EQUIVALENT EXCHANGE

Sorry ‘bout the mess.

#Tessa:convo 02 #( future )#brotp: Jack and Joker

tessa-fitzwilliams:

[Tessa manages a small nod to her husband, giving him a small smile before she laughs it off] I must look like a mess huh? You’re probably thinkin’ who the hell did I marry, ah? [The blonde wasn’t exactly a put together type of person, not like Al was, not like his family was. But this…that was a whole new low for Tessa. She hadn’t been drunk in years, not since she was in her twenties. Looking up at the man she loved as he pulled her off the ground, Tessa can only shake her head at him. She can feel tears come down her and normally she might push them away but she didn’t right now] I don’t care about that, Al. How are we supposed to get past this? [Her eyes are distant, though she holds his gaze] Alice…she’s broken into little pieces…my daughter, our little girl. And I can’t do a fucking thing. She’ll hardly even speak to me, Al.

Al shook his head slowly at her question, and despite the saddened look in his eye he glanced at his wife with sheer adoration “I’ve never questioned that, Tessa” the Welshman assured her. Good or bad, he’d always been certain that he’d married the right woman, the only person who knew him beyond the reserved gentleman he always was. Seeing the tears form in her eyes, the alchemist felt a knot tighten in his chest. Cupping her face tenderly, he shook his head “I don’t know...” he replied in a low tone. He couldn’t lie to the woman he loved by presuming he had an answer to that “I just know that we will. Somehow, one day we will all managed to get past this”. As Tessa spoke, he slowly pulled her close, holding her against him. A hand moved up to gently cradle her head and softly stroke her hair. It pained Al beyond words that what happened to Alice had something to do with alchemy... it made him feel that he’d failed his own daughter as a teacher, her mentor in the ways of her power, even as a father. “She won’t speak to me either... But right now she has Theo, she’s relying on him. And we have to trust our son will help our little girl come back to us”.

Sorry ‘bout the mess.

#Tessa:convo 02 #( future )#brotp: Jack and Joker

tessa-fitzwilliams:

I swear it’ll be cleaned up before the kids are home. I- shit, where the hell did I put my phone. What time were Theo and Alice gettin’ back? [Tripping over several alcohol bottles and blankets on her living room floor, Tessa, fumbles around for her phone, slurring her words as she does so. Her hair was cemented on her face, her face somewhat blotchy and red from rubbing it too much. She looked as though sleep was a third or maybe even fourth thought to her, her appearance very much showing this. The stench should have told anyone that she hadn’t showered that day or changed her clothes. Alcohol was perhaps even soaked into her clothes] Al, where- where the fuck- Ah! Got it. [She falls onto the couch, half of her body missing it completely and dangling off the ends] Fuck, in ‘bout thirty minutes they’ll be home what am I to do?

Even despite Al’s usual reserved demeanor, it was clear in his expression that he was both shocked and concerned about the sight before him. He’d just come back from work and the last thing he’d expected was to come home and find his wife in such a chaotic state. Something ripped inside of him by seeing her like this. “They ought to be back in about half an hour” Al responded, still slightly stunned and trying to process how to deal with this. He was hurting too about what happened to their little girl, but this -the bottles of alcohol, not taking care of herself-, it wasn’t right. The man rushed to her side when she sat on the couch and dangled off the end, putting an arm around her torso to help her sit back “We will get this mess cleaned and you will have a shower’” Al replied in a gentle tone, since that was the immediate plan to deal with this. He would talk to her about this once she was sober. He brushed some hair away from her face and moved both hands up to cup her face “It will be alright” the alchemist spoke softly, reassuringly. He didn’t just mean right now, he had faith that this tragedy with Alice would one day be a little less painful. Maybe.

Tessa & Al

And then my soul saw you and it kind of went "Oh there you are. I've been looking for you" [x]

#This is Al #*my edit #//I tried :P

Twenty two years.

Being young is not a good thing. Being young means reckless and annoying. Do I look like a pre teen with acne problems to you? No. (Her eyebrows raise as he says ‘excuse me’, but she soon tilts her head to one side and plasters a fake smile onto her face.) You’re excused. (She responds, with sarcasm laced into her tone of voice. When he begins ranting about the hostility of the cafe, the falseness of the smile quickly fades away and turns into a grin of genuine pride. Placing a hand to her heart, she looks at him as if he had just given her the biggest compliment in the world, rather than insulted her.) Thank you. No, I mean it. I always knew I was good for something. (She pretends to wipe a tear of joy from her eye, dramatically stating her feigned gratitude. Her act, though, quickly returns to her usual carefree attitude with one simple eye roll.) I’m only confrontational to the customers who show limited brain cell activity. Which, usually, tends to be at about 95 per cent of the people who walk through those doors. Business is just fine, though I thank you for your concern. (She briefly looks down at the tattoos on his hands, looking back up to him curiously.) Interesting tattoos. Bit on the tacky side, but what can you do?

#Adelaide:convo 01 #//super late reply... sorry #haha yes XD But I like her #even if Al doesn't seem to like her as much :P

I never said you did (he replied almost with exasperation, but managed to still sound polite enough. This girl had an uncanny ability to twist everything he said and somehow turn it into something bad...) Good thing I am not from this 'stupid town', I suppose... (he says in a low tone, adjusting his jacket. But he still had a feeling than not being from this 'stupid town' didn't exclude him from her past remark about the people there). You have a natural talent, apparently (he replies with an equally fake smile, tilting his head lightly to her). And tell me, do you usually make that assessment within the first second that a customer spends here? (he asks with his charming, polite smile, though it was clearly forced, merely playing along what she'd said. He notices when her eyes drift to his tattoos, and for a moment he wished he was reckless enough to do some alchemy as a small form of retaliation for her awful attitude... His better judgment stopped him, and also because he still hoped he'd just been unfortunate enough to meet her on a bad day, that this wasn't her default behavior) I can do plenty (he replies with a slightly enigmatic smile).

Twenty two years.

Of course it’s good. I make it. (She states as if that’s clearly obvious, before flicking her hair over her shoulder as she struts over to the machine, heels clicking with every step. She focuses on making the coffee, then places the mug in the machine to finish it off, before returning to the counter whilst it’s preparing.) Young? I’m not young. I’m twenty two! I’m mature. Sophisitcated. Wordly wise. God, what is it with people in this stupid town and being so annoying? (She questions aloud, despite the fact the guy was right there to hear her. Finally she lets out a frustrated sigh, rolling her eyes at him.) I’m not married, and ‘madam’ makes me sound like the owner of a brothel. I’m not sure what you’re into, but that’s not my are of interest, pal. Why don’t you just do it the old fashioned name and read my name from the badge, huh? (She dramatically points to the name tag on her waitressing apron.) Contrary to the belief of the morons who seem to be attracted to this place, that’s what it’s there for.

#Adelaide:convo 01 #//this is fun but she's making it REALLY hard for him to stay polite

(Al just takes a deep breath and uses all his will not to say something he might regret later. He had to stay composed, even if this girl was making it a difficult task for him). Being young is a good thing, Miss, and it doesn't necessarily mean that you are not a mature person. If anything, it is a greater achievement to be mature at a young age. And- Excuse me? (he cuts off as soon as the blonde complained about people being 'annoying' in that place, clearly meaning him. A frown takes place on his brow as he looks at the girl with a level gaze) Forgive me, but it was rather hard to read that name tag from the entrace (he replies with forced courtesy, since the first time he'd addressed her as 'Miss' he had just walked through the door of the establishment). Well, Adelaide. I have to say I'd never been met with such hostility at a cafe -or any other establishment for that matter- in my life. So I must ask: Are you generally this confrontational to your costumers? Because I don't imagine that can be good for the business. Or did I simply have the misfortune of stumbbling upon you during an off day? (he asks rather calmly, keeping the polite behavior throughout, but there was a cold undertone in his voice. As he speaks, he rests his hands on the counter. The back of his hands could draw attention because of the tattoos on them, but Al didn't really mind that or ever tried to keep them hidden).

Twenty two years.

(The glare doesn’t weaken as the man makes his attentions clear, Addy’s eyes narrowing on the figure and her eyebrows raising.) Well done. You can read. Congratulations. (She rolls her eyes, dramatically slamming her drink down on the counter and standing up straight like her aunt had told her to when serving customers.) Yes, whatever. Hurry up. Places to go, people to see. And none of them are you. (She folds her arms over her chest with a fake smile, though after a moment of thought the annoyed look reappears on her expression.) Wait. Miss? Miss? Do I look single to you?

#Adelaide:convo 01 #//ignore gif text please :)#I'm amused by this #it's fun to see Al holding back and Addy not holding back at all :P

(What an unpleasant and rude thing to say, he thinks, his mind forming several witty remarks. However, Al chooses to stay composed and keep his thoughts to himself after the girl snaps at him. He should stay composed and stay a gentleman). I've heard the espresso is quite good in this place. I'll have one, please (he says, making a mental note to never come back to this cafe since apparently its custommer service wasn't as good as its coffee). It's the polite way to refer to women whose name you don't know (he replies with a calm tone, though there was an edge of impatience in it. Was this girl always so angry about... everything?) And no, you look young to me, Miss. But if you would rather I use Mrs or Madam, I'll happily oblige.

Twenty two years.

And this is what my sad life boils down to. (Adelaide announces to the empty cafe, which is mere moments from closing as she swings up the bottle of bourbon she’d been hoarding down there since she’d “borrowed” it from her aunt’s cabinet. Her birthday last year had been surrounded by people, with mountains of gifts from everyone she loved. But, not today. Today her parents hadn’t even bothered to call. Pouring some of the liquid into one of the chipped tea mugs, she rolls her eyes at her own patheticness before downing it, and pouring out another. That is until she hears the ring of the bell attached to the door and jumps out of her skin. She wasn’t in the mood for customer service, as she turns around in a flourish of blonde curls.) Do you want something or are you just here to gawk?

#Adelaide:convo 01 #//Excuse this awkward turtle :P

(Al stops dead on his tracks as soon as he entered the cafe. Either the girl was in an awfully bad mood or he'd done something wrong, though he was pretty sure it was the former) Correct me if I am mistaken, Miss, but the sign outside reads this is a coffee shop (he says with his usual polite tone, clearing his throat afterwards as she looks at the blonde) Are you closing or could I still order something, Miss?

Miss Dunham wasn't overreacting...

breanna-wentworth

Breanna listens quietly towards the man’s words, making notes as to what he was saying on his views of what was happening during Project Play. This exact conversation was the reason why Audrey and Breanna had stopped talking and it made her blood boil to know that there were people who simply didn’t get it. They were the obvious race that needed to come out on top - carriers were far more superior in every way and Project Play was something that showed off those skills. “We are not barbarians, sir, and we are not sacrificing children for a useless, made-up ‘god’ to give us rain for crops. We are highly skilled, highly trained individuals who are put to the test of intelligence, wits, agility — so on and so forth. I am not saying that there aren’t flaws in Project Play, but I’d like to note that there hasn’t been a death during the Plays for quite some time. No, are not looking to kill or murder fellow carriers, but merely remind them that there is always room for improvement.” Nodding her head as if she had fully justified herself, she looked over at him and noted his stern disposition. “Countless years, eras — up until this point carriers were being used and beaten and genocide had been a word thrown at us time and time again. And yet… there are those who complain about a little violence? Yes, this is violence, yes it hard to watch at times. I have… I have someone I care about in there, too.” She’d never say that to her face, but she did. “Yet I know that this will ultimately show her that there was much more room for improvement, this will show here that where she lacks and after the games she will be able to improve on them. That’s what Project Play is, sir.” Proud, proud little legacy child. “Pleasure to meet you, Peter Alexander Woodfield. Although our perspective on St. Mary’s and Project Play may differ, I am glad that you are not like the others here who resort to petty tactics such as wrecking my lab or ‘plotting my demise’, as some would say.” A light smile picked on her lips as she nodded her head, lips pressing into a light frown. “Wentworth, yes. I’m part of the Wentworth’s from the South — We’ve got the most brilliant science minds and state of the art laboratories back home.” Breanna’s face engulfed in a smile as she talked about home, a part of her missing it greatly. “Lydia? Yes. The Wentworth lineage spreads pretty far wide, I find. Lux Wentworth is also another Project here — elemental, too. Strange power for Wentworth’s, but I never bothered to ponder about it.”

No, the institution is merely making them beat the shit out of each other not for a made-up god, but for the man sitting at the head of the table (he points out with a level tone, despite his unusual use of curses. His eyebrows twitch upwards subtly as she goes on speaking. So there had been one or more deaths in previous Project Plays. Lovely, he'd walked right into a madhouse... a violent, barbaric madhouse. Forrest's words started to ring with more truth and sense right now that when he encountered the boy). So because us carriers have been antagonized in the past, it is justified to become ruthless and seek superiority? (his arms cross over his chest, looking down at the girl with a frown). Project Play sounds positively like a nazi practice (He comments with a cold tone, despite the mild anger that was beginning to bubble inside him. Not a time for his temper outbursts... But it was insane, because this 'play' truly did have some outrageous ideals behind it, and not just the brutality in it and the scientific racism it sought to institute in the students of this place). You may simply call me Al, Miss. I am aware my parents burdened me with an awfully long name. And I like to think of myself as a mature man, Miss Wentworth. I would not take part in such actions towards you (he clarifies, moving his hands to fold them behind his back as she stood in a gentlemanly way). I am only acquainted with the Wentworth family from Cambridge. I am close to the family (he says with a polite nod, not spekaing further of his romantic link towards Lydia). I am well acquainted with Miss Lux Wentworth, yes. She is cousin to Lydia, Lea and Samuel.

#Breanna:convo 01

Miss Dunham wasn't overreacting...

breanna-wentworth

"It’s a long standing tradition for St. Mary’s," Breanna started in a tight tone, her lips pressing together. Legacy blood coursed through her and not one built on social standing or plain wealth - the Wentworth’s were always known for their skills, be it a brilliant mind at everything, or a damn brilliant scientist; they were remarkable people. Meant to change the world. Wentworth’s, their name meant something - and they were loyal. Breanna Wentworth was just as part of that loyalty as much as the other legacies. Sometimes extreme in her views, she thought of humans as a waste of space and that carriers to reign through. “It’s an honor to show off the skill sets learned here at the institution.” Crossing her arms, she raises a brow at the man as she moves her head to the television set for a few seconds. As soon as Audrey’s face flashes, she pulls her gaze away and settles it onto the man. “It’s not violence, sir. It’s merely skill. May I have the pleasure to ask who you might be? I know most of the faculty on here as I might interact with them frequently — you are part of staff, correct? Breanna Wentworth.”

#Breanna:convo 01 #//Latest reply in the history of late replies....#Sorry I missed this one! D:

(He nods at the girl's words, pursing his lips for a moment. He could understand why she thought her argument validated the practice of Project Play and thus made it justifiable. Tradition didn't justifty it, so he turns to look at her) The Aztec culture had a variety of gods, Tlaloc, the god of rain is one of the most well-known. Aztec people firmly believed that if sacrifices weren't made to Tlaloc, there wouldn't be rain and their crops wouldn't flourish. Human sacrifices, children, to be more specific (he points out, before he continues) Tlaloc required the tears of his sacrifices first, so the priests made the children cry on the way to their immolation. And the children were burnt alive. It was a long standing tradition (he finishes by saying those words in a similar way than she did). Tradition doesn't justify violence, brutality and murder, Miss (he finishes his small lecture, by looking at the girl with a rather stern expression). I assure you Miss, that if we were to look up the definition of violence on a dictionary, it wouldn't be as accurate as what those screens display (he speaks with a calm but serious tone as he points out at the screen. Before he couldn't quite see what his sister-in-law could have had against this institution, but ever since Project Play began, it was becoming more and more clear to him). Peter Alexander Woodfield (he introduces himself with a light nod) I am head of the infirmary now (he replies with a polite tone, as he always did, even if it was proving harder to stay polite towards a person whose ideals were entirely opposite to his own, it seemed. He'd been taught to be open-minded by Jie Xing at the Hengduan Mountains, and he was trying to with his every fiber, but being open-minded towards violence wasn't something he was good at). Wentworth? (his eyebrows move up a little for a moment before he regains his composed expression) You're one of Lydia's cousins?

Miss Dunham wasn't overreacting...

(he mutters as his gaze stays on the scree before him. Lea had spoken about Project Play to him, but honestly he hadn't believed everything she'd said to be an accurate, objective description of the event). This is positively barbaric. This is merely an update from the Roman Colosseum... Who would have thought that in the 21st century we'd still find entertainment in similar violence to that of two thousand years ago?

#continuum:starter #event: PP Virtual Reality

Pardon me

forrest-cooper-blog

Just hoping nothing bad happens is the quickest way to ensure something will, I think. So, I understand coming. [He just nods in response to the man’s thanks. He is focused as Al talks about alkahestry, left hand scribbling shorthand notes that he would go back through later.] I definitely want to try. [There is a desperate eagerness in his voice that he despises. He tilts his head, clearly trying to comprehend.] Why would you help someone for nothing? Most of all a stranger? [His voice softens.] You could kill me, honestly, if it would even give me just a moment of my life back. [He doesn’t break the silence, just finishes scrawling and looks at Al.After a moment, he half-smiles.] Come on, Al. I’ll walk you to the headmaster.

Exactly (it's all he can say, because Forrest had summed it up very accurately. As he speaks of alkahestry, he tries to not make it all sound too confusing and strange, because it was an odd power and he actually hoping the boy would let him help, not trying to scare him off by speaking of weird 'witch doctor' stuff as Tessa had described it). Come see me at the infirmary whenever you want to try (he tells the boy with a polite nod). Why wouldn't I? (he shrugs lightly, because to him it didn't seem like such a strange thing to want to help out) Maybe it's just the way I was raised, or something I learnt in China, but helping people is exactly that: 'helping', not trading favors to gain something (he tells him with a serious tone, yet there was a kind undertone in his words. He couldn't even imagine the sort of life this boy must have had to have such a mindset in which everything was a trade among people and kindness was a rarity). It won't come to that, I assure you. I wouldn't try to go further than what I know I can achieve, Forrest. It would end badly for both. (He gives him a polite nod) Thank you.

#Forrest:convo 01

Pardon me

forrest-cooper-blog

If coming here was the better option, I’d be terrified to know the alternatives. I imagine she’ll be glad to see you back home. [He pauses, giving the man an earnest look.] I hope you find what you need and make it out of here quick. [The resignation to his life in this school is evident in his voice. When the man apologizes for Forrest’s past, he finds that the believes the words and doesn’t resent them. It wasn’t pity. Maybe the man was one of those in the world who had an actual heart.] Tell me about it. I’d have settled for a ghetto-rigged cure. Didn’t even have that. [He tilts his head to the side, left hand scrawling out his closest approximation to the word alkahestry. He would research it.] I’ve never heard of it. If I had, I might have tried to pursue it somehow. You think there’s a chance it could fix me? [Another thought strikes him.] What’s the cost though? [This isn’t some sort of alchemical knowledge. It’s the reality of an orphan. Nothing comes free.] I considered myself invincible back in the New York foster care system. Then I came here. This hell hole has a knack for breaking down your idea of yourself. [He nods with a laugh.] One thing that will never not be needed here is those who can heal.

#Forrest:convo 01 #//ignore gif text please :)

My alternative was waiting. But on this particular matter... I can't just wait and hope nothing bad happens. (He gives the boy a nod, his expression softening a bit) Thank you (he says, appreciating Forrest's wish of luck in finding his answers quickly. It was so evident this boy hated this place... Al couldn't help but feel somewhat bad for him, for having to stay here until graduation. Forrest clearly showed interest in what alkahestry, or more specifically, in what alkahestry could do to help him heal from what had happened to him) Yes, I do. Alkahestry is not a traditional healing method, it doesn't seek to fix, it seeks to transform. It's alchemy, after all (he begins to explain, folding his hands behind his back as he continues speaking). If you want, we could give it a try. (His eyebrows raise slightly at the boy's words, and he wonders if he had some sort of idea of what the principle of equivalent exchange was. Or maybe he was just used to people offering things in exchange for something else). No cost. At least not from me, I'm not trying to help to gain something from you. As for the alchemical process, it requires both your energy and mine, but you should not worry about it, I'm careful when it comes to that. I promise I won't drain you of your energy or something like that. It would be terribly unethical to do so (he tells him in a polite manner, yet with a light smile on his lips. Al remains silent after those last words, it was like a warning, even. Would this place break him? No way to know just yet).

phoebe-irwin

Ugh, shit.

phoebe-irwin

{Phoebe’s eyebrows raise. She’d immediately gotten defensive — but for once it seems that someone is taking fault for their actions. That’s new. And refreshing. She just shakes her head, sighing and wiping at her shirt with her good hand.} Ah, it’s alright. {She shrugs.} Accidents happen, I reckon. Are you okay?

#Phoebe:convo 01 #//ignore gif text please :)

I apologise, Miss (he says once more, because right now he felt he could go on offering apologies to this woman for his carelessness. He was clearly embarrassed about the inconvenience he'd caused). I am. Why wouldn't I be? I'm the perpetrator of this accident, Miss, not the victim. (It didn't escape his notice that there was a stain on her shirt now, and coffee... why something so noticeable and not something like water?) Would you allow me to pay to have it cleaned, Miss?

It's a lighter!

Hm you know it’s probably that but I’ve always had out-of-the-box thinking. [She laughs at his quick dismissal of doilies, raising her eyebrow a bit] You sure? You seem like a doilies person. [It was something bold to tell him, since not a lot of people knew about this radical group specifically because Hearst didn’t want it spread around. She sighs lightly, nodding her head] Yes, there’s a radical group and would you expect anything less? This guy, he- he just does terrible things to people, breaks up families, sometimes even kills them. And no, I’m not helping anymore. Not now that Nicky’s here. [She shakes her head and smiles lightly, looking up to meet his eyes in slight amazement] You’re ability is way fucking cooler than mine. Although have you ever had your ability…amplified? [Brushing some stray hairs from her face, Tessa walks next to him, looking straight ahead. So he wasn’t a supporter…he didn’t prefer either side. These were the people Nick had been speaking of, because in battle if it came down to that…would she really let people like Al be collateral damage? She bites down on her lower lip lightly, she gives him a small smile] Well Jack, I hope not having a side sort of helps you in all this. Keep me updated on how many people you scare with that ability of yours. Here’s the office, straight ahead. I won’t go farther than here, he’ll sense my presence and I don’t want to speak with him right now. I’ll see you around okay?