locked to manufactured

[scythegun]

[When Wesker didn't contact him a day ago he was worried, but worry has quickly turned to fear and Jaeger's never been good at dealing with fear. Repeated attempts to reach Wesker have failed, so Jaeger's taken it on himself to go looking for his boyfriend.

Thankfully Wesker cuts a distinctive figure and Jaeger's able to trace his location to the outskirts of the city. He's worried that he's going to find that something's happened to Wesker, that he'll be injured or dying, or maybe even already dead—

But that isn't the case, and when he finds Wesker the man looks perfectly fine.]

Albert!

[He'll approach immediately; the worry and concern is probably obvious just from that exclamation alone, but once he gets close he speaks up again.]

Are you okay? What are you doing out here?

[If Wesker will let him get close enough, he'll reach out to touch Wesker's arm, as he usually does.]

Comments

[scythegun]

You did tell me quite a bit about your memories, so I don't think I have any questions for you.

[He could probably come up with some, but he's not really sure he wants to ask. There's something jarring about hearing the answers from this Wesker instead of the one he knows so well.]

Thank you for the offer, though.

[manufactured]

Yes, of course.

[This is all fine by him, really.]

What led us to start dating, exactly? You've explained how we started living together, more or less, but not the rest.

[scythegun]

We met through being in the same social circles, though we didn't know each other very well until we both ended up getting involved with Retrospec a year ago. That's what brought us closer together, actually. In August, there was a... well, Retrospec calls it a "storm", where we were spirited away to different places. It was the first time we'd really been separated after growing closer, and when we were returned here, I realized I had feelings for you.

When I finally worked up the courage to talk to you about it, you were a bit resistant to the idea at first. It wasn't because you didn't like me - not to sound egotistical or anything! - but because you were concerned about what the future would hold, especially with Retrospec being as unhelpful as always. Thankfully, you changed your mind and decided to date me anyway!

[Okay, so that's not exactly what happened, but it's close enough. Jaeger's not really aware of it, but he's started toying with his sleeves while he talks, and he can't keep his eyes on Wesker for very long before his gaze drops. He doesn't mind talking about it, but he's talking to Wesker and it's... it's not easy. But maybe talking about it will help Wesker remember...?]

[manufactured]

...I see.

[Despite the explanation, there's no recognition at all on his tone; it's the same as it has been, really.]

You seem anxious - not feeling right discussing it, or...?

[scythegun]

[...He didn't really think there would be any recognition.]

Ah, it's just a little strange to talk about. I...

[His breath catches in his throat and he clears it, shaking his head. He forces a smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.]

Sorry, I'm fine.

[manufactured]

Lying isn't a flattering look on you, you know.

[It's blunt, there isn't anything terribly gentle about it, and his expression is about as cold and unreadable as it's been throughout the conversation. It isn't harsh, just...very unemotional.]

Be as troubled as you see fit; it isn't as though I'm going to bite you.

[scythegun]

[So even after all of this, Wesker can still read him. It's not like that was difficult, but it still pains him in ways he could probably never express.]

No, of course not! I just don't want to trouble you with it any. I really am fine, it was just a momentary slip, that's all.

[He can't let himself get too comfortable, after all. Wesker's been cold, but otherwise perfectly fine, but still...

Anyway, Jaeger's managed to pull himself together a bit better now, at least. It's still painful, but he's doing his best not to focus on it. He's fine. He can be a mess later, when he's at home alone.]

[manufactured]

If you insist.

[And from the sound of it, that's going to be it on the matter; he isn't going to press, or insist that Jaeger should talk to him. If he's not going to, then he won't.]

[scythegun]

[He didn't think it'd work quite this well... but here we are anyway. Jaeger toys with his sleeves for a bit while he tries to come up with something to say. It's not like he really wants to talk about his issues, but it just feels weird not to. It feels unfinished.

...He really misses his Wesker.]

Oh, I'm sure you heard them when you came in, but you have dogs. They're a bit difficult to deal with, from what you've told me, so if you don't want to deal with them I can have someone come over to handle them.

[It's not exactly a good topic change, but there it is.]

[manufactured]

...I've never been good with animals, but I think I can manage.

[...He has no idea how aggressive these dogs are, and it's going to be a minor miracle if he doesn't shoot them.]

[scythegun]

[PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT HIS BOYFRIEND'S DOGS HOLY SHIT.]

I'm not particularly good with dogs either, which is why I don't have anything to do with them...

[manufactured]

Animals in general tend to not care for me very much. I've handled worse than dogs, bowever, so I doubt they'll be a problem.

[scythegun]

[...giant leeches...]

Of course. It's appreciated!

[...]

Do you have any other questions for me to answer?

[manufactured]

[popokarimu... zombie dogs...]

Not for the time being.

If there's anything else, I'll let you know.

[scythegun]

[He nods at that.]

Of course.

Oh, and if you have any questions when I leave, feel free to call or text me at any time. I don't mind.

[It's not like he'll be getting any sleep tonight anyway...]

[manufactured]

You can stay here again after I've become more accustomed to the place. You understand, I'm sure.

[scythegun]

[Oh, that's...]

That's very kind of you. Thank you.

[He definitely wasn't expecting that. Is it the best idea? Probably not. But that's really all he wants right now. It doesn't matter that he won't be in the same room as Wesker anymore, at least he'll be close. At least he'll be somewhere familiar.

(Isn't it strange that his own home isn't familiar anymore? He really has lived here for a long time...

It's best not to think about it.)]

[manufactured]

[...Jaeger, really.]

I have lived with people before, you know - if anything, I'm more accustomed to that than I am living alone.

[scythegun]

Oh. Well, yes, that makes sense.

[shut up, he thought you were being nice.........]

[manufactured]

Besides, you do normally live here as well.

[...nailed it.]

[scythegun]

Ja, I do. Of course, I don't mind going back to my place, but it is nice to stay here.

[...]

A good amount of my belongings are over here, anyway...

[manufactured]

...Would you prefer staying here tonight, then...

[Is that what you're getting at, because you seem really wigged out at going back to your place despite repeatedly insisting that it's fine.]

[scythegun]

[...Well, yes, he would prefer that, but...]

No, no, it's fine! I have to go back to my place anyway to check on things, so that's not a problem!

[He already checked in earlier this week so he doesn't really need to head back there, but it's probably best to let Wesker have the place to himself for the night. He's going to want to explore it and learn more about his past self, right? And besides, Jaeger's probably better off being somewhere private so he can have a breakdown without worrying about being heard.]

[manufactured]

All right, then.

[If you're going to insist, he's going to let you; he's not going to argue on your behalf.]

I imagine I'll see you soon either way.

[scythegun]

[It still feels weird to get away with something like that...]

Of course.

[That sounds like his cue to leave, so he'll move to stand, absently smoothing out his clothes as he does so. They're already perfect, but it gives his hands something to do.]

I need to grab a few things from upstairs before I go, so I'll do that! But yes, I'll stop by tomorrow to check in on you.