i don't even know what i am doing- canon is "from beyond"

[repinealator]

What am I supposed to say? One moment I'm over...there and now here I am in the hands of a different person. You may think this is all entertaining but to be frank with you I don't want any part of this. Just leave me homeless and you'll do both of us a favor.

[ Scratches under his chin. ]

Besides... you wouldn't want me. This is role-playing, right? Having to deal with other people is not a strong point of mine. Nothing exciting would come out of any of my interactions with others. More the reason why you should reconsider finding another muse.

So please...

Comments

[old_one_hero]

Oh come on, I know you're likely mentally ill but at least give it a shot.

Even I'm talking to people on here, that has to count for something.

[repinealator]

It's easier said than done. Honestly, I don't know what this person expects from me.

[old_one_hero]

By the way, good job not flying into a frenzy the moment you saw me. I guess your problem in your corner of the world isn't with cultists?

[repinealator]

I don't see a reason to "fly into a frenzy" when there are much more...strange things in this place. At some point, you come to accept it.

[undeadpan]

That isn't going to do you any good.

[repinealator]

Then what else am I supposed to do?

[undeadpan]

Stop begging, firstly. They don't deserve your niceties or your respect. Stop treating them like they do.

[repinealator]

There has to be some level of mutuality here. You can't expect me to give them the cold-shoulder, that would only worsen this whole situation.

[undeadpan]

Or they could take it as a cue to take advantage of you. Would you like that?

[repinealator]

But they told me this is supposed to be harmless. All I have to do is be here and that's all. They wouldn't do such a thing...

[undeadpan]

Do you know that for certain, or is that just what you're hoping?

People lie. If they make a promise, you can count on them to break it sooner or later. You don't strike me as a dullard; this should be an easy enough concept for you to wrap your mind around.

[repinealator]

Good, then your intuition should tell you I don't need to be re-lectured on the human condition. I am merely giving them the benefit of the doubt. Nothing more. When that time does come then I'll know for certain.

[undeadpan]

[oh. you're sassy.]

What do you plan on doing until then? [he actually sounds genuinely curious.]

[repinealator]

[ running on a few hours of sleep will do that you. ]

Hard to say. Perhaps I'll stay here for the time being. The chances of me moving are...well, very slim.

And what about you? Here you are, coming out of nowhere, donning the same face as me yet I don't have the slightest idea of who you are.

[undeadpan]

It isn't a bad idea. You can do productive things when you're alone, if you manage your time right. [he says that in a lofty sort of way that suggests he has no problem doing that.]

Hm. What can I say? I'm drawn to curiosities. This certainly qualifies as one.

[pauses.]

It's West. Herbert West.

[repinealator]

Crawford Tillinghast. [ he extends a hand out for a handshake. ]

That's a nice thought. It'll be a good opportunity to finally go over everything. Well- my work at least. It seems that's how I get the most work done.

[undeadpan]

[he looks down at it like he's not sure what to do with it at first before taking it and sloooowly, rigidly shaking it.]

I've heard of you. You attended Miskatonic Univeristy.

[repinealator]

[ he'll take it. crawford understands the use in social niceties but that doesn't mean his handshake is any less awkward. ]

That's right. You know about it?

[undeadpan]

I'm in the medical program. If I recall, you wrote an article on Hardy's paradox fairly recently. My roommate showed it to me.

[a beat.]

It was fairly interesting. Redundant at points, but fascinating nonetheless.

[repinealator]

Yes well- it was only to re-emphasize the point of the variables within the paradox. You wouldn't imagine the kinds of arguments I would get into with my colleagues over something that is plainly written in front of their eyes.

[ pauses. ]

But thank you.

[undeadpan]

Given the people I've seen come in and out of that university on a daily basis, I can believe it. Some people just don't know how to understand the obvious unless they're slapped upside the head with it; how they even manage to get degrees in the first place is beyond me.

[repinealator]

Are you familiar with the saying "buying your way through college?" [ he raises an eyebrow. ]

The ivory tower is not as glorious from above. Eventually you come across a few good decent minds that'll help you along your way. That's more than enough.

[undeadpan]

Now you're just being crude. [not that he has a problem with that.]

True, but there's nothing terribly wrong if you're alone either. Good people can be just as complicated as bad ones.

[repinealator]

I suppose that is one way of looking at it.

...Do you have someone you trust, Herbert?

[undeadpan]

[he blinks at the other man and resists the urge to tilt his head.] Hm?

[odd question. it takes him nearly a minute to think it over, but none of the answers satisfy him and that's frustrating because it should be so easy to answer. does he trust anyone? he thinks he did, once. it didn't last very long, though. people die, things change, priorities are rearranged. so technically, there isn't anyone.

is there?]

...There might be.