i've got demons running 'round in my head [open]

[postictal]

Who: Tim Wright and YOU // Frisk and YOU
Where: The Bathhouse
When: 11/17 - 11/20
Rating: PG-13 at least
Summary: What happens when you copy a copy? The law of diminishing returns.
The Story:

[Just kidding. Starters are in the comments.]

Comments

[postictal]

"I've still gotta shadow running around. Unless you wanna risk getting the rest of your ribs broken." Putting aside that Tim himself is probably risking the same thing. He's too tired, he reasons, to bother putting up a fight if the shadow tries to bare some uncomfortable truths to him or what-have-you. If he wants to go there, fine.

He's learned what happens when you don't listen to your damn shadow.

"I'm not gonna pick a fight with the thing, if that's what you're worried about," he adds wryly. "I've seen what happens when you do."

[burntvideocassette]

"Alright." He's not convinced, but if Tim insists he's fine, then fine. "'S your call. Just...call me if you need backup, I guess."

He peers down the stairwell. This is absolutely going to suck.

He takes his first step down, tries to keep his torso upright and his shoulders square. It stings a little bit on the landing, but it could be worse.

Jay speaks again as he continues easing himself down the stairs. This time it's a little quieter, and not just because of the pain.

"So what's next? About..." He sighs, grits his teeth. "I mean, if we were home, I'm guessing you'd make me get another appointment, but..."

He glances back up the stairwell at Tim.

[postictal]

First steps, right?

Baby steps. Getting Jay to acknowledge he even needed help was one thing, but acting on it without any kind of doctor or therapist? It's not like they've got any mental health specialists here. They have the medication the closets can provide, with a little bit of work, but aside from that?

Tim's muddling through it, the same as he's always done.

"We'll figure it out," he says at last. "We've got time."

[burntvideocassette]

Jay isn't expecting the relieved sigh that hisses out his nose, the feeling like he's just had his strings cut. He leans a little more heavily against the banister.

They don't have to do anything right away. He doesn't have to do anything today, or this week, or this month.

He can just exist for now. They'll figure it out. They've got time.

"Okay."

He can handle that.

[postictal]

It's Wonderland. They've got all the damn time in the world. At least now Jay can call for help if he needs it. There's gotta be someone around here who can help patch some cracked ribs. Statistically, it just has to be possible.

"Don't go fighting any other shadows. Yeah?"

[burntvideocassette]

"Yeah, you too." Jay rolls his eyes, forcing himself to the last few steps to the next landing. "Seriously, though, let me know if things go south with yours. I can maybe do...something."

He tries to shrug, but the angle's just enough to send another spike of pain up his side. Dammit.

[postictal]

"I'll keep you posted." No he won't. He intends to end this as quickly as possible, so no one else has to deal with some warped, malformed, superpowered form. Whatever shape his shadow might take, he's pretty sure he doesn't want to find out.

The banisters are charred and crumbling along the edges, but he can still move down them slowly, gingerly, as he strikes out in search.