>> 'Cause we all know nobody ever dies twice

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ The first thing to note is that Angela is at the Astral Pub, sitting on a barstool.

The second thing to note that that she doesn't really look like Angela. Well, all right, the purple hair and the pointed ears and the face and the figure are the same. But she's not dressed like Angela-- in fact, she's wearing a gray pantsuit straight out of Depression Era New York, a matching tie threaded loosely through the collar of her blouse.

The third thing to note is that she's got a drink in her hand, which she's stirring with one finger. She's had an interesting past hour and is a bit deep in thought. So lurkers, stalkers, and creepy quiet people, she's not going to notice you until you say or do something. :I ]

(( Experiment staaaaaart~ ))

Comments

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Equally neutral expression.] Still snows in Central Park, still monsters everywhere. Not much's changed.

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

Haven't noticed anything different outside of me, either. [ She leans back on the bar, propping her elbows on the surface. She dangles one leg, unaware of all the testosterone floating through the air. ]

I'm probably it. Hope so, anyway. The idea of Riesz or Mother drilling some big bruno for whatever reason gives me the willies.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Still has a very neutral expression] So this experiment seems to be focused on you Angela, even if it involves Firo's world. Since I assume Firo is unaffected, unless... [Turns to Firo] Do you have new memories too?

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

Got a few. [Twitch of a smile] Like that rag. [He nods at the picture.] And when we grifted together, couple times. Nearly got nabbed by the coppers once. But they don't feel right, like they're just oil on water.

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

That one cop nearly filled you full of daylight, if Luck hadn't tripped him up... [ She states, then blinks a few times, rubbing her forehead. ] They're a bit like dreams that come back. One moment you've got nothing, the next it all fits.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

So they decided to slip you into Firo's world for some reason, and decided give you enough memories to make the transition as easy as possible. I suppose we should be grateful this appears to be one of their tamer experiments. [It sounds like he's trying to convince himself of that]

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

It's... a lot better than some things I can think of. One that I'm prepared, two that it's Firo's world and not someone's I don't know.

[ She tips her head to Dino a little, frowning. ] But, Dino... You look like this's diggin' at you more than some trip-for-biscuits experiment usually would.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Still has that neutral expression on his face] ...I'm not thrilled about you being dumped into the Mafia.

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ She smiles, reaching over to place a hand on his cheek. ] Don't you go worrying 'bout me, it's not like I got dropped into a hotsquat. Firo'll make sure I'm all right. For once it seems like I got somethin' pretty tame, might not go like eggs in coffee, but it'll go how it needs to.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Isn't meeting her eyes] But Mafia Angela...do you know what that means? What you might have to do? Even with Firo there to look after you, you'll end up facing things you shouldn't have to.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

She's already faced things she shouldn't have to. Faces 'em all the time. Or you think I can't take care of her?

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

That's-- [ Angela's about to say something, but hello, Firo's words have triggered some new memories and she's busy absorbing them. ]

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

This isn't about whether you can take care of her or not Firo. You know what it's like to live in the Mafia, can you honestly say that you want someone you care about being forced to live like that?

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[With his voice almost a monotone of calm;] Most everyone I care about does live like that.

[He blinks and looks at Angela] Angie?

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

Sorry. Memories, lots of 'em. Just in case I needed five different examples of things I never wanna see again, and a few of when Firo's been a pip. [ Little smile that doesn't last too long. ]

I'm not gonna "live like that," Dino. You're worried and all, I know, but it's temporary, y'know? And it's not like I can stay here. Dunno what'll happen in Firo's world if I do that, 'specially if he's there and I'm not.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

I know Angela, I just don't like this. Mafia...just changes people, in bad ways. I don't want to see that happen to you.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Gives Dino a look that would strip flesh and boil juices] As I see it, people outside aren't much better and never have been.

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

I'm not gonna change, Dino! Takes a helluva lot more 'n a week in another world to go changin' me. Took a whole war to do it in the first place.

[ She places a hand on Firo's shoulder, as if to calm him down. ]

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[As if Dino hasn't gotten looks like that before.] Have you ever thought about the differences between Mafia and the outside Firo? People tend to join the Mafia when they have nothing left to loose or want something. There are good people in the Mafia, but compared to the life of a normal person....

[Takes a deep breath] ....I trust you on that Angela, but I still don't like this.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

You ever thought about the differences? In, you get food, get clothes, get friends. Out, you boil your own shoes with moldy bread and knife your neighbor in the back for a checker, and you'd sooner build your dad a Chicago overcoat than share what you've got with him. Mafia's the good life. Dangerous, maybe, but hell, what's not?

And it doesn't matter how much it eats you or doesn't, this is how it is, and I think it's ace.

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

May it's like that in your world, in your time, but the majority of the world I've seen isn't like that. At least not anymore. Some people like you may thrive in it Firo, but that most people are better off being separate from the world we live in.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

People like me? And what are people like me, exactly, Dino? [Takes a step forward.]

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ Her hand drops to squeeze Firo's arm, but she doesn't say anything just yet. This Mafia talk is still way over her head, and honestly, she's not sure who's right about it. ]

[buckingbronco.livejournal.com]

[Stands his ground] People who can adapt, who can take things as they come, accept them, and not let themselves panic. People who can look into the darker parts of the world and not flinch even if it would break most. I've seen the best and worst in the Mafia Firo, and have almost all my friends connected to it. That doesn't mean I've ever considered it a lifestyle I like.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Snort] Then maybe you shouldn't lead a family.