[Video]

[not_heavens_adam]

[Johnny appears in the screen, just as near-shirtless as ever, but he looks a little down and his tone lacks that lilt and tease it usually carries. He's sitting on a bed, and the figure under the covers behind him shows it's not his own. Before he gets a chance to speak, Minea shows up and jumps into his lap, pawing at him with worry.]

There's....something wrong with Toki. I haven't been able to get him to wake up....but he seems normal.

I....don't really know if this is just something he does... [Not like they had talked about Toki's past at all. Didn't have to.]

Someone who knows humans better...is this normal? I didn't think it was, but...


[Any one who's good at reading subtle signs in a facial expression will know that he's a lot more worried than he's making out to be.]

Comments

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

[His smile turns wistful and he gestures to the couches, taking one himself.]

Then Minea will get that. Sit, if you'd like.

That sea creature on the barrier...have you had a run in with it?

[His way of checking on your well-being]

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

[He sits down, olding one leg over the other as he stares at Johnny, that half-smile never leaving his face.]

I've been alright. I've been keeping out of danger and helping others do the same, so I have not been attacked.

What about you? I trust you're alright?

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

I had a run-in, but no lasting damage~ I'm glad you're all right.

[A young woman (http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/94361999/23574814) comes out of the kitchen with wine in one hand and tea in the other. She hands the wine to Johnny and offers the tea to Jacob.]

Thank you, Minea~

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

That's good. I'd hate to see you hurt.

[Jacob looks up at the woman. He doesn't look surprised- he's seen weirder things-but there is a questioning look in his eye as he looks back at Johnny.]

...I thought Minea was a cat. Is she a woman too?

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

[He's a little thrown off by Jacob's statement, but recovers with the distraction of Minea who flashes a small smile at Jacob.]

She's a cat, but she can turn into a young woman, so, I suppose she's a little of both. She often runs errands for me and keeps the house clean. Back home she used to be a sort of secretary as well, but I have no need for that sort of thing here.

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see.

[Back home people turn into smoke monsters. This is no big deal.]

Minea, thank you. You're very nice.

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

[She bows and murmurs a quick 'thank you' with a smile before returning to Johnny's side. A quick puff of smoke and she's back to being a cat in his lap.]

She's very sweet, though, she has her edginess as well.

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

I see. But don't we all, sometimes?

[He blows on his tea to cool it and takes a sip before speaking.] Are you sure you're going to be alright, Johnny? With your friend in a deep sleep like this, I mean.

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

[He sips at his wine and begins to absentmindedly pet Minea, not quite meeting Jacob's eyes.]

Of course~! It's nothing special for this place, I'm sure Toki'll be fine.

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

Yes, he'll be fine. But what about you?

[He cocks his head slightly, like a curious bird.] Have you got anyone else here?

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

Well...I don't know what you mean by 'got', but I have a 'friend' who I haven't seen in a while. Of course, I have Minea~

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

Really? Who is this "friend"? And I'm glad you have her...it's good to have some company.

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

His name's Izaya. He's an interesting human and fun to talk to.

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

Izaya?

[He doesn't recognize the name, but he nods, sipping his tea]

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him. What does he talk about, exactly?

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

[Johnny thinks for a moment, running through their conversations.]

Humans and monsters. He's interested in the fact that I'm a monster and yet won't drink his blood. He offered once.

[He smirks] We flirt too, but it's only for fun~

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

[Jacob blinks, as if he doesn't quite understand.]

But you aren't a monster, Johnny. And why would he tempt you like that?

[Ah. He nods. He does know what flirting is, he just doesn't recognize it when it's directed at him.] Hmmm. For fun. Anyone you flirt with where you really mean it?

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

[He shrugs, not quite meeting Jacob's eyes.]

Sure I am, I'm a vampire. Vampires are monsters. Technically..if I gave in, I'd be stronger and healthier. [He looks contemplative as if he's only just thought of this.]

Mmm....not really...I asked a very attractive man out, but I don't think he's interested. Still, get-togethers can be fun too~

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

The definition of a vampire would be a monster, I'm guessing. But even a vampire can be human. You could choose the way of the beast, preying on others...but you're not like that. You're sacrificing something to keep ahold of your innocence.

[A benevolent smile.] Is that so? Well, maybe you'll find somebody who'll like you the way you like them. Just don't give up.

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

Heh. 'Innocence' is not a term I would use to describe myself.

[His smile is wry and directed out the window. No one liked him like that.]

I wish I had your hope.

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

Somebody can be innocent even if they have harmed others. There isn't just one definition of the term, just like you cannot say, exactly, what "happiness" or "love" really means.

[A sympathetic look.] I only hope because I know that it is true. That's all.

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

.....thank you, Jacob.

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

Why thank me? I did nothing, Johnny.

[nightknighted.livejournal.com]

You give me hope....that's not nothing.

It's been awhile since I had anything to feel hopeful for, you know~

[nos-servabit.livejournal.com]

...

[He smiles a little, as if touched he has been named as the cause to somebody feeling better than before.]

I'm...glad. All I want is for you to feel happy. And hope is the first step n the way to happiness.