o12 ♠

[defector]

[Like most others, Dominic hasn't had much sleep in the past few days. He's a bit refreshed now that he's finally gotten some rest, but there's still something that bugs him.

Creatures of shadow, can't be killed, a cold air, attacking mentally as well as physically--Dominic's never seen the Noctaere before, but he still remembers Cornelia's description of them.]

For those who have seen them before:

Those creatures... Were they the Noctaere?

[Filtered to Anemone]

Are you all right? I'm sorry I wasn't able to find you.

[Do you have any idea how long he was searching, sob? Stupid PA and its public broadcasts that would've allowed Vincent to hear him.]

[/filter]

Comments

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

Then let me rephrase that: It doesn't take much care to realize that you don't give a damn about helping others or being helpful.

Is that better?

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

What a rude little mouth you have.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

You've yet to give me a reason to be polite.

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

I thought you would know better, Sir Dominic. I really am disappointed.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

And remind me--why again would I care about what you think of me?

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

Because if I dislike you, Mister Dominic, I wouldn't want to be held responsible for anything happening to your lovely little friend, the flower.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[It takes one moment for Dominic to realize whom he's talking about and another to figure out when they spoke.

After that, the dread that was building for the past few days before dropping suddenly rises again--sharply. Dominic's hit with the same fear that he felt when Vincent first started threatening him, and he doesn't know what to do.

Anemone--

Of all people.]

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

[A light chuckle. He so does love watching the revelations sink in.

How will the Sir Dominic act now? He thinks that this is all very exciting. Like a game of chess, perhaps. He has made his move, and the expression on Dominic's face is simply beautiful.

It's almost like seeing brother again.]

So you'll be nice to me, won't you? Sir Dominic?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[Damn it, damn it, damn it. Dominic's look of fear turns into one of despair--he knows very well now that if they were, indeed, playing a game, he'd be losing.

He hasn't given up, but he's still in one of the worst positions possible. He promised he'd protect Anemone, and even if he hadn't, he'd still do everything he could to help her. No matter what, there's no way he's letting Vincent harm her.

Damn it. He can't bring himself to answer.]

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

[A fond, fond smile.

He knows he has the upper hand. He knows.]

It's okay, Sir Dominic. You don't have to give me an answer right away.

Instead, you can go warn her, if it makes you feel better. Perhaps even tattletale to Mister Hatter.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[His tone is less than confident, and it's not just because he's asking a question.]

Hatter...?

[He gets the feeling that "Mister Hatter" is Break, given his connection to Vincent, though he's not quite certain where the nickname comes from--perhaps the man's dream has something to do with it?]

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

A young gentleman by the name of Xerxes Break. Surely you've already made his acquaintance?

I would be so very disappointed in both of you otherwise.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

... We've met.

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

Do you like him?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

We haven't spoken enough for me to form a definite opinion of him yet.

[A bit of a lie. Dominic doesn't especially like him, as he's far too similar to Vincent--however, Dominic doubts that that's the wisest thing to say to Vincent.]

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

[Ah. What a clever little boy. A small chuckle.]

Do you know how to flip a coin, Sir Dominic?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

... Why do you ask?

[His tone is cautious, but he refrains from letting annoyance sneak in. He thinks he knows what Vincent's trying to get at, though.]

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

I daresay it's a simple question.

But you know, don't you. What happens when the coin lands.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

... A decision is made?

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

Close.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

... Then what, pray tell, is the answer?

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

It's very simple, really.

When the coin lands to give its verdict, only one of the two faces will remain facing the sky.

I wonder what the other face would see, falling from such a height.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[He should've figured.

There are a number of things Dominic could say to that, but he settles for something simple.]

... I see.

[To be honest, he's too afraid to say anything more, now that Vincent knows who Anemone is.]

[boat-lights.livejournal.com]

[He clasps his hands.

Huhu.

Hehehe.

Heeee.]

Shall we have tea this coming Saturday, Sir Dominic?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

What...?