VOICE.

[barebacking]

An odd question, I am sure, but I wonder...

I thought of the ghosts and the waters, and the idea that death could be just around the corner. That is that those of us that are just about to slip into that darkness may one day wake up to be choking on our own blood.

Forgive me for such a ... unfortunate image, but my point is ... how many of you have someone who you are close to? How many can say that you have met someone who makes your life worth it all, even if death may be so close? Even if this may all just be a dream?

This need not be romantic, I suppose, but friendship as well.

After all, sometimes it is friendship that can save a life, too, right?

Comments

[manofiron]

Flattery will get you everywhere.

But I'm serious. I know some great people. Snarky and somewhat antisocial sometimes, maybe, but great.

[barebacking]

I only speak what I know of you.

And are those people here?

[manofiron]

One is. The other two aren't.

[barebacking]

I hope to have the chance to meet them one day.

[manofiron]

The way this place is, you just might.

[barebacking]

I shall do my best to not shame you in knowing me, then.

[manofiron]

Please. You're not going to shame me. If I can't shame me, no one can.

[barebacking]

You speak so poorly of yourself.

It makes me worry for you, Tony...

[manofiron]

Don't worry about me. Really. Not having shame's a good thing. I actually pride myself on being immune to it.

[barebacking]

Well, so long as you take pride in it... I suppose I shall only worry for you when it is necessary.

[manofiron]

And since it'll never be necessary, that means you're off the hook. Win-win all around.

[barebacking]

Somehow, I feel that will not always be true. That may be because that kind heart of yours seems the kind that would let in the wrong sorts.

[manofiron]

Don't let the pretty wrapping fool you. Appearances are usually deceiving.

[barebacking]

Oh?

Do go on.

[manofiron]

That's it. There's no story. I'm just saying.

[barebacking]

Then, I shall listen.

... and wonder, is there anyone I should be wary of?

[manofiron]

The government. You should always be wary of the government, no matter where you are.

[barebacking]

Naturally.

[ And shall be wise to never mention to Tony that he was part of the ruling body of his world. ]

[manofiron]

People who claim to be gods, too. Don’t trust them either. They’re lying. They’re just aliens.

[barebacking]

... aliens?

[manofiron]

People from other planets.

[barebacking]

Like you?

[manofiron]

Mostly yes. I don't claim to be a god, though. I'm just a human.

[barebacking]

Just human.

Such a sweet phrase, but I know of a human's strength.

[manofiron]

Some are stronger than others. Physically and metaphorically.