Invasion of the Anzens

[tailsofwoe]

Who: Some Anzens & you
When: July 29
Where: Dorms
What: just friendly people being good neighbors
Warnings: N/A

[ Knock knock, open up, there is some number of Anzens at your door.

A pretty lady in sky blue smiles and waves. ]

Good evening. Hopefully this isn't a bad time? Enough time has passed that we figured it was a good idea to check in and make proper introductions.

You'll have to forgive the lack of housewarming gift. We're a bit shorthanded at the moment, which I'm sure you can relate to.

[ From behind her peers a perfectly average guy with tousled hair dressed in sky blue slacks. He gives a friendly wave! ]

We did think about it, though.

[ GIVE BROWNIE POINTS ]

Comments

[presgarddihellis]

That's good. Truly.

[ordimame]

Yeah. It is.

[. . .]

Can I ask you a personal question?

[presgarddihellis]

[eyes him a moment before giving a nod.]

You can ask.

[he may not answer, depending.]

[ordimame]

[it's fine. he never answered Smith's. he figures there's a 50/50 chance of him getting something if he asks, so. . .]

The Faceless. You said you came with that one. I guess it's self-explanatory— you can change your appearance to fit whatever role you need to play.

[. . .]

What was happening to you immediately after we escaped from that room?

[the. . . wiggling pieces underneath his skin. that time he had warned Puck to keep his distance, or else]

[presgarddihellis]

... a loss of control, as I said then.

The truth is, Mr. Puck... I am not human. I have not been human for some time now. Physically, most especially.

But I was born human. I prefer to be... human.

[ordimame]

[. . . christ]

I see.

[and he does. truly. after everything he has learned, this is something he gets. the moniker Miskatonic. . . cursed knowledge. . . the references to Lovecraft. . . perhaps he is wholly incapable of imagining what Smith's true form is underneath his mask, but Lovecraft's Outer Gods were always meant to be imperceptible. and he still gets it. he still resonates with the sentiment. the desire to be something more genuine. more true]

[. . .]

[actually, maybe he shouldn't think too hard about why that is so]

Then is this face the closest to your true self?

[presgarddihellis]

[the internal hysterical laughter of there even ever being a "true self" anymore--but no.

there is, after all.

not remembering that is folly and will lead to a breakdown of the act.

and that would mean a loss of control for certain.]

... I don't think that is entirely incorrect to say.

But I would argue... it is between this and one other face, for certain.

[ordimame]

[everyone needs an anchor when lost in the sea of their own lies]

[. . . but Puck seems satisfied with this response]

Hm. . .

[a contemplative hum]

. . . thanks for answering. I know that was possibly a little more personal than any question I've asked thus far.

[presgarddihellis]

[this is why he has a Psychiatrist back home, tyvm]

I have come to realize a few things in the past few days.

... it is far too much effort to hide the things that aren't so harmful than it is to hide the things that could be. If this much eases the mind, then I'm happy to oblige.

[ordimame]

"Eases the mind?"

[leaning back in his seat, arms folded, one leg swung over the other]

That's not why I asked. My mind doesn't need to be put at ease.

But your answer helps me understand you a little better.

[presgarddihellis]

Your curiosity, then.

[ordimame]

[hah. a nod]

My curiosity.

[presgarddihellis]

If I should regain my Faceless capabilities, I'll be sure to remember to spook you with an unfamiliar face.

[ordimame]

[oh my god]

Hey. Don't be rude.

[presgarddihellis]

Hm? Didn't you want to know the other face?

[oh so innocently.]

1/3

[ordimame]

[. . . yes. HOWEVER--]

[puffing up a bit!!]

I didn't--

[ordimame]

[NO NO, PUCK. CUSTOMER SERVICE TIME. PUT ON YOUR JOB INTERVIEW FACE]

[ordimame]

[a sharp exhale as he settles, his smile returning]

. . . if you wanted to share it, I'd certainly feel honored to see it.

But asking felt a bit too presumptuous.

[presgarddihellis]

[Quite the stumble there, Klein thinks with mirth.]

There's never any harm in asking. However, if you feel it's a bit too much, I can always stick to just the one face.

1/2

[ordimame]

[TOO MUCH??? TOO MUCH????]

[ordimame]

[outwardly. perfectly even]

I don't think it'd be too much at all, Smith-san. I did say I was adaptable.

[presgarddihellis]

["Challenge accepted", then?]

Should I make an attempt, then?

[ordimame]

[CHALLENGE ACCEPTED]

By all means.

You've kind of given me something to look forward to!

[presgarddihellis]

... easy to please...?

1/2

[ordimame]

[. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]