bakerstreet | SPEED DATING MEME

[Have a very annoyed young man trying to cross out the name "Yeshua" on his nametag... He'll ignore the box being marked "Both" though]

[Lonely, desperate people are usually willing to do anything with enough careful persuasion. It's wonderful. It's why attending one of these mundane "speed dating" activities is one of the best ways to locate and identify new pawns for the game. In the process, one might stumble across a genuine Shining Will as well.

Wilhelm just wasn't expecting to see him. Always full of surprises, aren't you, Yeshua?]

This is definitely a new low for you, [he comments mildly.]

[Perhaps the people were lonely and desperate who came to these things, and for Wilhelm it's perhaps a wonderful advantage; for chaos, not so much. And he really had no intention to be here... Which begs the question of how he got here.

Of course, there's a small blink when Wilhelm speaks - he's about the only person who can truly sneak up on chaos - and blue eyes look up to meet red, before offering a frown that's mostly never there.]

I am sure you are quite aware this is the last thing I would be doing, [An off thought, which Wilhelm may catch, is "Especially with my real name written down"] but it seems someone had other ideas.

No, no. There is no need to explain yourself. I know all about your cravings for human contact.

[Does Wilhelm believe that chaos was forcibly sent here by some trick of fate? Maybe, maybe not. For whatever reason, he cannot predict chaos' movements like he can a normal human's. Voluntary or involuntary attendance--it seems equally likely to him.

His eyes do flick down to the crossed out name tag, though. Perhaps chaos thought his real name would be attractive to the ladies--don't Biblical names suggest moral values?--before realizing that was a silly idea. Wilhelm's own name tag simply reads as Wilhelm, followed by a checkmark under "both" for preferred sex. It's not like he cares about the shape of a tool as long as it's useful to him.]

Well? Have you met anyone special tonight?

[No, he won't let this go. It's too amusing.]

[And chaos knows quite well that Wilhelm knows him better than to think he'd ever put his real name down purposely. He dislikes it, and only his old friend and rival can really get away with using it. He also knows that Wilhelm would know if he wished to use a human name, he'd use Joshua; still basically the same name, but without as many connotations.

For now, though, he's torn between remaining prickly and treating Wilhelm with aloofness. He manages an inbetween somehow though.]

I have not been looking. Though it is more curious why you are here.

[Given additional review, it does become apparent that chaos is not masochistic enough to use his real name. Wilhelm thinks that makes this entire scenario all the more peculiar. What end is being served by forcing chaos into a speed dating event? Does the destined flow really lead here?

Oh well. They're together now, and that is what matters. The Compass did make it clear that tonight is the night Wilhelm must approach certain people if he wants to wield them in the future. chaos, it seems, is subverting those plans most admirably...

Maybe that is why chaos is here. Yet more of his passive-aggressive interference. Unintentional, yes, but it's still interference. He has a way of stealing Wilhelm's attention.]

Then permit me to accompany you for the time being, Yeshua.

[He smiles vaguely. It's not a nice smile, though most people would be fooled.]

For reasons related to business, of course, [he says, still vague.] Why else?

Edited (spelling) 2014-07-21 18:07 (UTC)

[It's entirely possible this is some sort of universal game, although it's rare for anyone but he and Wilhelm to be messing about with things, and even rarer that someone is able to manipulate chaos in such a way. But it's still been known to happen, even if only through some actions being carried out via vague feelings than actual intent.

Of course, when Wilhelm smiles, chaos can read it. They've known each other far too long for him not to be able to, and he returns a quizzical smile to the other white-haired man, as if asking him what his problem seems to be, though his response to why he is there gives a lot of clues.]

Searching again? I do not think you will find much of interest here.

I found you.

[If Wilhelm were a normal man, that would sound like a flirtation. That would sound like he's a couple of well-crafted, dulcet lines away from leading chaos somewhere more private for the evening.

Instead, it's very matter-of-fact. chaos is here, and chaos is nothing if not interesting. They both know that.]

And you have found me.

[He looks away just then, apparently scanning the crowd for other familiar faces. Mostly it's an excuse to avoid looking at chaos when he asks his next question.]

Speaking of business, have you given my proposal any more thought?

[This is the same "proposal" he has been offering to chaos for an untold amount of time: Step out onto the stage, Yeshua. Stop wasting your time in the shadows. Join me, approve of me, and let us be as brothers again. Honestly, he deserves credit for his tenacity.]

[He knows the remark is anything but flirtatious, although he idly wonders what any passing mortal might think; not that either he nor Wilhelm would care all too much. If there is one thing time strips away, it's the sense of embarrassment such a situation could cause, although he's certain if either of them set their mind to it, they could embarrass one another.

And despite his tenacity, Wilhelm should know that chaos is stubborn, and so his answer likely comes as no surprise.]

You know that I prefer to remain where I am.

[Where he and his powers can do the least damage, even if he is probably the smallest problem facing the Lower Domain at this point in time.]

Edited 2014-07-21 18:47 (UTC)

[As always, chaos' rejection is frustrating beyond measure. Frustration is one of the few emotions that Wilhelm can feel outside of a numbness borne of doing what he does over and over (and over) again.

He exhales heavily. He doesn't need to breathe, so this is the closest he gets to being dramatic.]

I know your preferences, [he says, trying to be careful. chaos could walk away at any moment.] I'm asking you if you have given it any more thought.

[Those powers, properly controlled and supervised by Wilhelm, could do amazing things for the Lower Domain. Wilhelm might not even need to rely on Zarathustra if he could have what remains of Anima at his disposal. And he's sure that chaos would be better in joining him. Even though he has no way of knowing, he's sure of that much.

Wonder. Miracles. Divine intervention. That which cannot be predicted. Wilhelm has cravings of his own.]

Neither of us should be alone.

I would say I have given it much thought, and came time and again to the same conclusion.

[Perhaps together, much could be done, but there is some small part of chaos, something he doesn't fully understand, that tells him that his course needs to remain separate from Wilhelm's. But he also knows some small part of his decision is fear. He retains more emotion than Wilhelm, if only due to what he is, though he does not blame the other immortal his lack of them.

The last remark creates a smile, however, and chaos' next words are not spoken aloud, instead directed straight to Wilhelm's mind.]

When have either of us ever been truly alone?

[Before he can stop himself, Wilhelm looks back at chaos. What else does he need to do? What more does chaos want from him? If chaos expects him to beg, Wilhelm could do that; he is a shameless creature. If chaos wants to be reassured, to have his fears dispelled, Wilhelm could do that too.

All in all, Wilhelm believes he's powerful enough to protect chaos from himself if need be. He'd even do it without the whole soul-shattering thing that Mary resorted to. Evolving to this point took a considerable amount of time and effort--isn't that obvious? But he did it for the Domain, and he did it for them.]

You are incorrigible, [he says in an undertone.

Passing mortals probably do find this conversation to be a bit suggestive. Out of context, everything they're saying sounds like an attempted negotiation for some unusual kind of sex. It's just as well that chaos decides to make things a little more personal.

It tickles his head pleasantly, hearing chaos like this. Wilhelm would never admit that he savors telepathy with chaos.]

You know what I mean, Yeshua. I see little and less of you as time goes by. It's...

[How should he phrase this?]

... troubling, to me.

[He's never questioned that what Wilhelm is doing he does for all, which is what makes their seeming rivalry all the more strange; until one realized time had outgrown them both to an extent on arguing over who was truly correct. Although it is still brought up, as it seems to be right now, at least chaos feels no anger. For all he knows, Wilhelm could even be the one who is on the right path. But he has to follow his own. He can't help it.

So no matter what Wilhelm does, it is very unlikely that he will get chaos' cooperation, though if the ideas had been said to him, he would have admitted at least some were tempting.

But he tilts his head, thinking on what Wilhelm has just said. They are linked, and chaos always knows to some extent where Wilhelm is, or at the least feels him through their link with the Upper Domain, but he would have to admit that what is said is right. He feels almost like he should defend himself, but would it do any good? So he only says what will not be enough, and can never be enough.]

I'm sorry.

[Just when Wilhelm's frustration has begun to fade, melting into the numbness, it returns with a vengeance. He can't stand hearing chaos apologize for--for what? What is he apologizing for? It's not like Wilhelm is one of his pet humans that will feel better from hearing such angelic, empty words. He's too deeply entrenched in reality and knows "sorry" is equivalent to declaring war on the sea and throwing a spear at it. Stupid. Futile. Worthless. Surprising no one, chaos is being worthless.

Patience is a bitter thing. He so longs to know sweetness.]

Are you?

[He's neither smiling nor frowning anymore.]

I do not accept your apology.

[Since chaos keeps so much from him, he determines it's only fair to keep forgiveness in turn. Then again, yes, he does recognize how petty all of this is. He's just frustrated and disgustingly, distressingly lonely. He wants chaos' attention--and his approval--more than can be described in words. Without it, sometimes he feels just as worthless whenever he considers the near insurmountable problems of the Lower Domain.

This is what he gets for allowing chaos to distract him.]

[They would disagree on whether apologizing was worthless. For Wilhelm, perhaps it is a waste of time, but for chaos, he knows the words sometimes can mend wounds. Here, obviously, it does not.

And though Wilhelm's tone might remain overall the same, even if his words give off that he is annoyed, chaos knows better. He knows there is anger of some form there, and that he seems to be the only one who can bring it out. But it's hard to say if knows more than that - that Wilhelm seeks something from him which, in part, could be given.

He can't approve, not in the way Wilhelm wants, but if the man were truly needing attention, then it would be a simple matter of saying so. chaos may read others and often, sensing much about them they can never see, but he will not do so with Wilhelm; his mind, his thoughts and feelings are his, and chaos will not violate whatever trust exists between them by infringing.

Yet the words do not cause a frown, or anger, but instead a smile that is not reflected in the young-looking man's eyes; those tell quite clearly that he wishes they could follow the same path.]

I suppose it would be strange if you had...

[Meaningless words, spoken to keep silence from forming between them.]

[There is a self-destructive side of Wilhelm that wishes chaos would decide to read his mind. Naturally, that would be the worst thing that could happen in the history of happenings--and it'd lead to chaos finding out about some special plans that he'd really disapprove of. Regardless, Wilhelm thinks it'd be so much easier to be dissected by an empath. He doesn't know how to put what he wants into words that won't make him feel vulnerable.

Rejection truly is the worst thing ever conceived. Even immortals have to deal with it.

But chaos is smart enough and kind enough to stay out of Wilhelm's head. Wilhelm has to admit he's thankful for that. In his own way, following his own path, chaos is striving to do the right thing--Wilhelm understands the intent. They're trying to make the most of what they have. In the end, they're trying to survive.

Wilhelm's gaze softens almost imperceptibly.]

Make it up to me by other means, [he says, before he can dwell on it.] Dinner with me. Tonight. It's not as though you have better things to do.

If you are not hungry, we can skip to the digestif. I acquired an eau de vie de pomme of an unbelievable year recently, and...

[An olive branch, isn't it? Compromise? They can pantomime normalcy and exist in the same space for a few hours.]

Edited 2014-07-21 22:13 (UTC)

[It isn't intelligence or kindness which keep chaos from Wilhelm's mind, since he certainly has been curious about it, but the fact he does indeed respect and care for the man. For someone like chaos, the sheer fact that someone else exists and will exist forever, not upon the life-path of a human being, is comforting. Even if some souls return, they never recall him, after all; but Wilhelm does.

Still, the softening gaze and the offer earns a legitimate smile from chaos, with nothing hidden in his eyes as so often there is.]

Very well. Though you know I will not drink much.

[It's at least acceptance so far as the offer goes. chaos has nothing against Wilhelm, after all.]

[Respect? Care? Wilhelm prefers to think of it as intelligence and kindness. The idea of chaos caring about him is... well, it's what he wants, but it's also... overwhelming. Like the strength of a black hole. A dozen black holes, even. If he allows himself to get sucked in, he'll never be able to achieve his goals.]

At least have a taste. All told, I paid a mint for it.

[He takes one step away, then stops. He turns back to chaos.]

Thank you, Yeshua.

[Feeling the faintest glimmer of embarrassment, he hurries on ahead. They can easily teleport to his office aboard the Dämmerung whenever they want, but they should avoid doing so in front of impressionable humans.]

[The question could be asked whether chaos would stop Wilhelm from the path he took. Wasn't he the one who valued allowing humans to choose a path? Why would he deny Wilhelm such a thing? But perhaps, even with both of their infinite understanding, aspects of what they would call humanity sometimes dictated their reactions, and would continue to make their meetings awkward.

But it did not mean chaos would give up considering Wilhelm as something valuable, irreplaceable. It wouldn't stop him from reaching out sometimes to the man who, he now realized minutes after the fact, had basically stated in some sense that he needed chaos as much as chaos needed him. He supposed, no matter what occurred, the bond they shared would always be.

And he kindly ignores the embarrassment, focusing instead on the words before rather than the thank you.]

Of course I'll have some. Just not a great deal.

[He falls into step behind Wilhelm, though it's not directly behind, before he remarks as if to pick and draw away some of the tension between them.]

Although, I do wonder which of your companies took the cost of your purchase.

[Once he's satisfied that they're out of earshot, he answers with,] Vector Industries. "Wilhelm" is known to appreciate fine wines, whereas "Heinlein" is far more puritanical about such things. [Secularism and religion. Dynamically opposed since time immemorial. Needless to say, it provides a great deal of camouflage.] In addition, this allowed me to write it off as research for tax purposes. Vector has long since expanded into the production of victuals...

[Wilhelm is in control of several hundred companies, whether directly or indirectly. It just so happens that Vector and Hyams are the biggest players in the universe currently. As for his aforementioned aliases--those are mere human words. "Wilhelm" seems to be the name he prefers to wear most often, but it's a name like any other. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, to quote one of his favorite plays.

His original identity isn't worth mentioning anymore; he might not even remember it personally. His facades are so numerous and interwoven that he has lost sight of himself along the way. Another necessary sacrifice in order to protect the Lower Domain, which is fine with him. So far, no matter what, only chaos can define who or what he really is.

Soon enough, they're a suitable distance from the gathering, hidden around a corner from prying eyes. He motions for chaos to halt.]

My office. Don't keep me waiting.

[Then, just like that, he disappears in a wave of dark, psychedelic energy.]

[He's quite aware of the many companies Wilhelm owns, although he's sure one or two have escaped his notice. Yet those two he is certainly aware of, as well as their general face when it comes to the world.

As for Wilhelm's true self, it's questionable if chaos recalls what name he used so long ago as well. He's become used to "Wilhelm" over the centuries, as the man has less of a tendency to change his name than chaos does - he could probably give several, though Joshua is frequent - and it's just sort of stuck over time.

As for defining him... Wilhelm might find that an amusing thing.]

Of course.

[The response comes to the 'don't keep me waiting,' even as he finds himself amused at the way in which Wilhelm teleports. His own method is subtle; he fades out of existence, and then back in again. But then, Wilhelm did always have a flare for dramatics.

Making sure he's still clear, it's only moments later that chaos follows, appearing to one side of the office.]

[Wilhelm has kept his office up to date with the latest in modern aesthetics and ergonomics. That said, his office isn't much different compared to the last time chaos was here. It will always be 1) functional, and 2) comfortable. The leather, steel, fluorescent lighting, and glowing holograms give it a slight edge of sterility, but it's not enough to be displeasing.

Most visitors enjoy the grandiose view of outer space, through reinforced triangular windows that form a pyramid to cap off the room. He does like to make it obvious that he's a wealthy man.]

Let's just--

[As soon as chaos appears, he stops himself mid-sentence. He was speaking to someone over by his desk, but it seems they're gone now. Undoubtedly one of his Testaments. No one else could come and go so fluidly.]

Welcome, [he says to chaos.] Sit. Do sit down. [Judging by his smile, he's eager to change the subject.] Go on and make yourself at home, as they say.

[It's comforting to have chaos here, in this sanctum of sorts, deep inside his own territory. Other people feel like mere intruders, but not chaos. It only reinforces the belief that chaos belongs at his side.]

Anything you desire, enter it into the terminal there.

[He gestures to the holographic screen floating beside a classy set of table and chairs. Afterwards, before he forgets, he leans over his desk and strokes a translucent green keyboard to issue his own orders.]

I'm having the brandy brought up momentarily.

[Most people would probably have either thought Wilhelm crazy, speaking to himself, or been offended had they known he was assuredly speaking to someone after inviting another person. chaos was not normal in that sense, knowing Wilhelm must be speaking to someone and taking the conversation with amusement, and a bif of play if his words were anything to go by.]

Already inviting someone else, Wilhelm? So little trust I'll show up?

[He won't take the offer for anything yet, instead moving to take a seat, and nodding at his remark about the brandy.]

Alright.

[He pauses, considering what words to say, before smiling at Wilhelm and asking in seriousness.]

Have you taken any breaks from your work? Or are you, as usual, continually doing something?

It has nothing to do with trust, Yeshua. Only probability.

[Now that chaos is stuck here with Wilhelm, it means the Testaments can take care of a few important errands without any interference. In other words, this is like killing two birds with one stone. To Wilhelm's endless benefit, showing a bit of lonely sentiment is enough to reel in chaos for a while. The longer chaos is preoccupied, the better. That's what he gets for being so short-sighted.

Wilhelm carefully sits down across from chaos. With one leg crossed over the other and his hands resting in his lap, he looks downright nonchalant for once.]

A vacation wouldn't do much to help me, don't you think? Idly existing for the sake of existing...

[His shoulders lift into a small, noncommittal shrug.]

I much prefer being useful. Besides, I have other ways to relax.

[Example: he holds up one hand and snaps his fingers, causing a surround sound entertainment system to activate. Classical music by Johannes Brahms fills the air; it's made even sweeter by the room's natural acoustics. More than anything else, Wilhelm appreciates humans for their artistic talent.]

What about you? You're always taking one odd job or another.

[He really should be offended, but he's not, laughing instead and focusing steady eyes on Wilhelm.]

I said I would come, so why would I not? I don't usually break my word.

[When Wilhelm finally seems to settle in, chaos relaxes just a bit. The return question is appropriate, since even chaos is hardly ever idle. Even when he's hidden, outside of time and space, he's still aware. But, unlike Wilhelm, he isn't always plotting; he's more leisurely, follows the feelings he has more often than not. Wilhelm is guided far too often by the Compass, he fears.]

I have my ways of resting. You know I am not as active as you are.

[He then chuckles softly, finally commenting on the music, tone again playful. It's obvious he isn't worried about what the Testaments might be doing, or as worried as Wilhelm often seems to be about their relation; he's always considered Wilhelm a friend, and nothing can break that.]

Someday, I will get you to update your collection to something closer to the 20th century.

SPEED DATING MEME

chaos | Xenosaga | OTA

apologies in advance

No apologies necessary :) Always love a Wilhelm

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Half of what Wilhelm says and thinks sounds sooo wrong... But I'm not complaining XD

i hope i'm doing all right! it's been a while since i've played canon wilhelm

You're fine :) I'm a bit canon rusty at times - really need to play back through

you're great! also just kidding, i'm awake long enough for this.

lol don't go passing out. I'll be up a few more hours (like 6-8 prolly)

zzzz for real now

Rest well! Will message as I can even if at work

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