alwayskayaking | Duplicity Inbox

Sure, you're welcome to stop by anytime you'd like. Actually I got a gift too you might like to see. It's a photo album and it's full of pictures from home. Although being reminded of people who aren't here probably isn't very good for Martin right now. I'll try to see if I can stop by and distract him later. At least take his mind off of it for a couple hours. Never easy losing a friend.

I'll be over presently.

[Best get this done with. He stuffs his tail down one leg of his jeans and pulls a fedora over his cat ears. He's wearing a fancy waistcoat, so he just hopes Tim will take it as part of the ensemble. It's nearing the two week limit for this damn potion and Jon is hoping the feline features... and... instincts... will go away soon.

About fifteen minutes later, there's a knock on Tim's door. Just seeing the other man whenever it's opened fills Jon with a sudden sense of fondness. He smiles faintly, then practically launches himself at Tim in a hug, trying to rub his cheek against him and very quickly knocking off his hat.]

It's good to see you.

[Give him a moment, and he'll be properly mortified.]

[Tim opens the door dressed casually in tan sorts and a light blue button up shirt that he's left open showing a white deep V-neck T-shirt underneath it. Possibly to show off the natural tan he's gotten so far in the warmer weather. Smiling friendly and starting to greet Jon when he's gotten his door unlocked and open.

He's taken by complete surprise when Jon is up close and personal with his lightly stubble cheek. Soon enough chuckling with amusement after he's had a second or two for his mind to reboot to this strange situation he now found himself in with his former boss.] Why, hellooooo to you too. You're feeling rather affectionate aren't y-- [He spies those ears before the hat even hits the floor.] Ooooooh. [Testing his luck Tim will try to gently pat the top of Jon's head.] Nice kitty!

[He gets a few seconds of a rumbling purr, and then Jon freezes, realizing what he's doing. What... in god's name? He has certain feline instincts, true, but they're not the sort that make him ridiculously affectionate. His ears flatten and his hair begins to fluff up as he feels his tail bottle-brush in his jeans. Jon pulls away looking more than a little alarmed.]

I- Don't- I'm not- Uh.

[He crouches to snag his hat and try to shove that back on.]

Sorry. I-I don't know what came over me. Here. Here the bracelet. Charm. Thing.

[He's fumbling to unlatch it from his wrist.]

[Unable to help himself Tim chuckles in amusement at Jon's embarrassment.] Whoa, whoooooa. Deep breaths. Don't worry about it. [Tim waves in an effort to put Jon at ease.] I promise not to tell Martin about our affair. [Or maybe put Jon ill at ease.]

Come in. Want some tea? [Tim heads into his apartment before Jon can answer him. Assuming that Jon would be following him as he wasn't about to take no for an answer. The bracelet could wait for the moment in his mind.]

[Jon's entirely too flustered and considers throwing the bracelet into the flat and fleeing... but Tim knows where he works and where he lives. Avoiding him for the rest of his existence might be a challenge. After dithering at the entryway for a long moment, he finally steps inside and closes the door behind him.

Tim has, unfortunately, already seen the ears, the hat is uncomfortable, so Jon opts to take it off again. His tail is equally uncomfortable, but that would requite unbuttoning his trousers. Which... really? Well, why not. It seems like a reasonable thing to do while Tim is getting the tea.]

No sugar, just milk, please. [Heavy on the milk. Jon tosses his hat onto an available flat surface and unzips his jeans to pull his tail out. It's a relatively quick process, which means Tim isn't likely to catch him in the act unless he's very fast, indeed, with the tea. Jon will still be sporting a tail whenever he returns, though.]

You sure? [Tim asks from the kitchen as he starts to make them each a cup of tea.] I hear milk isn't actually very good for cats. [Luckily for Jon he is preoccupied enough that Tim misses him taking out his tail. Instead he calls out casually.] On the couch is my gift! It's not going to be as useful as yours, but it still a nice treat! You should take a look!

[On the couch is a fairly thick book with the words: Treasured Memories written on it. If Jon opens it the first few pages will be of a slightly younger Tim with a man who looks remarkably similar to the archival assistant. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out that the photos are of Danny. The two brothers are always pictured outside on some grand adventure smiling. Either just the two of them or with a group of friends. None of who Jon will probably recognize. It wasn't like they hung out enough after work for Jon to have met Tim's non-work related friends.

If he keeps on flipping eventually photos of Danny will be replaced with people Jon will recognize instantly. Martin, Elias (who Tim has already drawn little devil horns onto), and even Jon himself making the occasional appearance. A Jon without a single scar to be seen. Although the person who features the most in this group of photographs is a thing that was Not!Sasha.]

I'm not a cat!

[Without Tim there looking at him, it's far easier to snap at him. Jon glares in the direction of the kitchen for a moment before going to sit on the sofa, next to the photo album. To takes all of two seconds for him to decide he's going to not be wearing his shoes for long, so he toes those off and tucks his feet up.]

I see 'attractive' runs in the family.

[It's said in a tone that says it's tedious to have so many pretty people around. But then he gets to the first photograph of Sasha.

Not!Sasha.

Jon stares down in creeping horror as he turns the page and finds her there, as well. Another from what looks like an office Christmas party, well before when the real Sasha was taken. Jon's ears flatten and his tail curls close.

'Treasured Memories,' indeed.]

And it's so hard being the ugly one of the family! I don't know how you normal folk stand it! [He jokes. Pouring a large amount of milk into Jon's cup before heading towards the couch.

As Jon looks though the album he hopefully won't be too startled when Tim suddenly exclaims.] Whoa! A tail and claws too? You really got the full package, didn't you? [He smirks as he places the cups down on some coasters sitting on a small table in front of the couch.] I probably shouldn't ask; but I'm going to. Has your tongue changed at all? [This he asks as he moves to sit down next to Jon. Secretly picturing what a rough cat tongue might feel like. Unable to decide if that would lead to the best or worst kind of blow job.

Eventually Tim notices the flattened ears.] Sorry, I'll stop teasing you. Although it really isn't anything to be ashamed of. From what I understand you can't always help what this city does. I say just blame this place and live your best kitty life with no apologies for a bit!

[Tim will have to live with the mystery of Jon's tongue. It hasn't changed, but he just gives the other man a disparaging glance at the question.]

I don't care of you tease me. [Well, all right, he does. That's beside the point.] It's the album. They must have printed out digital photographs to fill it. That's... This isn't the real Sasha in these, Tim. I recognize her. It's the Not-Them. I'm sorry.

[Tim stares for a moment at Jon with a completely unreadable expression. Almost as if he's waiting for a punchline.] What--? No. I-I mean look. All of these picture are of before Prentiss attacked us. [He leans over to tap at a photograph.] See? Not a single scar in sight. That's not-- how--? [The hardest part is that Tim knows he's making excuses. Trying to cling to what should be logical. That these photos couldn't be changed even if deep down he knows that Jon is likely right.]

These have to be the real Sasha. She was alive when these photos were taken! [His voice starts to take on an angry tone to it. An anger that he can't decide what it's directed at. The creature? Jon for being the messenger? Or mostly at himself for forgetting his best friend at the archives.]

[Jon ducks his head, shying away from Tim's anger. His hair and tail fluff up a little bit. 'Don't shoot the messenger,' comes to mind. But then Tim's a man who needs something to direct his anger at when he's feeling helpless. Jon knows something of the feeling.

Should he lie? He'd championed lying to himself about things that were patently true for a very long time. But confirming someone else's lie now was antithetical to his nature as a creature of the Beholding. There was not comfort to be found in the truth of this, only horror.]

You're, ah... you-you must be, er... right. I'm... confused. Sorry.

[He's an atrocious liar, and it shows, but he's making the attempt for Tim's sake.]

[The fact that Jon tries to lie about it just confirms it more for Tim. Taking the album from Jon in order to take another look Tim removes a photograph of his face pressed close to the thing that use to be Sasha. The two of them squeezing together to both fit in the selfie, out at a bar after work, smiling like drunk idiots. Which he's pretty sure they were at the time as he remembers that night. One of many similar nights but this one was a special night. He turns the photograph towards Jon so he can see what he's looking at.]

I don't know... [He pauses and tries to collect his thoughts before he continues. Now sounding more tired than angry.] I mean you must have known, even as obtuse as you seemed back then, that we dated; right? It wasn't a secret. Everyone at the archives knew. [He flips the photograph back over. Staring at the woman who matches the memories in his head but apparently wasn't her at all.] This picture we took together to commemorate the night we decided to- how did she put it? See what a bad idea it would be to date a coworker. Except it wasn't bad. It was good. Even if it didn't fully work out it was still... good.

[He looks back at Jon. A fresh pang of anger coming back into his features. It just wasn't fair.] So why? Why out of everyone can I not see that this isn't her? Why even after you tell me it's not? Why do I still look at this and see Sasha? [The words come tumbling out of his mouth faster and faster.] I-- I just went back to work! I just thought it was her! Just so glad she managed to not get hurt during the attack. She saved my life and I didn't even notice she was dead! Christ Jon, even now all I can see is Sasha when I look at this and-- and-- UGH!! [Angrily he tears into the photo. Ripping it into shreds. At least attempting to focus his anger at the proper target and not at Jon. Not!Sasha wasn't here to scream at but he could at least destroy her in picture form.]

[Jon's eyes widen slightly at the admission. He hadn't known they were dating. He just sort of assumed Tim flirted with everyone. But before he can say as much, the other man is off on a rant. He watches photo go to pieces, the face of the thing that wasn't Sasha James seeming to leer all the more when just her mouth can be seen.]

Tim, I- I am so sorry. I didn't know you two were- I- [Not the important part.] I'll get it fixed. There- this place has all sorts of people with magic. I can find a way to get it fixed so it's the real her.

[He reaches out for the other man to try to touch his hand.]

But I won't remember that it's the real her, will I? [He doesn't react to the touch to his hand. Feeling like all of his energy has suddenly been spent with the destruction of the photo. Later he'll appreciate the comfort Jon is trying to give and kick himself for not being more open to it in the moment. Right now he just feels cold.] If you put the real Sasha back I'll just see a stranger. That's how it works, right? The person in the photo won't mean anything to me then. Just some smiling face I don't know.

[His hand just rests atop Tim's.]

Maybe I could-I could fix that, too. When we were in the Lonely, I was able to remove its influence from Martin. Maybe I could take away the Stranger's influence, show you the truth about Sasha. If I can manage for myself, um...

[He's grasping at straws.]

It's fine. [It was not fine.] Don't worry about it. [Don't make it worse is what he really wants to say.] They're just pictures. [He starts to shut the book.] And I still have the ones of-- [His heart stops.] Can you tell? Even without meeting the original; can you tell when someone has been replaced? [Danny wasn't exactly replaced. Tim saw what happened to his brother, but that was also the Stranger. So why couldn't his photos also be altered?]

[He's ruined it. Something nice that Tim had and he'd ruined it. Like he usually does. Jon's black ears are practically hidden in his hair with how tightly they're pressed down and back.]

No. I- Elias knew. About Sasha. He's the only reason we were able to confirm it. And... Melanie. There's always someone the Not-Them can't fool or chooses not to. She's the one who first pointed out there was something strange going on. I didn't believe her at the time. I'm sure that's really your brother. You do look like one another.

[He's not actually sure, but he can hope for Tim's sake.]

Are you sure? It's not just- I want you to be able to remember what she really looks like. [A pause.] If you want that. I know I do. For myself, I mean.

How can you be sure? Just because we look alike? That doesn't mean anything. [It felt wrong to question his brother's face. It did look exactly like what Tim remembered. That smiling face who looked down at him and tried to inspire him to go to the gym more. Then again so did the Not!Sasha. How could he possible be sure?] Elias... he would know? Would he be able to tell? [Tim's original plan had been to simply avoid Elias for all time while in Duplicity. Unless given the chance to kill him. Maybe that would need to change now.] Or was that only because he worked with Sasha and knew her before she was killed?

[It still felt so strange to say out loud that she was gone. Killed and replaced. I'm unforgettable. Her voice echos in his ears. Or was it that thing's voice? He can't be sure anymore.] She deserves to be remembered, doesn't she?

[...] You really think we can fix these pictures?

I don't know if he could tell. Or if he'd tell you if he could. [Jon sighs.] Elias seems more Web than Watcher some days.

Let's fix our memories and the pictures first for Sasha. Then we can see about Danny, all right? I have some people who might be better options than Elias for asking after. If I could just borrow one of those photographs for them to test things with?

[This... is good! This is progress, right? He can't fix Crowley for Martin, but he can fix this for Tim. He needs to fix it.]

Yeah. Sure. Take the whole book if you want. [Questioning everything about those photos now means that Tim has little interest in walking down memory lane. It was a painful pang to look before when he thought he was looking at the dead. Painful, but also nice to see them as well. Now that he couldn't tell truth from lies there was no joy to be had in it.]

And the bracelet. Would you be alright if I borrowed it for a couple months? It will take me a bit of time to get my plan set up and find everything I'll need.

[Months. Jon had sort of been envisioning maybe a few days. A week at the outside. He takes the album from Tim and looks down at his wrist where the bracelet is still clasped. Maybe it doesn't work, but there's a part of him that hopes it does. That wants to believe that he's been safe and hidden from Elias' gaze for at least the past day or so since it's been on.

A lot of things have happened, but that, at least, has made him feel just the tiniest bit lighter.

Probably best not to get used to it.]

Y-yeah. Yes. If that's how long you need it for.

[The album is set in his lap, and he finally undoes the clasp properly, offering it to Tim. He doesn't look thrilled about this.]

Do you think Gertrude knows a good place to get C4? [He asks casually right before taking the trinket from Jon. Wanting to try to raise red flags. Wanting to start the thought that this isn't going to be a prank, but in fact an assassination. Wanting to see if he gets Elias's attention once this starts.]

[It certainly works on Jon. His eyes go wide, his tail and hair fluff up again, and he pales just a bit.]

I don't- that's not- You're not really going to...?

[This is an earlier version of Tim, but it's so easy to get sucked into thinking of him as the angry, bitter, and violently explosive man he'd ended up becoming.]

Pull a prank? Sure I am! One I hope Elias will find unforgettable. [He's not sure if that's a dig at himself or Elias. He doesn't really care at the moment.] And what's a good prank without a little C4? [Later he'll feel bad and maybe apologize to Jon for leading him on about his real intentions. For now he wants to test to see if Elias will care if he's actively and opening planning on trying to kill him. Regardless if Tim decides to go through with it or not.]

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