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

[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.

[manufactured]

All right, then.

[He'll stand as well, though he doesn't seem to be going anywhere; just...watching, for the time being.]

[scythegun]

[Off he goes, then! He already knows exactly what he needs and he does have a suitcase in his room, so it's not a problem to gather everything up. It's just... difficult to leave. Logically he knows Wesker will be fine on his own here and that there's no need to worry about him, but he's worrying anyway and maybe that's because it's easier to focus on Wesker than it is to focus on how much of a mess he's going to be when he returns to his home.

...

Anyway, he returns downstairs shortly, once again forcing a smile.]

I have everything I need, so I'll be taking my leave! Ah, but before I go, is there anything you need?

[manufactured]

[He'll be waiting near the bottom of the stairs, actually; he takes a moment to consider before shaking his head.]

I'll be fine for the night.

[scythegun]

That's good. I'll be by sometime tomorrow to check on you. As I said, you can text or call me whenever if you need me!

[He'll head toward the door, pausing for a moment once he's there.]

...Goodnight, Albert.

[It feels more like he's saying "goodbye".]

[manufactured]

Goodnight, Jaeger.

[He'll let Jaeger leave without complaint or protest; he does have things to do here, after all - becoming acquainted with the layout of the place, for one thing, and seeing what he can find out about the person he's become here.]

[scythegun]

[As expected, spending the night alone is terrible.

Jaeger doesn't get much sleep. He spends the majority of the night wide awake in bed, trying to get comfortable and unable to lull himself to sleep. As much as he'd like to ignore everything, he can't manage it. What if Wesker isn't okay? What if Wesker remembers while Jaeger's gone and finds himself alone?

What if Wesker never remembers?

He gets up at the usual time and checks his phone, though he's not surprised that he doesn't have any messages. It's not like Wesker really needs to rely on him. He's a smart man, he'll figure things out on his own. Still, he's sort of disappointed, but he prepares for work anyway.

He's just as cheerful as always at work, but he finds himself checking his phone a lot more often than he normally does. Still nothing, but he's not really expecting anything. Is he? Maybe he is. It doesn't really matter. It feels like the day takes way longer then usual, and he ends up closing up the shop a bit earlier than usual so he can head home.

...Well, to Wesker's house.

He doesn't let himself in, though. He texted Wesker before he left, but he knocks on the door anyway and waits. He's trying to keep his expression as carefree as usual, but he's antsy anyway. He's missed Wesker, and even though this Wesker doesn't remember him, it'll be nice to see him anyway.]

[manufactured]

[The door will open after a few moments; he's been expecting Jaeger since the text, after all, and he'll step back to allow him in easily enough, though the gesture is stiff and unpracticed.]

Jaeger.

[It's all he really offers as greeting before turning and moving further back into the house; he was in the study when Jaeger texted him, so returning there is simple enough - especially given that that was where Jaeger had gone instinctively when he'd brought him back here, as opposed to anywhere else in the house.

He doesn't move to sit on the couch, though; rather, he returns to the desk near the wall, where he'd been going through things before Jaeger had come over.

He assumes you'll come in there with him as well.]

[scythegun]

Good evening, Albert.

[He'll follow; the study is one of the places he feels most comfortable here, after all, so he certainly has no problem with that. He's used to Wesker sitting beside him, but this isn't too weird. He sort of wants to ask what Wesker's looking for, or if he's found anything interesting, but it feels almost wrong to ask. Instead he settles on something else.]

How was your day?

[manufactured]

Nothing to complain about.

[He keeps paging through things for a moment while he considers.]

I found out that apparently I'm employed; however, I've informed them that whatever I've come down with, it's highly contagious and so I won't be present for a few days.

I've also discovered that the dogs strongly dislike letting me out of bed in the morning.

[So there's. That?]

And your day...? I assume it found you well?

[scythegun]

Oh, I should have mentioned that yesterday... I suppose it slipped my mind. Sorry about that!

[Whoops. At least you've got time to yourself now.

As for the mention of the dogs, it gets a small smile from him, at least before he starts thinking about how the dogs get his side of the bed now. How long will it be before Wesker remembers...?]

Ah, it was fine! Work was a bit on the slow side, but I'm used to days like that.

[manufactured]

[He isn't sure how he feels about the five giant dogs all over the bed, but here we are.]

...I've mostly been trying to work out what sort of person I've been here. It's been interesting.

[scythegun]

Oh? What have you figured out so far?

[Well, maybe it's not polite to ask, but he is curious...]

[manufactured]

...I found things I wasn't expecting to see again. Photographs and letters that I haven't seen in years.

[He doesn't sound like he's having trouble keeping his voice even; he's just talking about it as easily as one would discuss the weather.

In all blunt honesty, he isn't sure what he thinks of it.]

I don't know why I considered them worth keeping here.

[scythegun]

[Ah, he hadn't really thought about those...]

Retrospec sent them to you. I know I haven't thrown out anything Retrospec's sent me, so I imagine it's the same sort of thing.

[manufactured]

There isn't any sentimental value attached to them, nor are they practical to keep. But it was interesting finding them again, I suppose.

[...]

The rest of the physical things I could find were interesting but useless; I kept rather thorough notes on everything that was happening to me. I didn't understand the virus at all back in January...

[He pauses for a moment before continuing.]

Most of the worthwhile things were in electronic conversation - discussions over the network and such. I'm still not sure what to make of those.

[scythegun]

[...Well, he really wasted no time in invading his own privacy...]

It certainly sounds like you've been busy!

[He's not sure why, but it unnerves him. It's one thing for Wesker to study his past life, but for this version to study his life... well, it's strange and it's making Jaeger feel antsy.]

I might be able to answer any questions you have.

[manufactured]

[He's efficient like that.]

I seem reluctant to carry out my own life's work. To take the place that I've rightfully earned and utilize the rights that are mine.

Do you know what I'm referring to?

[scythegun]

[...Why would you do this to him. He has been nothing but as kind and supportive as he can be and you spring this bullshit on him.

Of course he knows what Wesker's talking about, and his expression probably shows it before he glances away. He's tense, and suddenly he'd rather be anywhere else in the world.]

...I think so.

[The words are quiet; tight in a way they usual aren't.]

[manufactured]

It upsets you.

[It isn't a question.]