THERE WERE THOSE WHO DWELLED IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,

[catholicisms]

characters: matt and hopefully other people
location: all over
date/time: septemberish???
content: matt is doing stuff??
warnings: i forgot how bad i am at making open posts. other than that not so far

THE INVINCIBLE. ( if there's one thing Matt has really come to miss, it is access to easy takeout. he's not a cook and never has been, even though he can manage it if he tries to. he just doesn't care to try and has always preferred to pick the easy way out. so he hits up the Invincible once a day, give or take, to scrounge up something to eat. mostly for breakfast, paired with bad coffee, but he'll mix it up and take his dinner or lunch there on occasion. he's quiet, keeps to himself, usually eats and heads back out again. occasionally he'll stop and make small talk. he might even ask someone to read the bulletin for him, because he really hates having his tablet monotone it at him. on other occasions, though, he'll make good on what the sign behind the bar commands and will do the only job he feels suitable to complete. if you sit at the bar, he will make you something, and god bless you for being brave enough to give that a shot. Matt seems oddly amused to pour drinks, so are you going to tell him he can't? ) What are you having? ( he'll ask, and no matter the order, he'll probably just give you a shot of whatever bottle he has. good enough, right? better than when he somehow distinctly avoids giving people what they ask for, it's almost like he's messing with you... but go ahead, order something. maybe the blind guy can help you out. ) HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS. locked to 1 response, please! ( shortly after the arrival of new recruits, Matt is having his breakfast as he usually does, only there's something a bit different. his tablet is with him and let me tell you, that's a rarity. he pretty much only touches the damn thing when he's got nothing better to do, and when he's completely alone. sadly, he's tried and failed to figure this out on his own, and he's forced to concede defeat. whatever is on the thumbdrive left for him, he can't figure it out without help. Matt even gives it a last ditch effort, blindly tapping and even making a mutter of frustration. before he throws the tablet and the thumbdrive both for annoying him, he forces himself to do what he hates the most. whoever makes the mistake of walking past him will just have to suffer the consequences. ) Sorry, can you help me? Do you know anything about how to use this? ( Matt taps on the thumbdrive, to make his question obvious. ) I can't figure out what is on it, I can't get the accessibility features to work. THE GYM. ( Matt has done his fair bit of exploring, yet he hadn't known about the gym until it was mentioned at the meeting. and of course, despite the small crowd of people mentioning their desire to know how to protect themselves, he'd said nothing about it and just creeped off in the dark to check it out on his own. he's intentionally avoided visiting when people are present, though Matt knows there's plenty of opportunity to be walked in on. he's not doing anything remarkable, just wandering the place with his walking stick and feeling the place out. literally, he's touching everything, and occasionally making a face about how dirty it is. the only thing mildly remarkable is the drill he runs on the punching bag. though his form is somewhat lazy and one handed at that, the easy way he does it screams it's not his first set and probably not his last. but what's wrong with that, right? even blind guys should be allowed to exercise! ) THE WOODS. ( Matt likes a routine, and another he's grown into since arrival — especially recently — is wandering the treeline. the insects make the place seem a little less vacant, and while it's not the pleasant noise of his city, it is practically enjoyable. he also figures if anything is approaching, it'll probably come from the woods, and the proximity means he might just hear it. that said, if someone wanders a little too close, Matt will lift a hand in warning. ) Careful, ( he suggests gently. ) Not too noisy. ( the reason might not be readily apparent, but, look around a bit and you can spot the spirit that is probably blending in incredibly well with the foliage. Matt has no idea how to be a plant spirit parent, though he figures communing in nature is a part of the deal. so yes, he brings the baby out here frequently. ) WILDCARD. not feeling any of these? feel free to wildcard me or hit me up via pm or meowed to chat about something else! also, if you haven't, please fill out matt's permissions!!!

Comments

Help from friends! /snags that 1 reponse like an asshole

[worthallthis]

[Guess who else doesn't know how to cook? One brainwashed assassin, that's who. Sometimes it eats from cans in Crowley and Aziraphale's home, sometimes it comes here for something warmer and less... preserve-y. Stew seems to be the most common thing available, but even brainwashed assassins can figure out how to toast some bread. So it's walking out of the kitchen with a bowl of stew, scooping it out with the toast instead of a spoon, when the order comes.

Even orders phrased as requests are still orders, and besides, it needs something to do. So it changes course and sets its own breakfast down on the table to free up both hands.]

I will help.

[catholicisms]

( Matt isn't sure who he's flagged down — while he can memorize heartbeats, he does need some exposure to them to recognize them instantly. his expression doesn't change as the unwitting stranger agrees to help him, even putting aside food for the task.

Matt's taking in what he can of his company as he pushes the thumb drive and tablet in their direction. )

Thank you. ( the gratitude is genuine — as much as it frustrates Matt to not be able to see whatever is happening on the tablet, he isn't going to take it out on someone else. ) Just tell me what it says when you put the thumbdrive in.

[worthallthis]

[Whoever he's flagged has a heavy but slightly elevated heartrate and an oddly uneven gait despite the footsteps sounding solid, clanks slightly with metal that both does and doesn't sound like weaponry, and smells like leather and kevlar. Also tense, if Matt can tell that.]

All right.

[The Soldier plucks up the flash drive in its flesh hand and tablet in its left, metal hand, finds the right slot, and plugs them together, waiting for any files within to load. And because the Soldier has picked up on this guy being blind, it does so without being silent about it. The plates in its arm shift and whir a little with the movement, its feet shift. Seems polite not to leave the guy literally in the dark.]

The Invincible

[sauntered_downward]

Yes, all right.

[Crowley usually only drinks with Aziraphale, but there's only so much of the standard created-by-an-angel wine the two of them can handle before he needs something a little stronger. And they've been here long enough that Crowley is ready to feel a little number.

He's got a lot planned for the coming month.]

So what is it, exactly? I'm assuming not single-malt whiskey?

the sunglasses twins... im so glad

[catholicisms]

( there's some whiskey behind the bar, though Matt is a dick and probably won't hand out any of his drink of choice on purpose. what he's serving is in a nice amber bottle, which at least looks promising.

Matt glances at it (very uselessly, bc blind) feeling under the bar until he reaches the stockpile of glasses. with one in tow, he pours two ample fingers of whatever he happens to have. )

I have no idea, ( he says with a smile. ) It seems unsanitary for me to personally taste to know for sure. ( he pushes the drink in Crowley's direction, giving him the burden of figuring out what he's holding. truth be told, Matt knows it's cinnamon liquor, he can smell it, but shh. it's definitely not the worst drink to be had in the house. )

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley glances at the drink and gives it a sniff. He can tell what it is, too, but hell, it's better than the wine he's been drinking the last few days. He takes the shot.]

So the blind bartender. Could've been a storybook title, that one.

[It should be noted that Crowley could be polite or tactful, but he won't be. He's a demon, definitely not his angel companion who might dance around it for as long as possible.]

the gym.

[ultraviolents]

[ some time after matt's done with his thorough examination of the gym, elektra arrives to do a little exploring of her own. she's not surprised to find him already there, though she wasn't necessarily looking for him, just also interested in checking out what the gym has to offer. she's not displeased to find him, though.

seeing him there and no one else, she doesn't announce herself, knowing he'll know she's joined him before too long, even with his more limited senses. instead she makes her way to the bag he's working, standing in front of it and carefully dodging it whenever it gets too close. ]

If you're preparing for more potential attacks, I think your form is a little sloppy.

[catholicisms]

( the "not displeased" feeling is mutual. Matt is still conflicted on Elektra, to say the very least, though some of the pessimistic anger has at least receded. as unbelievable as her story is, he is trying to accept it. maybe it's some long con, though he can't imagine what her end game could be. whether she's being truthful or not, he can't hear the lie. and maybe it doesn't matter, because whether Matt likes it or not, he still cares about her intensely. enough to fall back into destructive habits at the very possibility of her getting hurt.

he does hear her coming, though she's about the only one in town that he doesn't feel he has to hide his senses from, so it isn't particularly alarming. he doesn't bother stopping his lazy, easy shots as she approaches. though at her teasing, he jabs the bag sharply enough to send the bag swinging directly toward her, and while she can easily catch it or evade it, it's just a reminder his form is just fine, thank you. )

You've never had complaints about my form before. ( Matthew Michael Murdock, that's perilously close to flirting!!! )

[ultraviolents]

[ it's honestly still something she's processing herself. there are scars that mark her body that confirm what she'd lived through to herself, that might confirm it for him if he ever wants to go beyond her heartbeat for proof. she's not sure whether or not he does believe her; even after their encounter with the spirit, she hasn't asked. she's not sure if she wants to know.

in the interim, she both evades and catches the bag as it's lobbed towards her, dodging to the right as her hands grip its sides. a grin breaks over her features at his words and she sends the bag back to him with a well-aimed smack. ]

Well, it's a new environment. We've got to stay on our toes.

the woods

[knifecollecting]

[Jo tries to spend time in the woods every once in a while. With the return of the insects, sometimes she can almost pretend it's just night, and she's still back home taking a walk.

Not that Nebraska has many forests, but she traveled a lot.

When she hears someone, she finally pays attention and slows down to be quieter. Her small frame makes that relatively easy.]

Is something wrong? [A whisper in return.]

[catholicisms]

( she is quiet on her feet, though Matt is really good at hearing footsteps for a blind guy. it's probably not a big thing, don't worry about it.

something wrong? he shakes his head. ) My company doesn't care for loud noises, that's all.

( which really makes Matt the perfect caretaker, since he only seems to raise his voice when he's in the middle of a kung fu fight. the spirit is currently hiding behind a tree, though peering around at the company with wide eyes. Matt can't point out where the tree baby is hiding without giving too much away, so instead he explains, ) There's a spirit with me. Little. It might be hiding, it can be easily frightened.

[knifecollecting]

Oh! [It's an understanding yet surprised exclamation. She slows her steps but keeps moving to him, though it takes her a second to finally find the spirit.]

Hello, little one.

Gym

[primordialerebus]

[ She shifts the phonograph in her grasp, only feeling mildly guilty that she’s removing it from the medic’s quarters. If they’re gone… well. They certainly won’t need it anymore. If they come back? She’ll give it back lickity split. She just doesn’t want to do barre warmups in silence. It somehow feels more depressing than her past month of moping, and Queen is better than nothing.

So here she is, lugging the machine through the gym as quietly as possible, only to walk in on someone’s workout. Shit. Well. ]

I’m sorry.

[ She blurts out, not quite recognizing the other person due to the distance and the whole back turned thing. ]

[catholicisms]

( Matt had tried to avoid heading into the gym when someone else was present, but with his senses as limited as they are? truthfully, he's not surprised that he missed the presence of someone scuttling about in the dark. that said, he knows she's there far sooner than her voice gives her away, though truthfully, he wouldn't have thought it another resident of Beacon. he just heard the shuffle of clothing and the odd echo of air moving through the horn of the machine she's carrying.

all told, some weird noises, and not paired with the obvious heartbeat of a human being. it's weird enough that Matt stops, wondering if a spirit has wandered in on him, and he's already turning toward the sounds when the source stops dead in its tracks and apologizes. )

It's all right, ( he says easily, and it is; he's not upset, walking in on him messing around with a punching bag doesn't qualify as a crime. ) I didn't realize anyone else was here.

[primordialerebus]

Haha same…

[ Oh my god did she really say that. How lame. Of course this would be their first impression of her. She couldn’t even try to convince herself she’d never see him again because of how small this town was (unless he like, died which isn’t really a better alternative)… Well. Nothing to do but push forward. ]

So you uh… box?

[ As she speaks, she shifts the phonograph in her grasp and takes the man in. She’s pretty sure she’s seen him around, the sunglasses being pretty distinctive on their own… he might be blind? Should he be out here alone? Shit she didn’t know and didn’t really want to bring it up in case it was like… patronizing or something. Why is talking to people so hard? ]

⁽ the invincible ⁾

[quotability]

[ grizz is glad to find a familiar face — and a place where there's food and alcohol. is he old enough to drink? not technically, at least not according to us law. has that stopped him? no. ]

Hello again.

[ he smiles at matt, even though matt won't be able to see it. it's a reflexive thing that probably colours his tone. ]

Is there any beer?

[catholicisms]

Hello, Grizz. ( Matt offers him a smile in greeting. might be his own whiskey, but Matt is in fairly good spirits. to be honest, it's probably from cheesing people and giving them the wrong drink intentionally. at least the next thing he confesses to Aziraphale will be less depressing. )

I think so, underneath the counter. Help me sleep better tonight and grab your own. ( Matt isn't going to stop him from drinking, he's not his father and even if he was? following the lead off his own paternal influence, that only means Matt would give him whiskey instead, which isn't better. no, in the scheme of things, he's got nothing against Grizz having a beer, they're sort of beyond that.

still, he'd rather not supply the teenager with his drink, even if he's not going to stand in the way of it, either. )

How are you settling in? ( Matt leans against the counter and picks up his own drink, leaving plenty of room for Grizz to wander back and grab his own. )

[quotability]

[ grizz is glad to see matt again — and doubly so to see him smile and in good spirits. it lifts his own, too, and when matt tells him to grab his own beer, his lips pull into a grin. it reminds him of their football coach, for a moment.

it reminds him, too, of evenings playing fugitive with the guard and many of the other kids in new ham, keeping the strangeness and loneliness and everything bad at bay by sheer force of will, by means of distraction.

it makes things better. temporarily, at least. he'd said as much then and he thinks as much now, moving around until he finds the beer and can crack open a bottle. ]

I found a place. It's nice, I think.

[ close to nature without being so close that he has reason to worry, he thinks. ]

And I found the library.

woods. (because clearly this is now where they hang out)

[notthatjason]

[OOC NOTE: This takes place a few days before capture the flag is set]

[When he had first proposed a game of capture the flag, he hadn't really thought about what that would entail. The tradition and space for it were more or less already established both at Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter, so having to actually dictate where to play was never a question. But as far as Jason could tell, a game like this was new here and thus needed a set of parameters to play within. After all, while the goal was to learn how to navigate the woods, he didn't want people getting hurt by wandering off too deep or getting lost in unexplored territory. They may work their way up to something like that, but not for game #1.

Which meant Jason needed to get an idea of the trails and parts of Beacon that had already been explored, maybe figure out a way to set up markers so people who know where to play. Not that he would really enforce and 'out of bounds' but hopefully people would realize not to go too far off the beaten path.

Granted, being new here and still learning it would appear he's wandered a bit himself. By this point Jason has gotten used to the forest spirits appearing nearby to his location -- after the paper lanterns incident anyway -- and so it doesn't take him long to spot the forest spirit at all.]

Oh...sorry. Does he startle easily?

CLEARLY IT IS!!

[catholicisms]

Yes, very. That's a bit of an understatement.

( Matt tilts his head, listening to his company's heartbeat long enough to decide he recognizes it. he hasn't seen Jason since they both were traipsing through the woods for a distant crying in the dark, though now that his hearing is more or less recovered, he recognizes his voice and heartbeat well enough to remember who he's talking to. that said, they'd never gotten around to introductions last time, so Matt has no name to go on. )

We've met, haven't we? All of us. ( because this is indeed the spirit that blasted Matt's hearing to kingdom come and left him too weak to remain in the woods, leaving Jason to more or less drag him to safety. not his finest moment. still, he has managed to get through to the spirit since — enough that it follows him around and sleeps in a flowerpot on his porch. )

I didn't get the chance to thank you for helping me then. I'm Matt.

nothing weird about a teenager and a blind guy hanging out in a spooky woods

[notthatjason]

[Jason was still very new then and so he doesn't immediately realize that this is the same spirit. Of course, that could also be due to the fact that he hadn't gotten a very good look at it anyway what with it being dark and disorienting. It's only when the blind man mentions something about 'all of us' that it clicks for Jason.

He glances between the two of them. Well, he'd definitely met odder pairs.]

Oh...I guess we have. I was just off the ferry so I'm honestly surprised it turned out that well...[Jason isn't known for having the smoothest track record for arrivals to new places.] Hello officially then, Matt, I'm Jason Grace.

[To the spirit, he tries to appear as unintimidating as possible. The other spirits seem to like him and while he has not officially found out why, he has a sinking suspicion it has to do with his demigod blood/scent. The monsters and creatures back home were always attracted to it, so why not spirits? So far it hadn't resulted in being eaten and so he hoped it continued to work that way.]

I had a feeling you'd come around eventually.

[It takes him a minute to remember he has an ocarina with him now and he's thankfully been practicing. He pauses for a moment, trying to recall the correct notes, and plays a friendly little series of notes that's supposed to be a greeting. It's play slowly, because he's still new to the instrument, but it's at least correct and not ear piercing like it had been a week ago. Progress.]

the invincible

[mind_blown]

You licensed to serve drinks here?

[ Jay's been pretending he's older than he actually is for years now. (though to be fair, he literally did lose a year in there). And he does live very close-by.

He doesn't quite sit yet, instead opting to lean against the bar for now. ]

[catholicisms]

Sure, why not?

( they are either dead, or in purgatory. either way, he's pretty sure there isn't a food safety commission about to bust the door down for a blind guy serving drinks in a bar that is pretty much self service 90% of the time. )

I'm not sure there's a legal drinking age here, either, which sounds like it might benefit you.

( that's a guess, Matt can't smell Jason's youth on him or anything. he just thinks he sounds young, is all. )

the invincible

[pearlstrings]

[It's a far cry from breakfast at the manor- that had always been a quiet affair. Alfred would set himself to work hours before the Waynes began to stir, a stretch of time that only lengthened once Bruce was the only one left. Even if he'd decided to sleep in his father's study, dozed off on one of the couches or found his cheek pressed against the desk, Alfred was there as the curtains came open. If there were no sausages atop a stove there was a tray with croissants and freshly squeezed orange juice. Mealtimes had been almost exclusively a two person ordeal, with just enough prepared and no other voices to join the conversation.

This isn't true of the Invincible.

Bruce doesn't stay at the inn, there's too much traffic and privacy is a valuable commodity. But he's come by enough to identify a pattern- to gauge times of high and low traffic, to figure out which faces are fixtures and which ones aren't. Some linger routinely while others are in and out as if they're sprinters in a race.

He's been staying in the museum because that's what he's studying right now. But it isn't a self-sustaining location and truth be told, it's a relief, to take some small time away. There's a man behind the bar and only a few patrons, if they might be called that, scattered across the room. Bruce takes a careful seat at the bar, tugging at the fabric on one forearm, then the other, until his wrists are bared and he doesn't feel the pull of the material. He feels very tired. He suspects it's because he hasn't slept in approximately thirty-four hours.]

I don't suppose there's any coffee left.

[catholicisms]

( not sleeping in approximately 34 hours does take it out of you. Matt would know, both from his ridiculous sleeping tendencies back home (read: not unless he passed out, whenever things were especially intense) and since his arrival in Beacon as well. not necessarily due to the stress, more for curiosities sake. once he figured out he didn't have to eat OR sleep with regularity in this odd afterlife, of course he's been testing the limits of both.

it'll be valuable information to have at hand if things go south.

that said, he's not testing his endurance presently, and is surprisingly well rested for Matt Murdock when someone joins him at the bar. he's nursing a whiskey, neat, though he's glad based on the voice alone that his company didn't ask for alcohol. they sound distinctly too young and while purgatory is probably beyond the point of caring if teenagers drink, Matt would still rather not provide one with any. like Grizz, Bruce would have to get his own.

coffee, though... good question. ) Kitchen, maybe. That's where I usually find it. ( that said, in a rare moment of grace, Matt does offer, ) I can get you some. You sound as if you've had a long ... I can't decide if night or day would be more appropriate.