6 . VIDEO . tabloid trash

[onset]

This is - I don't understand! I know haven't upset anyone for the past months, I mean - why would you even bother to write this about someone who's done nothing but be unremarkable?

['This' being an article in the tabloid with a page full of random pictures of Peter out and about in the City. He could be reading something, eating something, frowning or smiling, entering or leaving an establishment. Your regular paparazzi collection of picture cutouts brandished with warnings of HEARTBREAKER!! and vague reports of past relationships where he supposedly dumped his significant others for shallow reasons. Names like Edward Collin, Kathy Stewart, Hugh Scarpa are featured on the article, along with rumors that Peter now has his eyes set on a certain Li Shenshung, Eden Cionaoith, Jimmy Darmondy, and that he's been exchanging French love letters with a certain Marie Delacroix.]

And where did you get these pictures of me? I - this is disturbing. Alarmingly disturbing. The last thing I need is a stalker who - writes these things about people. This is absolute garbage, you know that? So, whoever you are, take it back and leave me alone. and leave them alone. Preferably immediately.

[deep breath.]

I know you, don't you? From back home. How else would you - [fbahdsdfh. His head hurts. He never wants to see this page again.] None of this is true, by the way. I can guarantee it - so. So I'm going to put this down and pretend it never happened. Let's just go with that, shall we? Thank you.

[THE NERVE. THE NEEERVE.]

Comments

[mortemscintilla]

[ The biggest eyes. ]

So they got you too!

[ GASPU ]

[onset]

Yes, it would seem so! I wonder how these curses would feel about getting sued.

[mortemscintilla]

...I'm. Not sure the City has any lawyers.

And even then, what sort of jurisprudence would apply here? Everyone's from different worlds.

[onset]

I don't know - but - there could be something.

[mortemscintilla]

In my experience the only option is to, um. Speak to the Deities.

But they're more interested in pointing and laughing than in damage control.

[onset]

As long as no one actually thinks I'm out to romance them, there should be no damage to control. Or so I hope.

[mortemscintilla]

[ As long as Ms. Delacroix doesn't see this, anyway. She's scary 8( ]

It's impossible to imagine romancing four people at once. Who has the time? [ asks the pathological liar. ]

[trenchknives]

I, um...

[A frown.]

Yeah, I ain't sure why they're publishin' stuff like this, but I ain't pleased by my little feature, either.

[His essentially implies that he's both incredibly sketchy in a criminal way, and sleeping with half the women in the City.]

Just ignore it. I think they're sayin' this shit about a lotta people.

[onset]

It'd be easier to ignore it if they hadn't somehow brought in all these other names into the matter. Including yours, apparently.

[trenchknives]

Sure, well, I mean...

[A pause. He hasn't read all the way through Peter's article, and didn't realize he was referenced.]

Why'm I in it?

[onset]

I suppose it's because whoever wrote this saw is talking to one another and thought it was reason enough to bring you into the matter? Whatever the matter even is.

[trenchknives]

Well, uh...

[Now he's looking through the paper to the reference to himself.]

I guess they think you're, um... huh. Interested in a bunch of different people.

[Himself included. What a ridiculous article!]

[onset]

Because apparently I can't just enjoy talking to people. What a thought!

[eiremagic]

Boyo, I'm going to break your heart but I'm taken.

[She's laughing, it's teasing]

[onset]

It's a good thing I have sufficient tools to mend my broken heart with, then. I appreciate your honesty.

[eiremagic]

What kind of tools fix heartache, I wonder.

[onset]

Duct tape?

[eiremagic]

Hurt like a bitch to take off, wouldn't it?

[onset]

I'm sure it would eventually come off. Somehow.

[hexuality]

You live in a City where our lives are randomly broadcast on a network without touching the devices and you're surprised by photos?

[It's dry, but really, she's trying to be light about this. After all, the girl knows what rumours and tabloids can do to people. (She's dated a guy.)]

Breathe, Chadwick.

[onset]

Well - photos means there's someone watching me secretly. At least with the network I have - some idea of who's watching. I don't know, it's just different.

[hexuality]

You could always march up to whoever's spying on you and kick them in the shin.

[onset]

That would be a wonderful idea, actually. I'll keep it in mind.

[hexuality]

I'm often full of wonderful ideas. Comes with the family, I suppose.

[onset]

Full of talented people, is it?