This is a mistake... - Canon is Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

[justthehelper]

You're aware how much of a mistake this is, right?

...

Then why've you done this? Seriously, what happened to taking it easy?

Comments

[takaba_akihito]

Isn't it a mistake enough that you've been dragged out, into this place, thanks to someones selfish whims?

[ Excuse him. The kid is new here and rather agitated at being taken on as a 'Muse'. A scenario he's yet to really comprehend- not that he actually cares to grasp the notion. So have a miffed photographer who proceeds to vent at you, through your own problems. ]

..Ah. [ Akihito's blinking as a thought hits him. ] Hey.

Why do you even care if they're supposed to be- [ Vague gesture of one hand ] keeping their stress down and not over-doing things.

Aren't you pissed they've kidnapped you, too?

[justthehelper]

If I wanted out, I'd be out.

[He's an agent of the IMF, nothing can hold him if he doesn't want them to.]

I'm just making sure that when this guy goes, I don't go, too. Pretty sure that's how it works or something.

[takaba_akihito]

..'Goes'?

[ Okay. So he's got a bit of a grudge against these Muns. True. But it isn't like he's the type to savor anyones suffering. Or worse. It's in his nature to be somewhat of a compassionate guy, therefore the question has to be asked, considering the uncomfortable finality of that word. ]

Uh. I. Hope he's- okay, and everything?

[justthehelper]

He's fine. I just want to make sure. I'm kinda fond of continuing my existence.

[takaba_akihito]

[ Exhales, trying on a small smile. Okay, so he was a little concerned. ]

That's a relief.

...And- oh, sure. It's not like I blame you. I've got the same mindset. There's too much left to do in life before I kick the bucket.

[ Rubs the back of his head a bit thoughtfully. ]

My job. Friends. Other stuff... [ Nice and vague. ] But everyone does, I guess.

Thanks, by the way. I mean it. :)

[justthehelper]

I wouldn't worry too much about him. From the others in this... headspace thing, I hear he's still kinda an asshole.

[And an easy smile spreads. The laid-back attitude is just a facade, really.]

And other stuff's good. I like other stuff.

Anytime! I really mean it too.

[takaba_akihito]

Funny, it really is a small world. My Writer pretty much has that title trademarked.

'Grade-A Asshole'! 'Selfish Asshole'. [ Shrugs, lowering hands after using them to gesture above his head, as if picturing the delightful nicknames up in flashing lights. ]...You get the drill.

So. Guess yours is in good company?

[ He stops scowling, and instead succumbs to a moment of silence when the man mentions all which he'd skated over, and crammed into the mess which was everything else in his life. Surely this guy couldn't know what he meant, or what his life entailed. It was a harmless comment, so- hurry up and treat it like one before you look suspicious, Akihito. ]

..Y-yeah. Pretty great.

[ Ahaha. No. The 'Other Stuff' in his life is inexcusably horrible and confusing. All he wanted was a sweet and kind girlfriend. That's all. ..And maybe a decent job where he didn't get jumped, beaten and shot at just for taking pictures. And Luck, being the oh-so compassionate lady that she is, decided otherwise. You look like a nice, upstanding guy. Seriously. You could never understand. ]

[justthehelper]

['Nice and upstanding'. Again, all part of a facade. You should see Brandt's kill list. Granted, yes, the idea is stealth, but there are occasions where you just need to blow someone's brains out.]

Guess so. I think that's one thing that all muns have in common, huh?

[And then there's a pause, a slight pause. Because he's noticed, Akihito. Noticed, but not going to comment on it. Not yet.]

So, you got any of that stuff? Job?

[takaba_akihito]

I sure do!

[ He rethinks the honesty of that statement, and then clears his throat with a sheepish look. ]

Well. I kind of bounce around a bit, from one company to another after the previous job ends. But I'm a photographer, no matter who hires me. Mostly freelance for newspapers and that sort of thing.

It's my- [ Feels around for the right word. ] ...passion, you could say. Don't think I could ever quit or try to do anything else and feel like I was still me.

[sixthanimorph]

You're taking this a lot more in stride than most people do.

[justthehelper]

I'm pretty sure if he dies, I go with him.

[sixthanimorph]

So you're making yourself his bodyguard? That's... new.

Everyone I ever met went with the opposite approach.

[justthehelper]

Well, it's kinda what I do.

[Without someone giving out missions, he might as well protect the dude who's keeping him in existance, right?]

He'll be fine. Even if I have to pull a gun on him so he'll take things easy.

[sixthanimorph]

[He has to laugh at that. Anybody who's this laid-back can't be that bad, he figures.]

You let me know how that works for you. What's he got in mind for you that's making you think of pulling a gun on him, anyway?

[justthehelper]

[Trust me, the laid-backness is all a facade. You should see him in action.]

In mind for me? Nothing. It's just creating this... journal is the last thing he should've done. He's got enough people running around in here.

[sixthanimorph]

[He's got a bad habit of judging books by their covers. But most people see him and think harmless kid so it evens out.]

Maybe he just wanted you around to watch his back. You did say you were a bodyguard, right?

[justthehelper]

Of a sort.

And maybe. Maybe he's got something planned for me. Who knows?

[twentysevenways]

You should threaten to break their bones. This is the advice I was given.

[justthehelper]

Thanks, but it's easier when I can back up a threat like that.

[twentysevenways]

That is what I thought. But I am not a god. It may be different.

[justthehelper]

Could always hold a gun to the inside of his head, I suppose.

[twentysevenways]

Destroying your residence is a last resort.

I intend to negotiate. Our needs are not dissimilar. She desires peace and independence for me. This is acceptable although the probability is low due to the presence of variables from home. If you can coexist that is my advice.

[justthehelper]

It's good advice. I'll bear that in mind, should the need ever arise for me to act on it.

[twentysevenways]

You feel your existence is a mistake.

[justthehelper]

I feel my existance here is a mistake. There's a difference.