canon is the following, spoilers likely

[poetfire]

Now, now. You've already made a vital mistake. To not to have read neither my work nor the one written in my name... Hm.

I imagine it's a grueling task, working yourself into the mind of a serial killer. I can appreciate your efforts. And, yes, before you discover you want to ask; I can appreciate the irony of all this. The writer becomes the written, and such. What a simple mind you have.

"Those who dream by day..."

Comments

[couldntdoit]

Are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.

[A small, hopeful little smile.]

I'm sure she'll catch up with it. It's...hard to stay away from your works.

[poetfire]

[ As if his friends would miss the reference. He'd expect no less. Joe returns the faint smile, inclining his head pointedly. ]

I've started to doubt her purpose. Keeping me here in chains? Why expend the energy when they've already been fitted so nicely for me in our home?

[couldntdoit]

[He shifts, the hope still there. Still present.]

Chains can never hold you for long, though. Especially when they're only there for you to break. [There's a brief light that flickers over his face, he knows that story. He can recite that quote.] "The chains are for the purpose of increasing the confusion by their jangling. You are supposed to have escaped, en masse, from your keepers..."

[poetfire]

You never know. This could be "my last jest." [ There's a slight upturn of the lip into more of a smirk. They could play quote Poe forever, he knows. ]

Jacob. How are you?

[couldntdoit]

[Jo would win, obviously. It's only a matter of time before Jacob runs out of quotes. Shows how limited his mind really is, in comparison. Just a matter of time before him disappoints him.

But at the question, the smile fades, his eyes turn down.]

I... [A cough. He's trying and failing to hide his worries, his problems.] I've been better.

[poetfire]

I would imagine. [ He dips his head down slightly, calculating. The gesture of a concerned father-like figure, maybe. ] It isn't easy being taken from your home, ripped from your life.

FFFFFFFFFF *joe wow who knew that would be my biggest typo problem. /facehands

[couldntdoit]

[He looks back up to him, a little panicked.]

It's not that. [He says quickly, the panic fading as he starts to feel...well. Like he's not living up to his standards. He's not becoming who he's supposed to be.] It just feels like... [He bites his lower lip for a moment, sighing.] Paul and Emma just seem to be having an easier time.

[There's something dark that appears when he mentions them. Something far in the back of his mind.] A much easier time.

Fair enough, between the two threads. I FORGIVE YOU.

[poetfire]

[ Does't Jacob always feel like that? He has loads of esteem issues. Naturally, Joe knows this. ]

If you keep comparing yourself to the others, things will not improve. [ They're so unique, his following. Individual, even as a group. So. ] Why do you think that?

my brain. it just doesn't get it.

[couldntdoit]

[Yes, well, it doesn't help that Jacob thought he'd be over them by now. Now that the plan is underway.]

I just... [He's looking down again, fiddling with his sleeve.] I still couldn't do it. I had the chance, everything was set up, and I couldn't.

[Don't be mad don't be mad don't be mad]

It's all good. 8D

[poetfire]

It isn't an easy thing. You have to work at it in your own time. [ He's a patient man, and it isn't as if they don't have time. Especially here. ] You've just been given ample time to practice, haven't you? To focus. To reflect on what you really want to do.

[ To each his own. Joe's sure that Jacob can see the beauty in what they're all working toward, but it's not simple for all to kill. As beautiful as it is, it's still difficult. ]

[appreciated]

I'm sure the effort will be worth it. 'I have great faith in fools; self-confidence my friends call it.'

[poetfire]

Well-spoken, Paul. [ As most of them are. ] I've just been speaking with Jacob; he says you've adjusted well to this place.

[appreciated]

I think Jacob has a bit more adjusting to do, but we're moving along with the plan.

[poetfire]

Delighted to hear it. It's a minor bump in the road, at best.

[appreciated]

It'll get worked out. I'm not concerned.

'That man is not truly brave who is afraid either to seem or to be, when it suits him, a coward.'

[poetfire]

You've all done very well so far. I have no doubt that you'll be able to move forward from here.