![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
week 7 - still don't know the fucking daaaate
[ Ultimately, he doesn't feel safe here.
Jack is actually pretty genuinely surprised that he ended up in the medbay at all, because truth be told, when his vision had started blurring, he really thought that was it. So waking again was a surprise, and even moreso that it was alone. Objectively, that's stupid. He'd killed a man in front of everyone, just as he had been promising, yet they left him alone?
Though as he looks up towards the vent in the room, he can take a guess at why.
Nowhere in the ship is safe, most likely, but he doesn't like being here. It's too open, too full of dangerous implements, and so he's decided that before the end of the day, he's definitely going to leave. Just, you know, after some of those salves or whatever do a little more of their work. He's already reopened one wound and had it get him into trouble, so he's not keep for a repeat on that department.
Still. It's pretty fucking boring. Jack has been sitting here basically hoping that someone would come by so that he could at least talk to them, but finally, in desperation, he's turning to his datapad. He hasn't really touched it yet, and for reasons that will become apparent as Yuno enters the room. He's concentrating on the screen, tapping away with one hand, albeit slowly, though without thinking, he tries to swipe the screen with his other hand. ]
Oh, goddammit.
[ Jack may have a little bit of a learning curve here with the whole "no hand" thing. ]
Jack is actually pretty genuinely surprised that he ended up in the medbay at all, because truth be told, when his vision had started blurring, he really thought that was it. So waking again was a surprise, and even moreso that it was alone. Objectively, that's stupid. He'd killed a man in front of everyone, just as he had been promising, yet they left him alone?
Though as he looks up towards the vent in the room, he can take a guess at why.
Nowhere in the ship is safe, most likely, but he doesn't like being here. It's too open, too full of dangerous implements, and so he's decided that before the end of the day, he's definitely going to leave. Just, you know, after some of those salves or whatever do a little more of their work. He's already reopened one wound and had it get him into trouble, so he's not keep for a repeat on that department.
Still. It's pretty fucking boring. Jack has been sitting here basically hoping that someone would come by so that he could at least talk to them, but finally, in desperation, he's turning to his datapad. He hasn't really touched it yet, and for reasons that will become apparent as Yuno enters the room. He's concentrating on the screen, tapping away with one hand, albeit slowly, though without thinking, he tries to swipe the screen with his other hand. ]
Oh, goddammit.
[ Jack may have a little bit of a learning curve here with the whole "no hand" thing. ]
no subject
still, paranoia is a friend of her's she knows all too well; she tapes up several vents as best she can. as she does, she remembers her resolve to get back to yukki, to get off this damn ship. she has to survive, and there's one person who is, to her, the key to that. rhys' reveal proved it: handsome jack knew who, on this ship, was a danger to people. he made enemies with them.
people might oppose him, but to her, he's the only one capable here.
pure delight washes across her face when she sees him, awake, alive, mostly in one piece. jack is not dead, and he can still get her home. that's all that matters. after a week of avoiding nightmares in which jack, more of a symbol than a man to her, was killed.... nearly watching it happen was horrific, and it's hard not to break into a tearful smile. there's still a chance. ]
Mr. Jack! You're okay!
[ she rushes over to him, and indeed, it's easy to see what the problem is, but through her tears and elation, it takes a back seat: instead, yuno opts to dash over, abandoning a roll of duct tape as she goes, and throw her arms over jack's shoulders. ]
I was so scared you weren't going to be okay, but you are. You really are... you're awake and okay, and I'm so glad you're okay, Mr. Jack! You scared me so much, I thought you were going to die!
no subject
That tone in her voice confuses him.
It catches him off guard enough to relax, and any sort of response he might have had were it an attack would have been useless. It's of course a good thing, though when she actually gets to the point of throwing her arms around him. Okay. That? That doesn't not feel good. Even a little bit. Pain sears across his chest and his arm, but Jack's response is only a laugh, as it is often is. It's breathy and strained, and it's easy to hear some of the pain in it. ]
W- Woah, careful there, kiddo, or you're gonna change that—
[ He responds with a joking tone, but deflecting with humor lets him have the time to process the larger event here. She was worried about him, worried he was going to die. That's... a surprise. Even with their conversations, Jack hadn't exactly expected that she would truly be worried about him. Their alliance was practical. He was the way off the ship, and she wanted off badly enough to go pursuing the person who could do it, if anyone. Would it make sense for her to cry over that relief? He's not sure. He sure wouldn't, but in this, he realizes his reactions aren't exactly typical. ]
C'mon...
[ Jack shifts as best he can, but then reaches up with the one good arm to half return her affectionate, physical gesture, though his own touch is more careful. It's not quite uncertain, but it's not full, as if this is something he feels he should do. Though even so, his hand settles on her back as a heavy, comforting weight. ]
You think I'd go down that easy?
no subject
after elizabeth-- the thing that taken her... after seeing jack maimed like that, the feeling in yuno's gut was all too similar to when she woke up after the first nightmare. the difference was simple, though: she didn't wake up. it was a reality that jack was down for the count, and elizabeth was-- ]
You're strong, I know that, but I still worry. Every Thursday is just... the worst, Mr. Jack.
[ and it's truth, but as she remembers every thursday night's dread, a new fear strikes her. elizabeth, with dark eyes, the blue color in them wiped away completely. it can't happen again. ]
Elizabeth... she's safe, now. Isn't she? It's not inside her anymore, but... [ grell had been so certain. people had voted for her. it can't happen again. elizabeth wants to go to paris; how is that any different from seeing the stars with yukki? they're both dreams they have. without knowing it, she puts herself and elizabeth on the same level. ]
She... can you keep her safe? I'll help, if you need it, there's not much else I'm good at. I'm sorry, but... she wants to go to Paris, can you-- can you take her? I'm sorry, I know I made a request already, but Elizabeth, she's...
[ a friend, right? elizabeth is a friend. ]
no subject
But, at the very least, he's learned the right motions, the right words to say. That part has always come naturally to him, so long as he can remember.
He shifts back slightly, though his expression falls when Elizabeth is brought up. It's not quite disapproving, but there's a flicker of some kind of doubt or uncertainty, almost as if he hadn't expected it, but he nods. ]
Yeah- I mean, yeah. I assume so. Kind of... saw it leave, or something. Dunno. Hard to remember, honestly.
[ He's not sure about that part, since it's fuzzy. He remembers watching Alice do something to Elizabeth, but he was so blinded by his own pain and his rage, that it had been secondary to that process. There's more of a pause as he listens to Yuno's request, and at least at this, his expression softens. ]
Well, uh. Don't know where Paris is, to be completely honest, Yuno. [ just... saying that part first, since that's probably important ] But, that aside? Don't worry about that part, kiddo. It's a request I don't mind at all. Dunno-- Dunno if she'd even want it, but, yeah. I mean- [ He pauses to laugh ] That's what heroes do, right?
no subject
the scar, yes, it's alarming, graphic, and difficult to look at unless you know it's there and you expect it. yuno looks at it and sees proof that jack has survived.
yeah, that's what heroes do. the cool ones in movies who rescue people at the last minute and completely annihilate the villain in the story. jack's some sort hero, even if people don't believe in him. it makes sense; someone who lives a hard life saving lives and going through hell to get where he is, that's not going to be an easy man. jack's difficult with people and yuno can recognize that. but difficult doesn't mean bad or wrong... and it certainly doesn't mean useless.
a shaky smile makes its way across her lips. ]
I forgot that you don't know about Earth. It's the same place I'm going to, so Elizabeth and I... you can leave us on Earth, together. [ it's not yuno offering to go to paris with her, either. it definitely isn't. she has more important things to do, and they'll just go their separate ways and... ]
I keep asking you to do things for me. I'm sorry, Mr. Jack! Whatever you want, I can do it. There's not a whole lot about me that I'm proud of, or things that I'm good at. Actually, it seems like all I can do is kill people, but... I try really hard to make things happen, at least. If you keep trying, then it'll happen, I think.
no subject
He nods in understanding, since he at least picked up from context clues that it was probably some kind of kickass place on Earth. That goes without comment, but the rest gets him to laugh again as he settles back to half-recline on the bed. After all, he wouldn't admit it, but getting Yuno's weight on him for a few moments there, it kind of, maybe, possibly hurt. But it's cool. ]
Aww, what? You're depressin' me, kiddo! There's gotta plenty you're good at.
[ It's pretty encouraging for Jack, but then again, Yuno is someone that's encouraging him, albeit unintentionally. He's a pretty sentimental guy at heart, so he can at least return these kinds of gestures. ]
But— Y'know. [ He pauses, getting comfortable, then nods to her. ] You caught my attention with what you said on Saturday night. Gotta admit it. And-- I appreciate it. Forgot to say that then. But, hell, didn't stop my temper in the end, but at least stopped me from killing Rhys right then and there.
no subject
briefly, she remembers a little girl in an orphanage who had sudden outbursts, and who struggled to get along with the other kids -- a girl who grew up there, watching everyone else get adopted, everyone else getting picked over her, until the couple who would become her mother and father walked in and decided on her.
that's an irrational thought, one she doesn't need, and she discards it as soon as it strikes her. (this is not going very smoothly at all, is it, yuno?)
yuno inhales, focusing on her breathing to avoid the thought. jack clearly wants to discuss saturday night. that's understandable. she knew this was coming. this is just another form of business. there's no need to bring up her parents and wonder what their voices sounded like. it's almost been three months, right...? ]
That... I'm glad. A lot of people have a strong sense of justice, so I didn't want you to get implicated. I knew you didn't do it, and you shouldn't give them a reason to vote for you. [ with rhys gone, no one can prove handsome jack is as terrible as he believed, right? she thinks so. to her, this is part where the hero rises from the destruction of the previous act, ready to save everyone. ]
But what I told you, Jack, that's how I learned to kill. So... I guess that's another thing I'm good at. [ not bringing people back, no. she realizes the implication quickly, and steps back to hold her hands up. ]
To learn how to do that, I-- I had to join a game, and... That's sort of the prize. A way to see people again.
no subject
Yet it's not something he particularly wants to explain, so as Yuno continues, he doesn't give it any further consideration. Maybe later. Maybe never. But he listens to her story, though his expression does turn serious again as he mulls it over. It's clear to see him analyzing it and truly thinking hard about it, since for all his bravado, he is at least sharp. ]
—Yeah. Gotta say, that sounds like one of those "too good to be true" deals. Not saying I don't believe you, though. Just-- [ He pauses, seeming to want to choose his words carefully. ] Why do you believe it's true?
no subject
Back home, God is dying.
[ that sounds really hokey, she knows. silly. ridiculous. still, she is sincere; it's easy to read in her expression. ]
Because of that, there's a game. In this game, God, his name is Deus ex Machina... He's chosen twelve potential successors. I'm one of them.
[ she pauses the swallow. it's hard to keep looking jack in the eye, so she takes a second to blink away the threat of tears before continuing. admitting all of this is-- difficult, to say the least. if yukki knew, that would be the end of them. ]
If you win the game, you become God.
...Jack, I won. In order to do it, I had to kill everyone. All of them. Y...Yukki, too. I killed Yukki, and I was going to bring him back. But when I did--
[ it's all too much for her; yuno raises a hand to wipe away falling tears, and finally looks back at jack. ] I learned the hard way! I learned the hard way that I did it wrong! Because of me, Yukki was so unhappy, so I did it over. I made it all go back to before the game started...! I know what to do now, how to win, and how to bring everyone back. Back home, he's alive. Yukki is alive. I have to kill everyone again, but when I win the game, Jack...
[ for all the tears, yuno is determined to prove how serious she is here. her gaze is genuine and honest. she makes sure to make eye contact with jack. ]
I can bring her back. I know how to do it, now. I can bring them all back, if that's what you want. I just have to get home and win the game.
no subject
So, for people that know Handsome Jack, they also know that this is when he's dangerous. So when Yuno talks of God, Jack hears talk of kings, of opportunity. His hand comes up to his chin, resting there thoughtfully, but his gaze is fixed and focused on Yuno in a different way than she's seen before. It's intense, and Jack makes no effort to hide the fact that he's looking at her as if he's trying to discern the truth of her story. A few weeks ago, he would have dismissed it as imposibility, but with the things here? The people he's met?
He actually breathes out a laugh when he realizes it, because it should be preposterous, and yet, he believes her. ]
So— [ He starts, but his voice is shakier than he expects. He's not sure whether it's excitement or something else, but he laughs again, and it's gone. ] Man, so you're pretty much an expert at this, huh, Yuno?
[ It's different, and Jack knows it, but he doesn't elaborate or correct himself. That comment isn't particularly important, after all. His smile grows dangerously, but it's not at Yuno herself. No, on the contrary, Yuno has just become incredibly valuable to him. Their alliance at first had been something useful to him, something that he felt he would accomplish regardless, so Yuno watching his back was only a help in that overall goal. But now, with her dangling possibility in front of him, it becomes mutual. ]
If-- If you can do that, then, kiddo? I'll help you. Not just get off this ship, not just make sure you and Liz get home, but to win your game. It sounds— Hah, gotta say, sounds crazy! But, y'know? Being able to bring people back from the dead at all, that, that's pretty damn insane. But, hey, at this point, I'll take that risk.
[ He has nothing else to lose, he thinks. So even if this fails... It's no more loss than he's already facing. ]
My Angel, Rhys, we'll bring them back. Everyone else? I'll let you decide. But my baby girl, I've at least gotta get her back.
no subject
and it is, because jack tells her that he wants to bring angel back. he laughs, like he can't believe himself, and she doesn't blame him. a shy smile breaks across her face, in contrast to the tears still welling up in her eyes. if someone else had told her this story, she might not have believed it. ...no, she wouldn't have. jack's not a normal man, but he's probably never dealt with gods or magical cellphones. ]
You're being too kind to me, but I know you want to make sure. That way, even if something happens to me, you'll be able to bring her back, your daughter. Her name... it's Angel, right?
[ how fitting. not even death can stop angel and her influence on her father, like some kind of biblical passage. ]
You'll bring her back. [ by yuno's hand, yes, but it's jack's actions that allow it. ] I can tell... you'll do it.
no subject
Yeah-- Yeah, that's her name. And I mean, I'd sure as hell like to. To, uh, say the least.
[ He laughs, though it's breathy and a little weak. Jack pauses, considering something, then reaches out to place his hand on Yuno's head carefully. It's the sort of affectionate, tender gesture that shows his support, since in truth, he'd probably hug her right now. Just, you know, that kind of hurts. ]
So, trust me, kiddo, if there's a way outta here? I'm gonna find it. I promise.