Newt Geiszler | Pacific Rim (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
groupiedrifter) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
ximilialog2022-04-19 10:03 am
groupiedrifter) wrote in ximilialog2022-04-19 10:03 am
[Open] April Catch-All
CHARACTERS: Precursor!Newt (Featuring Normal!Newt) and you!
LOCATION: Ximilia Station
DATE: April, up until next mission!
CONTENT: The precursors settle into their new situation quite nicely. Newt hates all this.
WARNINGS: Possession and emotional manipulation, general icky controlling vibes, discussion of attempted suicide and mental health issues, some body horror in the Law and Newton thread.
I. Welcome Back (Welcome for the First Time) | TELEPORTER ROOM / HALLS
[The mission ends, and there's an emptiness in the precursor's chest at it — not a painful one, not an aching one, but emptiness like a jar with nothing in it to rattle. It's sickly sweet, the conclusion to that battle, but they don't really care about obnoxious, fleeting humanity — or whatever word each planet likes to call it. One of the benefits of being narcissistic sociopaths is side-stepping everyone else who gush and weep and do all of those obnoxious things.
Things that the old Newt would have done, especially. They can feel him like a splinter, squirming uncomfortably in the mental iron maiden they've vice-gripped him into. He's one of those miserable little souls, just like the rest: scared, sad, and terribly alone. They pay him no mind, because he's easy to release and put back as needed.
They appear in the teleportation room, a little blood on their shoe as they sigh out and adjust their collar.
Then they smile, pulling from Newton's muscle memory.]
... Phew! That was a shit show. Totally thought we were gonna bite it when ol' Long Johns floated in, but I can appreciate a happy ending as much as the next guy. Good work, everyone!
[They heft the very heavy duffel on their shoulder, full of goods from Giva and Sedorum, and pat a few shoulders before they leave as everyone else checks in on one another; it's better to just slip away and get to work. They have so many projects they'd like to work on; they can scrap all of Newton's work on regenerative tissues and consider bigger, better ideas with that material.
Mmm, yeah. A little rest would be nice.]
II. All Work and No Play Makes Newton a Dull Boy | LAB
[Newton being in the lab long hours isn't that out of the ordinary, they think. Honestly, none of the other activities seem appealing — movies and communal book-reading, or whatever tedious activities the others prefer. Honestly, they miss focusing their work on dominating the lives of others. Newton's mind is full of great scientific information regarding earth and earth-like technology, but all of his 'pop culture' and music and comic book knowledge really would be best left in the dark, to be used only when they need to blend in.
They promise him that they will be merciful at some point and allow him out. Like how... humans let their dogs out to urinate. Ha! Yes. But not now. Right now, they're busy. Sorry, amigo, but you stay right where you are. They instead focus their hours writing down every bit of information they can about Giva — complex drawings of weaponry and engineering feats they'd seen and scribbled while there. Knowledge of their wings, architecture, the various species they had witnessed. They write about what natural materials the planet of Giva itself seemed to contain. It joins a large stack of spiral notebooks beside him, all labeled BRACCIA, GYEONGJE, BADROCK - all the places they've visited, at least, with every scrap of information they learned. Things Newton could not remember with his limited capacity, they can record rather effortlessly.
The lad really should be on ADHD medication.
Chuckling to themselves, they sit in the too-quiet room, their desk neatly structured. Beside them, they eat from a nutritious plate of steamed vegetables. On occasion, they light a cigarette, smoking as their focus tunnels in on designs they're reworking from scrap and Ximilia supplies.
It's rather peaceful for once.]
III. Out, Out, Damned Spot! | KITCHEN / SUNROOM | (limited to Clara + 3 additional tag-ins)
[You promised, Newt's whiny voice whispers from the depths. You promised to be merciful.
It's been days since they returned, and Newton has shifted between the lab, the mess hall, and their room. On occasion, they visit the liquor cabinet and pour themselves a drink. Not too much, of course; their medication limits such activities. As they sit and swirl around the amber contents, they sigh.
You're impatient, they think back.
Impatient? Newt laughs, strangled and delirious. It's been...
The voice drifts, because he's not sure how long he's been tucked away.
They sigh and lower the drink.
Alright, alright. Don't have an aneurysm, huh? We'll give you a break. A flare of relief bubbles up from the trench they'd left Newton in. They add sternly: But if you act out or try anything, you'll never be allowed out again. Just a stroll, nothing more, nothing less.
Newt floats back up into himself, for a moment. He sits there, feels his limbs working for him. He runs his tongue along the ridges of his teeth, the feeling almost foreign now. The moment his eyes wet, though, his hands move against his will to wipe the wetness away.
Not allowed, they tell him. Don't embarrass yourself.
He almost replies back aloud.
This is a nightmare, but he only has so long, so he abandons the drink where it is and walks through the halls. He looks a little troubled, brow pinched, while he enters the sunroom. The light feels good on his skin, even artificial, and he sucks in a breath and does exactly what he's told: he strolls. Every person he sees, he wants to scream at, shake and explain what's happening. But there's a cold feeling that runs down his spine when he considers such things, as if a gun is at the base of his neck and trails down agonizingly slow to rest under his breastbone.
He looks at his watch. Five minutes have felt like seconds. How long does he get?
It'll be a surprise, they tell him.
He bites the inside of his cheek, uncertain what to do. So he just lingers in one spot, the shadow of a tree's leaves dancing across his face.
This is why freedom's a terrible method of operation, they tell him. You've finally been given it after all this time, and all you can seem to do is stand in place.
He wants to prove them wrong, but... they're right.
He doesn't know what to do.]
IV. All You Can Eat: WILDCARD / STARTER
[If you want something particular, let me know! Or just tag in with whatever you'd like! Plot with me on![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
simpledog or message me if you're not sure about something you'd like to tag in with. I can also make a personalized starter, if there's something in particular you wanna thread! I'm flexible. :Db Precursor!Newt is more often than not switching between lab, kitchen, and his room, with little outreach to his CR. Other than prompt III, he'll seem relatively normal in spirits. Very casual, yanno??? :)]
LOCATION: Ximilia Station
DATE: April, up until next mission!
CONTENT: The precursors settle into their new situation quite nicely. Newt hates all this.
WARNINGS: Possession and emotional manipulation, general icky controlling vibes, discussion of attempted suicide and mental health issues, some body horror in the Law and Newton thread.
I. Welcome Back (Welcome for the First Time) | TELEPORTER ROOM / HALLS
[The mission ends, and there's an emptiness in the precursor's chest at it — not a painful one, not an aching one, but emptiness like a jar with nothing in it to rattle. It's sickly sweet, the conclusion to that battle, but they don't really care about obnoxious, fleeting humanity — or whatever word each planet likes to call it. One of the benefits of being narcissistic sociopaths is side-stepping everyone else who gush and weep and do all of those obnoxious things.
Things that the old Newt would have done, especially. They can feel him like a splinter, squirming uncomfortably in the mental iron maiden they've vice-gripped him into. He's one of those miserable little souls, just like the rest: scared, sad, and terribly alone. They pay him no mind, because he's easy to release and put back as needed.
They appear in the teleportation room, a little blood on their shoe as they sigh out and adjust their collar.
Then they smile, pulling from Newton's muscle memory.]
... Phew! That was a shit show. Totally thought we were gonna bite it when ol' Long Johns floated in, but I can appreciate a happy ending as much as the next guy. Good work, everyone!
[They heft the very heavy duffel on their shoulder, full of goods from Giva and Sedorum, and pat a few shoulders before they leave as everyone else checks in on one another; it's better to just slip away and get to work. They have so many projects they'd like to work on; they can scrap all of Newton's work on regenerative tissues and consider bigger, better ideas with that material.
Mmm, yeah. A little rest would be nice.]
II. All Work and No Play Makes Newton a Dull Boy | LAB
[Newton being in the lab long hours isn't that out of the ordinary, they think. Honestly, none of the other activities seem appealing — movies and communal book-reading, or whatever tedious activities the others prefer. Honestly, they miss focusing their work on dominating the lives of others. Newton's mind is full of great scientific information regarding earth and earth-like technology, but all of his 'pop culture' and music and comic book knowledge really would be best left in the dark, to be used only when they need to blend in.
They promise him that they will be merciful at some point and allow him out. Like how... humans let their dogs out to urinate. Ha! Yes. But not now. Right now, they're busy. Sorry, amigo, but you stay right where you are. They instead focus their hours writing down every bit of information they can about Giva — complex drawings of weaponry and engineering feats they'd seen and scribbled while there. Knowledge of their wings, architecture, the various species they had witnessed. They write about what natural materials the planet of Giva itself seemed to contain. It joins a large stack of spiral notebooks beside him, all labeled BRACCIA, GYEONGJE, BADROCK - all the places they've visited, at least, with every scrap of information they learned. Things Newton could not remember with his limited capacity, they can record rather effortlessly.
The lad really should be on ADHD medication.
Chuckling to themselves, they sit in the too-quiet room, their desk neatly structured. Beside them, they eat from a nutritious plate of steamed vegetables. On occasion, they light a cigarette, smoking as their focus tunnels in on designs they're reworking from scrap and Ximilia supplies.
It's rather peaceful for once.]
III. Out, Out, Damned Spot! | KITCHEN / SUNROOM | (limited to Clara + 3 additional tag-ins)
[You promised, Newt's whiny voice whispers from the depths. You promised to be merciful.
It's been days since they returned, and Newton has shifted between the lab, the mess hall, and their room. On occasion, they visit the liquor cabinet and pour themselves a drink. Not too much, of course; their medication limits such activities. As they sit and swirl around the amber contents, they sigh.
You're impatient, they think back.
Impatient? Newt laughs, strangled and delirious. It's been...
The voice drifts, because he's not sure how long he's been tucked away.
They sigh and lower the drink.
Alright, alright. Don't have an aneurysm, huh? We'll give you a break. A flare of relief bubbles up from the trench they'd left Newton in. They add sternly: But if you act out or try anything, you'll never be allowed out again. Just a stroll, nothing more, nothing less.
Newt floats back up into himself, for a moment. He sits there, feels his limbs working for him. He runs his tongue along the ridges of his teeth, the feeling almost foreign now. The moment his eyes wet, though, his hands move against his will to wipe the wetness away.
Not allowed, they tell him. Don't embarrass yourself.
He almost replies back aloud.
This is a nightmare, but he only has so long, so he abandons the drink where it is and walks through the halls. He looks a little troubled, brow pinched, while he enters the sunroom. The light feels good on his skin, even artificial, and he sucks in a breath and does exactly what he's told: he strolls. Every person he sees, he wants to scream at, shake and explain what's happening. But there's a cold feeling that runs down his spine when he considers such things, as if a gun is at the base of his neck and trails down agonizingly slow to rest under his breastbone.
He looks at his watch. Five minutes have felt like seconds. How long does he get?
It'll be a surprise, they tell him.
He bites the inside of his cheek, uncertain what to do. So he just lingers in one spot, the shadow of a tree's leaves dancing across his face.
This is why freedom's a terrible method of operation, they tell him. You've finally been given it after all this time, and all you can seem to do is stand in place.
He wants to prove them wrong, but... they're right.
He doesn't know what to do.]
IV. All You Can Eat: WILDCARD / STARTER
[If you want something particular, let me know! Or just tag in with whatever you'd like! Plot with me on
no subject
But maybe — if they could just turn back time… Maybe if some kind of miracle put her and the Doctor at his doorstep when he’ll be drowning most, back in his world… maybe any of his crew could sweep in and pull him free. Save him.
‘Somebody save me.’
He smiles softly at Clara and squeezes her hand. It’s so super easy to play pretend and believe things are fine right now… that it’s just a day between missions, where he wasn’t wrecking friendships and fearing harm to his crew. The clock ticks down to a new apocalypse, one Newton’s created in his head: his own personal doomsday.
But Clara looks so sweet and patient and happy to see him — not the creatures in his head, but him — so he talks to her about whatever comes into his mind now. He talks about German holidays and how much he loves marshmallow-filled chocolates, and how one time he snuck into a show when he was twelve and got put in the corner by the bartender until his dad came to get him. He talks about Hermann’s dusty, chalky fingers and how there was always a fine layer of it all over the office; he talks about the stupid yellow line they put so neither crossed into the other’s space (but they did, they always did), and he tells her about how much he misses fly fishing, even though it seems so boring.
He just wants to talk. About what made him him. But also — he wanted to talk about everything that made her her. Time flows so quickly when you focus hard on filling it wisely.
Yawning, though, he can feel his eyes growing heavy… So heavy.
He knows if he falls asleep now, he won’t wake up as himself.
He holds her hand warmly, trying not to allow his grip to teeter into something tight and desperate; he can’t do that to her.]
Sorry, I’m getting sleepy… me and Finn, we ate So much Mac and cheese, man. I’m gonna turn into a noodle any second… You know he can’t cook for shit, too? You’ve gotta help the poor guy with that, because I’m hopeless…
[… Ah, well.
Her early promise will be a nice daydream. He wishes his dad and Illia were here, too.]
… How about a nap? [A small smile pulls at his lips, as he gives her hand a little shake where it lays in the grass, fingers laced around his.] No better time to drift off than next to you.
no subject
[She sounds surprised to hear that, but is proud that none of her concern leaks into her voice. There's far stranger things he could ask for than a nap in the middle of the sunlight room. So she gives a quick nod of her head, shaking his hand a bit in return.]
Sounds like I'm gonna have to keep you away from the junk food for a while, Newton.
[As usual, she only uses his full name when she's teasing him or scolding him. In this case, it's a bit of both. She's completely oblivious to the depth of what's happening to him inside his mind, but she knows something is wrong. It's distressing to not know what specifically it is, but there's comfort in knowing he still wants to do absolutely nothing with her.
She can be a rock for him, even if there's moments where he doesn't seem to want her close at all. What matters to her is here and now, he feels safe with her. Comfortable.
Scooting in a little closer to him, she stretches in to press a kiss to his cheek. It feels important to do that right then, the gesture hopefully enough to remind him how loved he is.]
You drift off. I'll be here when you wake up.
[And she fully intends on keeping that promise.]
no subject
His eyes flutter closed in relief when she kisses him and he feels — mostly normal.]
Thanks, Clara. For being such a good friend, even when things're hard.
I don't want you to ever think I don't appreciate it.
[I'll be here when you wake up.
He wishes he could say the same. But at least he'll be able to hear her. At least he's not so gone that he can't look at his friends and find some comfort in seeing them persisting, even when things are hard.
His fingers stay curled around hers, and he does slowly drift into a calm sleep.]