ext_201968 ([identity profile] whiteychan.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] damned_institute2008-02-09 03:17 am

Day 30: Cafeteria, Breakfast

Hitsugaya woke with a start.

His entire body ached, but the pain was nowhere near as bad as it had been the night before. His injuries had been tended two with clean gauze and bandages, and he found every movement wasn't agony. He wasn't in the best of shape, but thanks to the miracle of landel's strange time distortion, he had mostly recovered from the vile poison without having to waste anyone else's talents.

And in his hand, still...there was the key.

He dressed quickly, sliding the key onto the key ring from his desk drawer and stuck it into his pocket. Whether the key stood to gain them anything or not, it stood as a vital reminder that they could succeed in this place. There was hope, as insignificant as it often seemed. They could beat this place.

That small shred of hope made getting up worth it.

The nurse who escorted him to breakfast was cheerful, and commented idly about how wonderful it was to see young Tommy Winters up and about again after his unfortunate run-in with a bad case of food poisoning. He smirked slightly, knowing that any lies the institute forced into their heads were only that: lies. He wouldn't buy it for a second. And on top of that, the concept of muffins sounded almost appetizing. While he still preferred his authentic Japanese cuisine, the food here was slowly becoming more and more bearable. He would have preferred a warm bowl of sweet nattou over rice over the mufffins, but they would do. The plain yogurt and fruit, on the other hand, was excellent. He piled his plate high with fruit as usual, and got several small bowls of yogurt as well.

Finding the most convenient table to the end of the food line, he took a seat and scanned for the new arrivals. New arrivals meant people who would be lost and confused. Renji did a good job of making a bulliten post last time...he should recommend abarai-fukutaicho do the same again this time.

[Waiting for Angel]

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Sweets?" Jack snorted. "That's the kind of thing little kids like. What about meat? You know, red meat, real manly portions...maybe some mashed potatoes on the side. Oh, or fried chicken?" He held up his index finger. "You know the best goddamn fried chicken I ever had was in the Louisiana during-"

He stopped himself. He couldn't very well say during the Civil war. "...my youth. You don't know finger lickin' like THAT shit."

The Fable shoveled some more food into his mouth before adding, "Mysterious priest? Catholic or something else?" Jack had nothing specific against holy men, though he suspected they might not think so fondly on him.

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
"Something else!" Xelloss answered promptly, considering he had absolutely no idea what a Catholic was. "There's nothing wrong with revisiting one's youth, is there? After all, your fond memories of finger lickin' chicken come from your youth." Xelloss had never had a 'youth' per se, or perhaps this qualified as his youth, but that wasn't important right now. "But you're right, I certainly wouldn't argue with a plate of meat. Mashed potatoes with butter and perhaps some sour cream? And a rare steak seared around the edges?" Xelloss suggested. But this cinnamon roll was more than delicious enough for now. Lunch would bring some new flavor sensation.

And perhaps he could even avoid Hellmaster and the princess that long. Oh, wishful thinking...

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 02:53 am (UTC)(link)
Jack's eyes shined. "Oh, man. Rare steak seared around the edges? Now we're speaking the same language. SMOTHERED with Worcestershire sauce and dripping with juice." He stroked his stubble, greedily. "This is killin' me. I can't think of anything but steak now." He dropped his fork and sighed. "So much for breakfast."

He gave the Mazoku a looking over. "Xelloss? What kind of name is that?" Jack wondered if it was some obscure Nordic or Germanic name. Then again, maybe it was another one of those weird Asian names.

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
"It's my name. It's very similar to my mother's name. John's a perfectly nice name too, of course!" Xelloss added quickly, as though he'd somehow potentially insulted the man, even though he hadn't and really wouldn't care if he had.

As for changing the man's cravings and ruining breakfast for him, it was a small but delicious beginning to the day. Xelloss finished his roll. "Really, you aren't hungry anymore, because you thought of something more delicious than what you were eating? How unusual."

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
"Unusual?" Jack cocked his head. "What's so unusual about that?" He folded his arms. "If there's something better than what I got, what's wrong with wanting it?" He smirked, pointing a finger at the priest. "I don't think that's unusual at all, actually! Don't you want anything, buddy?"

It was hard for the Fable to imagine a holy man being content with their place in life. Sure, they were supposed to have given up everything for their faith in god, but anyone could claim that for the free room and board. Then again, maybe Xelloss was the rare priest who actually did have an unwavering devotion to the lord.

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, if you think about the implications... no matter what you are eating, there might be something theoretically better. So even if your meal is absolutely delicious, if you consider what a more delicious meal would be like, you couldn't enjoy it. And since there must be at least one food which is your favorite, so long as you are not eating that exact food at any given moment, you'll be unable to enjoy whatever you are eating," Xelloss explained cheerfully, then added, "But yes, I want things," as though that were a complete answer.

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
Jack waited what seemed like a long enough time to him for the Mazoku to elaborate before poking him further for information. "And what is it you want? Cash? A woman?" He arched an eyebrow. "A man?"

He drummed his fingers on the table, sighing. He was hungry, but nothing appealed to his appetite anymore. Maybe he would just suck it up and eat for the sake of eating, but that seemed bit of a disappointment.

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 03:55 am (UTC)(link)
Xelloss laughed, then put a hand over his mouth and winked openly at 'John.' "Why, that's very kind of you to offer! But I think there are enough men here for now." That John hadn't offered was beside the point.

"Actually, I believe what I want... is seconds. Are you going to finish that?" And he wanted the destruction of all, but that was really not a current pressing issue in these circumstances.

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Uhhhh...was this guy flirting with him? Jack glowered and shoved his food at Xelloss. Fine, if the guy wanted his food, he could eat ALL the fucking food. This flirting was going to stop right now, though, before it started. "Listen, Xelloss. I don't swing that way, so knock it off."

He motioned to the tray. "And no, you've effectively killed my appetite, so go to town."

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
"Why, you raised the issue, but all right. I'm not particularly in the mood for a man or a woman at the moment, just for breakfast. Thank you for sharing."

My, what a reaction. And he'd hardly been trying. Ah, it was so tragic to think this meal would have to end. Xelloss resolved to enjoy every bite of it--and every bit of appetite-killing he inspired in John--to the fullest.

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
This was awkward. Jack let Xelloss eat in silence for some time, not really sure what to follow up with, in fear of saying something else to bait the guy. Still, it seemed a bit inappropriate to not say anything, so the Fable eventually spoke up again, asking something new and unrelated. "So, Xelloss, where are you from? And how long have you been here for that matter?"

Innocent questions, right? Innocent enough, he hoped.

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
"Mmm?" Xelloss paused mid-chewing as the questions were asked, then paused to swallow and take a drink of juice before answering. "Oh, as a priest, I traveled around quite a bit before I found myself here. I've been here a few days, I suppose. And what about yourself, John? It sounds as though you were at least used to very good food, where you were from!" Small talk, tolerable, but pleasantly awkward for the other man.

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
"Are you kidding?" Jack grinned. "I was the best damn director in all of Hollywood. Of course I was living a pretty posh life. You got any idea how much money I had?" He still had a fair amount in off shore accounts, but Jack wasn't going to tell a stranger that. "When ya got the money, there's no reason not to spend it, right?"

"But I suppose," He added, making fun of the priest's alleged occupation. "You aren't really allowed to have much extra cash in your profession, huh?" It didn't matter that Xelloss had denied being Catholic; that was still the only image that came to the Giant Killer's mind.

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
"Really! The best director in all of Hollywood? That John?" Xelloss kept on his best smile as he continued finishing off John's breakfast. Granted, that topic was rather putting his dining partner in a better mood...

"No, I don't tend to carry much cash with me. But I do enjoy my meals."

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
Jack's eyes widened. Wait, out of all the people he had interviewd, this man was the first one who knew who "John Trick" was? "You know who I am? Really?" This was a welcome surprise.

He continued to probe. "Which of the films did you like the best? Wasn't Jack Horner amazing? Didn't you want to be just like him? Or, at least, tell people about him?" He smiled congenially. "You know, no one else remembered me, which makes me think you might be from my world."

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 05:27 am (UTC)(link)
"Hm? I beg your pardon?" Xelloss pulled back, frowning a little, and shook his head regretfully. "I'm sorry. It seems the joke is on us; I must have been thinking of another John. Perhaps even another Hollywood. Jack Horner films, you say? No, it doesn't ring a bell at all." Done with the tray, Xelloss pushed it to the side.
Edited 2008-02-11 05:30 (UTC)

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
Jack's face fell. So much for that hope. "Oh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised." He scratched his stubble. "But, I mean, you know "Jack and the Beanstalk", right? Even if you've never seen my films?"

He drummed his fingers on the table. "God, I wish I'd found some booze last night."

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
That was better. Xelloss shrugged helplessly. "No, I'm afraid it's completely unfamiliar. It must be rather lonely, being the only individual from your world here."

If only he could have been granted the same curse...

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Jack cracked his neck and mused it over. "It's not that bad," he decided after a moment. "Not really. I mean, sure, no one knows how truly and utterly awesome I am, but all the people who annoyed the hell out of me aren't exactly pissin' me off here either. It's kinda nice to be without any sort of expectation. You know what I'm saying?"

"Then again," He glowered, looking around the room. "For every person I've escaped, there's a new face here to take their place in annoying me."

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Really. You've been having trouble getting along with the other patients?" Xelloss feigned sympathy, shaking his head a little. "It's true that quite a few individuals have the sorts of personalities that simply do not mesh well with others."

For example, Mazoku lords and human princesses obsessed with justice...

"It's terrible that, with all of us in the same situation, we can't join forces peacefully to try and find a proper exit. Don't you think so?"

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's what I'm talking about," Jack nodded. "I've been in this situation before and the quickest way to get out of these joints is to work together." There were already the clubs, but Jack wasn't interested in joining any club if he wasn't calling the shots. Besides, they seemed far more interested in making maps or building weapons, if the bulletin posts were any sign.

"Have you had any luck gettin' anywhere out of here? Obviously not too successful, since you're here talking to me..."

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Really, this has happened to you more than once? How unfortunate. This is my first time," Xelloss confessed lightly. "You must at least be at an advantage from your experience, then. I myself haven't tried to escape yet; since it's clear from contexts that I am not in my own world, I'm afraid it will require more than leaping the walls to return to my proper place."

[identity profile] i-slay-giants.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, I'm a popular guy," the Fable smirked. "Seems everyone wants to lock me up and keep me for themselves. I guess I should feel flattered, but it's getting a bit bothersome. But really, you're uninterested in trying to escape at all?" He cocked his head. "But what is there worth waiting around here for? You're a wandering priest; wouldn't you be ok with wandering this world?"

[identity profile] enigmaticmedium.livejournal.com 2008-02-12 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
"You must be in high demand! I wonder, if you escape this place, will another pick you up again? Perhaps that's the life of a famous Hollywood director." Xelloss suggested, as though that were perfectly logical. Then he shook his head at John's question. "Oh, I do intend to return home eventually, if I find a means. Wandering here is all right, but my faith does have a central authority I really should return to eventually. It's difficult to be responsible, sometimes!"