entranceway | 002 | Video/Action

[Balthazar pops up in the feed looking drawn and stressed-out, his voice terse and sharp.] I have a question. Has anyone out there with peculiar weaknesses tried them on their own Shadow? Out of curiosity. Living with them indefinitely seems a bit--

[The voice of his Shadow comes from offscreen, but close.] Draw your sword. Let's try it. I won't even fight back.

[Flinch. The angel's eyes lock on the screen as he attempts to ignore the antics of his duplicate self in the background.] --seems a bit of a tall order, when they're so utterly determined to needle us.

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you're a coward. Well, never mind. At least you know I won't stab you in the back, either.

[His jaw twitches, and he goes on through gritted teeth.] Mostly, I'm curious whether spells and sigils can trap them effectively, but mine seems determined to stay close and disrupt my concentration.

Haha! Get it? Because stab--

[The sound cuts off abruptly, and a hand covers the video screen while Balthazar waits for replies.]

((OOC note: Still studying for my test, so replies will be very slow, but I will get to tags when I can.))

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There, now, see? You come by it honestly after all! [Balthazar's shadow elbows him pointedly, then moves as he half-rises like he's looking for an opening to punch it.

He's quick to settle again, though, and rubs his face.] More like a large team of insult comics, I think.

You know we're not lying, though, don't you? [Out of hitting range, the Shadow suddenly looks calmer and more serious. Actually, it looks like it's trying for a compassionate attitude, which may be a sign it's about to go for the jugular.] We're only telling the truths you don't want to admit to.

Yeah, that sounds more like our style. [His Shadow finally stops lazing around enough to come into camera view, leaning obnoxiously against Gabriel's shoulder.] We could headline at a show. A comic who insults himself. Hilarious. That guy over there's right, though, we're just telling you what you don't want to hear. No need to take it out on us.

[Gabriel scowls slightly and tries to push him away. But no dice.]

I don't recall us ordering Patronizing Doctor Phils.

Just...don't listen to anything mine says to you, all right? [Balthazar tries to meet the real Gabriel's eyes through the feed. He's not sure he cares what other peoples' shadows say to him. He's just afraid his own will get on the nerves of all his friends and family, to his own detriment.

Watching him, the Shadow seems to see right through his concern, and smiles.] What he means is he's terrified he'll say the wrong thing and drive you away. Again.

Hey, that's a real coincidence, because we're pretty sure that you're all better off w—

[SNAP. Gabriel and his Shadow snap at the exact same time, cancelling out whatever the irritated archangel had been trying to do. His Shadow just smirks, while Gabriel looks back at Balthazar.

Well, sort of. Maybe he can't quite meet the other angel's gaze, running a hand through his hair uncomfortably.]

Goes both ways, all right?

[Balthazar's quiet for a moment, then ventures:] There are things that need to be said. They're right about that much. But this isn't the time to say them.

And that's exactly why they'll never be said. The Shadow jeers quietly. But sure, keep hiding your abandonment issues. That's what the rest of the Host does, too.

Getting held at metaphorical gunpoint's not really a good time to do anything.

Except make jokes, apparently, like always.

[He sighs. His Shadow smirks and makes "go on" gestures.

Fine.]

Anyway, I'm... here. Y'know. Try not to let Shadow-you drive you crazy. Or... you know where to find me.

[Balthazar forces a weak smile and nods to Gabriel.]

I'll...look for you after this all blows over, then, shall I? I had plans I wanted to talk about anyway. You...take care.

You, too.

[Gabriel cuts the feed before his Shadow can break in with anything more obnoxious, but the Shadow's shaking its head at him as he does so.]

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