Thanks for calling. If you're reaching out to sell your soul, I'll already know and I'll be there soon. If you're calling to just talk, leave a message and I'll call you back when I can. Which will probably be soon. Talk to you then~
[Esme blushes to his ears when Max says that it was the best thing that ever happened to to him]
Until a only a few days after we met, he did. It was a small store with a surprising amount of food and drink. I was only there for something to wear, which I found.
[Max can explain the store better than he can, so he trails of there. There's plenty of time to tell her whatever she gets curious.]
Oh yeah. It was a convenience store called Seven Eleven. Small little place. Had all sorts of stuff that was over priced. Esme got a hoodie because he was wearing super old clothes. He really needed something new.
It feels like forever ago now. Leopold and Dr. Dou and Eliza. When things were so much simpler really. Well, as simple as things could get in our complicated ass world.
[Those are all over Sunwaning and truly mundande (if terrifically handy) little convenience stores! It must have been a far simpler time indeed. (Little does she know that just over a month from now, she'll get to "meet" Dr. Dou in less-than-simple circumstances.)]
I didn't know they sold clothing too, but I'm glad they did when you needed it.
[Which begs the question (addressed at Esme):]
What kind of situation were you escaping from that you had no proper clothing?
[Max has told him some people don't really understand fae stuff when it comes to their world, so what would be the best way to make it simple...and not entirely ruin the mood...]
I was a prisoner in a different realm, but by the time I escaped so many years had passed that I wouldn't fit in wearing my clothes. And most of the world doesn't know magic, so it was important I wasn't too noticeable.
It was very fortunate that there was a hoodie I could have. And that Max let me pay, despite having the wrong money. And that our friends were also there.
[Coincidentally, Frieda understands what it's like to experience strange time shifts (because Esme looks far too young to have been out of the picture for enough "regular" time to stand out egregiously upon his return), though in her case it's less of a literal difference in the passage of months and years, but rather a mental distortion caused by her millennia of inherited memories.
About to express her condolences for Esme's ordeal, she feels heartened by his mention of his and Max' friends (old or new ones, she wonders) and smiles - however, at Max' addition, her eyes wander to him, once again filled with puzzlement.]
A dhampire? Is that something like a vampire?
[Is that how he started out in life, then..? Can anyone in his world just attain godhood if they're smart and ruthless enough? (Before long, she'll speak with Mike for the first time, and he'll shed some more light on the matter, but right now, she feels as overwhelmed as ever.)]
[It's the strangest thing to think only a few years have passed only to find out it's been centuries. Probably not as weird as it involving memories you're not even around for.
Blushing a little at the show of deep affection, he nods. Freida can't see it, but under his human disguise his tail curls around Max.]
They're related. Max's mother is a vampire, but his father is a mage.
[He tilts his head back and looks up at him as he continues.]
But he wasn't Just a dhampire. We wouldn't be where we are without him being willing to act.
[Esme's tail may be out of her sight, but even so, she clearly sees a lovey-dovey couple in front of her, and in a way, it puts her further at ease. Seeing how she constantly has to internally reassert her trust in Max whenever he tells her some horrendous story from home, especially ones of him transmongrifying his enemies, it's heartening to see him as happily in love as anyone else, and his statement makes her laugh as she sips her tea.]
We all have our biases!
[She may not be able to act on hers, obligated to act in the spirit of utilitarianism, but here in Ellipsa, even she has been able to carve out some personal happiness.]
Your world seems really dangerous, so I'm glad that you were able to build yourselves a good life.
[Seeing how Esme was imprisoned and Max experienced things like losing a piece of his soul, it seems like a wonder that they came out on top, and she can only assume that being in Ellipsa is a welcome breather for them, too.]
It is. But there have also been many kind people to help us along the way. And I'm grateful that Max always comes back.
[If Esme knew half of what she does, he wouldn't blame her for any unease she feels. They aren't from the same point though and Max hasn't told him much of their future...partly because he hasn't asked.
But knowing that your partner just one of the shadiest people you know...he's just happy that she's here, willing to trust Max.]
I'm also biased. We aren't from the same time, but I'm not sure where I'd be if Max hadn't arrived with me.
[He is dreamily watching Esme and relaxes fully as the conversation turns to the good instead of the bad of their world. Or the good in spite of the bad.]
You'd be making friends and have so many people crushing on you. I know it. You're magnetic, love.
[As it happens, Frieda has a shady partner too. Jade arguably spends more time meddling in Nightwake's underground society than mingling with his fellow otherworlders, maintaining just barely enough of a veneer of legitimacy that she can't catch him out (yet leaving enough of a trail that she'll confront and chide him, to his great enjoyment), but how many people would have accepted her with all her dark secrets? Of course, Jade and Max operate on different scales, but at a baseline, she understands Esme all too well.
While she supports Max in gassing Esme up - he does come across as nothing but friendly, approachable, and inviting -, something else catches her attention.]
If you're from different points in time, this has to be nostalgic for you Max - seeing Esme like this again, I mean! And you, Esme, did you even recognise Max when you first saw him here?
[That last question was clearly in jest, but she does wonder how changed he is from the version of himself that Esme knew back home.]
[Gassing him up? Or trying to make him combust through blushing?]
M-Maybe...
[Something to bond over later, shady partners that they love dearly. Though odds are Esme would absolutely welcome her despite dark secrets.
He becomes attached easily, and he likes to make friends.
At her question, he blinks and cocks his head thoughtfully. Almost like a dog would.]
He is very different now, in a few ways. But his eyes are the same. And his smile, despite the sharper teeth. So I knew it was him when I saw his eyes.
It is nostalgic. Also a little...well concerning I suppose. Honestly.
[Max looks at Esme for a moment, his eyes scanning down to his chest for a long moment. His eyes almost narrow and seem to glow as he remembers something then he snaps back to a happy and relaxed demeanor.]
It's also a tag weird. Because now I'm from two timelines forward form him. Which means next time Esme disappears and comes back, I have no idea which version he'll be. Which is kind of exciting but also nerve wracking, to be honest.
[Bless you for being so accepting, Esme! Frieda's expression turns curious as he describes the differences between past and future (well, current) Max. How'd you get these sharp teeth, then..? How many transformations did he undergo to end up where he is now?
At Max' input regarding Esme, her eyes automatically follow his for a moment, then quickly dart back up to Esme's face. Far be it from her to ogle a man right in front of his partner!]
On top of different dimensions, there are different timelines in the mix? Do you end up getting tossed about times and places just through bad luck, or do you pursue it?
[If she had to guess, she's assume that it's the former for Esme and the latter for Max - but who's to say?]
[For a moment, Esme's confused why the attention on his chest, over his hear...ohhhh. He loops an arm around Max's and holds it to his chest, just trying to be reassuring. He definitely doesn't think anything of Freida following Max's gaze. He'd have done the exact same thing.]
I don't really understand, but it sounds like things just...start over but are a little different. Different friends and such. One of our friends was here also from a different time, and didn't trust Max at first because as far as she could tell he just appeared being...Max, and very familiar with me even though that me doesn't know him either.
It's similar to a child demanding a game be restarted because they don't like the way it's going.
[Max grumbles but he relaxes as his hand is put over Esme's heart. He smiles, glad there isn't anything sharp under it. Bad memories.]
The God Machine's agents decided they didn't like the way things were going. So they reset the world, changing things. Creating a continuum shift. Like if you could go back through the past and alter events or remove people entirely from the timeline to see how it would affect everything after.
At this point, they've done it...four times? I've lost track with the jumble of it all. At least in my timeline. In Esme's timeline, he is in the second timeline. Our friend Eliza was in the third timeline. I'm from the fourth. Yeah. That sounds right.
That has to be so confusing! I'm glad you were able to make sense of it.
[After a moment of hesitation, she adds:]
I've seen a glimpse of an alternative timeline here in Ellipsa, too. I think it was just an baseless illusion... but at this rate, who's to say that there aren't different timelines of every world out there?
[She lets out a small laugh, as if to dismiss her own suggestion as unlikely, but the image of herself in a military uniform, fighting on the side of the people who currently mistrust her the most, all because of a change in the succession, hasn't entirely stopped haunting her.]
In which timeline, then, will you come out on top against the God Machine, Max?
[Hopefully, this isn't a real life spoiler for Esme!]
[Fortunately, or not, Esme's still wrapping his head around the idea that he's done this twice, or Eliza three times, there's a fourth...he's not thinking about the implications of knowing too much.]
Maybe there are different timelines, but it's off-putting thinking that means there are other places that just...begin anew because someone doesn't like how things are happening.
[At Freida's question, he does look back up at Max.]
[Max honestly isn't thinking about naming the number of resets. It isn't like Esme will remember back home. So it should be more or less alright. As long as he doesn't give any actual specifics.]
The good news is for both of those concerns, the fourth timeline should be both the last reset and the last one.
One problem. Things are so different from how I remember them it's all fuzzy. My memories of the future. Probably because things are going to play out differently thanks to this last reset.
[She has to nod in agreement with Esme - it is unpleasant to be at the whim of a greater power (much as her countrymen would call her a hypocrite for saying that), and when Max confirms that the 4th reset ought to be the last, she smiles with relief, though it dims at that caveat.]
I hope nothing will change for the worse... but I suppose there's nothing to be gained from wrecking our heads about these matters while we're still here in Ellipsa.
[Not that she herself could stop worrying about her homeworld's future, as Max well knows from his dealings with her, but their world seems so much more unpredictable!
Conscious of having occupied her hosts' time for a while now (much as they both seem to enjoy her company) she sets her empty teacup down on the saucer, renewing her smile.]
Max, I really can't thank you enough - and Esme, it's been lovely to meet you! However, I oughtn't keep you for longer.
[Having things not change for the worse would be great, actually.
And while she definitely has a point about not dwelling too hard on things they can't do anything about yet, when she nudges the conversation towards wrapping up he does deflate a little. But, she can't hang around forever and likely has other people to spend time with.
And it's not goodbye if they'll see her again, right? Right. It's "See you later".
He smiles.]
Fair. This has been really nice. I'm glad we had the chance to meet.
[Max smiles at Freida and nods. His arm hug tightens around Esme and he kisses his head again. He can feel the slight spike of anxiety.]
We'll definitely all hang out again. Maybe have lunch together. And we can get to know each other better without having any deals or drama to talk about. Unless we all want to be gossipy bitches. I'm always down for that.
[Esme's mild disappointment at her leavetaking surprises her, though she doesn't let it show - he really enjoyed talking with her this much? She gives him a heartfelt smile, then laughs at Max' words.]
Only the good kind of gossip!
[Look at this goody-two-shoes... but really, she does try to avoid talking about others behind their back and prying into their affairs. Discussing recent events or good news is fair game, though, and she'd like to meet both of them again without the project in the back of her mind.]
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chiming
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 01:59 am (UTC)From:[Esme blushes to his ears when Max says that it was the best thing that ever happened to to him]
Until a only a few days after we met, he did. It was a small store with a surprising amount of food and drink. I was only there for something to wear, which I found.
[Max can explain the store better than he can, so he trails of there. There's plenty of time to tell her whatever she gets curious.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 02:06 am (UTC)From:It feels like forever ago now. Leopold and Dr. Dou and Eliza. When things were so much simpler really. Well, as simple as things could get in our complicated ass world.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 08:00 am (UTC)From:[Those are all over Sunwaning and truly mundande (if terrifically handy) little convenience stores! It must have been a far simpler time indeed. (Little does she know that just over a month from now, she'll get to "meet" Dr. Dou in less-than-simple circumstances.)]
I didn't know they sold clothing too, but I'm glad they did when you needed it.
[Which begs the question (addressed at Esme):]
What kind of situation were you escaping from that you had no proper clothing?
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 09:44 am (UTC)From:[Max has told him some people don't really understand fae stuff when it comes to their world, so what would be the best way to make it simple...and not entirely ruin the mood...]
I was a prisoner in a different realm, but by the time I escaped so many years had passed that I wouldn't fit in wearing my clothes. And most of the world doesn't know magic, so it was important I wasn't too noticeable.
It was very fortunate that there was a hoodie I could have. And that Max let me pay, despite having the wrong money. And that our friends were also there.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 07:03 pm (UTC)From:I was just a dhampire back then. [He lays out that last little bit of info and turns his head to kiss Esme's temple.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 08:45 pm (UTC)From:About to express her condolences for Esme's ordeal, she feels heartened by his mention of his and Max' friends (old or new ones, she wonders) and smiles - however, at Max' addition, her eyes wander to him, once again filled with puzzlement.]
A dhampire? Is that something like a vampire?
[Is that how he started out in life, then..? Can anyone in his world just attain godhood if they're smart and ruthless enough? (Before long, she'll speak with Mike for the first time, and he'll shed some more light on the matter, but right now, she feels as overwhelmed as ever.)]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 09:32 pm (UTC)From:Blushing a little at the show of deep affection, he nods. Freida can't see it, but under his human disguise his tail curls around Max.]
They're related. Max's mother is a vampire, but his father is a mage.
[He tilts his head back and looks up at him as he continues.]
But he wasn't Just a dhampire. We wouldn't be where we are without him being willing to act.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 09:38 pm (UTC)From:Awwww. Thank you, love. I mean, you know I'd do anything for you. And our friends. Mostly you. I'm biased as all hell.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 09:45 am (UTC)From:We all have our biases!
[She may not be able to act on hers, obligated to act in the spirit of utilitarianism, but here in Ellipsa, even she has been able to carve out some personal happiness.]
Your world seems really dangerous, so I'm glad that you were able to build yourselves a good life.
[Seeing how Esme was imprisoned and Max experienced things like losing a piece of his soul, it seems like a wonder that they came out on top, and she can only assume that being in Ellipsa is a welcome breather for them, too.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 03:46 pm (UTC)From:[If Esme knew half of what she does, he wouldn't blame her for any unease she feels. They aren't from the same point though and Max hasn't told him much of their future...partly because he hasn't asked.
But knowing that your partner just one of the shadiest people you know...he's just happy that she's here, willing to trust Max.]
I'm also biased. We aren't from the same time, but I'm not sure where I'd be if Max hadn't arrived with me.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 04:37 pm (UTC)From:[He is dreamily watching Esme and relaxes fully as the conversation turns to the good instead of the bad of their world. Or the good in spite of the bad.]
You'd be making friends and have so many people crushing on you. I know it. You're magnetic, love.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 10:30 pm (UTC)From:While she supports Max in gassing Esme up - he does come across as nothing but friendly, approachable, and inviting -, something else catches her attention.]
If you're from different points in time, this has to be nostalgic for you Max - seeing Esme like this again, I mean! And you, Esme, did you even recognise Max when you first saw him here?
[That last question was clearly in jest, but she does wonder how changed he is from the version of himself that Esme knew back home.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 10:40 pm (UTC)From:M-Maybe...
[Something to bond over later, shady partners that they love dearly. Though odds are Esme would absolutely welcome her despite dark secrets.
He becomes attached easily, and he likes to make friends.
At her question, he blinks and cocks his head thoughtfully. Almost like a dog would.]
He is very different now, in a few ways. But his eyes are the same. And his smile, despite the sharper teeth. So I knew it was him when I saw his eyes.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 11:04 pm (UTC)From:[Max looks at Esme for a moment, his eyes scanning down to his chest for a long moment. His eyes almost narrow and seem to glow as he remembers something then he snaps back to a happy and relaxed demeanor.]
It's also a tag weird. Because now I'm from two timelines forward form him. Which means next time Esme disappears and comes back, I have no idea which version he'll be. Which is kind of exciting but also nerve wracking, to be honest.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 11:35 pm (UTC)From:At Max' input regarding Esme, her eyes automatically follow his for a moment, then quickly dart back up to Esme's face. Far be it from her to ogle a man right in front of his partner!]
On top of different dimensions, there are different timelines in the mix? Do you end up getting tossed about times and places just through bad luck, or do you pursue it?
[If she had to guess, she's assume that it's the former for Esme and the latter for Max - but who's to say?]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 11:50 pm (UTC)From:I don't really understand, but it sounds like things just...start over but are a little different. Different friends and such. One of our friends was here also from a different time, and didn't trust Max at first because as far as she could tell he just appeared being...Max, and very familiar with me even though that me doesn't know him either.
[The idea is actually perplexing.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-19 03:15 pm (UTC)From:[Max grumbles but he relaxes as his hand is put over Esme's heart. He smiles, glad there isn't anything sharp under it. Bad memories.]
The God Machine's agents decided they didn't like the way things were going. So they reset the world, changing things. Creating a continuum shift. Like if you could go back through the past and alter events or remove people entirely from the timeline to see how it would affect everything after.
At this point, they've done it...four times? I've lost track with the jumble of it all. At least in my timeline. In Esme's timeline, he is in the second timeline. Our friend Eliza was in the third timeline. I'm from the fourth. Yeah. That sounds right.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-19 04:45 pm (UTC)From:[After a moment of hesitation, she adds:]
I've seen a glimpse of an alternative timeline here in Ellipsa, too. I think it was just an baseless illusion... but at this rate, who's to say that there aren't different timelines of every world out there?
[She lets out a small laugh, as if to dismiss her own suggestion as unlikely, but the image of herself in a military uniform, fighting on the side of the people who currently mistrust her the most, all because of a change in the succession, hasn't entirely stopped haunting her.]
In which timeline, then, will you come out on top against the God Machine, Max?
[Hopefully, this isn't a real life spoiler for Esme!]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-19 05:21 pm (UTC)From:Maybe there are different timelines, but it's off-putting thinking that means there are other places that just...begin anew because someone doesn't like how things are happening.
[At Freida's question, he does look back up at Max.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-19 05:28 pm (UTC)From:The good news is for both of those concerns, the fourth timeline should be both the last reset and the last one.
One problem. Things are so different from how I remember them it's all fuzzy. My memories of the future. Probably because things are going to play out differently thanks to this last reset.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-20 05:25 pm (UTC)From:I hope nothing will change for the worse... but I suppose there's nothing to be gained from wrecking our heads about these matters while we're still here in Ellipsa.
[Not that she herself could stop worrying about her homeworld's future, as Max well knows from his dealings with her, but their world seems so much more unpredictable!
Conscious of having occupied her hosts' time for a while now (much as they both seem to enjoy her company) she sets her empty teacup down on the saucer, renewing her smile.]
Max, I really can't thank you enough - and Esme, it's been lovely to meet you! However, I oughtn't keep you for longer.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-20 09:56 pm (UTC)From:[Having things not change for the worse would be great, actually.
And while she definitely has a point about not dwelling too hard on things they can't do anything about yet, when she nudges the conversation towards wrapping up he does deflate a little. But, she can't hang around forever and likely has other people to spend time with.
And it's not goodbye if they'll see her again, right? Right. It's "See you later".
He smiles.]
Fair. This has been really nice. I'm glad we had the chance to meet.
no subject
Date: 2025-06-01 10:23 pm (UTC)From:We'll definitely all hang out again. Maybe have lunch together. And we can get to know each other better without having any deals or drama to talk about. Unless we all want to be gossipy bitches. I'm always down for that.
no subject
Date: 2025-06-02 01:30 am (UTC)From:Only the good kind of gossip!
[Look at this goody-two-shoes... but really, she does try to avoid talking about others behind their back and prying into their affairs. Discussing recent events or good news is fair game, though, and she'd like to meet both of them again without the project in the back of her mind.]
I'd love that, though. You know how to reach me!
[And vice versa - she may not know their tastes well yet, but if she comes across a café she thinks they shouldn't miss out on, she'll be in touch.]
no subject
Date: 2025-06-02 01:36 am (UTC)From:He's also a good boy who tries not to talk about people behind their backs...unless it's good things and it usually is.]
We'll see you again soon then!
[Esme is very open. The company is what matters most.]