They hunger for the taste of glamour

[foreshadower]

WHO: The Shade AND YOU
WHERE: Heropa's prison
WHEN: All through the month of November! Please specify the date.
WHAT: Shade's regretting being bored
WARNINGS: N/A



A (Visiting)
[ It was embarrassing being touted around in the sorts of getups that they put him in. The bright orange was nearly as bad as being in all white, and while some signs that he was without his powers were gone -- he'd mastered shaving with those awful temporary razors instead of his straightedge, and he'd learned to clean himself without his preferred trappings -- there were other signs that he wasn't happy, as well he shouldn't be, he supposed. His face was leaner and gaunt, deep bags under his eyes. Older, somehow, like the passing of time was harsher, without his connection to the shadowlands. Without the immortality given to him by the hundreds of souls that were siphoned in the original ritual, and even the thousands and hundreds given to him by Culp's second, he was weak and human.

Being human felt all too wrong. To be a Victorian human was not nearly as romantic as a Victorian immortal. He still couldn't sleep, sacrificing the night for three or four days before finally collapsing. He'd managed to charm another inmate into giving him a flashlight, and his journal was well filled with cramped, small letters, chronicling not only his time here, but his past, as well. Thoughts that came to mind. Shade carried the book with him often, but it was not allowed here. He was empty handed, but not terribly surprised that he had visitors. He was, after all, a rather well-regarded person, even though he was currently in prison.

When they led him to sit, he waited, for the time that he was allowed to see his visitors. He looked around, all the other prisoners, normal people who had done some things that would lead to perhaps less time than Shade, if they were imports.

What a shame. ]

B (Recreation -- other prisoners only)

[ The longer the month wore on, the deeper Shade's bags were under his eyes. The longer things went on, the more he looked less like a man and more like a wraith. He didn't have the same schedule as other prisoners. His time was often spent in solitary, away from most of them, and nobody knew what went on in the rooms. Oh, Shade certainly wasn't willing to speak on it, but here he was, like clockwork, on his own damn schedule, as per usual. He strode like he was gliding, like there was not a care in the world.

Shade was rather good at hiding most things, although his recreation periods were often spent outside under the shade of whatever he could find, still writing in his book, or simply staring out over the rest of the yard. If he was eating, it was always with a look of disgust on his face. Offended by the mere offering. He worked, as well, as best he could, in the prison library. Not that they'd had much choice, he spent so much time there, it seemed a shame that he knew more than the actual librarian, but then again, Shade was a bit of a bibliophile. He could even be caught telling stories of his old friends, if in the right mood.

The right moods seemed to come fewer and fewer, as time wore on. ]

Comments

B obvs

[debauchewy]

[They could be reflections of eachother off one another. Those bags, they way they've been carrying themselves. If anything, it's obvious this place has been getting to them- maybe that would help prove their rehabilitation to these people? And Hisoka is quite aware how the lack of good food has been messing with Shade, the two of them chat on a regular basis now since that first time and most of it is about food. Hisoka even getting to the point where he was feeling urges for a good meal for- for bubble gum or sweets even. Shade's interest in food starting to rub off on him and getting him to need something better.]

[Unfortunately Hisoka was never allowed outside. He's even paler than Shade is. A serial murder did not allow him that benefit in here, but he still was allowed time in doors during his recreational moments. That and he got his meals in his cell, not out to mingle with the other prisoners. So his times out were- brief. It just so happened today though, he was crossing paths with his cell neighbor, and managed a slim smile over that pallid ghost of a face.]

How's the sun? [Said in passing in a hallway. Always have a guard or two nearby. Oh the perks of being a serial killer. A bit stricter a world for him in here. They let him talk though, he's allowed to be out walking around right now.]

[foreshadower]

[ Shade really wasn't one for the sun, hence the name and the title. He could only smile, a touch drearily for Hisoka's sake before his eye flicked toward one of the small windows high above where anyone could reach. The bars were thick, and they were made well enough that it would take some time to cut through them. ]

It's certainly gives credence to its name, but I think you're not missing much.

[ Old and familiar, these days. Shade liked Hisoka, but there was an air of danger around him, that he could tell. Not for Shade, of course, Shade was Shade, but for other people. Perhaps something to be wary of, lest he invite him over for tea with the housemates -- something he didn't quite think he would be doing anytime soon. ]

The sun has never been something of a welcome partner.

[debauchewy]

[He's gathered that. It was a joke after all. Not only was Shade's name 'Shade', but it's been getting cold anyway, there wasn't many days where you could even really see the sun through a layer of clouds. Asking about the sun was pretty much saying the answer as well. But he did wish he could go outside for even a short while... Probably not the best idea, considering his physical prowess though. They're smart to keep him in here. He could probably escape if he really wanted to try but...]

[Better not to make more trouble.]

I didn't think so, but I had thought maybe you and it amending your relationship since your rehabilitation, ah? We need to make strides to better ourselves and a little sunshine might do that complexion good. [Another smile, setting a hand on a coking hip. Complexion, right, when he's most likely white as paper by now, he's been avoiding looking at himself much these days, too frustrating.]

You've done me in I hope you realize.

[foreshadower]

Have I?

[ He asked, the smile quirking on his lips. Of course, Shade had done a number of people in, but in Hisoka's case, he couldn't quite fathom how he'd done him in. He smiled slightly, eyebrows raised while he walked. If he tried hard enough, he imagined he could feel his feet moving the right way they were meant to, as if they were lighter than air, pure shadow that only shifted and pretended to be human.

He missed dragging his fingers along the divots of brick, or along pathways, feeling the slight tug of every mark and hole, feeling the shadows catch and gather at his fingertips. He even missed the immortality. It was one thing to brag about being immortal when one was out of prison, but something else when it was stripped away, and he was living on borrowed time.

Excessively borrowed, it seemed. He wanted to shiver, the idea of his life ending in here, without the pomp or circumstance of an ending he thought he deserved. ]

I had not even the slightest intention, how did I do it? I needed to practice my dastardly plots somehow while in here.

( a | 11/9 early afternoon )

[corviform]

[ Although going anywhere without his revolvers tucked under his coat leaves Gil feeling somewhat defenseless, he makes sure to keep his weapons back at the apartment before heads over to the Porter, venturing down to Florida to see Shade and the sorry mess he's landed himself in. He knows the guards will charge him with an unregistered weapon if he comes anywhere near prison grounds and he is very much disinclined to create his own problems at the moment.

He is searched at the entrance, passing through a metal detector and then having a hand-held one scan his body before he's patted down. It's uncomfortable and it shows, which makes the guards linger on him longer before they clear him for visitation.

In the visitation room he spots Shade, heading straight for the tables set up for all prisoners and their visitors. He doesn't announce his presence until he sweeps past the other man, but he forgets to greet him at all when he notes Shade's current appearance. ]

Shade...? You look...

[foreshadower]

[ It wasn't good, at the very least. Shade shook his head gently, smiling at Gil with a brightness that belied the exhaustion. He was always good at making light of certain events, particularly when they came to him, but he knew there was no denying the bags under his eyes, or the way his skin hung just a bit more than usual.

He was old, and for the first time in a long time, Shade actually looked like he'd seen two hundred years of life. Even if his skin was still rather fresh and young looking, all things considered.

If he kept this up, however, it might not be so. He folded his hands, and leaned forward. ]

And you look healthy! How are things?

[ He was, of course, deflecting. ]

[corviform]

[ Shade's appearance is a reminder that longevity is likely not all it's cracked up to be. Gil doesn't answer straight away, continuing to stare at Shade as if he's never seen the man before in his life.

Of course, he's never seen Shade like this and he may as well be visiting a stranger or some older doppelganger of his. It's jarring... even somewhat disturbing to think one could lose their immortality by whatever means the government and other authorities possessed.

He finally draws the chair back, taking a seat and bringing himself back down to reality. ]

I'm... fine. [ He answers slowly, then shaking his head: ] I should be asking you that.

[foreshadower]

[ Shade very rarely let the small things get to him. With his hands folded in front of him, his ankles crossed, he only smiled at Gil, as if he'd asked the silliest question known to man. But considering... ]

Gilbert, I'm in prison. I'd say if I were doing well, I'd be considered very unhealthy.

[ He paused, and leaned forward. ]

It's quite good to see a familiar face, however. It's been some time, how is the new place?

a, 11/8 midmorning

[brushoff]

[ Yeah congratulations Shade, Dorian feels MASSIVELY FUCKING GUILTY as he walks into the room and sees Shade there, looking like death warmed over. He knows that the main reason why he's out in the pink is because he was lucky enough to bother numerous others (including Kate and Yuri) in order to make bail. And he knows that it's not right to just leave Shade in jail like this, especially since he'd probably have a harder time adjusting than Dorian.

So, as Dorian enters the room, he has the expression of a dog who just got caught chewing up the couch. This wasn't the first time he visited Shade and it certainly won't be the last. But the other immortal just looks like such a wreck right now. ]

I really should see if I can sneak you something.

[foreshadower]

Something decent to eat would be nice.

[ He complained, but the posh tone was marred slightly by the slight rasp of his voice. Shade was used to keeping his throat well-lubricated with drinks like absinthe and wine. The finer things in life. Certainly not water and...more water. He kept his hands folded, but he thought that perhaps Dorian felt guilty enough, without him adding to it.

Shade had, after all, underestimated the authorities. He could have resisted easily enough. He truly could have. He could have simply stolen away to another country and stayed there, or he could have left to the other side of the states, and perhaps spent some time in California. He hadn't, he'd simply chosen to let himself get caught.

Even so, his smile was tight. ] How are you, Dorian? I hope the outside is treating you well? I shouldn't be too far out now.

[brushoff]

The problem with that, of course, is that most of the best things in life to eat can't really be smuggled in under a blanket. [ But his voice sounded...different. Different enough that Dorian took note and was starting to formulate plans about how exactly to smuggle in a nip of wine or something like that for Shade. After all, he was clearly suffering in here.

But the outside world. Ah, the outside world. What a struggle it was. ] At the moment, I have to admit, I've mostly been job searching. [ said with an exaggerated grimace and a look on his face like he swallowed something disgusting. ] What a terrible fate for me.

also a, 11/10 smack dab in the afternoon

[friendshiprocks]

[ Yeah, Hime's got no clue how Shade's supposed to look, so she's just assuming that looking older and tired was just how he looked. She also has no clue about why exactly Shade's in here in the first place except that he was arrested which is obviously bad news. He's somebody to look out for. But...he's her housemate. And he seemed nice when they talked over the device. So maybe he wasn't that bad?

And besides, if he tries anything, she can take care of him (she hopes).

She had brought a fashion magazine to read while waiting for Shade to show up and, after a yelling match with one of the guards, she was able to bring it inside. It's Seventeen magazine. Obviously the girl needs to learn a bit more couture. And then, it just about hits Hime that meeting someone in person is WAY DIFFERENT from meeting them over the internet. As such, she's clamming up a little bit, getting a tad shy. (Focus Hime, don't blow it in front of your new friend!) ]

Um, Mr. Shade? I'm Hime Shirayuki, your new housemate. We talked over the device but it's wonderful meeting you in person! [ She stuck out her hand right in Shade's face, as if expecting him to shake it. ]

[foreshadower]

[ He really wasn't sure what to expect. The fact that his young roommate had decided to come and visit, and had decided that she would visit him in prison instead of wait said quite a great deal. He smiled, although it was thin, and after a moment, where his eyebrows quirked curiously and he fought to find a way to lean back enough to shake her hand briefly, following the time-limit for physical contact, he gestured for her to sit.

Honestly, she seemed nervous, it was unusual. Most people would be, he supposed, when greeted with a convict, but she hadn't seemed quite so jumpy over the communicator. Although maybe that was more due to her excitement for being here, and now that had waned. ]

We did talk, didn't we? And you came to see me? I'm touched!

[ He attempted to hold a hand to his chest, before the chains kept him from going too far. He frowned.

He was really looking forward to finally getting out. ]

[friendshiprocks]

[ She couldn't help but grin as Shade said that he was touched. All right! Convict aside, this guy was pretty nice. Maybe it wasn't that different talking with people online than in person...except for the fact that they were looking at you, that is. And that you might have to deal with multiple of them. At the same time. ]

Well, we're roomies, aren't we? Roomies have to look out for each other.

A 11/11 midday LAST EDIT I SWEAR

[diociopath]

[It'd been some time since Dio saw Shade; last they spoke, he was relaying information to Dio about Jotaro. He'd heard about his situation of course, mostly through having spoken to Dorian, but he'd yet to directly speak with Shade about it. The guy wasn't entirely unlikeable though, so why not pay him a visit? He'd plenty of time to spare.

When Dio shows up, he's wearing a hooded cape that matches his usual yellow outfit. The style actually seems very victorian from first glance, which is probably what he was going for - that was the time Dio had come from too, after all.

He sits down across from Shade, removing his hood.]

I see captivity hasn't been kind to you.

[foreshadower]

[ Honestly, he was surprised to have a visitor in Dio. He hadn't expected him at all, or even his presence. He figured he reveled in keeping his head down, as the case may be, but perhaps that's what he was doing, by wearing the hood, as well. Or maybe he favored dramatics, it was so difficult to tell, sometimes, and Shade could appreciate both.

Especially the cut of his yellow clothing, although it's hardly the sort of color he would wear. Honestly, he thought it was a little ironic, that he wore such a bright color, particularly with the cape -- even if it matched. It wasn't what Shade would pin on him, but he didn't know Dio that well, yet hopefully.]

It rarely is! Although the company seems to be improving. I'm surprised! I wasn't expecting any visitors today.

[ Really, he wasn't expecting many at all. Shade was well aware he was considered...trouble, particularly among imports. It was the sort of reputation he wanted after all. ]

How have you been?

[diociopath]

It's been one thing after another.

[Especially with Jonathan showing up...it's weird seeing the guy whose body you stole, walking around like he isn't just a torso without a head. Not bad, mind you...he did love Jonathan, in a very twisted and obsessive way, so it's more bizarre than it is unwelcome.

But best left unsaid, isn't it? He has a more interesting (although to him, less important) thing to mention anyway, that might entertain Shade a bit.]

I've had...another me show up. Diego Brando, he calls himself.

A! November 6th, sometime in the afternoon

[beneathbluerafters]

[ Visiting Shade was something that Klarion had meant to do earlier, but between one thing and another, life had gotten in the way and the idea had fallen to the wayside. The idea struck him again when he was fiddling with his communicator, and without a second thought, Klarion had opened a portal and stepped through to the Heropa prison gates. He did enjoy Shade's conversation (the man was one of the few adults to have that dubious honour), and a visit seemed like a good way to pass a Thursday afternoon - it wasn't as if he ever went to school, after all.

When Klarion finally sat down across from Shade, it was with an irritable, narrow-eyed glare at the nearest guard. For once, he was completely catless. Teekl had been denied entry to the prison (the guards had mentioned something about allergies and health hazards), and so Klarion had reluctantly left him to wait at the gates. Under any other circumstances, Klarion would have turned the guards into houseflies and been on his way, but he wouldn't push his luck here, where he could be clapped in irons and denied his powers.

Speaking of which... ]

Mister Shade?

... You look awful.

[ Thank you for that blunt observation, Mr. Tact. ]

[foreshadower]

[ Losing his powers was only a part of it. With his skin sallow and gray, the bags under his eyes, and a look that was increasingly haunted, it was difficult to imagine Shade at his height right now. Laughing and carrying on, accompanied by his shadows and walking the streets of Opal, high at midnight, fingers dusting along old brick and mortar, or even better, along the wrought iron gates on his own road on Paper street.

Or even the lines and metal of the cities, even Heropa would be more welcome and familiar now than the drab brick and metal of a prison. The place where Shade felt like the very life was being sucked out of him, and he could only weigh a very heavy, very tired sigh at the observation. He couldn't even fault Klarion for saying so, it was true, after all. He looked awful! ]

Yes, yes, I do indeed. [ He admitted. At least he wasn't covered in shaving scars anymore. ]

And you seem to be doing well. How is Teekl?

[ Shade was generally good at remembering who and what to ask about, and what was important to people. It made people more fascinating in his journals, more like the real people they were. Something that he needed, as time went on, and people passed away. ]

[beneathbluerafters]

[ Empathy had never been one of Klarion's strengths, but it was hard not to feel an uncharacteristic pang of guilt at Shade's worn-out sigh. The less he brought up the man's haggard appearance and living conditions, the better; he was obviously well aware of them, and it would do no good to rub things in. Needless to say, he was happy to change the subject. ]

He's rather annoyed at the moment, actually. The stupid guards wouldn't let him inside, although...

[ Klarion paused, as if hearing something in the distance, and covered his eyes with one hand. After a moment, he smirked. ]

Ah. Nevermind, he's found some pigeons to amuse himself with. He'll eat well tonight.

➥ Option A | 11/10 - Afternoon

[nestingdevil]

[The reason he's here has nothing to do with the Shade. At least, not initially. Visitation rights for some are more militant than others and his reason to visit fits into the latter category. Certain liberties and rights were just forfeit when one decided to go on a mass kidnapping spree.]

[Greed stops by the prison only on rare occasion. He doesn't like it and there's no doubt in his mind that the officers watching the joint would rather he didn't. But he's polite to some degree; running through the motions and when the timing is right, Greed finds himself escorted to where he needs to be. The "UNSETTLED" mark still blazing on his forearm doesn't earn many favors and more times than not, he's blocked off at the pass. But sometimes a few slips of cash do the talking for him.]

[He comes across the Shade's name that way. One guard in particular, grizzled and too close to retirement to give a shit, is easily swayed. The details of the robbery come through idle conversation, filling in the gaps where the talk in Maurtia ended. He figured the immortal would have had a few tricks up his sleeve. At least, enough to make his stay inside Heropa's prison system brief at best.]

[Even now though, some things still surprise him.]

[Greed's led by the same officer in question and the two of them share a glance. The homunculus sneers and silently waves the man-in-blue away. Their matter is just business. This?]

[It's only a bit more personable.] You too, huh? [The Sin appears from a corner and his fingers wrap around the backside of metal chair. It's basic and the steel legs supporting it bounce across stagnant concrete as its dragged unceremoniously backward.] You're the last person I thought would end up in a place like this.

[But when he gets a look at the other - a real look - Greed's expression sours. Only a little bit, but there's no doubt denying its presence. He plucks his shades from his face, folding them over with a practiced curl of the index.] Eh-

[Greed throws himself into the seat and one heel shoves up against the barrier separating him and an old-time friend. If he could even call the other that. Acquaintance maybe. Another guard shouts from the corner of the room and the homunculus raises his hands lazily above his head: "Hey you! Knock that shit off!" His smile grows and his palms spread.] - oi, oi, oi. Not interested in the trouble.

[The heel falls and Greed slouches. His arm reaches forward and he snatches the receiver from the hook.]

It's been a while.

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAHHH c8

[foreshadower]

[ Shade honestly hadn't expected visitors on this day. At least not quite so soon. He thought that he'd spend the afternoon reading a book, or maybe sitting out on the field, watching the gentlemen lift weights until their bodies were nearly burst. It was funny how many of them worked out, how they continued to burn what little calories they got while in prison. It was surprising to him, that they could actually bulk up.

Maybe there was something in the food. All the more reason to get out of here.

When he'd stepped through, when they told him he had a visitor, Shade was surprised to see Greed, and a touch embarrassed. He'd seen him at his peak, after all, shadows twisting and writhing, like something sharp -- to drag his hand along the brick and peel the shadows back, and feel them underneath his feet, a way to get out, and get somewhere he belonged. He may have to stay some time in Murtia Falls when it was over, to simply be out of Florida.

This was distressing, honestly. ]

And yet I'm pleasantly surprised! I'll admit, this wasn't what I had in mind, when I let myself get caught.

[ And it had been let. Child heroes? Not really enough to take out the Shade, but they'd needed the reward to feel accomplished, and Shade was all for helping along their careers, particularly the small Flashes. Ah, but what would he do with them now? There was still more left to do, to help craft them into better heroes.

But that was neither here nor there. His smile was weak, and gray, no matter how you looked at it. His face wrinkled slightly more, like he'd been weathered and worn, and Shade barely held the receiver, letting it dangle in his fingers, lightly. He barely had the energy to do more than that. ]

I'm afraid I'm a little less than my usual self today, which is a bit of a shame, I know.

LONG TIME NO SEE BUDDY

[nestingdevil]

[Despite the usual flair and the high-class demeanor the Shade's flaunting, he looks decrepit. Aged. Greed's got a loose grip on the phone as he presses it to the side of his skull. His eyes run across the new lines that have been etched into the other's face - temporary, he's sure, but still there. They give a glimpse all their own at just what sort of power the government in Heropa has, should someone cause them the trouble.]

Most don't. They aren't really too giving here, are they? [The homunculus rolls his foot back and his glance shoots off from his shoulder. The guard that originally brought him in matches the look with a grimace. He chews at something in his mouth, lifts his lip, then spits. A wad of brown-black hits the floor.]

[The Sin flicks his eyes back to the Shade.] Eh- I am sorry, y'know. [For what? He had no hand in it his companion's current predicament, that's true. But being stripped of what he is, to be left to wither and rot. Greed's upper lip pulls up, then relaxes. He places his palm to the backside of his skull, giving his neck a crack or two with a groaning kind of sigh.]

[He's had the pleasure of learning what the wristband can really do, but it hadn't been an indefinite adventure. Slapped on when he came here for his intended purposes and even in that short amount of time, it wasn't pleasant. It stung, it felt wrong. Everything that he was taken with one solid click. Greed narrows his eyes and he's watching with an eerie sort of stillness. The Shade can barely hold up the receiving end, let alone a lengthy conversation.]

Wasn't really a smart move, letting them catch you. But you already knew that, right? [An index comes out to rap against the small tin shelf jutting from the base of his side of the glass. He bends forward, dragging his chair along for the ride. The scratch's loud, enough to perk up a few others here on the cusp of visitation hours.] I'd be lying if I said I was just here for you. One of mine decided to be a bit of a pissant. [His eyes fall shut and that cool grin creeps up his face again.]

Figured since you and I are good chums, I'd ask for a favor. And in exchange? [Greed shrugs his shoulder up and one eye pries half-open. A nonchalant look and one that's far more suitable.]

I'll make sure you have a place to go when you're out.

a 19/11

[acclimatized]

[ here is a visitor the shade probably never expected to see: john watson, carrying a small cylinder tin under his arm. the two haven't spoken much in the past, but he was a good friend of sherlock and helped them during a case. he is here with the intent to understand why he pulled that stunt, but finds himself more concerned with how the immortal man seems when he sits down opposite him. ]

How are you?

AGH ok sorry for taking so long!!!!

[foreshadower]

[ He hadn't expected to see Watson. Shade hadn't really spoken with him in some time, not since he'd posed as the Mad Batter, and Shade couldn't help but lean forward, the smile quirking on his lips. He looked old, worn, and dated, but he put forward the effort, at the very least. ]

Ah, the Mad Batter. I'm well, how has Heropa treated you thus far?