genessia | 2nd Smoke // Fumbling in the dark // Video

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2nd Smoke // Fumbling in the dark // Video

[Frankly it's a miracle Badou even managed to find the video function in his current state. He's certainly not looking at the screen, though he is at least positioned so that there's a shadow of movement over the screen that's probably his.

Especially as it seems to be trying to light the seemingly ever-present cigarette at his lips. He even succeeds, if the sounds of the first drag of a fresh smoke are to be believed - at least there's something he doesn't need to see to be able to do.

He's not sure this is a smart idea at all, if he's honest. Screams highlighting his weakness and he's not a fan of that. But he's not sure how long this is going to last either and, well, he's never been one to suffer in silence.]

A'ight. Guess I gotta bit the bullet, swallow my pride an' all of that. Anyone up for bein' a seeing-eye person for a bit? Don't have a whole lot right now but I specialise in being dragged into crazy shit I'd be better off left out of. But I'm down one working eye right now an' that's a bit of a problem.

[He does manage to shift then...and almost fall off the sofa, from the swearing that follows...until there's an off-centre shot of him tapping the eyepatch over his right eye.]

Because I only got one workin' at the best of times and this brings me to a resounding zero. Hell, don't even have to be a long-term thing. Just sick as shit of not bein' able to eat something without stabbing myself or getting shit all over myself and I don't even wanna think what state the counters are in right now.

[And...well. He hasn't wanted to suggest this because he's sick of hospitals and this suggestion might lead to more. But.]

An' maybe someone who knows more about this shit than I do and can tell me how the fuck this happened. Other than it being my shitty luck to go completely blind for no apparent reason.

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*Here's a soft, friendly voice trying to make things better*

Hi. It's Sonico.

*Because it's likely he wouldn't recognise her voice*

Would you like some help? I can come clear up your kitchen if you like. Or help with food.

[Oh he remembers the voice and now he feels bad because last time didn't go so well. And here she is offering help again.

Well. He probably already owes her. Why not dig a deeper hole there?]

Haa, the mess'll keep. Food sounds good, though, if you don't mind. If I didn't scare ya off last time.

[He can't promise to be in a better mood this time but he'll try.]

Or, hmm...if you don't mind a store run? Not sure how many smokes I got left.

*Yes, because offering help is what Sonico does, awkward first meetings or otherwise*

Oh, no! It won't do to live in a mess. It will only get worse and then - well, it would hardly be pleasant to live in a mess. Especially if that mess involves some food. I will happily help you with something to eat. Is there anything in particular you'd like?

*She offers in a bright enough voice, but is genuinely concerned he might like something that she'll really struggle to make*

Of course. I'd be happy too. Just for cigarettes? Anything else? Oh - and please don't worry about last time. Besides, I'll be fully clothed this time.

*Her attempt at making light of a situation, but is that also a weird thing to say? She isn't so sure*

You know, the number of times I said that to my brother an' he never once listened.

[Probably because Badou was always bitching about something or other as a kid but even so, there's something faintly amusing in having his own sentiments turned back on him.]

Just trying not to think about it for now. If it passes, I can clean up all in one go. If not...well, I've figured out ways to survive often enough before now.

[He doesn't like it. But he's a grown man, he might bitch about this situation but he knows he has to nut up and deal with it, whatever the outcome.

She does get a slight laugh out of him with that last comment.]

Wouldn't matter if you weren't this time. Though people might start to talk if they saw you like last time walkin' into my place.

[And while he's innocent this time at that!]

*Sonico smiles gently and makes a soft noise of amusement when Badou mentions his brother, but then she makes a motherly tsking noise*

Trying not to think about it is one thing, but it will soon become another if it all starts to smell.

*Unless he loses that sense too - but she's not mean enough to say so given the present situation*

I think people would start to say a lot of things if I were wondering around in my towel all day! How embarrassing!

Let me know what I can get you and when it's good for me to visit, and where, and I will come to help as much as I can.

Least if it gets that bad I'll know where to start.

[If it ever permeates the cigarette smell that's already seeping into the apartment because Badou doesn't do moderation.

There's a huff of amusement that speaks to agreeing with her comment about her in a towel, before he's focusing on other things.]

Come when's good for you. Not like I'm going far.

[Better not to risk the accidents unless there's good reason for it.

He'll also include his address, because they hadn't got that far last time.]

I can head to the supermarket soon, and I don't think it will take me overly long to get to you from there. Remind me again of everything you'd like me to get and I'll write a list so I don't forget things - like what brand of cigarette to buy.

*Having worked with plenty of smoking photographers and event organisers in the past, she knows that it can be very important for some people to have exactly the right kind.

As soon as she has a list, she'll head out to do the shopping. In around an hour or so, she will finally appear at his apartment with a knock at the door. At least he isn't also deaf*

[He reels off a list of what he can think of, which mostly amounts to smokes and matches because that seems a better idea than lighters right now. And any food that's easy to eat without also being completely awful for him.

Then it occurs to him that if he's having a visitor, he should probably make an attempt at looking not entirely unkempt, and he's glad his current place isn't particularly big because he's sure he'd never find anything otherwise.

By the time she knocks, he's managed a quick wash and thrown on trousers and a shirt he hasn't bothered to button - and is probably inside out. He's also managed to ensure he's not too far from the door, which means less of a delay than there might have been before he opens it.]

I'm hopin' that's someone I know right now.

[Probably should have checked that before opening the door but who needs safety?]

*That's a reasonable list, and Sonico makes a point of writing it all down so that she doesn't forget anything. She finally makes it to his apartment with a large bag of groceries. Mostly smoking paraphernalia.

She's surprised when he opens the door was quickly, and hopes that that doesn't mean that he'd been waiting too long for her by the door. Sonico smiles, but remembers that he can't see that, so makes a point of keeping good cheer in her voice*

Nope! I'm just a casual stranger wandering by.

*Actually, she doesn't know if he'll find that funny or not. They don't really know each other after all, so she adds hastily*

Uh - no - it's Sonico! I have your shopping!

*She holds up the plastic bag so that it rustles, and finds herself lowering her eyes until - oh. Oh now it's his turn to not be fully dressed. At least he won't notice her slight blush*

[He does recognise her voice pretty quickly, at least, which means he can find the funny side of her joking around with him.]

Ah well, figures that's my luck these days. An' here I thought a new world would mean something different.

[He's mostly joking there. Mostly.

He definitely perks up at the sound of the bag rustling, though, reaching to take it while he tries to remember where he might have left some money and failing miserably.]

You're a lifesaver. I'll pay you back soon as I remember where I left what they gave me. Hope they didn't give you too much shit for it.

[Because from what he remembers of her, she doesn't seem the type to walk into a shop and come out with so many cigarettes - because he can feel by weight even if he can't see.

Still he moves for her to come in if she wants. His place is fairly tidy, all things considered, aside from the smokey smell. And if it's occurred to him at all that maybe he should try using the buttons on his shirt, he's not letting it show.]

Or hey, if you find enough reds to cover you, go ahead and take 'em. Wouldn't want to leave you short.

*Sonico smiles, pleased that he seems happy with the results of her little shopping trip. If she can't make people feel at least a little better then what's the point?*

Oh, no. They were fine. Though there was a guy there who told me that pretty girls shouldn't smoke so much. When I said they weren't for me he said that I shouldn't - uhm - be with a guy who smokes so much because he'll just drop dead on me... but other than that it was okay!

*Sonico heads on in after him, carefully to give them both some reasonable space, or as much as possible, to avoid bumping into each to other too much. It's then that she notices that his shirt is inside out, and she reaches to touch the label at his neck*

I'm not worried about the money just now - my focus is being sure your place is tidy, and that you are fed. And...maybe dressed comfortably too.

Nice to know his life's so damn perfect he can give a shit about stuff like that.

[It's a minor grumble, mostly to himself. Sure, Badou knows he's doing his lifespan no favours but there's more than the smokes that have been lining up to try to give him an early grave.]

Anyway, sounds more like the nosy asshole needs to learn how to keep out of other people's business.

[And oh hey he feels that touch and it startles him and visibly so because he hasn't expected it. At least he manages to recognise she's not a threat, but it still drives home how much lower his guard seems to be right now.]

Eh, don't worry about that. I've looked worse.

[Granted those were in worse situations but even so, Badou's not concerned.]

Well, perhaps it is. He didn't look or sound happy enough to have a perfect life, though...

*Even if he is just mumbling away to himself, Sonico still feels that it would only be polite to respond, especially since he can't judge her agreement of feelings based on her facial expressions*

But yes, I suppose it was quite unfair of him to say such things when I was just trying to help.

*Sonico gasps at his reaction to her touch, and she bites her lip as her hand quickly finds its way behind her back where it can't get up to any trouble*

O-oh. I'm sorry. I just...thought perhaps you would like to know. I apologise if I startled you. Hmm - but anyway, let me see if I can find the kitchen and fix things in there for you.

All the more reason for him to butt out then.

[He hasn't expected a response but that isn't to say he isn't glad of one, where it's a touch more reasonable than most responses he tends to get.

He hears the gasp and shakes his head a little; for all their false steps he can't really blame that one on her.]

It's fine. Just, little warning next time would be good.

[And food would be even better, so he'll leave her to it - place is small enough that she's hardly about to get lost and he's probably more a hindrance than a help like this.]

Oh dear! Yes - of course! I don't - it's not as though I spend a lot of time touching people you know...

*Aware that she is probably rambling now and sounding a little strange, Sonico glances around the small apartment*

Okay. Take a seat and I'll go prepare some soup. It won't take me long at all! Just relax, and I'll bring you whatever you need.

It's fine. Really.

[The rambling apologies and explanations are harder for him to deal with than the fleeting moment of shock as it is, though he won't get into that. Of course, it doesn't help that he's not at his best as it is.

And so he's more than happy to sprawl haphazardly on the sofa, by way of bumping into every one of the scant few pieces of furniture he has, and then to fish out one of the cigarette packets she'd bought and fumble for a lighter until he can bask in the nicotine goodness once more.]

Okay. If you are sure.

*Sonico is more than happy to leave it at that if he is - she doesn't want to make things any more awkward for him, particuarly given his current situation.

Meanwhile, Sonico is busy in the kitchen, tutting at the mess, but soon she is humming and singing away to herself, heating up the soup, buttering some bread, and cleaning up the mess that had been made.

Soon enough, Sonico will emerge, doing her best as she carries the soup bowl on one hand, the plate with bread on the other. It's probably a good idea to announce her arrival, just in case of sudden movements making her lose her balance*

Okay - vegetable soup is all hot and ready for you. Where would you like me to put it?

[Even as it's masked beneath the cigarette smoke and even as he's not paying a huge amount of attention - in fact, sprawled as he is on the sofa, he'd almost look asleep if not for the fact he's still smoking - Badou does catch the odd moment here and there where he can smell the soup and it's only making him more hungry.

And more impatient, but he has the sense enough at least to not take that out on the person who's making sure he can eat at all.

When she announces her presence, he reluctantly swings his legs so he's sitting properly - relaxing is good but food is better, especially now he can smell it a lot more closely.]

Probably better you hand it straight over. Pretty sure the floor doesn't want it more than I do.

[And time he has to reach for it is time he can knock it over. At least he's less likely to do that when he's holding it...maybe...]

*Sonico moves to sit down on her knees in front of him and passes the bowl to him as carefully as she can*

Okay. I'm handing you the soup bowl. It's pretty hot...but I didn't bring a spoon because I thought it might be easier for you to drink it instead. I have a plate with some buttered bread here and I can pass you that if you need it.

*She is careful with her words and her tone of voice, wanting to come across as helpful, but not patronising*

Maybe someone thought it was better that way. I'm sure watching you try and do things was a laugh.

Shame I missed it.

Cute. Sure you make a lot of friends with an attitude like that.

[Great. Is there any universe in which he is not the local entertainment? ~~Of course there isn't~~]

I don't do friends.

[She really, really doesn't.]

I do people I don't like and people I hate. Wonder which you would fall under.

Ain't you just a bundle of joy and sunshine.

[Just what he needs on this fine day.]

I take that as a sarcastic compliment.

[She guessed anyway.]

Sure, sure. Whatever keeps your claws out of my throat. Got enough shit to deal with as it is.

[He doesn't want to make enemies after all, even if he is very good at doing that.]

Then I will happily add to that.

[She just dislikes and makes enemies with everyone.]

It would be more fun that way.

You struggling with senses too or are you just this pleasant to everyone?

I'm always this pleasant. Least I don't hide who I am unlike others.

Can't argue that logic. If I gotta play with fire it's better I know it's there.

[And boy is he glad he's finding this out from a safe distance. For once.]

Plus playing nice is just disgusting.

[Being bad is much, much better.]

[Her voice is soft with a little bit of a british accent.]

Hello, my name is Alice. I'm helping the team that's looking into what's happening. If you need help before then I'll be happy to come by. I know you don't know me but I am unaffected by whatever is happening.

[She really wants to help.]

"What's happening"? This ain't just the universe shitting on me once again then?

[He's not sure whether that's a comfort or not.]

That team also looking into fixing what's happening?

I can't say one way or another but it does appear to be affecting several people and whatever is causing it is attacking one of the five senses.

[She'll tell him what she can.]

It's more like a few people who I know who are finding similarities but yes, we are.

Well, least it doesn't sound like it's personal. Figures I'd get dragged into it anyway.

[It doesn't help much but it's a start.]

Right. Maybe keep working on that. Not really digging the thought of it being permanent.

[Getting used to only one eye was rough enough.]

[It takes him some time to get the video working. Muscle memory with severely dulled nerves to cripple it. At least he won't have to type.]

"You too, eh? My nerves aren't what they were, but my eyes are working all right. Do you still need a seeing eye dog? Er, man?"

Doesn't seem to be clearing up any. When you say your nerves are shot, though...?

[He's not sure if this is similar infliction or not, at this stage, or if it's just an age thing on the part of his apparent volunteer.]

Oh, ah, a little--er, a lot numb. Was a labor-and-a-half using the phone as easily as I'm accustomed. Though I suppose you'd rather that affliction than your own. [Smooth.]

Though I suppose you'd still enjoy hot baths or something far better. [Positive thinking, go!]

Oh sure, long as I don't trip and end up drowning myself.

[Everything is a challenge right now. He's not so much in the mood for positive thinking.]

Funny, you'd think I'd be half-adjusted to this shit already.

Well, they say drowning's the best way to go, heheh! [Okay Ted you can stop now. Though why people say 'funny' when they're not feeling hilarious is a mystery to him.]

I'm sure there's someone who can aid you, if an insensate man like me can't. Has anyone else offered?

An' how many of them are talking from a position of experience?

[Because in Badou's experience, the people saying those things aren't exactly returned from the dead to know about it.

And he knows better than to suggest Heine experiment to find out for sure. He likes breathing.]

Yeah, I'm good. Kinda helps just hearing other voices. Not really used to quiet.

[And quiet reminds him too much of hospital except even then he'd had Mihai trying to apologise every ten minutes.]

Myself, from near-death. Nearly got the worst of it in a rushing river, once. My poor father; he offered me a branch to climb on to, but by then I was in such dreamy bliss he had to prod me in the head before I came to. Apparently, once the suffocation is done with, it's very calming, in a hallucinatory sort of way.

[He'd be willing to lend his voice for many hours, until he told Ted to stop.]

Not sure that counts. Unless you get a lot of near-death experiences.

[Because otherwise that still doesn't leave him anything to compare to.]

Eh heh, more than my fair share, likely. Comes with adventuring. You look like you've had some yourself, if that eye patch is any indication.

Could say that. Some people get twitchy once you start sticking your nose where it shouldn't be.

[Even if not entirely intentionally.]

Ha! I can tell by the vagueness that that's a story you're not quite willing to divulge, just yet. How am I, hot or cold?

Eh, it's a long story an' a shitty one at that. Not really first-conversation material.

[Or any conversation material, if he can avoid it]

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2nd Smoke // Fumbling in the dark // Video

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