savetheearth | Entry #B-1: "B" [November 19, Video]

Entry #B-1: "B" [November 19, Video]

[The man appearing onscreen this morning is haggard, somber, and distracted. Clearly, he's been awake all night, something he's been doing far too often lately, sitting curled in the middle of what appears to be a cleaned up but ancient school gymnasium's basketball court with his chin on his knees. A few feet away is a blue tarp hiding something sizable and lumpy.]

I know Albero's people are striking Espresso Yourself, early on the morning of Sunday, November 23, at 3:15 AM. They will be there to raze the building to the ground and they do not intend to take prisoners.

[He bites his lip, glancing away from the camera. The calmness he's affected since Anthony's death slips for a second, revealing something like fear. He swallows.]

I've been waiting for a pulse. I was hoping that maybe my other's experience and knowledge could help me, in this regard, but up to this point... it's been all quiet on that front.

[He rises slowly, moving towards the tarp and drawing it away from what it conceals. There are many pounds of dynamite stacked in the middle of his gym, along with several ominous looking canisters.]

I have dynamite and nitroglycerin. I think...

[He takes a deep, shuddering breath.]

I know we can kill a lot of them. Part of me really wants to, and I can't be the only one. But I know... I know that's not what we're fighting for, a criminal record of our own and another reason to be driven out of this city. So...

[He sits again, hard, on the floor, eyes and posture conveying a distinctly dazed quality.]

I think maybe it would be better to use this information to get the FBI on this and catch them in the act, with no blood shed. I'm prepared for both of these scenarios, but honestly... I don't know what's right. I'm so tired. I trust all of you, so... please help me make the right decision.

EDIT: I've been informed that Nick knows about another upcoming opportunity, a chance to hit the Mafia where it hurts. There's to be a meeting of higher-ups in the near future; further details are forthcoming.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Not even, but if there's something I need he can usually find it for me.

[What are you going to do about it? L sees that pointed look and raises it by simply not caring.]

Like someone with bomb experience?

[That's okay because now he's got a bone.]

Yes. I won't say he's never steered me wrong, but he's always been there and he's never ignored my calls. Even if he isn't Numbered, he's got my back. If I tell him that I have a need to relax, he'll get me there.

...

[Oh, don't mind him, just having a small epiphany. He frowns, brows creasing in concentration.]

Not that kind of relax, L.

There's one kind of relax, just different ways of getting there. Lighten up.

Hah, when you're the one telling me to lighten up maybe I really need to listen....

What exactly are you trying to imply?

That you're usually the serious one?

Serious, but I never said I was strong.

What's that got to do with lightening up?

I'm going to call him.

Giving up already? That's not like you.

[No accusations, no yelling, but an ample serving of disappointment. ]

Edited 2014-12-19 18:09 (UTC)

[If L truly didn't care what Tony thought about this, he wouldn't have said anything. It goes to show that he does, and it stings to hear that tone.]

Don't. You wouldn't say "already" if you knew how long I've been trying and how hard it is. Today it's too hard.

You've made a lot of progress, you really want to throw that out? But, what do I know. Not a damned thing.

[He's surprised L even told him, much less that his opinion matters in the least.]

...Still, if you'd rather have some company instead.

[He probably wants to be alone, Tony knows. But maybe it's worth trying for all the good it'll do.]

[The progress is precious to L, and it's something he would mourn if he lost it.]

I have to get away from these weapons. I feel like I'm suffocating.

[...yes?]

[L's grown in leaps and bounds, Tony doesn't want to see him lose that all in one fell swoop. He's glad the man is willing to listen.]

Come over. We'll watch a movie and eat oreos, how's that sound?

[He's proud of you, L.]

Yeah, OK. No porn this time, though... in fact, you pick the movie. I'll watch whatever you want.

Deal. There's a Redbox at the gas station on the corner, I'll hop down and pick something out.

I'll take a cab over within the hour, after I've locked these up somewhere safe. I couldn't live with myself if someone came in while I was away and decided to use them for something bad.

That's a good idea. I'll see you then.

[Meanwhile he's going to go get Oreos and movies at the Red Box. How to Train Your Dragon 1 and 2. Perfect.]

[True to his word, L arrives a little under an hour later, a sorry figure in his shirtsleeves who's been through the emotional wringer and needs to get away from the oppressive tone of his bleak new building and the impending attack on his long-sufferign business.

He knocks on the door, staring at his boots.]

[Tony was quick to answer, first just barely cracking the door to make certain the person who was at it was who he expected, then opened it fully to invite L in. Yeah, he really did look like a wreck, good thing he got a couple of uplifting movies to cheer him up, right?

Right?]

C'mon, make yourself comfortable.

[These days, it's rare for L to not look like a wreck in all fairness, but tremendous relief lights up his face when he sees Tony. It's like a weight is lifted off his scrawny shoulders as he steps over the threshold and into Richard's house, where he makes a beeline for the couch and folds himself up on the far left cushion, curling and hugging his knees.]

What are we watching?

[Well, that was true, but he looked a little worse than normal today. It was obvious the day had been very hard on him, but Tony was grateful he'd decided to accept the offer to come with him, rather than calling Mack. L even appeared to like the idea? If his expression was anything to go by.

He shut the door and shuffled about, gathering up a blanket to toss on top of L before flopping down beside him with a packet of oreos and the remote.]

How to Train Your Dragon. It looked fun, has a cartoon dragon anyway?

[Besides how likely was that going to be accidental porn?

Okay never underestimate the power of the porn industry but he checked the disc and it definitely looked like the right movie.]

Ever seen it?

[Sometimes, even strong-willed and determined people who have reached their breaking point require a little nudge in the right direction. The fact that Tony is willing and able to deliver that nudge is indispensable.]

No, I... don't really see a lot of movies. Definitely not cartoons. Walter didn't let me, and I guess I just got in the habit of looking away.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Action

Action

Action

Action

Action