majorcrotchgrab | 009 || video//action for Goldenrod; [Fourth Wall]

Entry tags:

009 || video//action for Goldenrod; [Fourth Wall]

[... Valmont's been gone a long time. This is worrying. Might as well publically ask about it.]

I'm looking for a certain jerk: White hair, prominent nose, British accent, usually wears a green suit. He isn't responding to any of my texts and, as my roommate, he owes me rent money. It's been about two days now, I think.

... I do not like being cheated out of my money. If you've seen his stupid ass, let me know or send him on his way here so I can punch his face.

[Yeah. That oughta do. ... It's not like he cares about him, b-baka.]

[OOC: Raikov's puttering around Goldenrod City, half out of curiousity, and half out of semi-searching for Valmont. Feel free to harass him.]

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[ When Valmont finally wakes up, it's in a cot in an unfamiliar room, with some pink-haired woman fussing over him. It takes him a minute to realize that he's in a Pokémon Center - which one, he couldn't say. Now how did he get here? Because the last thing he remembers is...

...What is the last thing he remembers? It's all gone fuzzy. He remembers a lot of explosions, and a feeling of absolute joy, which may or may not have been related to the explosions, and -

And the feeling of his own neck snapping. It comes back to him in a sudden, sobering rush. The boy with the hellbird utterly humiliating him, stealing the talismans, eventually killing him like it was nothing - the talismans! He quickly pats himself down, confirming his suspicions: they're gone. Well. Even if the boy hadn't taken them, Francis did say they'd disappear on their own in a few days anyway. Has it been a few days? How long was he out? And why doesn't he feel particularly dead?

Unable to come up with any satisfactory answers to these questions, he takes to messing with his PokéGear, idly watching his missed messages. As usual, there's nothing of interest... until he comes upon one featuring a very pissed-off Russian. For a second he feels a strange warmth in what passes for his heart (Ivan cared enough to ask about him?), but it's quickly replaced by annoyance at the description of himself and a looming dread at the prospect of facing Raikov's temper.

Still, he figures he'd probably better reply. ]

My nose isn't that prominent.

[~~THERE YOU ARE YOU GOD DAMN MOTHER FUCKER. DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED HE'S BEEN.~~ Raikov is both pleased and furious that Valmont's FINALLY contacted him. He doesn't even notice the fact that the man is sitting in a hospital bed.]

It has more of an arch than mine.

...

Where the fuck have you been?

Out.

[ Because like hell is he going to say "I may or may not have just gotten killed by a psychic teenager and spent a day or so recuperating". He's got a little more pride than that. ]

[This isn't really something he wants to make public so private time it is!]

No shit, genius. I think I figured that part out. But where? And doing what?

[ Good thing Raikov set it to private, because Valmont keeps forgetting you can do that. He really ought to play around with the Gear more often. ]

Is all this questioning really necessary?

[ It's... not an unreasonable question, V. But reasonable or not, he looks highly uncomfortable at the idea of answering. ]

It's been three fucking days. You never responded to any of my messages. I think I have perfect reason to question you, considering you're my roommate!

[And lover but that's beside the point.]

[ Roommate...? Is that all he is to Raikov? ]

Look, you'll get your damn rent, all right? I'll pay you as soon as I return from... wherever I am. Honestly, and I thought I cared about money.

[Raikov scoffs, glancing off screen for a moment. He didn't mean to make it sound like that. Honestly, he could care less about the money.

But great. Now he's self conscious despite the conversation being private.]

It's... not just that. I have a right to be concerned, you know.

[Translation: I was worried.]

[ ...Oh.

Valmont's expression softens almost imperceptibly. He supposes, come to that, he does rather owe Raikov some sort of explanation. ]

If you must know, I sort of... got in a fight.

[... Slowly getting there but still not much better. At least he can look Val in the eyes again.]

Sort of?

[ Siiiigh. ]

All right, I did get in a fight. Satisfied?

A fight that put you in the hospital for 3 days.

Well, I wasn't in hospital the whole time, was I? Some of the time I was actually having the fight.

[ THAT'S... NOT ANY BETTER........ ]

A fight lasts, what, no more than 15 minutes. You want me to believe you were fighting for over a day?

There was buildup.

[ Such as the amount of time he'd spent gleefully destroying cities before Nagi called him out. ]

Look. You remember the talismans that showed up a few days ago?

Yes. ...Wh-

[...Oh. God dammit, Valmont.]

You used them, didn't you.

[ Are you really surprised, Raikov. ]

Well, of course I did! What did you expect me to do with them, use them as paperweights?

Better than using them and possibly getting cursed! If something bad happens to you, I'm not helping you.

[LOL. LITTLE DO YOU KNOW, IVAN...]

I think a curse might have been preferable.

[ His hand unconsciously comes to his neck. He can still hear the sickening sound of his bones snapping. ]

...

[okay, that worries him. His expression softens and he arches his eyebrows.]

What happened, Niles?

[ Damn it, now he has to tell him, doesn't he. ]

Well. It seems someone didn't like my using the talismans. We fought. He... [ God, but it pains him to say this. ] He won.

[ Don't ask for details don't ask for details ]

[Sorry, V. He kind of wants to know.]

... What does winning entail?

Edited 2014-12-01 12:01 (UTC)

[ You're really going to make him say it, aren't you. ]

...He... [ This is humiliating. ] He... broke my neck. If you must know.

[ No one likes a mumbler, V. ]

Ah-

[It was loud enough for him to hear it. His face turns pale. Broke... his neck... Then does that mean...?]

A... Are you paralyzed...? You aren't in a neck cast though...

[Raikov knows the pokemon centers have really good healing methods but to treat a broken neck instantly?]

No, I'm not paralyzed. By all rights I ought to be dead. I was dead... or I thought I was. [ He laughs hollowly. ] And yet here I am. If you figure that one out, I suggest you explain it to me.

[There's an odd sound that escapes from Raikov's throat, which causes him to swallow in attempt to cover it up.

Ought to be dead. He was dead. He died. If this had been back in his world...

The Russian bites his knuckle before cutting the connection for a couple of minutes.]

[Finally the feed starts back up. Katya's joined him and is cuddling up to his neck. His eyes are mostly hidden by his hair and he's avoiding looking at the screen.]

... You're a fucking idiot, Niles.

[ Doesn't he know it. ]

Ivan, I... look. I really am s- [ You can say it, V. ] - sorry for worrying you.

[ Why is it so much easier to apologize when he's pleading for mercy than it is to apologize for upsetting his lover? This would be a job for a really good therapist, if Johto had any. ]

[Another audible swallow.]

Don't ever do that again.

[Because the last thing he needs is another lover up and dying on him. Permantely, at least, since Valmont is lucky enough to somehow still be alive.]

It's hardly as though I intend to.

[ Translation: he'll be careful. Hopefully. Though if the talismans show up again... no promises. ]

Good.

[He sighs and brushes back his hair.]

What about the talismans?

He took them. [ Valmont grimaces at the memory. ] Although according to Francis, they ought to have disappeared on their own not long after. Let's hope he was right.

And if they ever show up again, you better not fucking use them.

Not use them?! But - they're the talismans!

[ YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, RAIKOV, THE TALISMANS ]

You're lucky to be alive right now!

I know, all right? I'll... I'll try. But you don't know how it feels, to be in control of that much power...

[ Would he do it again, even knowing that it was going to kill him? Honestly? He might. ]

I was nearly invincible, Ivan.

... You sound just like that old fool.

[He shakes his head. Why must he always go for power hungry, reckless men?]

Call me when you get discharged. I need some time to myself.

Who...?

[ Someone from Raikov's past, he supposes. But he doesn't press the matter. For once in his life, it occurs to him that he might try displaying some tact. ]

Right. I'll just... go. [ A pause. ] I'm s-

[ It was hard enough saying it the first time. He can't do it again. The feed clicks off. ]

[Because clearly these two need to actually meet in person.

Dist is fairly sure he's making some kind of mistake by venturing out of the base during all this chaos, but he was feeling oddly stifled in there and needed to go out and get some fresh air. Besides, maybe he can use the time to go on a flower run. There should probably be a shipment of nice holiday bouquets showing up soon...

Oh, now here's a face he wasn't expecting to run into in the thick of all these crowds! In fact, it's been a while since he's seen Raikov, but he doesn't forget a person who gets on his good side.]

Fancy seeing you here. [He'll offer a half-wave to further get Raikov's attention.] Are you actually a crowd person or did you get trapped in all this nonsense?

[Raikov recognizes the voice and turns to face him. Oh. He's even more beautiful looking in person...! He could use a good distraction too. Stupid Valmont, running off and not bothering to tell him where he is... No. Stop thinking about him and eye the handsome man in front of you, Ivan.]

Ah- You're... I don't think we actually ever exchanged names.

[The Russian pushes through the crowd of people in attempts to get closer to Dist. Once he's successful, he holds out his hand.]

Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov. And I came out willingly but didn't expect it to be this packed. What the hell is going on?

Oh, you're absolutely right. That must be rectified right away!

[He nods in recognition, accepting Raikov's handshake and taking a moment to consider that full name. It's quite unique, and it makes him wonder where Raikov's from.]

Dist. It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Raikov.

[With introductions out of the way, Dist crosses his arms, dipping his chin into his fluffy scarf.]

It seems to happen around this time of year without fail...suddenly the streets are far more packed than usual. I almost wonder if part of it is the holiday rush. You know how ridiculous consumers can get when sales and deep price cuts are waved above their heads.

[Raikov tries not to crush his hand. Russians are good for bone crunching handshakes though.]

A pleasure indeed. And please, just "Raikov" is fine.

[He returns his own hands into his coat pockets, glancing around as Dist describes the annual happenings.]

I don't really know about the holiday season. At least not like this. We only celebrate New Years in my motherland.

Raikov it is.

[It's what he would've gone with anyway, but it doesn't hurt to be formal at the start!

He shrugs at the second bit.]

There isn't much to it, at least from what I have learned. Those who participate purchase gifts for their loved ones and give them out on the Twenty-fifth of December. It's not something my own homeland celebrates either, but I've found it to be somewhat enjoyable.

[He glances at the large crowd, frowning slightly.]

However, the shops take advantage of the holiday to draw shoppers in, making it seem like a purely commercial holiday. And of course, the consumers fall for it without fail.

Oh, I know what "Christmas" is about. It's basically the same as our New Years. I'm just not used to the... crazy shopping sprees and stuff.

[He scoffs, although not surprised.]

Tch.... Typical captalistic way of running things. It's disgusting.

Ah, yes that's the name. I always seem to forget it since it doesn't exist where I am from. But yes, it truly misses the point of the holiday, doesn't it?

[Part of him wonders if he would even care about this topic at all if he didn't have people to give gifts to though. Huh.]

But enough about that depressing subject, how have you been faring? We haven't spoken in quite a while.

[He's making a point to keep moving so they can get out of this stifling crowd for a minute or two.]

It doesn. I'm glad New Years back home doesn't turn everyone into greedy bastards like it does here.

[Raikov wouldn't blame him. He wouldn't go out shopping early if it wasn't for the fact that the good stuff will probably be taken by the time Christmas rolls around. Friggin captalist holidays.

He follows Dist, quite glad to get away from all the buzz of activity.]

I've been... well enough.

[He looks uneasy for a moment.]

Do you know of a man named "Valmont?"

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009 || video//action for Goldenrod; [Fourth Wall]

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