20 ❄ ( VIDEO )

[wintershepherd]

[ 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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[wintershepherd]

[ If he really wanted to get away from him, there were plenty of places Jack could go that Damian couldn't follow, Robin or not. He hasn't hit that point yet but the conversation hasn't run its course, either. Not much outward reaction... instead, a flippant reply. ]

Well, I sure feel enlightened now. Let's do this again sometime never, 'kay?

[demon_brat]

[ Damian's lips press so hard they turn nearly white, for a moment. ]

Right. Of course. Because nothing that I ever say matters. Just as always.

Carry on.

[ And now, he turns to leave Jack to his self-pity. Why did he think the guy who'd been unseen and unheard would listen, anyway? ]

[wintershepherd]

[ That draws a sarcastic snort, audible in the otherwise still air. ]

Or maybe because the world doesn't revolve around what you think matters, more like.

[demon_brat]

That would mean more if you had any idea of what I think matters, of course.

[wintershepherd]

Telling everyone where they go wrong, for starters.

[ He stops, spinning on one foot to face Damian again. ]

Actually, I've got a question. Where's the class you sign up for that teaches you how to always know the right thing to do? The one that pretty much everyone else seems to have graduated from, because I want in on this.

[demon_brat]

I don't find that important, just necessary.

[ The response is quick, automatic. But there is a difference, okay? ]

[ Then the question makes Damian also stop, and turn around. He considers that seriously, and he tries to keep most of the sharpness from his voice, instead going for slow, and careful. ]

Everybody makes mistakes, I've been told. [ He holds back the obligatory I'm not supposed to that goes with it. He also doesn't go into how impossible it is for him to forgive, which others find easy... and necessary. ] The only thing I know is that applying as much reason as possible to everything means fewer mistakes. But I know most people find that hard. Thinking of the consequences of actions. Thinking what the goals are, and how something works towards or against them.

That's all I have.

[ Which might mean 'that's all I know that pertains to such a 'class'.' Or... it might mean 'that's all I have to live by' - they are both true. ]

[wintershepherd]

"Necessary"... that's actually kind of worse, just so you know.

[ Damian's answer may be considerate but it doesn't give Jack what he's seeking. He wants to know how everyone seems to have the ability to grow and he doesn't. How everyone gets insight in how not to make the same mistakes over and over again, and why his is missing. It's as though he was made without certain aspects besides his memory that prevent him from fully growing. His hand tightens on the staff for a moment, then loosens again. ]

Well, it was worth a shot.

[demon_brat]

I'm sorry.

[ It's not a cross snapping, either. He is sorry Jack sees it that way, but there are some things that are very difficult to change, and less important than the ones he's working on. And... he is somewhat sorry for offenses he's caused that he's not meant. ]

[ He tilts his head. Jack, you're looking at one of the epitomes of making the same mistakes over and over again... you've had even less time to actually interact with people fully than Damian. Give yourself a break. ]

Perhaps... looking for easy solutions is a habit you might want to reconsider, in looking for your answers.

[wintershepherd]

[ And that seems to seal the conversation for Jack, with how both his expression and posture close up. At once he's callous again, dismissive with an indifferent flick of his hand. ]

What, and ruin my unbroken streak? I've perfected this, give me a break. Being serious hasn't done you any favours so I think I'll skip. Later!

[ The wind picks him up in response to his unspoken command and he arrows off into the distance. ]

[demon_brat]

[ Damian's face twists, just for a moment. He looks in the direction where Jack flies off for a minute or two, jaw clenched. Then he shakes his head with a quiet Hhn. and takes off to continue his patrol. At least that, he can do right. Nothing else he does ever works, anyway. ]