realityshifted

Entry tags:

red vs blue (d2) north dakota

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[It's only a matter of time before North finally meets his double. It's standing quietly outside an entrance to the coliseum, helmet tucked under its arm as it's waiting for him. The double doesn't smile mockingly, or sneer. Rather, it looks stoic and resigned, and in his heart, North can feel the same. He's seen enough to know how this all goes--but it sure as hell doesn't make it any easier.] Theta, don't come out unless I really need you to. And only listen to me.

[Theta stays right where he is, glad that North's let him off the hook.] O-Okay... Will...there be something like me, too?

Shouldn't be. Can't make a copy of you. [That's the theory, anyway, and both of them know it. But because it is the Plane, no possibility should ever be completely disregarded.] But even if they tried, it wouldn't be as awesome as you. I don't want him getting any ideas. Best you stay safe for now.

Got it. [He knows what North's trying to do with the compliment and while it doesn't exactly help him feel okay about hiding, he knows his Freelancer well enough by now to trust what he's doing.] You be safe, too.

You know me; I always am. [And to prove it, he doesn't draw any arms or remove his helmet. No reason to make it easier for someone who's gonna say they're him, right? At least the other one is just staring at him as he closes the distance between them to a respectable ten or so feet apart. There's no way he's letting it get within arm's reach of him. What will it have to say to him...?]

Well, had a feeling you'd take this long to find me, but here you are.

And here you are. [He folds his arms in front of his chest right when the other him does.] Kinda wondered what I'd look like with those eyes.

Enough with the jokes. [The double pushes away from the stone wall and starts to approach him.] You're just as bad as your sister--both of them--when it comes to using jokes like that. At least that's the same between you two. But you can say you're her brother no matter what all you want. You won't change how she feels about you. All the strawberries in the universe couldn't fix that. Even after all this time, you can only manage to talk to her for so long before things get awkward. Hell, you can't even bring yourself to tell "your own sister" that you've fallen in love, or anything else going on back home!

[North starts to walk away as the double gets closer. He's shaking his head. It's too... He can't even bring himself to finish his own thought.] No, you've got it wrong.

You sure? [The double picks up speed, trying to catch up.] You can't even face the fact that things are pretty shitty back home. It's easier to run here, play house with the detective, and pretend everything's just fine!

[ooc: Backdating this encounter to some time before Wolfgang comes and fixes everything!]

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[as Menzies comes upon both versions of North squaring off against each other, her heart freezes in her chest. she knew it was bound to happen, of course--obviously there are doubles of everyone here. but after what her own shadow did, she hates to think of the pain his will put him through. but she knows she can't prevent it, so all she can do is to try her best to help him]

[to start, she keeps her distance, knowing how badly this could turn--and how quickly. and cautiously, she puts a hand to the borrowed pistol at her hip, but she since it's not attacking yet, she's not going to attack either. still, she's here for a reason, so she says firmly:] North, you're not alone. [it's the best she can think of to offer him under the circumstances]

[North stops when he sees Menzies, knowing she won't leave now that she's seen there's another him here.] Trisha, you can put the gun away. No one's gonna be firing anything. [He glances from her to the double.] Neither of us want that, right? [But in the back of his mind, he wonders how much she's heard.]

No, but since you're here, Trish, why don't you stay and listen to what ol' Northy has to say. He's been something of a hypocrite. Hasn't been quite as open with you as he says.

Edited 2015-01-13 22:35 (UTC)

I 'ope not. [it's for exactly that reason that she hadn't drawn the gun yet. but, at North's instructions, she even lets her hand drop from it]

[she's heard more than he would like, but she isn't going to say anything about it--not yet. she doesn't know enough, and she has a feeling she's about to learn a lot more whether he likes it or not. but when the shadow starts speaking, she can't help flinching at the name it uses, though she's sure that's exactly the reason it's calling her "Trish" in the first place. she crosses her arms over her chest, glaring at it] You can shut up. Whatever it is, he'll face it. [she glances at North] He's good in a crisis.

Still can't stand hearing that nickname, huh? [The double moves towards her now instead of North.] It's too bad. He wants to use it. It's one of those few boundaries he won't push with you, though. Doesn't want to ruin anything, not now that he's truly happy with an aspect of his life. Makes ignoring the rest of it that much easier. He can pretend everything is okay in Project Freelancer, but really, he's been having his doubts for a long time now. All those missions he's been on, all those people he's gotten killed or killed with his own hands... Doesn't really talk about it, does he?

[He steps closer, not wanting his double to get too close.] Trisha knows what I do for a living. She knows...some things happen because of it. Just as some things happen in the line of duty with her job, too.

Edited 2015-02-08 02:45 (UTC)

[she stands her ground, staring the double down] And I told you to let him say it.

[but at North's defensive response, she turns a frown to him] Oi, North, if this is you worrying that I won't stick around because of something he wants to share about your job? Don't. I've got this. And you should know that if you're not gonna say it yourself, then he's gonna do it for you. [she jabs a thumb at the shadow] So stop hesitating on my account. All right? [her tone softens as she adds:] I know you can do this.

[That encouragement... That's probably one of his most favorite things about her. No matter how bad something may be, she's been there to give him a gentle push. It takes him a moment, but he turns to her and reaches for her hand.]

Patricia, you...know what I do. I have to kill people during missions. But those missions... I've talked to my York about it, and to another friend named Tex. I met with her a couple weeks ago, and she's with York and me on this, but...we think there's something more going on with the Project than we know of. We've had some big missions against the insurrectionists, but... [he frowns, glances over at his shadow, who nods at him, then back to her.] ...The way they've reacted to us. It's almost like we're the bad guys. We don't have any proof, though. Not yet.

So when I'm with you, it's easy to forget all that. I don't have to think about this huge war, what this project I've dedicated part of my life to is truly like, or...or anything. It's just you and me. It's nothing short of heaven or nirvana. I never want to leave, though I know I have to. I have to address things back in my reality, but at least I'll have you to come home to. Makes it all worth it.

[she takes his hand, forcing herself to keep her eyes on him and not the potentially-dangerous enemy past him. but she knows he needs her, and she won't disappoint him in that.

his words do surprise her, though. not that he has to kill--she's known that for a long time. but his doubt is a shock. she's quiet for a moment, her expression full of both confusion and concern] So you're...what, trying to expose a conspiracy? From inside? [there's another pause as she continues to process this. and then she asks:] Why didn't you mention this before?

[she's still holding his hand. the question isn't because she disapproves of what he's doing--it's because she doesn't understand why he's been bearing something like that alone]

No...I think it's bigger than that. Corruption all the way up to the Director. But I can't say for sure.

[He gives her hand a small squeeze, not looking away from her.] I...never said because I didn't want to worry you, or get you involved. [He knows you; you would've wanted to try to find a way to help him and he just couldn't have any of that.] But most of all...I just didn't want to think about it. I wanted to think about you while I was with you. It doesn't mean that I won't face any of it. I will, I promise you that.

[she just looks at him for a moment, even more shocked to hear how severe this is when he hasn't breathed a word of it before. but after that moment, her expression hardens, and she asks:] So. All this talk about teamwork from you, and you're planning to face this alone?

[from her expression, he was right to worry that she would get involved if she knew]

[He lets out a sigh. This is exactly why he didn't say.]

I won't be alone. I'm not the only one who's noticed this. And in any normal circumstance, I'd ask for your help. I would. But this isn't something you can help me with.

[she shakes her head, scowling at his lack of understanding] I didn't mean I've got to go there with you.

[that said, she turns back to the double] Was that it, then? You thought that would break us up?

You can't say that you wouldn't want to, though.

[The shadow shakes its head.] No, I wanted you to hear this because otherwise, we would be a hypocrite. You needed to hear it. You deserve complete openness from us too. Even if it's something like this.

[North looks down, knowing that it's right.]

[her tone is insistent] Which is exactly why we would talk about it.

[the shadow's words surprise her, though. she watches it uncertainly] So...what, you're trying to 'elp us? [she's not sure she can believe that--especially after what her shadow was like. how it tried to kill them both. could North's be so different? if it is, she wonders what that might mean. could it be a commentary on strength of character? or is there something else going on here?]

[He glances at his shadow too, surprised by its actions. Then again...they really haven't said or done anything to anger it.]

I'm trying to help him, which helps you too. By the looks of things, I'd say he's getting it. [The shadow smiles slightly.] You'll help him even more, and he knows it. You two are a team, after all, right?

[North turns his eyes from the shadow to her and smiles.] Yeah we are.

[she's still at a loss from its sudden change of tone. so instead of saying anything, she just steps up next to North, almost protectively, and lets that be her answer]

[The shadow smiles more now, seeming relieved.] That's exactly what I wanted to see.

Me too. [He smiles right back, and watches the shadow fade away. With it gone, the threat of violence has gone. Thank goodness; he really didn't want to fight himself, not with Patricia there.]

So. Now you know.

[Menzies gapes as North's shadow fades. she turns to him, stunned] It's...gone? Just like that?

[He turns to her and smiles.] After seeing what happened to yours, I figured it was better to hear it out. I didn't want to see what'd happen if I got it angry. I don't like getting angry.

No... [she's still stunned. she turns to look at where the shadow stood again, as if expecting it to reappear. then she shakes her head. she doesn't know what to say. if anything she's...ashamed]

[but North's right--she knows now, and that's more important. so finally, she turns back to him and, quietly but firmly, says:] We'll still need to talk.

Of course we will. [A touch of worry slips into his mind, but only because of the topic they'll have to discuss. He's still afraid of what she'll insist on trying to do to help...] But not here. Let's at least go to the kitchen or bar.

[she nods in agreement] The bar's closer. Let's go. [and without waiting, she starts in that direction. it's safer if they get out of the open, after all. that shadow might not have attacked, but who knows what else--who else--they might encounter out here...]

[Oh, look! Another double! After dealing with Wash's, this is seriously the last thing she needs. And she expresses as much, out loud!]

This is the last fucking thing I need...

[But with a sigh, she starts over - she's pretty hesitant, that much is obvious, given... who this is. She's already piecing together for herself what bullshit this thing's gonna start spouting off, and she really doesn't want to deal with it! Oh well. His problem, not hers. And if either of them make it her problem, she'll give them both enough hell for it to last lifetimes.]

You dealt with these things before yet?

[She's speaking to North, but she's moving past him, getting right up in the shadow's face, glaring through her helmet - like the visor pane is the only thing keeping her from lighting it on fire with her mind.]

Because if you did, you'd know walking away won't do a damn thing. So what's the problem?

[Knowing what he knows about how this could all go down, he doesn't go far. Only a couple feet. He knows he shouldn't run away.] Sure have, but this is the first time I'm meeting my own. I've already seen Patricia's... [And that went over splendidly.]

[The double glances at her, a neutral look in its eye.] Well, if you know what I'm here for, then you know things are going to get uncomfortable for you. Can you--either of you--handle those truths? Or will you just throw a tantrum and continue to deny you care about this version of your twin? Because let me tell you, little sister, some days, it's hard to love you.

[It points to North.] And he's too afraid of losing you to say so. Doesn't want to disrupt the status quo--the small talk conversations--even though he can tell things are happening in your reality that are really getting to you. He won't ask about it, and you just won't talk about it with him. He's not "your brother", so why would you? You've said you won't talk to your brother about it, so why talk to another one about it instead? Too bad you can't see how much that line of thinking has hurt the both of you. Can't even talk about the things that make you happy. Don't you both think it's time to get over that bullshit?

[See this?

This is South, giving North's Shadow the most unimpressed look she has in her arsenal, and she's only upset that it's hidden behind her helmet. Doesn't matter, her tone will be dripping with just as much of the same thing.]

I don't need to throw a tantrum. It's a fucking fact we're from two different fucking worlds. What's the fucking point?

[She rolls her eyes, one hand on her hip, and faces North.]

There's no bullshit to get over. Maybe you need to stop thinking there is.

[She won't elaborate, not right this second. If he's facing this stupid thing, he doesn't need to hear that she doesn't need him to ~love her~. He doesn't need to hear that she's never going to tell him about her world for reasons far beyond that of her not even telling her real brother. And most of all... he really, really doesn't need to hear that of course she's hurt, but the pushing just makes it worse. ... All in due time. Maybe.]

The point is, in all that, you didn't deny you cared for him. [The double doesn't sound like he's lording the fact over her or anything. It's softer-spoken than before, gentler.] But you're wrong to think there's no bullshit. Before you learned about the different realities, you two were fine. Still a force to be reckoned with. You can have that again someday. Just imagine the kind of team you can be here!

Because the team you are now... Is nothing.

[And North knows this is true. They were always stronger together.]

[Oh look. It is trying to make this her problem. ... Nope.

Her attention snaps back to the Shadow, and she is no longer playing the disinterested card. She scoffs, then laughs - a humorless sound, dripping with near mockery.]

Wow, you do have a problem with this.

[But that drops, as well as her voice: low, a clear warning. She tried to hold back, but she's hit her end, it seems. She's angry. Angry and done.]

I don't care which of you hears me better. But get the fuck over it. Leave me the fuck out of your inner battle or whatever the fuck this is. You have a sister. I have a brother. But they're not. Here. And if you don't let it go, you're gonna make a big fucking mess out of even more. ... I don't give a shit about being a team here. Get on with your fucking life.

[She could still have said so much worse. She almost did. And all of it would still be true. Surely he can see that much, and she can only hope he's not so different that he won't drop it.]

[Throughout this, North has felt something grow in him as she talks, an anger--but not at her. Well, only a little at her, but that's no different than normal. No, hearing both of them, and hearing just how furious she's become because of his double's words, he can't help feeding off that. He rounds on the double, shoving him.] Hey, we can't force this shit! I have my sister back home. That's all. I've long since accepted that. And since you're me, you should know that! If your goal was to piss us both off, good job!

[The shadow doesn't react violently to this anger, not like Patricia's had done to her. It actually looks unsurprised.] Well, my goal was to hear you say that. You had to say the words. That's how this works. Had a feeling I'd piss you both off, but it had to be done.

[North stares at him incredulously, that anger still in his chest.] Are you kidding? That's what you wanted to hear? Is there anything else or are we done?

[The double shakes its head, starting to fade.] No. Just...admit these things to yourself more. You know the truth; stop trying to fool yourself. [The double pats North on the shoulder, then disappears as it walks away.]

Edited 2015-03-08 00:45 (UTC)

[South watches the entire exchange, seething in her own anger. She's so fed up with this - so fed up with him - and when his double leaves, she lets the silence sit between them for a moment or two.

Then she walks up, spins him by the shoulder so he's facing her, and she punches him - she's aiming for his collar bone, but if he so much as flinches, she might hit something else.

They're both armored, right? Shouldn't be too much to take.]

[He doesn't move when she punches him, doesn't even try to dodge it. He's just tired.and glad to see the shadow gone.]

Yeah, I deserved that.

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/shakes her sdjfklajkl

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