#a. donovan.

[mitch--douglas]

IN THE OPEN || mitch & alex [ dmc event ]

@alexander-donovan​

[[ Mitch never really knows what to expect of parties held around the colony, in all honesty. Over the years they’ve oscillated wildly between bleak, weirdly solemn affairs that seem to leave spirits lower than before, and much lighter, wilder parties that do an excellent job of distracting everyone from the end of the world. Thankfully, campy thought it may be, this Delma engagement is proving to be much more solidly in the latter category.

It probably doesn’t hurt that Mitch’s mood is the highest it’s been in recent memory, maybe even since D-Day -- maybe even since months before. There’s been nothing but pleased and downright enthusiastic reactions (and a fair amount of near-exasperated ‘finally’s, the likes of which make Cambie and Mitch laugh with a measure of embarrassment) to the obvious and apparently natural evolution of his relationship with Cambie.

For the first time in the evening they’ve separated, though -- Cambie to ‘get ready,’ whatever that might entail; and Mitch to see himself to the bar to have a seat, a ‘mocktail,’ and an idle chat with Crane. When asked if he’d care to help out again, Mitch simply chuckles and shakes his head, claiming he’s off-duty. Good thing, too, because as he swivels on the stool to lean his elbows back on the bar and survey the center of the room, he catches sight of Alex approaching and can’t hold back a broad grin. ]]

Well, Donovan. Forget your parrot at home? [[ As if Mitch is one to talk; he’s dressed neatly but simply as he ever is, preferring to donate his credits at the door than to have made any last-minute costume piece purchases at the Hub. ]]

[charlie-freakin-essex]

the going of winter | alex, charlie, & ricky

D. D’MORNAY:

[[ Ricky was doing fine with the workout, thank you very much. In comparison to others he was flying through it. The only problem is that he’s next to Charlie. Everyone looks fucking useless next to Charlie.

Discovering Charlie was ticklish was, honestly, a goddamn highlight of Ricky’s day. No, his week. Considering all the shit going on lately, it’s a welcome break from what they’ve been having to deal with. An absolute tank like Charlie being ticklish is, frankly, delightful.

Was it dumb? Yes. Was Ricky going to stop? No.

He jabbed out, poking a sensitive soft spot in his side that has Charlie hissing out mid-laugh and Ricky beaming. He should be trying harder, should be paying attention and not dicking about but he’s got to loosen up sometimes.

Charlie, the spoilsport, moves away. Ricky chuckles under his breath, he actually does keep going with the up and down planks. Charlie gets a split second of relief until Ricky decides to throw in a little kick on each down of the up-downs to knock Charlie’s ankle out.

Unfortunately — Charlie’s had enough. He full-on shoves Ricky to the side. The man’s ridiculously strong and in his annoyance topples Ricky right the fuck over. He lands with a loud ‘oof’ and a laugh he doesn’t catch fast enough.

Ricky’s favourite AP Trainer is leading the session and walking over, all high and mighty. Charlie is endearingly polite and maddeningly quick to resume the exercise. With a shit-eating grin, Ricky looks up at Alex, chin tucked down in a weak attempt at hiding said grin.

He doesn’t say anything because he will start to laugh. With that smile still in place he pulls himself back up into position. ]]

@alexander-donovan​

[They’re smiling, so on the plus side, that means that it’s not some childish fight he’ll have to break up. He really doesn’t have the patience for some of the interpersonal drama that makes its way onto the training field from time to time. He’s not a fucking high school teacher and he did not sign up for the angst-interference.

Nonetheless, it’s an odd sight, to see two Elites—Reformists ones, no less—goofing off during training. Alex doesn’t necessarily have anything against having a bit of fun, but he’s opposed to it if it’s at the expense of disrupting his class. Especially by people who are supposed to be making good examples. Ironic how the NWRF are so fucking high and mighty, but from the looks of it, they’re no better than anyone else. Not that that’s new information.

Overall, Alex has had a good impression of Charlie. His interactions with the man have so far been limited to in and around training sessions, but he’s been respectful, friendly and hard working, which is good enough for Alex, at this point. God knows he’s had to deal with worse from the ranks of NWRF. As for D’Mornay... well, he’s a bit of a handful. Arrogant and immature, but Alex has never been quick to condemn. Ricky is a handful, but he’s not totally hopeless. Though he does seem to have a problem with authority.

As the two of them get back to their planks, Alex eyes them but says nothing, turning to the group again, and glancing at his PDD.] Alright, very quick breather. Then get ready for Mountain Climbers. Ten seconds. [With one more glance at Essex and D’Mornay, he turns his back for a moment.]

[[ Charlie casts Alex one more apologetic look as he pushes up from his planks, settling back on his heels with a single, heavy exhale, stretching his shoulders. As soon as the trainer’s back is turned, however, his eyes slide back to Ricky with a slow, unavoidably mischievous smile.

Charlie never had siblings, but he finds it easy to imagine that this is exactly the kind of energy it would’ve been if he had. As Ricky likewise moves to kneel when they’re given a brief respite, Charlie doesn’t let him. He reaches out to give Ricky’s shoulder another nudge, more playful this time, but still with more than enough force to push him back over.

Ricky shoots him a look; Charlie shrugs innocently. Ricky starts to sit up a second time, and again, Charlie reaches over to give him another light push to the grass, a low chuckle bubbling up from his throat. ]]

@diederick-dmornay​

[mitch--douglas]

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY || mitch & alex

@alexander-donovan​

[[ The past couple weeks have been a whirlwind for Mitch, in ways he hasn’t even begun to properly process. Arguably, he’s barely had the time; his sudden denial of space in the labs is swiftly and suspiciously followed by the games, pushed abruptly forward and with little explanation as to why.

Even though thoughts of Cambie have been clouded with much more significant personal revelations, he hasn’t forgotten that he promised to follow up with Alex about the proposed forum between the NWRF and select Infected Elite. That, too, is oddly clouded with the brief conversation he’d had with Mouse -- cryptic but telling, not only in how easily Mitch had agreed to help but how he hadn’t once regretted the decision since.

Still, whatever Mitch may have agreed to on the side and whatever concerns might be roiling just beneath his skin, he wants to believe a forum such as Alex mentioned discussing with Dante and Clove has value. He wouldn’t throw out the concept simply because he had other proverbial irons in the fire. So, at the designated time, Mitch shifts his bag on his shoulder, fresh from the classrooms, and knocks politely at Alex’s office door before poking his head in with an easy smile. He could certainly use some of Alex’s familiar, stalwart constancy right now. ]] Afternoon, Alex. Thanks for carving out some time for me.

[mitch--douglas]

pdd || a. donovan

Mitch: Good morning! Didn't see you in the trudge back last night, hope all is well.

Mitch: I have a developing shiner that says I shouldn't've shirked my training duties, so the time for I-told-you-so-s is now.

[charlie-freakin-essex]

ADVANCED TUTORIAL || charlie & alex

@alexander-donovan

[[ When all of the excitement of the storm had proven to be anything but for Charlie, he found himself well enough content to settle back into the standard schedule and rotation of things -- for now. Boredom was a bit of a struggle for his attention span when he felt like his talents could be put to better uses in other ways, but he’d picked his path and he was sticking to it. It’s a calm before a different sort of storm, or; so he hopes.

Training, at least, is something he can take some pleasure in. The vast majority of it isn’t any kind of challenge for him, like tutorial levels or simple XP grinding slotted into the general mundanity, but it keeps Charlie fit and his skills sharp enough. The best way he’s figured to keep himself on his toes is to cycle his way through all of the trainers upon request, and today he was legitimately enthusiastic about training with Alexander Donovan.

The man was about as stoic as one might expect of a training NPC, but that didn’t prevent Charlie from approaching him after the session was over. He’d hardly broken a sweat with all the punches he’d been pulling against an understandably intimidated sparring partner, but his demeanor was chipper as ever. ]] Mr. Donovan. I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. Charlie Essex. [[ A hand was offered and the subsequent shake firmly given. ]] Just wanted to say I appreciated the session. I was told you were one of the best, and I can see why.

[mitch--douglas]

SNOW AND TELL || mitch & alex

[[ Even if Mitch isn’t the biggest fan of winter -- he’s saving his enthusiasm for spring, and the sense of renewal -- he can appreciate the soft, soothing effect that a good layer of muffling snow provides. He knows the quiet won’t last long, not once the children (and children-at-heart, much like himself) wake up enough to bury their hands in the fluffy aftermath, but for the time being it’s lending a sense of peace to the Colony that’s been more and more difficult for the residents to get ahold of lately.

He leaves the dining hall early with the intent to tweak his lesson plans, knowing he’ll have to liven things up in order to compete with the snow for the kids’ attention. Luckily for Mitch, there’s a woman on the food line who’s particularly charmed by him, and he’s able to sneak out with a battered travel mug filled to the brim with hot coffee.

He’s warming his hands around it when he crosses back through Calyset’s common room with the intention of grabbing his Echo-pad from his suite, but pauses with a pleasantly surprised smile to see Alex lingering in the space. ]] Alex, hey. [[ Mitch doesn’t usually see him around this particular time of day, and it doesn’t take long for him to puzzle out the reason. ]] They cancel some of your sessions? [[ Mitch might be more cognizant of the schedule change if he, uh, ever intended to go to his own AP training in the first place. ]]

[mitch--douglas]

MERRY MITCHMAS || dougie’s holiday gifts

@alexander-donovan

Alex’s gift is, of course, very practical: a pair of black tactical gloves, with grippy palms.

I’ve already given you the timeless gift of training me in the near future -- no returns, refunds, or exchanges, by the way -- but I thought you might find use for these as well. -- Mitch

@littlealliep

Allie receives a mug with a cartoon unicorn emblazoned on the side, along with the words “I’m fucking magical.”

Pardon the unicorn’s french, but I saw this and immediately thought of you. Can’t imagine why. Merry Christmas, Allie-gator. -- Dougie

@annie-perrault

Annie will find an ornate carved wooden box sitting on her pillow, roughly 5 x 5 x 3 in. in dimension. There are a handful of Echo chip copies inside, with various musician and album names penned on meticulously. One chip is a mix Mitch made for her himself, unmarked but with an assortment of his favorite songs.

A few modest additions and a container for your collection. Try not to make fun of me too terribly for my musical tastes. Much love -- Mitch

@cambieandrews

A carefully rolled print of Jules Chéret’s Loïe Fuller at the Folies-Bergère can be found propped in Cambie’s chair in her office, tied with a length of silver ribbon.

I know I could’ve given this to you at the Delma party, but I got impatient. There isn’t enough space on this small card for me to be able to express just how lucky I feel to have you in my life and to call you a friend. I’ll have to stick to briefer sentiment, but I think it says it all: I’d be lost without you. Love -- Mitch

@dot-speckter

Dot receives a skein of soft wool, dyed a striking royal blue.

Thought this would be a good color on you -- I look forward to seeing what you do with it. It’s been a good year, Dottie, and I’m proud of you. Much love -- your soppy trainer.

@rhyslikespopcorn

Rhys will find a boxed wooden train set on his desk in the corner of the daycare room, and while some pieces seem to be missing, what’s there is in remarkably good shape.

I’m realizing this gift is maybe more for your kids -- I owe you! -- but hopefully you get some enjoyment out of it, too. -- Mitch

@rozayakovlev

He’s managed to procure Roza a Lisa Frank notebook with eye-bleedingly rendered dolphins.

It’s a little beat up, but I didn’t think that’d stop you from getting some use out of it. Yours in comically overtheatrical dueling -- Mitch

Calysets

Every dorm room in Calyset will get a modest gift basket’s worth of assorted candy and silly party favors. None of them have a note as to who it’s from, but seeing as it’s been a habit of Mitch’s over the past few years, it’s likely not difficult to guess.