collector: (nessun dorma)
the fuckface who holds time itself in his hands ([personal profile] collector) wrote in [community profile] realityshifted2010-10-23 11:51 am

great minds against themselves conspire

[Sometimes, it won't all stay locked away. Sometimes the seal can't take the pressure. Sometimes the maze won't keep the monster in. Sometimes the jar cracks apart and all the evils come pouring out into the universe.

Sometimes, you just can't hide the pain you're in.

And Irving Braxiatel can't, though he tries to make it to the forest before he cracks, because that pain is written all over him. Oh, his clothing is as immaculate as ever, his skin is unblemished, not a single hair is out of place. But his bones are all jagged angles, his muscles constricted, and his mouth is sealed tight to try to contain any expression suffering.

Braxiatel covers his face with his hands, presses at his head with his fingertips. He staggers in his walk—sinks to his knees, shaking. His mouth opens—not to scream, but to soundlessly recite ancient equations, one last incantation against something terrible and old. Because if he holds on just a little longer, he can overcome this, he can take back control, he can draw it all in. If he holds it together just a little longer, he can win.]

[And then Braxiatel goes perfectly still. He closes his mouth and, slowly, draws his hands away from his face. He gets one foot out from under him, pulls himself up, stands for a moment in silence. Then he straightens out his suit and looks himself over without a reflection. Braxiatel sighs a breath of relief, for victory and for hard-won control. Slow, steady, his eyes rake over the Plane. No monsters drawn by his faltering. Good.]


Well. That was more trouble than it ought to have been, wasn't it? I'll have to get something for these migraines.
oliverplus: (Looking)

[personal profile] oliverplus 2010-10-23 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oliver has ventured out into the world, desperate to help someone--anyone he can find. and he spots Brax. on the ground]

Irving! [runs over to him as Brax is getting up, his expression full of concern] What's wrong? Are you okay?
oliverplus: (Looking)

[personal profile] oliverplus 2010-10-23 04:17 pm (UTC)(link)
I know, but I can't help anybody inside! I... [there's a twitch--a catch to his expression and his voice. just the smallest hint of the new feelings working their way into his heart and mind] I've been useless. I won't let this place make me useless!
oliverplus: (Concerned)

[personal profile] oliverplus 2010-10-23 04:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[snaps] Shut up! I won't let you break, do you hear me!? You aren't going to die, Irving!
oliverplus: (Suspicious)

[personal profile] oliverplus 2010-10-23 04:29 pm (UTC)(link)
You're the one who's bleeding!

I don't care about that. I'll defend you! [but he follows him into the forest, looking around for monsters]

[identity profile] practicalrobes.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[Narvin saw that little display, but there's no sympathy in his eyes. He's tense, wary -- more so than usual, even. He doesn't speak, just waits to see what Braxiatel will do, to see if he really is in control.]

[identity profile] brandyhabit.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's always his hands that worry her more than anything else. She almost wonders what secrets might accidentally spill from him when he's like that, what truths she might discover. While she's distracted with her thoughts though, Brax has seemed to recover]

This place has been far too fond of picking on you lately. [concerned and not trying to hide it] You're all right?
oliverplus: (Small Smile)

[personal profile] oliverplus 2010-10-23 05:06 pm (UTC)(link)
No. [shakes his head and, oddly, starts to smile] I'm seeing the real you. You know I am. And you're falling to pieces.

You need someone to fix it.

[identity profile] brandyhabit.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Alone?
oliverplus: (Small Laugh)

[personal profile] oliverplus 2010-10-23 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[laughs] Like he ever really fixes anything.

No. I'll find a way. I've just gotta figure out how. What's changed? Why did seeing things put the pieces together? I'll make it happen again.

[identity profile] brandyhabit.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I think I will.

I mean, I hope you do realize you were practically writhing on the ground in pain a few seconds back. Alone really isn't going to be the best place for you to be.

[identity profile] practicalrobes.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Having trouble, Braxiatel?

[identity profile] brandyhabit.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 05:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[she watches him, and then jogs to catch up. Once she's beside him again]

And it passed just like that? [she snaps her fingers for emphasis.]

[identity profile] brandyhabit.livejournal.com 2010-10-23 05:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Forgive me if I'm not convinced. You've been seeing people that aren't there, and now you have migraines that are literally bringing you to your knees. It's really not the most reassuring sign of stability or a [even now she can't resist a good mocking Irving Braxiatel impression] "very strong constitution."
Edited 2010-10-23 17:33 (UTC)

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