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tampered2007-02-27 04:54 pm
despairingdream.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2007-02-27 04:54 pm
Log ;; Complete.
When; Feb. 27
Rating; L for Leon [Language]
Characters; Leon Orcot (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
detectiveorcot), Count D (despairingdream)
Summary; Human nature sets in and inspires a need for the familiar.
Log;
Leon: It hadn't taken him particularly long to find it, once he'd gathered his bearings; and for once - for once, rather than kicking the door in, he actually pushed it open with his hand; feeling a bit too timid for his own good. However, he did perk up a bit when he was 'safely' inside; dragging his fingers through his hair. At the same time though, he tried not to think about what his 'purpose' would be once he'd finished his current task. "Count?"
Count D: The Count--for once--was rather out of his element. Had Leon's arrival not been surprise enough (though pleasant or unpleasant he hadn't quite decided of yet), he was cursed--and in a dangerous way, at that. Of course, he could have managed avoiding the computer for the day and remaining within the closed shop, but truth be told he did not trust that Leon would prove functional in a place like this one on his own. With the manner in which he tended to react to the strange and unknown, D couldn't help but worry--and he could not allow the Detective to wander The City alone.
"Detective Orcot," he stated audibly, though there was a softer murmur just after the fact, he presently leaning over the teatray--the same that had been used through Leon's visits prior. Everything seemed the same, in fact--and those things that were not were rather shockingly similar.
Leon: It was relieving to say the least - while the Pet Shop had never been his element, so to speak - it was so much closer to it than well, anything else he'd experienced that day. He moved further inside and flopped down across from the Count - exhaling a very slightly shaky breath as he took a moment to rub his temples. He seemed to already be withdrawaling - well, that was nice. "It's been a while."
So he had a habit for stating the obvious. It didn't matter, though - at least not to him.
Count D: "Observant as ever, and how pleasant to know that you are not dead. Many arrivals here are; I had worried--" But the count was quick to stuff a small tart into his mouth, brows furrowing briefly as his thoughts were fixed instead to the taste of the sweet. He lifted the saucer upon which he'd set Leon's cup, the tea already prepared and smelling ever-sweetly of Jasmine, and offered it toward the detective.
"As you still take it, I presume," his words faintly muffled by the confection.
Leon: He arched an eyebrow at that - though plowed on nonetheless, nodding slightly as he took the saucer. "Of course." He paused, contemplating the whole 'death' idea. "No, definitely not dead." He left it at that - sipping the tea, and he did snag one tart. Though he was far more occupied than he had been; chewing on his lip moreso than on the forgotten pastry in his hand. There was however a slightly uncomfortable shift - the drawing was nagging at him.
It had waited this long, it could wait a few more moments.
Count D: "I suppose that you're expecting explanation, then--it would only make sense. Ah, this place... It's not of my doing, so you can stop considering that before you even start. And the second most important thing for you to remember is that as a Detective you've absolutely no power here~," he was practically cheerful, though Leon would likely notice the fact that he seemed to be rambling far more than usual--intonation awkward in that it was not its usual drawl but instead rather thoughtful, as if he were speaking to himself more than Leon.
"I suppose the best manner in which I can describe it in human terms," yes, he let that slip--though hopefully it wouldn't prove too noticeable, "would be another dimension. There are Gods and Monsters, Angels and Daemons--and whether or not you choose to believe it I am hardly exaggerating."
He sipped his tea nonchalantly.
Leon: It -was- noted, of course - but not spoken on, as he was rather busy trying to process everything he has said as soon as he was finished speaking. Finally, he managed a faintly bewildered-sounding "...I see." He took to his tea again - this time actually eating the tart rather than simply holding it - though his brows were furrowed in thought the whole while. Finally, he set the cup and saucer down, dusting off his hands. "I did mean it when I said I'd been looking for you."
For now, he would concentrate on the things he COULD handle; such as the search he'd begun and now for some sick reason, was terrified of ending. He could have another massive freak-out-session soon enough.
Count D: "Well, you were always looking, weren't you? And it wouldn't surprise me that you still were, I suppose it would be break enough for anyone's retirement would it not? Though you should have known that you wouldn't find me, Detective Orcot--and it's sheer luck that ended you up here, though I cannot deny that I'm glad--" Stifled by another tart hastily shoved into his mouth.
Oh, how he hated this sort of curse. Curses! Yes, that was what he'd for--"That's what I forgot. There are curses, curses on different days--foolish things, really, things that force you to act as you wouldn't, though some are quite amusing ones such as these are bothersome--certainly you note that I'm acting differently, even you must be perceptive enough for that, though I suppose I'm not giving you enounnngngnhh--" and dear Qchan had shoved another cookie in place to stifle him, recieving only a glare in response.
Leon: "It was for an entirely different reason now, though." There -was- a silence and he -was- awkward about it, though he sighed. "I knew I wasn't going to find you. It wasn't a matter of that at all. But even if there was the tiniest chance, I wanted to keep trying." There was another silence, mostly with a sort of 'oh god' look on Leon's face; but then he noted Qchan and got a rather disturbed expression. "Yeah, so...right."
He lifted himself then - pulling the paper from his pocket and looking at it critically. "I wanted to give you this..." Pause. "It's a little bit messed up because I've had it with me the whole time, but it's still intact." There was a -smile- now. "I thought you might want it back." With that; he handed over the drawing before quite promptly finding his tea fascinating once again.
Count D: The Count arched a brow at that. "Perhaps you're cursed as well and it's just having a belated effect.." though the words were muffled by the food in his mouth, as well as the hand which had been lifted to cover it delicately in lieu of his not being able to opt out of speaking. He took the paper in the other, still looking rather curious as he drew it back to unfold--and both brows immediately shot upward.
"... Oh my. It's.. how did you---why do you."
... And then D clamped the hand hard over his mouth, standing with the drawing still in hand. Speaking directly into the appendage, so that the words were muffled, the Count turned and made a beeline for his bedroom--entering and locking the door in his wake.
Leon: "Chris still mis-" It was GOING to have been an underhanded way of getting out of saying 'I missed you' instead, but now - he'd have had no one to say it to. He sat in shock a moment before he stood to follow, brows knitted together. He did spot the panther as he was walking and jumped slightly in surprise - though he did suppose it was...not entirely odd, considering where he was. He walked a bit faster, then. But just a bit.
He paused outside the door, knocking tenatively before speaking. "...D?" A pause. "Are you all right?"
Count D: "I've never not been all right, Detective Orcot." Though it took some time to respond, when he finally did he did so in a tone that was perfectly casual--as if it were entirely common that he hole up in his room, let alone enter it at all when there were others present.
Leon: "Oh, of course." He was leaning against the wall next to the door now - arms crossed over his chest and head tilted back as he spoke. "I suppose I'll blame it on the curse you were talking about, then. Should I go back and sit at the table like a good boy to wait for your triumphant return?"
Count D: "Ah.. it's... No, it's all right," and his tone was somewhat softer when he finally did draw the door open. The picture was nowhere in sight--apparently already stowed away, and the Count did little more than tug down the sleeve of his cheongsam before moving gracefully back into the hall. "I was merely.. surprised. But yes, the curse is to blame, though I'm hesitant to tell you the suspected nature of it," he smirked then, the usual, unreadable expression that Leon would hate so much--one hand poised as if he anticipated needing to stifle himself again.
Leon: "Fair enough." He shifted then - straightening so that he no longer leaned on the wall. "I could guess, but I'd probably be wrong. It's not like... Mm. I'm still too fucking disoriented." The smirk made him - not so much cringe as - quirk his expression in distaste in response to it.
Count D: "Probably be wrong? Where is that boastful pride in your intuition, Detective Orcot? I'm curious as to what you think. So like you to be so calm in the face of such change, isn't it---actually, no, I take that back, it isn't very like you at all. I suppose that the tea must help..."
Leon: "Me? Calm? You're fucking kidding me." He actually -laughed- at that; shaking his head - expelling all the words at once. "Fuck. No. Hell, now that I'm done doing what I've been -trying- to do for a few years now, I've been dropped somewhere that the only person I know is you of all people - though that is convenient since it helped me finish - and I pretty much don't have a purpose right now other than existing." A pause in which he actually took a breath. "Should I continue or stop here?"
Count D: "I'm not the worst that you could be stuck with, Detective Orcot--in fact in a place such as this I am likely one of the better you know. You act as if I've harboured ill will toward you in the pas--Nn, it is no decision but your own what you state--thankfully you have that luxury at present."
It took a moment to register, but once it had the smirk only broadened--though for a moment it looked little more than fatigued. "'Of all people' you say, and yet I was your goal for years? Tsk, tsk, Detective, the things you let slip."
Leon: "It was surprise, not distaste!" He was -scowling now; and threw his arms up in the air in frustration. He was again rubbing his temples - voice quiet as he muttered something about cigarettes before he lifted his head to return D's gaze. "I know I'm fucking lucky that it was -you- here. Don't think I don't realize that."
A sudden, unblinking surprised silence before he grit his teeth. "Fuck. Shut up, I don't care anymore." How... eloquent.
Count D: "Always so quick to anger. Surprising how you've yet to learn how very short a distance such will get you.." a pause. He smiled. "And yet here you remain as my guest and I with so little protest. The means does not seem so ineffective after all .. and just when I had spoken of such things, how foolish." Though, thankfully, his thoughts were as obscured on the matter to which he now referred.
"Why should you care? I am merely a criminal."
Oh, he never could help it--and even moreso now, when even his thoughts taunted the poor Detective.
Leon: "Maybe that just means you're a glutton for punishment. Ugh, I don't even know anymore..." So much for standing straight - he somewhat slumped against the wall now. "For all I know, you've been trying to fatten me up all along to feed me to something or other. Though I doubt I'd taste good. Too many additives." Pause. "Speaking of additives, where can I get some goddamn cigarettes?"
"And yet for all the others I've been able to catch, I've never been able to pin a damn thing on you. Had I a hat, I'd tip it to you." It was fairly -dripping- with sarcasm now, but his eyes were closed and head tilted downward. He really -was- out of his element, after all. It was overwhelming to say the least.
Count D: "Did you ever once stop to think that perhaps I am not the criminal you assumed, Detective? But I suppose that as much would ultimately be admitting to fault and that would be far too much for you, wouldn't it?" The Count sighed then, taking a moment to press his hand over his mouth, as if he feared something worse might escape. However, it did not--though he did not yet lower it, own head bowed just slightly.
"You are not yet dead, and yet you insist on poisoning yourself. I won't help you do it. You can find cigarettes yourself."
Leon: "That's what I was fucking implying, damnit!" More quietly. "I will admit that I was wrong about some things. But there are other things I will not and cannot - because still don't think I'm wrong." A bit more confident, now. "Were there something to find, I would have found it." Simply - he again scowled, however.
"Even a general vicinity to go to!"
Count D: "Or perhaps you simply have trouble admitting that you did find what there was and refused to acknowledge it... or did you even notice?" Though the inquiry was muffled by the hand which had yet to lower.
"No currency is required in this place; Any of the shops will likely carry your death. However it must be said that I don't appreciate you rushing to it so when I assured that you would not lose that life to begin with..."
Leon: "Maybe I just..." He barely resisted the urge to bang his head back against the wall. Barely. "I forgot what I was going to say." He wasn't the best liar but - at this point he didn't care.
A slightly longer silence this time - though a sigh left him. "I'm not planning on rushing out the door right this second..." Well, he had been. But he wasn't now, and that was what counted, wasn't it?
Count D: "You say that as if I'll actually believe it--" of course, he didn't need to. He could hear the murmurs of the human mind, could tell when something was amiss--though that didn't mean that he was one to pry. While he could, he was polite enough not to--at least in Leon's case.
"You're lucky," he found himself beginning, only to stifle it again, and it was another long moment before he could continue regularly.
".. I do hope that tomorrow retains some normalcy."
Leon: "If I pretend to believe it, it's enough." A tiny laugh - though he shrugged a bit at the mention of luck. At the thought of normalcy though, he couldn't help a grin. "So you're tellin' me it's actually normal here sometimes?" A pause. "Though you did say SOME...goddamn." He'd pout now it it wouldn't look entirely terrible for him to do so.
Count D: "As normal it can be with so many breeds wandering the streets, so much awkward magic and so many foreign tongues ... but it's hardly noticeable after a time. And as you are you likely won't be too affected in either case, Mr. Detective." D grinned faintly at that, and finally straightened--starting back down the hall which would lead them back to the main room of the shop. "But there are days lacking curses, I find that they are rather easier to appreciate."
Leon: The silence this time was longer, but he finally nodded. "Good enough." However, by this point he was speaking to D's back - and scowled a bit, following him back out to the main room. "Even better, that last part." He curled into the chair he'd vacated a short time before; taking up the cup despite the cold tea inside and draining it of the rest of the liquid before setting it back down.
"...It feels weird not accusing you of something. Do something so I can accuse you of it." He was just being silly, now. Or something of the sort.
Count D: "I still run the same shop, Officer. Sell the same wares of which you were formerly so accusing ... though as it should stand you know more of my family, of I, than any other living human -- Or have you forgotten? Perhaps attributed it to another hallucinogen, or dream ..."
Leon: "I have forgotten nothing." It was simple and to the point - he lifted his head to look across at D for a moment - somewhat calmer than he had been before, shockingly enough. He sighed though, again dragging his fingers through his hair. "I have forgotten nothing... And besides, like you said earlier there's not much use of my being a detective here? Or something like that..."
Count D: "Your persistance is rather astounding, Officer.." and while he had indeed deemed it futile, the name had and would continue to stick. "To be honest I find it difficult to decide exactly what to make of it .. perhaps the usual stubborness attributed to your kind, or should I assume it a special case?"
Leon: "You know well enough by now that I'm a stubborn bastard." He simply shrugged then; though he did look distinctly...lost. "I'm not good at keeping secrets, so...Ah, I just keep plowing forward!" That grin was finally back in place. "Until I put my foot in my mouth again." ... To be honest, he'd forgotten what point he was supposed to be making.
Count D: "Or until you forget what you're talking about, which you seem to have done already," though the Count was grinning as he stated it. He hated to admit such a thing, but "It's rather endearing reksafndamsa."
He found himself assaulted again with sweets.
Leon: Both eyebrows raised at this - but he said nothing; though mentally was another story - perhaps being un-cursed was a blessing after all. "Like I said, foot in mouth every time I forget what I'm talking about. It's a damn epidemic."
The sweets were amusing though and he laughed; though it -was- quietly and he calmed soon after - taking up a tart, though for no reason other than he suddenly had a sweet tooth.
Count D: "An epidemic? Effecting only you ... and I shall buy you a dictionary for Christmas, Officer." However, whether or not the sentiment was wholly understandable around the pastry would be up to Leon and his deciphering skills. When D next spoke, his voice was clearer.
"Perhaps I should retreat until this curse does the same. You are welcome to stay for now, Detective--though I trust that you know well enough not to stray from the very room in which you are presently seated lest something unfortunate befall you elsewhere."
Leon: He had to try very hard not to laugh - but it was thankfully managed, and when D spoke again he simply nodded. "Yes, I know damn well enough not to wander around. I'm bushed as it is, I'll probably just drop where I sit." A slightly crooked, characteristic grin. "Though I'm assuming I'll see you in the morning, then." A pause, before he blinked in genuine curiousity. "What if I have to take a piss?" ...Fair enough.
Count D: "If you have to take a piss then you can do so with the horses, outside. Hmph, still so rude--of course, I would never have the horses degrade themselves so.." he was already standing, starting for the back of the shop again.
Leon: "Will do, will do." The smile was still there, but he leaned back with a faint chuckle. "Goodnight to you too." There was a pause, a silence - before he spoke again, more serious and more quietly. "Thank you." He didn't remember if he'd ever said it to him before for well, anything - but he felt like saying it now, at least.
Count D: "You shouldn't thank me just yet, Detective Orcot--" however, this wasn't something that he'd intended to say--and so he made no effort to let the words come to light. Instead would resound the quiet click of his lock into the suddenly silent shop--rather strange considering that which was kept there.
Leon: He said nothing more - simply settled down and kicked his shoes off - for once actually seeming to worry about mussing the furniture. And, true to his word, he was asleep in less than five minutes - though it would be fitful for some time; it was better than nothing. The silence helped.
Rating; L for Leon [Language]
Characters; Leon Orcot (
detectiveorcot), Count D (despairingdream)Summary; Human nature sets in and inspires a need for the familiar.
Log;
Leon: It hadn't taken him particularly long to find it, once he'd gathered his bearings; and for once - for once, rather than kicking the door in, he actually pushed it open with his hand; feeling a bit too timid for his own good. However, he did perk up a bit when he was 'safely' inside; dragging his fingers through his hair. At the same time though, he tried not to think about what his 'purpose' would be once he'd finished his current task. "Count?"
Count D: The Count--for once--was rather out of his element. Had Leon's arrival not been surprise enough (though pleasant or unpleasant he hadn't quite decided of yet), he was cursed--and in a dangerous way, at that. Of course, he could have managed avoiding the computer for the day and remaining within the closed shop, but truth be told he did not trust that Leon would prove functional in a place like this one on his own. With the manner in which he tended to react to the strange and unknown, D couldn't help but worry--and he could not allow the Detective to wander The City alone.
"Detective Orcot," he stated audibly, though there was a softer murmur just after the fact, he presently leaning over the teatray--the same that had been used through Leon's visits prior. Everything seemed the same, in fact--and those things that were not were rather shockingly similar.
Leon: It was relieving to say the least - while the Pet Shop had never been his element, so to speak - it was so much closer to it than well, anything else he'd experienced that day. He moved further inside and flopped down across from the Count - exhaling a very slightly shaky breath as he took a moment to rub his temples. He seemed to already be withdrawaling - well, that was nice. "It's been a while."
So he had a habit for stating the obvious. It didn't matter, though - at least not to him.
Count D: "Observant as ever, and how pleasant to know that you are not dead. Many arrivals here are; I had worried--" But the count was quick to stuff a small tart into his mouth, brows furrowing briefly as his thoughts were fixed instead to the taste of the sweet. He lifted the saucer upon which he'd set Leon's cup, the tea already prepared and smelling ever-sweetly of Jasmine, and offered it toward the detective.
"As you still take it, I presume," his words faintly muffled by the confection.
Leon: He arched an eyebrow at that - though plowed on nonetheless, nodding slightly as he took the saucer. "Of course." He paused, contemplating the whole 'death' idea. "No, definitely not dead." He left it at that - sipping the tea, and he did snag one tart. Though he was far more occupied than he had been; chewing on his lip moreso than on the forgotten pastry in his hand. There was however a slightly uncomfortable shift - the drawing was nagging at him.
It had waited this long, it could wait a few more moments.
Count D: "I suppose that you're expecting explanation, then--it would only make sense. Ah, this place... It's not of my doing, so you can stop considering that before you even start. And the second most important thing for you to remember is that as a Detective you've absolutely no power here~," he was practically cheerful, though Leon would likely notice the fact that he seemed to be rambling far more than usual--intonation awkward in that it was not its usual drawl but instead rather thoughtful, as if he were speaking to himself more than Leon.
"I suppose the best manner in which I can describe it in human terms," yes, he let that slip--though hopefully it wouldn't prove too noticeable, "would be another dimension. There are Gods and Monsters, Angels and Daemons--and whether or not you choose to believe it I am hardly exaggerating."
He sipped his tea nonchalantly.
Leon: It -was- noted, of course - but not spoken on, as he was rather busy trying to process everything he has said as soon as he was finished speaking. Finally, he managed a faintly bewildered-sounding "...I see." He took to his tea again - this time actually eating the tart rather than simply holding it - though his brows were furrowed in thought the whole while. Finally, he set the cup and saucer down, dusting off his hands. "I did mean it when I said I'd been looking for you."
For now, he would concentrate on the things he COULD handle; such as the search he'd begun and now for some sick reason, was terrified of ending. He could have another massive freak-out-session soon enough.
Count D: "Well, you were always looking, weren't you? And it wouldn't surprise me that you still were, I suppose it would be break enough for anyone's retirement would it not? Though you should have known that you wouldn't find me, Detective Orcot--and it's sheer luck that ended you up here, though I cannot deny that I'm glad--" Stifled by another tart hastily shoved into his mouth.
Oh, how he hated this sort of curse. Curses! Yes, that was what he'd for--"That's what I forgot. There are curses, curses on different days--foolish things, really, things that force you to act as you wouldn't, though some are quite amusing ones such as these are bothersome--certainly you note that I'm acting differently, even you must be perceptive enough for that, though I suppose I'm not giving you enounnngngnhh--" and dear Qchan had shoved another cookie in place to stifle him, recieving only a glare in response.
Leon: "It was for an entirely different reason now, though." There -was- a silence and he -was- awkward about it, though he sighed. "I knew I wasn't going to find you. It wasn't a matter of that at all. But even if there was the tiniest chance, I wanted to keep trying." There was another silence, mostly with a sort of 'oh god' look on Leon's face; but then he noted Qchan and got a rather disturbed expression. "Yeah, so...right."
He lifted himself then - pulling the paper from his pocket and looking at it critically. "I wanted to give you this..." Pause. "It's a little bit messed up because I've had it with me the whole time, but it's still intact." There was a -smile- now. "I thought you might want it back." With that; he handed over the drawing before quite promptly finding his tea fascinating once again.
Count D: The Count arched a brow at that. "Perhaps you're cursed as well and it's just having a belated effect.." though the words were muffled by the food in his mouth, as well as the hand which had been lifted to cover it delicately in lieu of his not being able to opt out of speaking. He took the paper in the other, still looking rather curious as he drew it back to unfold--and both brows immediately shot upward.
"... Oh my. It's.. how did you---why do you."
... And then D clamped the hand hard over his mouth, standing with the drawing still in hand. Speaking directly into the appendage, so that the words were muffled, the Count turned and made a beeline for his bedroom--entering and locking the door in his wake.
Leon: "Chris still mis-" It was GOING to have been an underhanded way of getting out of saying 'I missed you' instead, but now - he'd have had no one to say it to. He sat in shock a moment before he stood to follow, brows knitted together. He did spot the panther as he was walking and jumped slightly in surprise - though he did suppose it was...not entirely odd, considering where he was. He walked a bit faster, then. But just a bit.
He paused outside the door, knocking tenatively before speaking. "...D?" A pause. "Are you all right?"
Count D: "I've never not been all right, Detective Orcot." Though it took some time to respond, when he finally did he did so in a tone that was perfectly casual--as if it were entirely common that he hole up in his room, let alone enter it at all when there were others present.
Leon: "Oh, of course." He was leaning against the wall next to the door now - arms crossed over his chest and head tilted back as he spoke. "I suppose I'll blame it on the curse you were talking about, then. Should I go back and sit at the table like a good boy to wait for your triumphant return?"
Count D: "Ah.. it's... No, it's all right," and his tone was somewhat softer when he finally did draw the door open. The picture was nowhere in sight--apparently already stowed away, and the Count did little more than tug down the sleeve of his cheongsam before moving gracefully back into the hall. "I was merely.. surprised. But yes, the curse is to blame, though I'm hesitant to tell you the suspected nature of it," he smirked then, the usual, unreadable expression that Leon would hate so much--one hand poised as if he anticipated needing to stifle himself again.
Leon: "Fair enough." He shifted then - straightening so that he no longer leaned on the wall. "I could guess, but I'd probably be wrong. It's not like... Mm. I'm still too fucking disoriented." The smirk made him - not so much cringe as - quirk his expression in distaste in response to it.
Count D: "Probably be wrong? Where is that boastful pride in your intuition, Detective Orcot? I'm curious as to what you think. So like you to be so calm in the face of such change, isn't it---actually, no, I take that back, it isn't very like you at all. I suppose that the tea must help..."
Leon: "Me? Calm? You're fucking kidding me." He actually -laughed- at that; shaking his head - expelling all the words at once. "Fuck. No. Hell, now that I'm done doing what I've been -trying- to do for a few years now, I've been dropped somewhere that the only person I know is you of all people - though that is convenient since it helped me finish - and I pretty much don't have a purpose right now other than existing." A pause in which he actually took a breath. "Should I continue or stop here?"
Count D: "I'm not the worst that you could be stuck with, Detective Orcot--in fact in a place such as this I am likely one of the better you know. You act as if I've harboured ill will toward you in the pas--Nn, it is no decision but your own what you state--thankfully you have that luxury at present."
It took a moment to register, but once it had the smirk only broadened--though for a moment it looked little more than fatigued. "'Of all people' you say, and yet I was your goal for years? Tsk, tsk, Detective, the things you let slip."
Leon: "It was surprise, not distaste!" He was -scowling now; and threw his arms up in the air in frustration. He was again rubbing his temples - voice quiet as he muttered something about cigarettes before he lifted his head to return D's gaze. "I know I'm fucking lucky that it was -you- here. Don't think I don't realize that."
A sudden, unblinking surprised silence before he grit his teeth. "Fuck. Shut up, I don't care anymore." How... eloquent.
Count D: "Always so quick to anger. Surprising how you've yet to learn how very short a distance such will get you.." a pause. He smiled. "And yet here you remain as my guest and I with so little protest. The means does not seem so ineffective after all .. and just when I had spoken of such things, how foolish." Though, thankfully, his thoughts were as obscured on the matter to which he now referred.
"Why should you care? I am merely a criminal."
Oh, he never could help it--and even moreso now, when even his thoughts taunted the poor Detective.
Leon: "Maybe that just means you're a glutton for punishment. Ugh, I don't even know anymore..." So much for standing straight - he somewhat slumped against the wall now. "For all I know, you've been trying to fatten me up all along to feed me to something or other. Though I doubt I'd taste good. Too many additives." Pause. "Speaking of additives, where can I get some goddamn cigarettes?"
"And yet for all the others I've been able to catch, I've never been able to pin a damn thing on you. Had I a hat, I'd tip it to you." It was fairly -dripping- with sarcasm now, but his eyes were closed and head tilted downward. He really -was- out of his element, after all. It was overwhelming to say the least.
Count D: "Did you ever once stop to think that perhaps I am not the criminal you assumed, Detective? But I suppose that as much would ultimately be admitting to fault and that would be far too much for you, wouldn't it?" The Count sighed then, taking a moment to press his hand over his mouth, as if he feared something worse might escape. However, it did not--though he did not yet lower it, own head bowed just slightly.
"You are not yet dead, and yet you insist on poisoning yourself. I won't help you do it. You can find cigarettes yourself."
Leon: "That's what I was fucking implying, damnit!" More quietly. "I will admit that I was wrong about some things. But there are other things I will not and cannot - because still don't think I'm wrong." A bit more confident, now. "Were there something to find, I would have found it." Simply - he again scowled, however.
"Even a general vicinity to go to!"
Count D: "Or perhaps you simply have trouble admitting that you did find what there was and refused to acknowledge it... or did you even notice?" Though the inquiry was muffled by the hand which had yet to lower.
"No currency is required in this place; Any of the shops will likely carry your death. However it must be said that I don't appreciate you rushing to it so when I assured that you would not lose that life to begin with..."
Leon: "Maybe I just..." He barely resisted the urge to bang his head back against the wall. Barely. "I forgot what I was going to say." He wasn't the best liar but - at this point he didn't care.
A slightly longer silence this time - though a sigh left him. "I'm not planning on rushing out the door right this second..." Well, he had been. But he wasn't now, and that was what counted, wasn't it?
Count D: "You say that as if I'll actually believe it--" of course, he didn't need to. He could hear the murmurs of the human mind, could tell when something was amiss--though that didn't mean that he was one to pry. While he could, he was polite enough not to--at least in Leon's case.
"You're lucky," he found himself beginning, only to stifle it again, and it was another long moment before he could continue regularly.
".. I do hope that tomorrow retains some normalcy."
Leon: "If I pretend to believe it, it's enough." A tiny laugh - though he shrugged a bit at the mention of luck. At the thought of normalcy though, he couldn't help a grin. "So you're tellin' me it's actually normal here sometimes?" A pause. "Though you did say SOME...goddamn." He'd pout now it it wouldn't look entirely terrible for him to do so.
Count D: "As normal it can be with so many breeds wandering the streets, so much awkward magic and so many foreign tongues ... but it's hardly noticeable after a time. And as you are you likely won't be too affected in either case, Mr. Detective." D grinned faintly at that, and finally straightened--starting back down the hall which would lead them back to the main room of the shop. "But there are days lacking curses, I find that they are rather easier to appreciate."
Leon: The silence this time was longer, but he finally nodded. "Good enough." However, by this point he was speaking to D's back - and scowled a bit, following him back out to the main room. "Even better, that last part." He curled into the chair he'd vacated a short time before; taking up the cup despite the cold tea inside and draining it of the rest of the liquid before setting it back down.
"...It feels weird not accusing you of something. Do something so I can accuse you of it." He was just being silly, now. Or something of the sort.
Count D: "I still run the same shop, Officer. Sell the same wares of which you were formerly so accusing ... though as it should stand you know more of my family, of I, than any other living human -- Or have you forgotten? Perhaps attributed it to another hallucinogen, or dream ..."
Leon: "I have forgotten nothing." It was simple and to the point - he lifted his head to look across at D for a moment - somewhat calmer than he had been before, shockingly enough. He sighed though, again dragging his fingers through his hair. "I have forgotten nothing... And besides, like you said earlier there's not much use of my being a detective here? Or something like that..."
Count D: "Your persistance is rather astounding, Officer.." and while he had indeed deemed it futile, the name had and would continue to stick. "To be honest I find it difficult to decide exactly what to make of it .. perhaps the usual stubborness attributed to your kind, or should I assume it a special case?"
Leon: "You know well enough by now that I'm a stubborn bastard." He simply shrugged then; though he did look distinctly...lost. "I'm not good at keeping secrets, so...Ah, I just keep plowing forward!" That grin was finally back in place. "Until I put my foot in my mouth again." ... To be honest, he'd forgotten what point he was supposed to be making.
Count D: "Or until you forget what you're talking about, which you seem to have done already," though the Count was grinning as he stated it. He hated to admit such a thing, but "It's rather endearing reksafndamsa."
He found himself assaulted again with sweets.
Leon: Both eyebrows raised at this - but he said nothing; though mentally was another story - perhaps being un-cursed was a blessing after all. "Like I said, foot in mouth every time I forget what I'm talking about. It's a damn epidemic."
The sweets were amusing though and he laughed; though it -was- quietly and he calmed soon after - taking up a tart, though for no reason other than he suddenly had a sweet tooth.
Count D: "An epidemic? Effecting only you ... and I shall buy you a dictionary for Christmas, Officer." However, whether or not the sentiment was wholly understandable around the pastry would be up to Leon and his deciphering skills. When D next spoke, his voice was clearer.
"Perhaps I should retreat until this curse does the same. You are welcome to stay for now, Detective--though I trust that you know well enough not to stray from the very room in which you are presently seated lest something unfortunate befall you elsewhere."
Leon: He had to try very hard not to laugh - but it was thankfully managed, and when D spoke again he simply nodded. "Yes, I know damn well enough not to wander around. I'm bushed as it is, I'll probably just drop where I sit." A slightly crooked, characteristic grin. "Though I'm assuming I'll see you in the morning, then." A pause, before he blinked in genuine curiousity. "What if I have to take a piss?" ...Fair enough.
Count D: "If you have to take a piss then you can do so with the horses, outside. Hmph, still so rude--of course, I would never have the horses degrade themselves so.." he was already standing, starting for the back of the shop again.
Leon: "Will do, will do." The smile was still there, but he leaned back with a faint chuckle. "Goodnight to you too." There was a pause, a silence - before he spoke again, more serious and more quietly. "Thank you." He didn't remember if he'd ever said it to him before for well, anything - but he felt like saying it now, at least.
Count D: "You shouldn't thank me just yet, Detective Orcot--" however, this wasn't something that he'd intended to say--and so he made no effort to let the words come to light. Instead would resound the quiet click of his lock into the suddenly silent shop--rather strange considering that which was kept there.
Leon: He said nothing more - simply settled down and kicked his shoes off - for once actually seeming to worry about mussing the furniture. And, true to his word, he was asleep in less than five minutes - though it would be fitful for some time; it was better than nothing. The silence helped.
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