Nick Burkhardt (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
detectivetroll) wrote2012-05-21 11:10 pm
detectivetroll) wrote2012-05-21 11:10 pm
[001 | Open Commentlog]
[A lot of really strange things have been happening to Nick lately, but he can safely say that somehow getting kidnapped on the walk from his aunt's trailer to his car, without actually seeing anyone or even being aware that he'd been knocked unconscious, was pretty much the last thing he was expecting.
So, of course, it's what apparently happened. At this point, Nick's pretty sure he should just stop not expecting things. As soon as he doesn't expect something, that's when it's going to happen.
He takes a quick stock of the situation - not exactly liking the look of the cell he's ended up in, but at least, for some reason, whoever captured him didn't take the duffelbag full of weapons he'd had with him. A peek in the bag says they're all there, along with his both his Glocks. And a try of the doorknob, which'd been half-hearted at best, because he really hadn't expected it to open, proves to be successful.
See? Never expect things.
His cellphone isn't getting any reception, so Nick shoulders his duffelbag and pulls his gun out from its holster before ducking out into the hallway. If he can manage to sneak his way to a place that gets reception, he can call for Monroe or Hank. Or, better yet, maybe he can just find a way out of here.]
[So, uh, nonhumans, let me know if you don't want Nick to be able to tell that your character isn't human? And also feel free to have any nonhumans be able to sense something strange or dangerous/predatory about Nick!]
So, of course, it's what apparently happened. At this point, Nick's pretty sure he should just stop not expecting things. As soon as he doesn't expect something, that's when it's going to happen.
He takes a quick stock of the situation - not exactly liking the look of the cell he's ended up in, but at least, for some reason, whoever captured him didn't take the duffelbag full of weapons he'd had with him. A peek in the bag says they're all there, along with his both his Glocks. And a try of the doorknob, which'd been half-hearted at best, because he really hadn't expected it to open, proves to be successful.
See? Never expect things.
His cellphone isn't getting any reception, so Nick shoulders his duffelbag and pulls his gun out from its holster before ducking out into the hallway. If he can manage to sneak his way to a place that gets reception, he can call for Monroe or Hank. Or, better yet, maybe he can just find a way out of here.]
[So, uh, nonhumans, let me know if you don't want Nick to be able to tell that your character isn't human? And also feel free to have any nonhumans be able to sense something strange or dangerous/predatory about Nick!]
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[ Monroe isn't planning on it either but shit happens man.
If Nick says he can he'll try to believe it. Try being the operative word.]
Jogging probably isn't the best idea right now. Jogging is like chase which never leads anywhere good. Tia Chi might work. Maybe if I do it after yoga. That might help. But man Burdock root is a far cry from what I need.
[Like Nick pinned in the forest. And then Monroe flat on his back after Nick punches him in the face.
And dude Monroe isn't trying to make him feel bad. He knows Nick and him will find a way out eventually. He's just worried he'll do something that shows how much of a monster he really is.]
Monroe takes another calming breath. This time it really does help. His shoulders relax but he doesn't pull away from Nick. He might have if they were back home, but that hand on him makes his focus hold.
Yeah ok.
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[Joking aside, though, Nick believes that first part. All the faith in Monroe, man, why else would he have trusted him enough to even watch out for his aunt?]
All right, we'll stay away from jogging, for now. So you'll do yoga, and Tai Chi. And I saw your clock stuff, there's got to be clocks here for you to mess around with. They're probably medieval clocks, but that's still something, right? And I just meant as an example. What do you need?
[No jogging, then, at least until Monroe has a better handle on himself. But Nick's not just going to let Monroe hide up in his cell and go crazy.
Monroe isn't making him feel bad. Nick's managing that perfectly fine on his own. But they can do this. Nick's had a lot of things lately where he didn't always know the answers, or an immediate solution, and they managed to figure it out.
It might take a little bit longer here, but they'll do it.
Nick gives Monroe's shoulder another squeeze when he starts relaxing.]
Better?
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[He's ignoring that first part. He wishes it was true. He has given people good enough reason to. It's a slippery slope back to that. Look how well his other Wieder friends did. One thing messing with you're brain and that's all it takes.
And part of that lifts Monroe's mood up a lot.]
Did you see any midieval clocks around? I didn't, but I didn't go very far. At the time period I'm guessing we're in has some amazing clocks. The ornate pieces on the fittings were absolutely spectacular.
[You lost him man. Was there something else you needed? Get him one of those clocks man, and Monroe won't have to worry about going crazy. He also won't be leaving his cell at all either. And it's not hiding if he is working!
Yes they will. And maybe die trying, but it sounds like they can come back from that.
Will answering with a 'no' get Nick to keep his hand there?]
Yeah.
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Do you want me to give you an itemized list?
[Yeah, Nick noticed that he's ignoring it. But he's gotten Monroe onto a lighter topic, so he's not going to say anything about it. Even though he's seen Monroe in some very stressful situations, and he hasn't lost control.]
I wasn't exactly looking for clocks. But there's bound to be some. Everything else looks period correct, and clocks were one of humanity's earliest inventions.
[There was something else he needed, but since Monroe's off on one of his tangential rambles, and therefore currently not focused on how screwed they are, Nick'll let it go for now.
Also yes. It's hiding. It's one thing for Monroe to do it in his house, it's another to do it in a cell. Is Nick going to have to take Monroe for walks?
Yeah, Nick's heard that, too. He's not sure he believes it. Nick squeezes Monroe's shoulder one more time, then, on impulse, moves his hand to the base of Monroe's neck, giving him another encouraging squeeze before pulling his hand away.
And probably flashing the tattoo on his palm a bit.]
Good.
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Actually yeah and can you make it in triplicate? I need to file a copy away for my records.
[Come on man this is different. All those other stressful situations he'd been through his routine. And he'd had Nick there fast enough to keep him calm. But Nick is there now, he'll be able to get some of his control back. Just don't run off somewhere without him.]
Let me know if you find any? Some of the clocks usued to practically cover a whole wall. Hopefully there'll be a few that can easily be moved in here.
[ Normally this is the point where he'd stop talking and look embarassed but je's just going to stay focused on the promise of fancy clocks. Oh and Monroe is assuming Nick will go find those clocks for him and bring them back. That's cool right.
And come on man, Monroe has always been hiding away. When Nick met him he was hiding away in his house. This isn't much different, only it's more necessary. And Monroe doesn't need to be taken for walks. But that actually sounds kind of nice.
Monroe stills when Nick's hand switches to the back of his neck. Most of the tension drains from his body. This situation isn't idea but they can figure it out together. When Nick pulls his hand away, Monroe watches it go. Looks like that will have to be good enough. But there's something on that hand that doesn't belong there. And Monroe would know, he know's Nick's hand like the back of well his hand. He reaches out and takes Nick's hand to examin it.]
Nick? Dude, what is this?
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No way, man. You'll get your one copy and like it, I'm not handwriting this in triplicate. It's bad enough having to do paperwork when I have a copier.
[Well, Nick's here now, and he's not planning on going anywhere without Monroe. They'll find a new routine for him, it'll be just as good as the one back home. ...besides, Nick's interrupted his routine a few times before.]
I'll keep an eye out for clocks for you.
[He's smiling fondly, the way he usually does when Monroe rambles, but it's muted here, because of the situation. Nick's not going to try to get him to stop, either. As long as Monroe's talking about clocks, he's not panicking. Also damn it Monroe. He better not be expecting Nick to bring back a wall clock.
A house is definitely different. A house is big, has multiple rooms, that kind of thing. This is a cell, barely big enough for Monroe to pace in. Not happening. Walks are going to be very necessary.
Nick notices that tension draining, and is definitely relieved. Well, one problem down. But then Nick's brows furrow when Monroe reaches out to take his hand. Okay, he knows Monroe is panicking and tends to get more grabby then, but this is a first, and - oh. Right, the tattoo.]
I don't know. A tattoo of some kind. Everyone gets one upon arrive, apparently. I'm reasonably sure it's some sort of brand, or possibly a way to keep track of us, but no one knows for sure. You should have one, too, man.
[And Nick's just going to help himself to looking, grabbing at Monroe's other hand and turning it over, then tugging up his sleeves to pick at his arms.]
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What I figured it would make you feel like your back home already. Since apparently we won't be getting back there any time soon.
[Interrupted, not bludgeoned to death with a sledge hammer. Besides it was Nick ruining it, not some power crazed medieval lord.]
Thanks man.
[You know for everything. He's feeling a little better now. Maybe they can do this.
Nick is strong, he can carry it. He has all that Grimm strength. Come on man help him out.
He's not wearing a leash. Even if he could use one right now.
There was something weird with Nick's hand. Why? Was he not supposed to do that? Cause he won't do it again. Monroe saw those brows furrow. Don't worry he won't do it again. It was kind of weird. But come on Nick's hand is all messed up.]
They marked you?
[Monroe sounds a little horrified by this. And no he isn't going to think about why that bugs him right now. Also the hell man! Tattooed?!?]
How the hell did they tattoo us without us knowing?
[Monroe just lets Nick look him over. He just watches where Nick is looking instead of looking by himself. What? The clinging is helping him.]
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That's one thing I won't miss for a while. A nice vacation from paper work.
[Good point. Having anything interrupted by a power crazed medieval lord isn't exactly a good time. But still. Monroe can do this.
He doesn't reply to Monroe's thanks, just gives him a smile. Any time.
It's not a matter of strength, man, it's a matter of leverage. It'd be too big for him to balance by himself.
Hey, Nick didn't say anything about a leash. Monroe's the one that brought that up here.
It's not a matter of not supposed to be doing it, it's a matter of it being highly unusual, and a bit unexpected. Before Nick remembered about the tattoo, anyway.
And he makes a face at Monroe's horrified tone, in agreement. Yeah, it bugs him, too.]
Everyone. People have told me that the tattoos start spreading if you don't make some kind of entries, but there has to be some other reason. I'm pretty sure some kind of magic is involved.
[When he doesn't find anything on Monroe's arms, he pauses, hands still on Monroe's arm, because, well, it could be anywhere. It's probably not the best idea to just start lifting up his clothes. But then he spots something peaking out from the collar of Monroe's shirt.]
Oh, man. Hell no.
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Man, there are easier ways to get out of paperwork.
[He'll try. And Nick being there and having faith in him will help.
Monroe smiles back. How does Nick manage to get him to be less antsy while they're still being kidnapped?
Nick has some problems with leverage? Monroe wouldn't mind helping with that. >.>
Grumble. Nick was probably going to think about a leash.
Well never the less. He'll try to keep from touching Nick or holding his hand from now on. Better?
Monroe looks horrified at that.]
They start spreading? We have magical moving tattoos? Do they do anything else?
[And what Nick can grab at him and push up his sleeves but Monroe can't look at his hand?
He freezes for a moment when Nick spots it. What? How can a magical tattoo be any worse? He looks down toward his chest but he can't spot anything. Or even any skin for a tattoo to be on. This can't be good.]
What?
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[Good, because Nick definitely has faith in him. Also, because he's Nick? Nick's good at calming people down in tense situations, man, it's his job. Also, having a friend always helps.
He is now, that Monroe brought it up. Good job.
What hey no. Nick's not against touching. Obviously considering how much he does it.
Yeah, Nick's pretty horrified by it, too.]
Not that anyone knows. But they have to be for some other reason. My money's on that it's a way to track us, or possibly a way to keep us in line.
[Quit that. Nick never said he couldn't look at his hand. He was just surprised at the sudden grabbing.
Nick reaches up, thumb tracing over the tattoo on the side of Monroe's neck for a moment before he grimaces.]
I think whoever did this thinks they're funny.
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Well enjoy the vacation man. One of us should.
[Yeah haveing a friend like Nick helps. Having a boyfriend like Nick would help more but that's not going to help.
Wonderful. Damn it Nick.
Well Nick is the one that was weirded out by the hand holding thing. And that just means that Nick is fine with it when he initiates the physical contact. Not when Monroe does.
Fuck man, moving tattoos. It's like something out of a Ray Bradbury story.]
Oh great, so what our tattoo's zap up if we don't behave? Man now I really want to know where mine it.
[Monroe is choosing to take that in a way that makes it so he can't be tempted to touch him more.
Why is Nick touching his neck? Monroe freezes. Hey, why is Nick grimacing while touching his neck. Sorry distracting thoughts will the neck stroking.]
Did what? What was suppose to be funny?
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[And working at helping Monroe stay in control, apparently. But that's not unexpected; Nick knows how much Monroe relies on his routine. Nick's more than willing to help however he can.
Not weirded out. Just surprised. Nick's fine with it, man, did he say anything in the hospital or the Lowen Games? Or any of the other times Monroe touched him, rare as they are?
Oh great. Thanks for that. Now they're going to get some The Veldt action.]
I don't know, man, I just know they start spreading if we don't write in the journals. But that can't be the only reason for them.
[Be tempted, Monroe.
Touch touch touch touch. Nick slides his hand around Monroe's neck, fingertips tracing along the tattoo in a full circle over his skin.]
Your tattoo.
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[If he's honest with himself, he's not even sure if that's supposed to be sarcastic or not.
Helping however he can huh? Because naked cuddles would help a lot. Just saying.
And he couldn't say anything in either of those situations because there was no time to that kind of talk.
And Ray Bradbury had it right from the beginning. Lions are evil. That was the point of that story right?]
Because clearly that isn't bad enough. [Stop making him antsy Nick! He's worried enough as it is!
Monroe's eyes droop slightly when Nick starts touching his neck. He tries to play if off like he's trying to see the tattoo again.
It finally dawns on him. His eyes go wide, and he looks beyond disturbed.]
It's around my neck? Let me see!
[He looks around for a mirror or anything reflective.]
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Now is not time for naked cuddles, man. They don't even know where they are, that's a whole nother conversation.
He didn't say anything now, either. ...also yes. That was pretty much the point of that story. Lowens are evil.]
They haven't hurt anyone. They just make me suspicious.
[Nick's too busy staring at Monroe's neck to notice his expression, though he does finally look up when Monroe demands to see. Yeah, if Nick's not happy about this, he can only imagine how Monroe feels.
He steps back, letting his hand fall from Monroe's neck, but holding his hand in mid air to stare at his own tattoo.]
I don't know if there's a mirror in here.
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Lowens are evil. Watch your ass around cats dude. Pointedly ignores that Julian is one.]
You figured that out already? [It's not that he doesn't trust Nick to figure things out. He just really wants to know how certain Nick is about that.]
Do you have your phone? Or something. Come on man. I need to see this.
[He runs his hands around his neck trying to feel where it is. The idea of it being a collar is already seeping in.]
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He watches his ass around everyone, man. Except Monroe. And Julian can be the exception that proves the rule?]
Yeah, I have. Or at least, there's no reports of it happening.
[Even back home, though, crimes were under reported, which is why Nick's suspicious.]
Uh, right. Hang on.
[Nick pulls out his phone, handing it to Monroe even as he reaches out to touch the markings around Monroe's neck again.]
I wonder if the places are random, or if it means something.