Eye, the observer

“The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.” (I still believe that's applicable) archived.

[lethargictrochiline]

Back temporarily. Keep your eyes closed and your hopes low.

[lethargictrochiline]

*Hare huffs. Then turns away from Eye to look through the table. Pout still on his face.*

Well, if you say so. Now that you got your camera, I guess you won't miss me as much.

Next time you go on a little trip make sure to give me anything else you gotta fix

*He waves a wrench at Eye for emphasis.*

-🐇

*Eye walks closer, sitting awkwardly on the chair nearest to Hare, as if prepared to be kicked out. They put the mask over the table, staring towards the surface as they spoke. From their expression, it was as if they could taste the bitterness of the words, mulling on them. Right. Being sentimental wasn't bad.*

I missed you. Not the camera. If anything, me leaving the camera here was a way for me to ensure I'd be back. If that's even reassuring... *Eye stared at the wrench.* I meant the hug, too.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He pulls the wrench back. Setting it down on the table. There's paper littering the wooden surface. There's a small beat up radio on a corner of it too.*

I know you meant it.

*He doesn't say anything else for a few minutes. His mask hiding away most of his face from view. And then he turns to look at Eye.*

Come sit.

[lethargictrochiline]

*At his words, Eye moves the chair closer to Hare, sitting a little more comfortably as well. The paper littering the table brought him back to cleaning the apartment and getting a rough talk in regards to taking things out of place. He stays quiet, mostly out of fear of saying something wrong again.

[hare-the-sniper]

The camera is... fine. Really. I fixed it and held myself back from working on it unnecessarily. Here, look at these.

*With slim, scarred hands, Hare pushes a small pile of blueprints towards where Eye sits. Purposefully moving gear and tools around in his haste to pass Eye the sketches.*

You don't have to agree to them. But take a glance at least-

*He glances back at Eye. Face softening in surprise at his tense posture. He sighs.*

Look- Eye. I was upset. And I did miss you. But I know how the Pale is; I don't blame you for leaving, and I certainly don't blame you for forgetting.

*He slides a tentative hand between Eye's shoulder blades. Careful yet firm; a gentle, grounding touch.*

[lethargictrochiline]

*Eye traced his hands over the blueprints with an extremely odd familiarity. A small smile is clear in their expression, satisfaction. They admired the work for a while, before turning to Hare.*

Well, I do blame myself. I could've made more of an effort and- *the touch made them freeze.* Sorry. I'm glad to see you. The blueprints are beautiful, I don't want to take more of your time, though.

[hare-the-sniper]

There's no need to blame yourself - given the opportunity, I probably would've done the same.

*His hand slides from Eye's back. Not wanting to overstep. Hare smiles.*

I'm glad to have you back. Really.

*With a strained groan, Hare pulls himself up from the chair.*

I have all the time in the world. No work, no personal vendettas- I have more time than the world, actually.

[lethargictrochiline]

No work? Hmm. You're not shooting anyone anymore? *Eye kept their eyes locked on the blueprints for a little while, a small frown forming at the very brief touch now gone.* Well... I think I can say I have just as much free time. I've done far too many reports in the past few months.

[lethargictrochiline]

*Hare huffs. Then turns away from Eye to look through the table. Pout still on his face.*

Well, if you say so. Now that you got your camera, I guess you won't miss me as much.

Next time you go on a little trip make sure to give me anything else you gotta fix

*He waves a wrench at Eye for emphasis.*

-🐇

*Eye walks closer, sitting awkwardly on the chair nearest to Hare, as if prepared to be kicked out. They put the mask over the table, staring towards the surface as they spoke. From their expression, it was as if they could taste the bitterness of the words, mulling on them. Right. Being sentimental wasn't bad.*

I missed you. Not the camera. If anything, me leaving the camera here was a way for me to ensure I'd be back. If that's even reassuring... *Eye stared at the wrench.* I meant the hug, too.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He pulls the wrench back. Setting it down on the table. There's paper littering the wooden surface. There's a small beat up radio on a corner of it too.*

I know you meant it.

*He doesn't say anything else for a few minutes. His mask hiding away most of his face from view. And then he turns to look at Eye.*

Come sit.

[lethargictrochiline]

*At his words, Eye moves the chair closer to Hare, sitting a little more comfortably as well. The paper littering the table brought him back to cleaning the apartment and getting a rough talk in regards to taking things out of place. He stays quiet, mostly out of fear of saying something wrong again.

[hare-the-sniper]

The camera is... fine. Really. I fixed it and held myself back from working on it unnecessarily. Here, look at these.

*With slim, scarred hands, Hare pushes a small pile of blueprints towards where Eye sits. Purposefully moving gear and tools around in his haste to pass Eye the sketches.*

You don't have to agree to them. But take a glance at least-

*He glances back at Eye. Face softening in surprise at his tense posture. He sighs.*

Look- Eye. I was upset. And I did miss you. But I know how the Pale is; I don't blame you for leaving, and I certainly don't blame you for forgetting.

*He slides a tentative hand between Eye's shoulder blades. Careful yet firm; a gentle, grounding touch.*

[lethargictrochiline]

*Eye traced his hands over the blueprints with an extremely odd familiarity. A small smile is clear in their expression, satisfaction. They admired the work for a while, before turning to Hare.*

Well, I do blame myself. I could've made more of an effort and- *the touch made them freeze.* Sorry. I'm glad to see you. The blueprints are beautiful, I don't want to take more of your time, though.

[lethargictrochiline]

*Hare huffs. Then turns away from Eye to look through the table. Pout still on his face.*

Well, if you say so. Now that you got your camera, I guess you won't miss me as much.

Next time you go on a little trip make sure to give me anything else you gotta fix

*He waves a wrench at Eye for emphasis.*

-🐇

*Eye walks closer, sitting awkwardly on the chair nearest to Hare, as if prepared to be kicked out. They put the mask over the table, staring towards the surface as they spoke. From their expression, it was as if they could taste the bitterness of the words, mulling on them. Right. Being sentimental wasn't bad.*

I missed you. Not the camera. If anything, me leaving the camera here was a way for me to ensure I'd be back. If that's even reassuring... *Eye stared at the wrench.* I meant the hug, too.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He pulls the wrench back. Setting it down on the table. There's paper littering the wooden surface. There's a small beat up radio on a corner of it too.*

I know you meant it.

*He doesn't say anything else for a few minutes. His mask hiding away most of his face from view. And then he turns to look at Eye.*

Come sit.

[lethargictrochiline]

*At his words, Eye moves the chair closer to Hare, sitting a little more comfortably as well. The paper littering the table brought him back to cleaning the apartment and getting a rough talk in regards to taking things out of place. He stays quiet, mostly out of fear of saying something wrong again.

[lethargictrochiline]

*Hare huffs. Then turns away from Eye to look through the table. Pout still on his face.*

Well, if you say so. Now that you got your camera, I guess you won't miss me as much.

Next time you go on a little trip make sure to give me anything else you gotta fix

*He waves a wrench at Eye for emphasis.*

-🐇

*Eye walks closer, sitting awkwardly on the chair nearest to Hare, as if prepared to be kicked out. They put the mask over the table, staring towards the surface as they spoke. From their expression, it was as if they could taste the bitterness of the words, mulling on them. Right. Being sentimental wasn't bad.*

I missed you. Not the camera. If anything, me leaving the camera here was a way for me to ensure I'd be back. If that's even reassuring... *Eye stared at the wrench.* I meant the hug, too.

[hare-the-sniper]

... Are you giving me my camera? Are we playing? *Eye squints his eyes, trying their best to keep eye contact.* What's... This?

–👁️

*Hare rolls his eyes again, passing the camera back to Eyes.*

It's me being passive-aggressive. In a friendly way, I suppose.

Next time you want to disappear, at least tell me you won't keep in contact. Rather than just disappearing.

[lethargictrochiline]

Oh. *Eye stares down at the camera, staring at the ampoule slot, before looking back at Hare.* I really need to get better at that. Jules mentioned it before, too... I'm sorry. I missed you.

*It was hard to both keep eye contact and be honest. Eye fiddled with the camera for a little while, before looking back up towards Hare.*

[hare-the-sniper]

It's fine.

*He looks at Eye. At the way, he looks over the camera. His face twitches minutely.*

Is something wrong with it? If you need me to fix anything else, lemme know.

*Hare looks away, moving to sit in one of the chairs. His hands fidget and twitch as they tinker with some metal.*

So what's your plan now?

[lethargictrochiline]

Oh, no. It's good. Really. I don't think I could've done any better if I tried, thank you. *Eye shifted his weight from one foot to the other, briefly turning on the camera.* I really don't know. I didn't have much of a plan for this whole year, I just wrote reports, built a few bird houses, went into the pale, tried avoiding people hunting me...

*They went quieter and quieter as they analyzed the camera quite fondly.* You're good at this. This is great!

[hare-the-sniper]

*Hare stares at him. Silent. His fingers twitch, reflexes from being empty handed. He sniffs loudly.*

Next time you go into the pale, tell me. I need to go too.

*He crosses his arms over his chest.*

I'm glad the fix went okay. It's a pretty old model, y'know?

[lethargictrochiline]

Well. Going with company is less worse, but I don't think I'd take you with me. *Eye shut off the camera, putting it away before reaching up for the mask straps, removing it.* I don't really remember when I got it, but I think it was- maybe a little over... Seven years ago? *Eye squinted, as if that was going to help them remember anything.*

[hare-the-sniper]

... Are you giving me my camera? Are we playing? *Eye squints his eyes, trying their best to keep eye contact.* What's... This?

–👁️

*Hare rolls his eyes again, passing the camera back to Eyes.*

It's me being passive-aggressive. In a friendly way, I suppose.

Next time you want to disappear, at least tell me you won't keep in contact. Rather than just disappearing.

[lethargictrochiline]

Oh. *Eye stares down at the camera, staring at the ampoule slot, before looking back at Hare.* I really need to get better at that. Jules mentioned it before, too... I'm sorry. I missed you.

*It was hard to both keep eye contact and be honest. Eye fiddled with the camera for a little while, before looking back up towards Hare.*

[hare-the-sniper]

It's fine.

*He looks at Eye. At the way, he looks over the camera. His face twitches minutely.*

Is something wrong with it? If you need me to fix anything else, lemme know.

*Hare looks away, moving to sit in one of the chairs. His hands fidget and twitch as they tinker with some metal.*

So what's your plan now?

[lethargictrochiline]

Oh, no. It's good. Really. I don't think I could've done any better if I tried, thank you. *Eye shifted his weight from one foot to the other, briefly turning on the camera.* I really don't know. I didn't have much of a plan for this whole year, I just wrote reports, built a few bird houses, went into the pale, tried avoiding people hunting me...

*They went quieter and quieter as they analyzed the camera quite fondly.* You're good at this. This is great!

[hare-the-sniper]

... Are you giving me my camera? Are we playing? *Eye squints his eyes, trying their best to keep eye contact.* What's... This?

–👁️

*Hare rolls his eyes again, passing the camera back to Eyes.*

It's me being passive-aggressive. In a friendly way, I suppose.

Next time you want to disappear, at least tell me you won't keep in contact. Rather than just disappearing.

[lethargictrochiline]

Oh. *Eye stares down at the camera, staring at the ampoule slot, before looking back at Hare.* I really need to get better at that. Jules mentioned it before, too... I'm sorry. I missed you.

*It was hard to both keep eye contact and be honest. Eye fiddled with the camera for a little while, before looking back up towards Hare.*

[hare-the-sniper]

I keep forgetting how horribly stubborn you are. *Eye lets go of the awkward, loose hug, grabbing the radio from his side before Hare could just grab it.* Are you going to keep it as well? I traded some good things for it.

*Despite the playful comment, Eye gave Hare the radio without protest.*

–👁️

I keep forgetting how emotionally stunted you are.

*Hare grabs the radio out of his hand before giving him a firm poke on his sternum.*

I'm tempted to keep it, since you clearly have no use for it.

[lethargictrochiline]

I'd say I got a little better. But s- ow! *Eye reached their hand towards their sternum.* Can I at least have my camera back?

[hare-the-sniper]

*He tilts his head, poking Eyes forehead and turning away. Pretending to look for it.*

Maybe you'd already have your camera if you hadn't left for a year with no notice other than "I'm going on a trip; don't look for me."

[lethargictrochiline]

Well, I also said I'd be back. I know it's been a year, but I didn't die! *Eye moved both their hands up dramatically, before fixing their bag properly on their side.* Listen, I feel bad about it too. I guess I didn't expect you to actually... Miss me. Which I tend to do.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He fishes the camera out of a soft bag. Turning the small device over in his hands as he looks at Eyes with a raised eyebrow.*

Who said I missed you? Now you're just putting words in my mouth.

*He doesn't hand the camera over just yet. Content with talking with Eyes and fidgeting with the electronic in his hand.*

[lethargictrochiline]

... Right. Yeah. *Eye stared straight at the camera, a lot similar to a cat staring straight at a laser, head tilted, clear worry about him breaking it again - accidentally or not.* So?

[hare-the-sniper]

I keep forgetting how horribly stubborn you are. *Eye lets go of the awkward, loose hug, grabbing the radio from his side before Hare could just grab it.* Are you going to keep it as well? I traded some good things for it.

*Despite the playful comment, Eye gave Hare the radio without protest.*

–👁️

I keep forgetting how emotionally stunted you are.

*Hare grabs the radio out of his hand before giving him a firm poke on his sternum.*

I'm tempted to keep it, since you clearly have no use for it.

[lethargictrochiline]

I'd say I got a little better. But s- ow! *Eye reached their hand towards their sternum.* Can I at least have my camera back?

[hare-the-sniper]

*He tilts his head, poking Eyes forehead and turning away. Pretending to look for it.*

Maybe you'd already have your camera if you hadn't left for a year with no notice other than "I'm going on a trip; don't look for me."

[lethargictrochiline]

Well, I also said I'd be back. I know it's been a year, but I didn't die! *Eye moved both their hands up dramatically, before fixing their bag properly on their side.* Listen, I feel bad about it too. I guess I didn't expect you to actually... Miss me. Which I tend to do.

[hare-the-sniper]

I keep forgetting how horribly stubborn you are. *Eye lets go of the awkward, loose hug, grabbing the radio from his side before Hare could just grab it.* Are you going to keep it as well? I traded some good things for it.

*Despite the playful comment, Eye gave Hare the radio without protest.*

–👁️

I keep forgetting how emotionally stunted you are.

*Hare grabs the radio out of his hand before giving him a firm poke on his sternum.*

I'm tempted to keep it, since you clearly have no use for it.

[lethargictrochiline]

I'd say I got a little better. But s- ow! *Eye reached their hand towards their sternum.* Can I at least have my camera back?

[hare-the-sniper]

Hare.

Are you still situated in the same area? Maybe we are due for a little catching up.

–👁️

Oh? Sorry, you'll have to remind me who you are.

After all, nearly a year of being dropped will make a person forget people.

[lethargictrochiline]

... So you're angry? Mad? I told you I'd be back and so I am. I'm pretty sure you still have my camera.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He frowns. Tugging absentmindedly at the new mask he had to make.*

Uh- yeah, I'm mad! It's been a YEAR. No text, no call, no letter, not even a pigeon. Quite frankly, I assumed death.

[lethargictrochiline]

Wouldn't be far from the truth, either way. I'm... Sorry. Really. I could've fixed the radio, but I figured- *Eye went quiet. What excuse could they even give? Figured no one would bother to reach out? Saying that might make Hare angrier.*

I'm sorry. That's all I can say.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He rolls his eyes, sticking his hand out for the radio.*

It's fine. You're back, I guess.

Pass that thing, c'mon

[lethargictrochiline]

*Eye stares blankly at the outstretched hand, then up towards Hare's new mask. Instead of reaching for the radio, they pull him by the hand into a hug.*

I'll fix it. You don't have to worry about that.

[hare-the-sniper]

Hare.

Are you still situated in the same area? Maybe we are due for a little catching up.

–👁️

Oh? Sorry, you'll have to remind me who you are.

After all, nearly a year of being dropped will make a person forget people.

[lethargictrochiline]

... So you're angry? Mad? I told you I'd be back and so I am. I'm pretty sure you still have my camera.

[hare-the-sniper]

*He frowns. Tugging absentmindedly at the new mask he had to make.*

Uh- yeah, I'm mad! It's been a YEAR. No text, no call, no letter, not even a pigeon. Quite frankly, I assumed death.

[lethargictrochiline]

Wouldn't be far from the truth, either way. I'm... Sorry. Really. I could've fixed the radio, but I figured- *Eye went quiet. What excuse could they even give? Figured no one would bother to reach out? Saying that might make Hare angrier.*

I'm sorry. That's all I can say.

[hare-the-sniper]

Hare.

Are you still situated in the same area? Maybe we are due for a little catching up.

–👁️

Oh? Sorry, you'll have to remind me who you are.

After all, nearly a year of being dropped will make a person forget people.

[lethargictrochiline]

... So you're angry? Mad? I told you I'd be back and so I am. I'm pretty sure you still have my camera.

[lethargictrochiline]

Back temporarily. Keep your eyes closed and your hopes low.

[julespidieu]

*As soon as they're inside, the mask is off, and Eye lets out a loud sigh.* If I was blessed with strength and not patience, Hare would've been dead a good while ago. Hello, Pidieu. -👁️

Considering the conversation I've been having..mm, I'm not surprised. Hello, Aether. Would you like something to drink?

[lethargictrochiline]

A foolish man who seems to think he's a teenage boy playing cupid in school. *They rub their hands together in an attempt to warm them up.* No need, really. How have you been?

[julespidieu]

*Jules has to hide his snicker as he heads towards his kitchen. He does catch the hand warming* Eh, I've been fine. Just working. Doing paperwork too. And you? Do you need a gloves by the way?

[lethargictrochiline]

I've been decent. Except for being dragged, not much has been happening. *Eye simply leans against the wall, staring at the recently fixed leg, even if hidden under the fabric.* I'll warm up eventually, the wind always gets to me.

[julespidieu]

*He pours himself a glass of water as he listens.* Did you ever find out who it was that did it? *He takes a glance over at Eye. A worried one* But, I'll take your word. You can..sit down. You know? *It was starting to feel kind of..odd to Jules, how much he was offering.*

[lethargictrochiline]

*Wasn't it weird? To be offered so much, and refuse. There was this awkwardness in the air, and they thought about saying no once more, after all, they had to be absolutely sure the prosthesis wasn't going to break anymore.* Apparently someone Hare knows. Would it be weird to say I really don't care much? *Eye sat down at the couch after shifting their weight from one leg to the other a couple of times, posture perfect, a little stiff.* Hare said I should care more, but honestly? If they got scared so easily, I don't have to worry about anything.

[julespidieu]

If only I had that way of thinking. *He walked around the couch, sitting in a chair a small amount of space away, yet close enough to Jules's comfortability. The rigid posture that Eye had, made him wonder if the other were comfortable too.* If Hare told me I should care, I'd certainly be worried..to an extent. Although, generally, I would be paranoid, having been beat up and randomly attacked before. *That before, being before he became a communications Officer.*

[lethargictrochiline]

*Maybe that's where his worry came from, the past experience, the vivid memory of being scared. Eye's expression gets visibly sad - or maybe it's the tiredness. Their eyes are half-lidded.* I'm sorry for making you worry. I was scared. I am scared. No one ever came this close to actually harming me, but I really do think it's important to focus on how it didn't happen. I'm alright.

*They extended a hand, but didn't touch Jules', waiting for him to reach out. It was an attempt to comfort him.*

[julespidieu]

*As soon as they're inside, the mask is off, and Eye lets out a loud sigh.* If I was blessed with strength and not patience, Hare would've been dead a good while ago. Hello, Pidieu. -👁️

Considering the conversation I've been having..mm, I'm not surprised. Hello, Aether. Would you like something to drink?

[lethargictrochiline]

A foolish man who seems to think he's a teenage boy playing cupid in school. *They rub their hands together in an attempt to warm them up.* No need, really. How have you been?

[julespidieu]

*Jules has to hide his snicker as he heads towards his kitchen. He does catch the hand warming* Eh, I've been fine. Just working. Doing paperwork too. And you? Do you need a gloves by the way?

[lethargictrochiline]

I've been decent. Except for being dragged, not much has been happening. *Eye simply leans against the wall, staring at the recently fixed leg, even if hidden under the fabric.* I'll warm up eventually, the wind always gets to me.

[julespidieu]

*He pours himself a glass of water as he listens.* Did you ever find out who it was that did it? *He takes a glance over at Eye. A worried one* But, I'll take your word. You can..sit down. You know? *It was starting to feel kind of..odd to Jules, how much he was offering.*

[lethargictrochiline]

*Wasn't it weird? To be offered so much, and refuse. There was this awkwardness in the air, and they thought about saying no once more, after all, they had to be absolutely sure the prosthesis wasn't going to break anymore.* Apparently someone Hare knows. Would it be weird to say I really don't care much? *Eye sat down at the couch after shifting their weight from one leg to the other a couple of times, posture perfect, a little stiff.* Hare said I should care more, but honestly? If they got scared so easily, I don't have to worry about anything.