standless | IC INBOX

yeah, that's fine, it's no trouble at all
like i said, i don't have plans

i can get ready to leave within the next hour or so if that works?

[ Is that too eager? He really doesn't have much else going on. ]

[If anyone is eager it's Jonathan!

...he needs more friends.] Absolutely! I shall see you shortly, then!

[Oh boy.]

alright, i'll let you know when i'm leaving

[ It doesn't really take him that long to get ready, but he does heed Jonathan's advice to dress warm – it's easier to do now that he actually has some clothes better suited for the weather. The vast majority may not be his style, their saving grace however, is that at least they're dark. Most of the time he takes getting ready is spent carefully applying makeup. In a way the process is meditative, but honestly it just feels good being able to do it again.

As promised, before he heads out he sends another message while he's tying his hair up. ]

leaving soon, just head straight towards the city yeah?

Precisely that, yes! I shall come toward you from the air!

[And so he will! ...He's pretty notable from up there.]

[ Once he's out he keeps a relatively brisk pace; both in the hopes of keeping warm, and not to cause Jonathan to wait anywhere for him. When he seems to reach the city proper, his eyes lift to the skies every so often in case he can spot the purple figure of the man he'd met at that godforsaken hive. ]

[What is spotted will not be purple. Certainly, there is colour, but it is only due to whatever wintery sweater Jonathan wears- when he lands he seems strikingly human in fact, save the minor features such as his horns and pointing ears. Beaming as his red eyes brighten, he comes toward the other.]

Abbacchio! It's wonderful to see you! [he declares, carefully avoiding any remark upon changes and the like.] Are you well?

[ There's a moment of confusion as the man that comes to land in front of him looks startlingly different to the one he'd first met, before recognition flickers across his face. One would expect him to be used to appearances changing by now. ]

It's good to see you. Thanks for meeting me, I appreciate it. [ His mouth pulls up into the shadow of a smile at Jonathan's enthusiasm. ] Doing okay, all things considered. You too, I hope?

Quite so! And please, it was nothing. When the fog is passed, there is nothing quite like a breath of fresh air!

It will of course still be a bit of a walk, but walking with company always moves much quicker I find!

[....there is something moving at his sweater collar.

He adjusts it, and a cat peers out.] Aha-! For that matter, I've brought an insistent little friend who simply would not accept my leaving the apartment without her, if you like!

Mrrrrw!

Well, all the same it was still very considerate. I don't mind the walking so much… Besides, being able to get out when it's not against my will is a nice change of pace, I suppose.

[ Anything is better than once again being surrounded by dozens of those awful chittering parasites, he hopes he never has to deal with them again.

He watches in disbelief as Jonathan fiddles with his collar only for a cat to stare right back at him. ]

Huh… She's cute.

Indeed- there is an unfortunately common trend of such things occuring at a near monthly basis. It creates trouble when arranging future meetings, which is an admitted contributor to my decision in inviting you upon the spot.

[The cat gives a small meow, somewhat awkwardly clambering out to settle on his shoulder. So small is she, that she curls up quite easily there.] Haha-! I am certain that Queen appreciates the compliment! [he laughs as they begin their walk.] She is a proud little thing, and quite filled with spirit despite her small size.

Great… [ a realisation ] It's not always those bug things, is it? If I ever have to see them again it'll be too soon… [ he's only mildly grumbling. People here seem to just handle whatever it is that's thrown at them – and it happens so regularly? ] Planning anything must be a nightmare if there's so much unpredictability going on day to day.

[ Queen, as she'd been called, seems quite a fitting name. She looks content to curl up on Jonathan's shoulder – and in the vein of unpredictable; being eye level with a tiny cat was not something he had been expecting when he'd woken up this morning. ]

Most cats are filled with ideas of grandeur bigger than they are, I think.

They are quite overbearing, I do agree. Their earlier celebrations were quite a lot more enjoyable, to be true.

It is a rare encounter however- though I cannot claim that this fact makes the matter fortunate. There is a great number of terrible things, far worse than the celebration of the insect folk, which plagues the penninsula. All that one can do I must warn, is prepare for nigh anything that could occur.

[Such cheery words...

Queen is given a light scritch, but focus is on the walk.] Haha! Were you to ask my wife, I fear she would say I am at least somewhat at fault for spoiling her! For it to merely be her nature is something of a weight off my conscience!

[He's hardly serious of course, but it Is an amusing thought.]

[ a snort ] Overbearing is one way of putting it, sure. Those things were completely deranged, and relentlessly annoying. Hard to imagine they would ever be capable of doing anything enjoyable, their concepts of entertainment are… Interesting.

[ and by interesting, he does mean horrific. The idea that the bugs are somehow preferable to other happenings on the peninsula is not a comfort – nor does he think it was intended to be. ]

Someone'd have to be out of their mind to find them endearing. But, what you're saying is that it would be foolish to hope for some peace and quiet then? [ as if peace and quiet are concepts he's familiar with. ] Good thing I'm used to things being hectic. Not quite like this, y'know.

I do wonder if perhaps they do not understand it themselves, [Jonathan admits.] They are childlike, in every sense of the word- an innocence which bears consequences, eagerly engaging oneself in even the most dangerous of efforts without understanding.

That is unfortunately the case however, yes. While it is certainly possible to avoid what occurs by chance, it is typically very difficult. Though I fear for what sort of life you had in your home if such chaos is even close to the norm! [he laughs.]

Oh, it was uh… Poor scheduling. Mostly.

[ How does one explain the daily goings on of being in the mafia, as well as all the nonsense with Stands. There's that question of Jonathan's son too, and whilst Abbacchio is still sure there's some kind of mistake; he's not about to go blabbing anything that could cause any more issues between the two if they're not on good terms… Just in case. ]

I'm sure whatever happens here is much worse than back home. Good management, planning, and preparation usually kept things from getting too out of hand. [ not to say that shit didn't hit the fan. often. ] No chance to put in that work beforehand though? Sounds dreadful.

[ The walk is pleasant, normal even, despite the conversation topics being about oversized parasitic bugs and the bizarre things that take place on the peninsula. ]

[Poor scheduling...

Jonathan merely nods, not so much as pausing to consider any deeper meaning.] A chaotic schedule can truly bring the worst out in any situation, it is true, [Jonathan agrees.] Why...

[The conversation remains casual for much of the walk. Whether Abbacchio does much talking or otherwise, Jonathan finds something to keep focused upon. Little things, like work, the surroundings, and so on.

Eventually they come to a somewhat small apartment complex with an overhanging upper floor, forming a near 'T' if observed from the far end of the street.]

Aha- here we are now. I must ask that you watch your step as we go in- the ground floor is something of a garage for the moment, and while I do try to keep it and the other floors clear, there was much construction prior my moving into the top floor.

[Garage is no joke by the way. It must have required removing portions of the next floor up in fact, as what is being worked upon appears to be a former double decker bus. Is it being converted into some form of caravan??]

[ It's a rather imposing building at first glance, not quite at all what he'd expected – and the inside is even further than what he'd imagined. (Which had been what exactly? Probably an antiquated English tea room…) Garage really isn't far from the truth though, he doesn't want to know how Jonathan was even able to get that thing inside. Whatever Jonathan's plans for it, he's not entirely sure it's roadworthy in its current state. ]

I didn't take you as the engineering sort… No offense.

[ There is something novel about the visual of Jonathan tinkering away with an actual, literal bus. ]

Oh, no it's quite understandable! Truthfully it was a good friend's project, [he explains as they make their way up stairs. They've a few floors to go before they reach the right door after all.] But it felt poor taste to simply abandon it. Quite unfortunately my strengths are rather more literal, beyond the topic of perhaps history and artwork.

Ah, I see. [ that makes much more sense. ] I know what you mean. Being partial to certain types of vehicle doesn't necessarily mean knowing how to fix them.

[ Abbacchio can also relate to strength being literal. Punching a car isn't going to fix it, but it might make you feel better. It sounds a lot like Jonathan is selling himself short, but to acknowledge that would also mean acknowledging he does the same to himself.

Since arriving here he's learned that sometimes people here are prone to vanishing, and he doesn't wish to cause any undue upset about Jonathan's friend. ]

I do hope you're able to finish it at some point, if it's important to you. [ he offers the words with a rare, genuine smile as they head up the stairs. ] It'll probably be something really special.

Particularly when they were beyond one's time to begin with! [he laughs.]

It is a personal hope that it can one day be used for summering in however. Fortunately for myself, the trouble with the rather narrow staircase and low ceiling was one of the first things Speedwagon handled.

[Speedwagon....Foundation???!!]

Right- here we are then, the front door, [he ultimately announces, Queen even stirring upon his shoulder. It does not yet feel like the uppermost floor, but when the door opens to a coat and boot area immediately in front of more well kept stairs, the reason is clear.]

It is quite a unique layout, so I do apologize in advance.

[Ah yes....open concept...]

Oh right, yeah. That must be odd. It's kind of backwards for me? I know what stuff is, it's just old comparatively. [ And in some cases that also means he has no clue how to use it. ] Summering? Is the weather here good enough for that?

[ He sounds a little hopeful at the prospect. So far the weather has been abysmal. Yes, fair it is winter – but compared to the winter at home it's been cold and miserable and he loathes it, it does absolutely nothing for his weak Mediterranean constitution. The idea that summer might be better gives him something to look forward to, though his basis of comparison is Jonathan, an Englishman… So maybe it's not that much better.

Speedwagon…? Why is that name familiar? Nah, couldn't be.]

Low ceilings are not fun, smart of your friend to have tackled those first.

[ Abbacchio follows Jonathan into the space, curious as to why he'd be apologising for the layout… ]

It is, yes! It gets rather comfortably warm, and there are even regular vacationing areas here!

[The layout... ...is not That strange. It's probably a little odd of course- the stairs bring them right into the middle of the apartment almost, and it's all extremely open concept with regard to the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

But it's probably more odd to Jonathan, who is familar with far more walls even now. The stairs seem to have brought them out closer to the overhang they saw earlier- no doubt a few rooms make up the other overhang, behind them- and directly in front of them is a large sunken sofa resembling something of a nest, great windows looking down ove the city street. To their side, can be seen the kitchen and its ammenities. The other side is simply a hall, with doors to more utility focused rooms.]

Speedwagon was very much the more thoughtful between us, yes- though perhaps he would put it differently were he here.

Now- please, make yourself comfortable; I can have tea brewing in just a moment.

[Queen has notably vacated her perch to make herself comfortable on the couch. Also on the couch, what looks almost like a pug- if a pug Weren't squashed together- gives a snort and continues dozing.]

[ Whatever Jonathan thinks is unique about the layout is lost on Abbacchio. It's nice actually, he imagines it would let in a lot of light with how open it all is. The whole thing reminds him of those fancy apartments you sometimes see in American movies. ]

Thanks, [ he nods politely at the invitation ] it's a really great space you have here.

[ Following Jonathan's instruction – and quite literally following Queen the cat – he sits down far enough away from the dog so as not to disturb them.

Abbacchio isn't quite sure what it is about the place – whether it's the openness of it all or what, but it really is a great space; he means that genuinely. Hill House is nice too in its own way, and he's grateful he has somewhere to stay but there's something oddly comforting about this place Jonathan calls home. Maybe it's just down to Jonathan himself, making Abbacchio feel so welcome in his home. ]

D'you have any other animals here?

[ He's sure Jonathan is aware of the animal situation at Hill House if he's been there before. Though he has doubts there's a horse in the apartment. ]

If I could pass your thanks to those who constructed it, I would, [Jonathan chuckles, moving to the kitchen. It does not take long before he's filled a kettle, and started to simply hold it to heat himself.

Life hacks, truly. ~~Take notes Abbacchio.~~]

No more than this, worry not! We lack the space that the hills have for it, I'm afraid.

[ That sure is one way to heat a kettle, he supposes. Convenient. ]

Mm, there is a lot of space there. I have to admit I was worried at first, sharing space with so many other people? Even if I know some of them already.

[ Idly, he scratches behind one of Queen's ears as he speaks. Is he not so subtly trying to get to the bottom of this mystery son situation? Perhaps. ]

But… It's been alright.

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, JOJO. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 336.66.256.63 * JOJO has joined 336.66.256.63 <JOJO...?>** Technically this message doesn't exist. Jonathan doesn't actually have a laptop. I just needed an Inbox.

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