joint post with substitutable. Vegas early morning.

[pheromonecoffee]

[Matt Abbot adjusts the camera on his laptop. He's still in his Vegas hotel room--funny, since a lot of the group has gotten home?

But right now, Matt is in his room with his hoodie zipped up all the way (Matt it's hot, stop). His hair is ruffled and it looks like he's had trouble sleeping, but--

Behind him another another boy is sitting up, rubbing sleep out of his eyes in confusion. He is wearing Matt's pajamas. Please do not ask.]

Good morning, Vegas and good nearly afternoon, Locke City. I have once again implemented a dastardly scheme. Since my last hostage got away from me, I have taken a new one. Except this time it is a Vegas native. I believe he was trying to hero at me or something, but I turned the tables on him and now he is my captive.

I will be returning with him to Locke eventually. In the mean time, I will try to continue more evildoing.

[The video cuts out. Matt knows he's going over the top. People might yell at him becuase Serious Things happened. But fuck it. He needs the amusement and maybe a few people will play along.

Then he switches to text.]

Got out of the hospital yesterday. No permanent damages, just some bruises and a few cracked ribs. Should be home by the beginning of July.

And I'm sorry. I should've had a better eye on things. I hope everybody's okay.

[Replies will also be coming from substitutable! Who has just reapped in with a new reincarnation and has no idea he was being recorded.]

Comments

[pheromonecoffee]

Most people wouldn't be so open about it.

[substitutable]

It's not something I care so much about to keep to myself. It was a while ago; I'm used to living by myself now, anyway.

[pheromonecoffee]

Still. People take advantage of stuff like that.

[substitutable]

... Tell me.

What is there to take advantage of about a teenage college freshman crying out of homesickness.

[pheromonecoffee]

[He shrugs.] You never dealt with bullies?

[substitutable]

[He sighs.] You're the only one I've told unless you want to use it to bully me. It won't work.

[pheromonecoffee]

I just met you last night. You can't even make solid assumptions about me.

[substitutable]

At the very least I think I know more facts about you that you don't want known to the public than you know about me so I'm pretty sure I've got the advantage here.

[pheromonecoffee]

This is blackmail.

[substitutable]

Don't underestimate me. I never said I was a good person.

[pheromonecoffee]

Blackmail is illegal.

[substitutable]

Threatening to drop a man off in the middle of Ohio is also morally questionable.

[pheromonecoffee]

Right and wrong have nothing to do with legal and illegal.

[substitutable]

[He snorts.] I still know more about you. Not that I plan to tell anyone.

Seriously though, I don't have a lot to say about myself that's gotta be hidden.

[pheromonecoffee]

Both a wise and dangerous move.

[substitutable]

I've been doing this life thing more than you. Don't look down on me.

[pheromonecoffee]

By what? A couple years?

[substitutable]

A massive difference.

[pheromonecoffee]

Bullshit.

[substitutable]

We'll see about that. At the very least, I have enough experience dealing with the schemes of those younger than me.

[pheromonecoffee]

You act like I'm a kid.

[substitutable]

You are the same age as the cousins I've grown up being an older sibling to.

Even if you're not a "kid" like the kids you know you're still younger than me.

[pheromonecoffee]

By what? Two years?

[substitutable]

Two years is pretty huge. I spent all those years babysitting five kids.

[pheromonecoffee]

I grew up taking care of myself. I don't need to be babysat.