My name is Diego Brando. We spoke earlier this month, although you weren't aware of who you were speaking to at the time, because the post was an anonymous inquiry about people's experiences with death.
I'm contacting you now because there's something I'd like to ask you about, and it's something that could involve Haven.
Through devices is fine.
In my conversation with Rip, the idea of a support group for people who have dealt with particularly traumatic deaths was brought up. I doubt this is the sort of thing you had in mind when you said I could contact you, but I figured I should at least ask if it's something that could be organized by the hospital.
In my conversation with Rip, the idea of a support group for people who have dealt with particularly traumatic deaths was brought up. I doubt this is the sort of thing you had in mind when you said I could contact you, but I figured I should at least ask if it's something that could be organized by the hospital.
[ Given what they had asked about, this isn't surprising to learn they've been through but he can't help but think that this is something they should have considered before as well. ]
Given some of the things that people go through here, not to mention their own worlds, that isn't a bad idea. Could probably help me as well.
Could especially be helpful to those that have been through it back home.
[ Here in Duplicity it was awful. Back home meant dealing with something else entirely while in this place... knowing what waits for you. Or more importantly, and worse, what doesn't. ]
Given some of the things that people go through here, not to mention their own worlds, that isn't a bad idea. Could probably help me as well.
Could especially be helpful to those that have been through it back home.
[ Here in Duplicity it was awful. Back home meant dealing with something else entirely while in this place... knowing what waits for you. Or more importantly, and worse, what doesn't. ]
It would be beneficial to a good deal of people here, I imagine.
Admittedly this sort of thing isn't something I have any experience with, nor am I the most compassionate of people, so I don't know if I can offer much beyond simply bringing up the idea as a suggestion.
Admittedly this sort of thing isn't something I have any experience with, nor am I the most compassionate of people, so I don't know if I can offer much beyond simply bringing up the idea as a suggestion.
i know you were turned into a vampire
but have you temporarily been turned into anything?
but have you temporarily been turned into anything?
not really
those rooms turned me into a vampire
twice
i enjoyed it at the time
a little too much
those rooms turned me into a vampire
twice
i enjoyed it at the time
a little too much
Holy shit.
Are you okay otherwise?
What about now? How are you feeling?
I knew someone that was turned in the Mansion once. Just by the mansion and not another, but they never went back to human.
[ At least not until they returned home recently, he assumes. ]
Are you okay otherwise?
What about now? How are you feeling?
I knew someone that was turned in the Mansion once. Just by the mansion and not another, but they never went back to human.
[ At least not until they returned home recently, he assumes. ]
i'm okay
i'm not a vampire now
it was just in that room
though i'd like to forget the taste of blood
i'm not a vampire now
it was just in that room
though i'd like to forget the taste of blood
I have a question, Kyle. You don't need to answer right away, or at all, frankly, if you don't want to. I'm not going to hold it against you for not wanting to recount something ghastly.
Do you have a memory of what your death felt like before you turned?
Do you have a memory of what your death felt like before you turned?
[ Seeing Charles' name makes Kyle smile as he opens the text. Then he finds himself staring at the message and what it's asking.
He knows he could say he's not up for talking about it and Charles would let it go. He never thought to lie about the truth of it, but in the end, he can't help but to answer. Because it's Charles, and because maybe it would be good to talk about it. ]
I do. I remember everything from my throat being ripped out to choosing to step off that ship... and I remember everything from when I sank into the water until it all went dark. I have nightmares about it. And weird visions too.
[ He pauses a moment before adding... ]
I remember everything from my death back home, before Max alien jump started my heart again.
I... I never talk about it. The most I have has been with you.
Is everything okay?
[ He's not sure he'd be okay if it led him to asking these questions. ]
He knows he could say he's not up for talking about it and Charles would let it go. He never thought to lie about the truth of it, but in the end, he can't help but to answer. Because it's Charles, and because maybe it would be good to talk about it. ]
I do. I remember everything from my throat being ripped out to choosing to step off that ship... and I remember everything from when I sank into the water until it all went dark. I have nightmares about it. And weird visions too.
[ He pauses a moment before adding... ]
I remember everything from my death back home, before Max alien jump started my heart again.
I... I never talk about it. The most I have has been with you.
Is everything okay?
[ He's not sure he'd be okay if it led him to asking these questions. ]
[Kyle's experience is worse than he'd imagined. There's a quick rush of reactions that all mix, clash, and compete with one another for Charles' attention: regret, anger, guilt, sadness, sympathy, horror, and a dull tinge of physical sickness. Carefully, the vampire puts his device down for a moment, and then makes himself draw an unnecessary, centering breath.
Was asking about this terrible, when this is the answer? Is it possible for it to be terrible, when he didn't know about Kyle's experience?
Is Kyle... living his life, carrying all of this under the surface in his heart and body? In the same way he's realizing the aftermath of his own ancient death may not be so buried and inconsequential to his life now as he'd taken for granted that he'd made it?
He has questions, some that don't feel like they should be asked, and so many all at once that he can't decide what the best way to respond might be.]
No, I
I'm not. I will be soon, but I don't imagine I currently am. [That's easy enough to get out first. Honesty about the state that brought him to text in the first place.]
Christ, Kyle. I don't
know where to begin. [With what the man's just told him.]
Was asking about this terrible, when this is the answer? Is it possible for it to be terrible, when he didn't know about Kyle's experience?
Is Kyle... living his life, carrying all of this under the surface in his heart and body? In the same way he's realizing the aftermath of his own ancient death may not be so buried and inconsequential to his life now as he'd taken for granted that he'd made it?
He has questions, some that don't feel like they should be asked, and so many all at once that he can't decide what the best way to respond might be.]
No, I
I'm not. I will be soon, but I don't imagine I currently am. [That's easy enough to get out first. Honesty about the state that brought him to text in the first place.]
Christ, Kyle. I don't
know where to begin. [With what the man's just told him.]
Edited 2024-12-02 21:33 (UTC)
[ Kyle rarely thinks of the dark sides of his life. He makes jokes about being skewered behind his mother's precinct, and laughs off being dangled from a mountain.
Just as he dismisses his sire's behavior, or everything that led to him making that choice to step off the pirate ship and to drop to his death in the depths. It's easy with the madness in this place to just deal with other's pains and troubles and not worry about his own. It's just easier that way.
But Charles has asked, and already Kyle is wondering if that answer was too much. But he knows how to handle things, as he always has. ]
I'm sorry you're not okay. What happened? What can I do? Where are you?
Just as he dismisses his sire's behavior, or everything that led to him making that choice to step off the pirate ship and to drop to his death in the depths. It's easy with the madness in this place to just deal with other's pains and troubles and not worry about his own. It's just easier that way.
But Charles has asked, and already Kyle is wondering if that answer was too much. But he knows how to handle things, as he always has. ]
I'm sorry you're not okay. What happened? What can I do? Where are you?
Kyle will wake up one morning, not on Christmas but a couple of days before to a red-wrapped gift on the end of his bed. One corner is currently being chewed on by an inquisitive cat who can be easily scooped up for a cuddle.
There's a note wishing Kyle a Merry Christmas and that this is early because Tim has a habit of forgetting the day. Inside is a little couples coupon book, allowing Kyle to request things from Tim, some of them are the standard Duplicity-themed sex acts but there are about half that are blank. Tim has filled some of them in already, simple things like an uninterrupted night of cuddles or talking.
Under that is a lovely little pocket watch that Tim has made himself, a V is engraved on the cover and inside is both Kyle and Tim's names and a date, which the man will realised is the date they signed a permanent contract together.
There's a note wishing Kyle a Merry Christmas and that this is early because Tim has a habit of forgetting the day. Inside is a little couples coupon book, allowing Kyle to request things from Tim, some of them are the standard Duplicity-themed sex acts but there are about half that are blank. Tim has filled some of them in already, simple things like an uninterrupted night of cuddles or talking.
Under that is a lovely little pocket watch that Tim has made himself, a V is engraved on the cover and inside is both Kyle and Tim's names and a date, which the man will realised is the date they signed a permanent contract together.
[A beautifully wrapped gift box gets delivered on Christmas Eve. Inside is the city's best assortment of vampire-friendly chocolates with a note:
Merry Christmas!
M]
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Merry Christmas!
M]
Hello, darling.
I've arranged for another source of magical healing potions for the hospital. I know Nate has been providing to that end, but I felt having another contribution couldn't hurt in the event -- well. I'm sure you know why having several resources is likely to be a good idea.
Are you comfortable with the idea of my creating a regular arrangement with her? Her name is Neve Gallus. She's a new arrival in the city, and a mage. She's requested payment for any further contributions, but as far as my understanding of the hospital's finances go, I think we should be able to manage that.
Let me know.
I've arranged for another source of magical healing potions for the hospital. I know Nate has been providing to that end, but I felt having another contribution couldn't hurt in the event -- well. I'm sure you know why having several resources is likely to be a good idea.
Are you comfortable with the idea of my creating a regular arrangement with her? Her name is Neve Gallus. She's a new arrival in the city, and a mage. She's requested payment for any further contributions, but as far as my understanding of the hospital's finances go, I think we should be able to manage that.
Let me know.
Hey there yourself, Handsome-
Oh this is brilliant. Given how low we got when Nate was gone, I really do like the idea of having a secondary source. Just in case. We never know what might happen in this place.
I think that would be a really good idea, and she should definitely be compensated for her work. I know we can't pay extremely well but they're doing a service we can't do, so we can work that out.
I'm glad you found someone to help with this.
Oh this is brilliant. Given how low we got when Nate was gone, I really do like the idea of having a secondary source. Just in case. We never know what might happen in this place.
I think that would be a really good idea, and she should definitely be compensated for her work. I know we can't pay extremely well but they're doing a service we can't do, so we can work that out.
I'm glad you found someone to help with this.
[Kyle never seems to let him down, or fails to understand the practical utility behind the enterprising things he tries to do for the hospital. Perhaps either of those things will happen someday, but they haven't yet, and it's remarkably validating when he's been so used to working alone for so long.]
Excellent. I'll arrange a schedule with her when the time comes, then.
She also gave me the names of additional mages, but I wasn't sure whether to proceed to that end, or not. Contributions from two people seem to me like they could be enough. [.........barring some kind of terrible event like the earthquake from last year. But that, in Charles' estimation, was extraordinary and not at all typical.] But I'll happily take your thoughts there.
Oh and, of course. It bears saying: Happy New Year. I love you, and am very much looking forward to being together into the new year.
Excellent. I'll arrange a schedule with her when the time comes, then.
She also gave me the names of additional mages, but I wasn't sure whether to proceed to that end, or not. Contributions from two people seem to me like they could be enough. [.........barring some kind of terrible event like the earthquake from last year. But that, in Charles' estimation, was extraordinary and not at all typical.] But I'll happily take your thoughts there.
Oh and, of course. It bears saying: Happy New Year. I love you, and am very much looking forward to being together into the new year.
Edited 2025-01-02 03:12 (UTC)
You know, I feel kind of closed minded that, at the time we started running low before Nate came back, that I didn't look for others to brew their own kind of healing potions.
So while I think having two right now should be enough, I'm thankful to have the names in case we come to the point of needing them again. I agree with you though that two seems enough for now. I do like the idea of us still having traditional medicine at Haven as well.
[ The last part makes him smile so much though. ]
I love you too, and I am so looking forward to what all we can share this year.
So while I think having two right now should be enough, I'm thankful to have the names in case we come to the point of needing them again. I agree with you though that two seems enough for now. I do like the idea of us still having traditional medicine at Haven as well.
[ The last part makes him smile so much though. ]
I love you too, and I am so looking forward to what all we can share this year.
I need to warn you about a concerning individual who has recently arrived to the city.
If a man named Albert Wesker approaches you for a job, or to use the hospital's laboratories for any reason, I strongly advise turning him away.
If a man named Albert Wesker approaches you for a job, or to use the hospital's laboratories for any reason, I strongly advise turning him away.
Nothing concrete as yet, but I don't like the feeling I get from him.
Recently, we were discussing vampirism and his research interests: virology, and in particular theoretical viruses capable of resurrecting the dead as mobile vectors of disease. He told me that his focus is on preventing devastation from such a biological weapon, but I'm not convinced.
He sounded to me as though he's thought about his research in a militaristic sense for quite some time. It wouldn't surprise me if the counter-terrorism explanation is a fig leaf.
Recently, we were discussing vampirism and his research interests: virology, and in particular theoretical viruses capable of resurrecting the dead as mobile vectors of disease. He told me that his focus is on preventing devastation from such a biological weapon, but I'm not convinced.
He sounded to me as though he's thought about his research in a militaristic sense for quite some time. It wouldn't surprise me if the counter-terrorism explanation is a fig leaf.
Edited 2025-04-03 02:40 (UTC)
Well lovely. That is definitely not someone we need running around this place unchecked. Given the different species that might be weaponized against others? Yeah, not something I would be comfortable with either.
I wonder who is running S.T.A.R. Labs these days. It's the other lab I know of. Barry's dominant used to run it. She may still.
I wonder who is running S.T.A.R. Labs these days. It's the other lab I know of. Barry's dominant used to run it. She may still.
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