Video

[trenchknives]

[Those who'd be inclined to notice Jimmy not being around might have noticed that he hadn't been seen anywhere since that Saturday, but with all the sickness going around, the assumption is probably that he's taken ill. He hasn't been in his apartment, he hasn't been in the hospital, and he hasn't been in any of the usual places he hangs out.

That's because he'd been sent home. And now, from the angry way he clicks on the video, he's back.]

Shit, we're really doin' this again?

[There's exhaustion in his voice, and something like defeat written on his face. What might have been anger is so dulled he obviously can't even conjure the ability to be enraged, like the first time he'd arrived here.]

How long's it been? Everyone still here?

[It's almost as though he's going through the questions without really caring or consciously asking them.]

Didn't think this place would still be around. Guess I was fuckin' wrong.

Comments

[water_wine_wizard]

Jimmy!

I haven't seen you since last Wednesday.

Did something happen?

[trenchknives]

Last Wednesday...

[He laughs, but he doesn't sound amused.]

Not that fuckin' long then. Not that long at all. Yeah, I was at home.

[water_wine_wizard]

[Oh. That's not a good thing.]

How long were you at home?

[trenchknives]

Shit, maybe eight months? I dunno. It's hard to keep track of time.

[water_wine_wizard]

It's not something you were thinking about.

It doesn't sound like you had a good time.

[trenchknives]

I didn't. It was...

[A sigh.]

Complicated. Almost makes me glad to be back here.

[water_wine_wizard]

It sounds like you need a drink.

[trenchknives]

Just had one, right before I showed up here.

[A pause, and then...]

But I could sure as fuck use another.

video;

[makingastatement]

Hey, sourpuss.

[ Now that you mention it, Jimmy, it has been a while. ]

Did you get a vacation or what?

Re: video;

[trenchknives]

[Normally that'd make him crack a smile. Today it just gets a shrug.]

Wouldn't call it a vacation, but yeah, I was back home.

video;

[makingastatement]

[ Cheer up already, man. Life's too short. ]

So, what's the news?

Re: video;

[trenchknives]

Nothin' I wanna talk about, okay? I just want a fuckin' drink.

voice;

[hexuality]

[Still here, still sounding like shit. Also, concerned.]

Jimmy? You alright?

video;

[makingastatement]

Alright, relax.

Usual place. I'm buying.

Re: voice;

[trenchknives]

No.

[The fact that he's even willing to admit it means it's probably serious, but he moves on from it pretty quick.]

You sound like shit. You hangin' in there?

Re: video; --> action

[trenchknives]

Yeah, okay.

[In his mind, it's been eight months, but he remembers the City well enough to get around, even if he'd kind of started to forget about it while he'd been back home. And getting a drink is the first thing on his mind right now, so it wouldn't be surprising at all if he beats Al there. He'll be waiting when Al comes in.]

action;

[makingastatement]

[ Al is not far along behind. He spies the familiar crest of hair seated at the bar and approaches from behind slowly, quietly. When Jimmy gets low, it's low, but a few drinks in him? It occasionally does the trick. As a business associate, he's obligated to at least try for an improvement in his mood and as a friend he's determined to see it shaken entirely.

There's an advantage to a tall man sitting down for a shorter opponent-- gives him the advantage of grappling around the neck in a playful, buy secure, hold. ]

Welcome back to paradise, Jimmy-boy!

Re: action;

[trenchknives]

[He startles a little at the sudden grab, but relaxes when he realizes it's Al -- of course it's Al, who the hell else would it be, but he's been feeling paranoid lately -- and even smiles a little.]

Thanks. Glad to be back.

[And he actually sounds it, which most people who come back here don't.]

action;

[makingastatement]

[ As he helps himself to a seat, he flags down a bartender for two of the usuals-- something strong, hearty and warm for all the curve-balls this place has to offer. ]

So, how long were you gone for?

[ He's heard of people being gone for years, yet it's only a matter of days according to the City. Pretty fucked up shit. ]

You look a little different.

voice;

[hexuality]

Same as always.

[So, yes, but she feels like it's getting worse. But that's not why she wants to talk.]

Did you... go home?

Re: action;

[trenchknives]

Eight months or so, I guess. Hard to keep track of time. Ain't like I remembered this place when I was back home.

[He just wants his drink to get here, and fast.]

Re: voice;

[trenchknives]

Yeah, I guess so. It's only been a couple days here, but it was, I dunno, eight months for me?

voice;

[hexuality]

Not sure. Everything sort of blurs together.

[But.]

Eight months. Jimmy.

Re: voice;

[trenchknives]

Yeah. Eight months. Maybe nine. It's 1921 now.

[That's not exactly important, but it's the only thing he can think of to say.]

video;

[anunluckypenny]

[There's no one on screen. When she replies, Penny's voice sounds distant and muffled, some words too faint to make out.]

Jimmy? Can -- hear me? Wha--