tushanshu | 20 ❄ ( VIDEO )

[ Jack's voice is quiet, nearly monotone and there are dark hollows under his eyes. ]

There's something you should know about the snow in the open areas between the domes. Some of the snow I make has magic in it, and what it does is make people more open to loosening up and playing around in it. It has to do with my center being Fun, it was never intended to hurt anyone but... it did.

Even though this time was an accident... it was also in the big snowfall last March. If you spent a lot of time outside that weekend, you probably got at least a little dose of it. A couple people already knew about this but I'm the one who should have said something before this. Long before, I was just--

I've already tried to break as much of the effect as I can between the three main domes, it should be mostly clear now and back to regular snow.

[ Which might explain the ill effect it seems to have had on him; he's been literally trying to undo the very essence of himself he expended into it. He takes a breath as though to add something else then apparently thinks better of it, reaching over and turning the console off. ]

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Jack, no. I don't care what Kyle said to you, you didn't hurt anyone. [He knows Jack wouldn't do that.]

You don't have to thank me, Jack.

[ The tightness in his chest makes him hitch a breath, and he doesn't even breathe. ]

It wasn't Kyle, not this time.

[Vic's suddenly looking a lot more concerned.]

Jack? What happened?

It affected Spock and made him sick. I didn't mean to but it was bad.

[ At least, Jack considers anything that requires a healing trance to be pretty bad. ]

It made him sick how?

[Victor frowns a moment watching Jack.]

Even if it did make him sick, you're still not wrong. You're not a bad person, Jack. And what you do is not bad.

It was... like the effect was out of control, got amplified.

I don't know what to do.

Do either of you know why? Or has this ever happened before?

[Victor falls silent, looking thoughtful. Eventually he nods, shifting a little so his face can be seen better.]

I think I know what you should do, Jack.

He said he "feels too much", that's why he's all... you know, stoic.

What?

I don't know much about Spock. I've only seen him a couple times on the network and haven't spoken to him myself.

[He takes a deep breath before answering.]

You should stop, Jack. Stop worrying about unmagicking the snow. Stop being so down on yourself for this. Stop thinking you did something wrong. Stop letting some other people make you feel bad about this stuff. I may not know the specifics of this situation because like I said, I don't know Spock. But from what you said, it sounds like this was something beyond either of your control and it would be like blaming someone that could turn into a cat for setting off someone's allergy to cat hair. And on top of that, I know you. I know you're a good person and your magic isn't bad.

I wish it were that easy, Victor.

Some of it isn't easy. But some of it is. Like getting some rest instead of heading back out there to mess with the snow anymore. There's nothing wrong with there being some fun out there and quite frankly we need it these days. And another easy thing? Next time someone tells you or implies you're doing something wrong by using your powers and being you? Tell them to buzz off. Or tell them to come talk to me. I'll set them straight.

[He considers a moment before taking a breath.]

You should let me buy you something to eat and then come hang out with me for awhile too. Just get some relaxation and rest time in.

I'm not very good company right now, Victor. Maybe later, okay?

It just seemed like you could use some company is all...[He sighs. He wants to help his friend.] you know where to find me later then...

It's not that I don't appreciate the offer, Victor. I just... have to settle a few things, in my head.

[ in his heart ]

[Vic frowns but nods.]

I'll be here when you've got them settled...or if you just need someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on.

20 ❄ ( VIDEO )

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