(Untitled)

[blizzardseason]

Comments

[goddamnthe]

Children do make excellent slaves.

[creepinginmy]

That's a horrible thing to say. [But is probably rampant where he comes from, even if he has never actually seen it. One can only assume the worst.]

[goddamnthe]

[He smiles lazily.] An untapped labor force in the civilized world, it really is a pity.

[creepinginmy]

You must have a very broad definition of 'civilized'.

[goddamnthe]

[His grin broadens.]

Or perhaps I treat my slaves very well.

[He doesn't keep slaves. Just pretty teenage boys.]

[creepinginmy]

Ah.

[His head lifts in a slow realization. Good God (wherever you are), please don't let this man be a monster.]

[Maybe I should ask him for some tips.]

[SHUT UP, CERBOS.] ... Right. And I'm sure they appreciate the gesture.

[goddamnthe]

[His manner changes, some of his creeper fading into the background to be replaced with something better natured.]

I am joking, you know.

[creepinginmy]

No. No, I don't. [There's no remarkable alarm or righteousness in his voice, all of it trumped by a dry tone.

Jack exhales, not quite in relief. No one's safe yet. Or ever.]

Silly of me to think some things shouldn't be joked about.

[goddamnthe]

Very silly. [He agrees amiably.] All things deserve their share of laughter.

[Aw... look who's a pretentious asshole.]

[creepinginmy]

[Jack is making much use of his talent to ignore Cerbos and his favorable opinions about the stranger right now. Eyebrows arch and drop.]

I can only wish I shared such an optimistic opinion.

[goddamnthe]

Optimism keeps one young.

[Something he cares about a great deal, do you see his lovely face?]

[creepinginmy]

Ah. That explains it. [Haha. Ha.

But he does see that lovely face. He'd see it a little better if it didn't have Bad News written all over it.] I don't suppose the sign is meant as a joke as well.

[goddamnthe]

[His eyebrows go up as he brings a cigarette to his mouth.]

I can only assume so. Cannibalism and child slavery are still rather passe, at the moment.

[creepinginmy]

[Oh, if words could kill. Cerbos laughs loudly in Jack's head.]

[Shit, I'd pay to see your face right now.]

[Jack clears his throat uncomfortably, as if brushing something off.]

I'm not sure I fully understand.

[goddamnthe]

While I have met a few with an interest in reanimate children, I have yet to encounter anyone interested in eating or enslaving their living counterparts.

[creepinginmy]

[Pause.]

Reanimate children?