Meeting those Who Helped Him ((open thread))

[losthunter]

Two weeks after Halloween, Hunter was finally feeling up for company again. And while much of what happened between him and Karlene (Electra) was still a blur in his head, he remembered the many people who helped him out during the whole night.

And he wanted to reconnect with those who were there. Get to know those who he had not met before. And answer any questions they might have had.

He sends out a few invitations over PINpoint to those who helped. And waited for a response.

Comments

[losthunter]

"It is not like I don't want to form a friendship with him. He is an interesting guy..." Hunter nodded slightly.

"But I have finally accepted myself as I am... and I don't need someone else judging my appearance."

[chiron_survivor]

"Interesting?" Caspar gives Hunter an incredulous look. "Please. He's about as interesting as mayonnaise on white bread. And even then, the sandwich won't imply you're a hobo for wearing linen."

"Caspar..." Adia appreciates her boyfriend's urge to defend Hunter, but she'd rather it not devolve into character bashing. The Cylon falls silent with only mild grumbling while she returns her attention to Hunter. "No, he has no right to judge you, it's true. I just think that he might not know any better."

[losthunter]

"I take it you didn't have a good first encounter with him." Hunter notes softly.

"I just hope he and I can get past this. If not, at least I have other friends who accept me for who I am."

[chiron_survivor]

"The first encounter was tolerable," Caspar replies. "But you're not the first friend of mine that he's insulted. And I could definitely do without his sanctimonious attitude."

"He has some very rigid religious views," Adia adds. "Or... magical views, I guess. Either way, it's his loss, not yours, if he can't accept you."

[losthunter]

"I hope he is able to find a connection with a few people." Hunter notes softly.

"But for now, I am just looking towards the future. And building a new life with Jim." He smiles again.

[alittlehinky]

"You're aces, then." Cricket grins at him happily. "I'd like that a lot."

"I guess it fits me a little now, too. That old story. Because I died at home, but I'm still alive here. Maybe some of their invincible rubbed off on me."

"So, you're an artist? What kinda work do you do, other than paintin' on walls?"

[losthunter]

"I am glad I can make it into something more for you."

Hunter smiles. "Well, the mural was painted by my friends. Adia, Jim and Steve mostly. Caspar set up an alarm system for me. And Hermione placed some wards around the place."

"As for me, I am mostly a portrait artist. But I have expanded into landscapes, pottery and creating jewellery."

[chiron_survivor]

"He's engaged to Isidor," Caspar remarks dryly. "That's all the connection he needs." But he's fine with letting the topic of conversation drop. Part of him admires how generous Hunter is being, despite the paladin's poor behavior. Caspar is way too petty to let something like that slide.

Adia smiles, too, when Jim is mentioned. "No more trouble hanging over your shoulder," she agrees. At least, not until the next crazy Nexus thing, but nobody can avoid that.

[losthunter]

"I only met Isidor recently. I had wanted to talk to her about Karlene... Electra... at that time. But we never got the chance."

"Let's toast to that." Hunter raises his glass to the idea of having no more trouble.

[to_the_wolves]

"No, I don't think it would be fair to burden you with my problems, especially after you've gotten through yours so recently."

She watches quietly as he eats, trying to steer the conversation away from her concerns. "It's the only way to live. To accept who we are and do our best to adjust accordingly. I just hope everything involving your powers is finally put to rest now."

[chiron_survivor]

"She's a good person to talk to about that sort of thing," Caspar says. A non-sarcastic compliment? He must respect her skills a great deal. Even if he's wondering why she'd allow herself to be saddled with someone like Zandros.

Adia and Caspar both raise their glasses. "To no more trouble," she agrees, clinking her glass to Hunter's and Caspar's in succession.

[losthunter]

[good place to wrap up. Thank you!>

[losthunter]

"You helped me with me. I would like to help you with yours. Give you support."

"Me too." Hunter nodded.

[to_the_wolves]

Marie says nothing at first, visibly confused at Hunter's determination and her own lack of words. She knows that the truth can't be revealed, not when people judge orders so fiercely in the Nexus. She stands, pacing the kitchen floor, trying to put together her thoughts.

Without realizing it, her gaze has stopped to stare into Hunter's art room, but she doesn't make a step forward. Her eyes never leave his projects which she speaks up. "A virus was forced into me years ago. I cannot be cured. I must live with it, lest I be consumed by it. Similar to that of a lycanthrope."

[losthunter]

"That must be a struggle for you." If she was expecting any judgement from Hunter, there is none in his voice.

"Is there anything I can do to help you face that struggle?"

[to_the_wolves]

"That's life. It's not meant to be easy." As for Hunter's question, she shakes her head lightly.

"Kill me if it gets out of control? I'd rather die than have this secret unleashed on the Nexus. Sometimes it's hard to keep this part of me in check, and I'd rather perish than harm innocent people."

[losthunter]

"I don't think I have that in me... to kill another person." Hunter shrugs. "But I have friends who know how to protect innocent people."

[to_the_wolves]

"...I understand. If the time ever comes, then I'll do my best to not be near anyone else. But if you can't promise me a swift death in that moment of need, then there's not much else to offer."

She isn't surprised by his answer, but knowing that he'd let her roam rampant is troubling. This whole topic has turned from a casual checkup to revealing her own weaknesses and Marie hates it. "Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?"

[losthunter]

He can see that she is uncomfortable, so he shakes his head.

"No. Thanks for coming by and checking on me."

[to_the_wolves]

Well, this meeting didn't end as planned. Despite Hunter's kindness, Marie just isn't ready to reveal her past and weaknesses quite yet. Hopefully he doesn't take her behavior as rude.

"Get feeling better soon. If you need anything else, you can reach out to me."

[losthunter]

Hunter just hopes that now Marie has one more person to trust, she will feel more comfortable about talking to him, or others she trusts.

"Thanks. I will."

[to_the_wolves]

It'll be a long battle for her to get over her own weakness, but at least Hunter is a good person who is there for support. Without saying a word, Marie pulls out her PINpoint and hurriedly heads home.