don't go breaking my heart

[inaclearing]

[Well. All that sure happened!

Brett hasn't done much for one of these post-trial gatherings thus far, but he's been trying very hard to be functional lately, and...well, the fact that so many other people aren't okay right now just makes that all the more important. So he'll go around telling people, or slipping notes under doors if need be:]

We're going to have some food at the bar, if anyone wants it.

- Brett & Joy

[It feels a little weird to have it there, but...let's be honest. He expects quite a few people will be passing through the bar of the own accord tonight. They may as well not drink on empty stomachs.

There's not a ton going on. Brett's figured out how to turn the light-up dance floor off - it seemed a little inappropriate. Despite being hosted at the bar, Brett hasn't actually set out any alcohol; there's tamagoyaki and a big vat of chicken noodle soup sitting on some tables in the middle of the room, as well as tea for anyone who wants a drink that isn't alcoholic. Everyone who does want to drink can serve themselves. Also, someone has draped a rainbow pride flag over the bar? It seems appropriate given who's throwing the party, at least, and he didn't really have it in his to stop Joy, so.

You're free to turn on some music, if you want. Brett couldn't pick anything out on the jukebox, it seems.]

Comments

[fuckingguy]

[ There is a decent amount of dead air before he speaks, still looking forward. ]

That is not the issue anymore.

[ IT STILL KIND OF WAS, THOUGH... HE'LL APPRECIATE IT EVENTUALLY ]

I am not going to be soft with you tonight, Jonathan. You should leave if that is going to put you in a state.

[hotpaprika]

... I will stay, I can handle it. Whatever you have to say to me, I am sure it is something I need to hear.

[fuckingguy]

Very well.

How do you think I was feeding before I awoke in New Rapture? Do not say what you think I want to hear, because you have no fucking clue what that is.

[hotpaprika]

[He fidgets in his seat, but he only barely hesitated.]

Ah... infants, I suppose. Besides me, those were the only blood I had witnessed my captors attempt to eat.

1/2

[fuckingguy]

[ HE ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THE BABY EATING... ]

cw vampirism talk including The Infants

[fuckingguy]

No. I was not eating babies, okay? I was draining the lifeblood from adults like a regular person.

... Nonetheless. Yes, I was killing people. I have been killing people for over seven centuries. Do you have any idea how many human lives that adds up to?

[hotpaprika]

Oh, my apologies! I only had the Count and his wives for reference before; I didn't know if that was normal for your kind.

[But he sighs, continuing to listen. God that was so many people, it pained him to think of all those innocent lives lost.

... And yet a thought sticks out to him.]

Wait, if you don't mind me asking, why did you object to consuming my blood if you had...?

[fuckingguy]

This is the problem, Jonathan!

[ Nandor shuts his book with a snap. ]

You are apologizing to me after I tell you I have murdered thousands of people, and then you ask me why I do not want to drain your blood and kill you?! Have these five weeks just not fucking happened?

[ He stands up and strides forward, still speechifying. ]

Of course I wanted to eat you! But I did not, even when I was starving and you were traipsing about smelling all pathetic and delicious, because I have self control! And now, it has been too long, and I care about all you assholes!

[hotpaprika]

[Oh...

Jonathan is quiet for a long time after hearing that. Words fail him as he just sits there, taking in Nandor's speech.

His voice is quiet when he finally speaks.]

You... truly care about me?

[fuckingguy]

[ Waving an arm in exasperation: ]

Was it not obvious? Yes, Jonathan, I have grown to have some affection for you, it is not that big a deal.

[ It was definitely not obvious! But Nandor is the kind of guy who goes around the world thinking his feelings towards others are known without ever stating them to said others. ]

[hotpaprika]

[Jonathan sits there for a few minutes, completely stunned.

Then, he stands up, giving Nandor a tearful smile.]

Oh Nandor, I knew I had a good feeling about you! I have affection towards you as well.

[fuckingguy]

And that is nice, but it does not change the fact that I have killed thousands of people! Do you know how many more people that is than Seo Dawon has killed, Jonathan? It is thousands more.

[ HE... ASSUMES... ]

[hotpaprika]

I am aware but... you need it to live, correct? I certainly do not approve of you murdering people, but if you absolutely have to...

[There is a pause, as a look crosses his face.]

Dear Goodness, I can't believe I'm defending a murderer.

[He doesn't sound upset or anything, just baffled that he's gotten to this place.]

[fuckingguy]

[ Nandor sighs, and some of the Big Yell goes out of him as he steps nearer to Jonathan. ]

You are doing that because you are fond of me. Which is understandable, but it is not necessary to justify my actions simply because they have not done harm to you personally.