❧ 015 ❧ Video, laptop webcam

[dominateartimus]

[The video starts with a shot of an apartment kitchen, with its counters filled with several containers of sweet and savory baked goods. Someone had gone on another baking spree after recent events, but chose to remain out of the picture. A black tail is seen at the bottom of the frame, swishing slightly as it brushes up against a lower cupboard before a meow is heard and the cat walks away.]

If you were around the last time I made a post like this, then you know what I'm about to offer. For those who don't, I've made a bit too much and I'm willing to share this to the network. I already gave a large portion of what I made to the people working on rebuilding Las Vegas a few days ago. But, I'm unable to leave Locke for the time being since the 'teleporter' is presently inaccessible. Sorry.

Comments

[dominateartimus]

[He silently nods while listening to his ex explain a few details. When Nick mentions that he can't die, Xander's body tenses and looks at the other man.]

How do you know that? Have you tested it already? Do you know what you can and can't survive from?

[detectivetroll]

[There's a hitch in his next breath in that sounds suspiciously like a repressed sob, because there's absolutely no way to talk about that without remembering when it'd happened.

The promise he'd made to Anthony, and failed.]

Yeah. It was an accident, but I - I got cursed, and I died. I just came back, like everything was reset.

[dominateartimus]

Cursed? By who?

[His expression turns serious and there was a flash of concern in his eyes. But, he did note that sound from the homicide detective, assuming that it was a traumatic memory. Maybe he shouldn't press.]

...Sorry. You don't have to answer that. [He sighs and rubs at his face for a moment.] Did anything feel different when you 'revived'?

[Those brown eyes watch him for a moment before he looks down at his own hands. It had him thinking about his own immortality and the 'second skin' that would cover his injuries. Except, the injuries never healed on their own and would stay visible unless he covered them up.]

[detectivetroll]

[His eyes flick to Anthony's room - what used to be Anthony's room - on their own accord, but he doesn't say anything, and he looks a little relieved when Xander says he doesn't have to answer that.]

Yeah. My heart doesn't beat as fast anymore, and I don't need to breathe as much. When you put it together with my other pulses, the endurance and healing and strength, I'm pretty hard to take out, now.

[It'd freaked him out before, and still does, a little, but he's more focused on its advantage at the moment.]

[dominateartimus]

That must be unnerving that your body functions a little bit slower than normal. [His attention shifts back to Nick. He looks a little hesitant about asking a question, but ends up going through with it.] ...If you're injured, does it take a while for you to recover?

[If only they had more healers on the network. Sure, he technically qualifies as one even if his healing can fix minor injuries and broken bones.]

[detectivetroll]

A little, yeah, but so far, it hasn't been enough to really throw me.

[The weirdest thing had been his heartbeat, because of his enhanced hearing, but he'd adjusted to it.]

About half the time that it used to. But I don't get injured that easily, any more.

[dominateartimus]

That's good.

[His response works for both statements and a sigh is heard. At least he doesn't have to worry too much about Nick. Even if he does feel rather guilty to attacking him back down in the catacombs.]

Are you going to come over here and enjoy some pastries or not? [He teases with a weak smile.] I don't want them drying out because you can't make up your mind.

[detectivetroll]

[Despite himself, Nick gives a weak chuckle at the teasing.]

I’m coming, I’m coming.

[And he heads over, but before diving into the pastries, he sets a hand on Xander’s shoulder, squeezing it briefly before letting go.]

Thanks, Xan.

[dominateartimus]

[At the squeeze on his shoulder, he gives a nod.]

You're welcome and enjoy.