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Josephine Byrne:
Jo kept silent as they walked back towards the road where they had parked silently, focusing on stepping around tree roots and bushes and other forest obstacles. Even their footsteps were silent, as though they weren't even actually stepping on the ground. Nothing crunched underfoot, their clothes made no sound of movement, they were Edmund Desperaux's silent companion.
Their mind was blank, though it was an effort to keep it that way. Jo knew that they had pressed the issue too much and Edmund was getting sick of their bitchiness. It was only a matter of time before he confronted them about it. That anticipation only made Jo even more determined to keep their mind blank. What was the point of worrying about something that is going to happen anyway?
Edmund Desperaux:
Edmund still had a hole in his jacket from being shot earlier, but of course there was no bloodstain. He seems unbothered by the damage to the expensive garment, but looks down at Jo with concern as they walk.
"You may not like it Jo, but if you want to be part of this world, you're going to have to get used to being around Kindred that aren't me."
Josephine Byrne:
It was a couple more seconds before they responded, their expression purposefully neutral. "... I'm trying... But... I'm... Well... I'm scared..." finally came their admission, voice soft and forcefully monotonous. Though Edmund would know Jo well enough by now that the hint of fear could be detected. They were clearly struggling and there was a catch in their voice. The ghoul also kept their eyes averted, pretending to be busy watching the ground.
Edmund Desperaux:
"That's why you have to get used to them. Get to know them. Learn that they're not the monsters that your mind is telling you they are."
Josephine Byrne:
"It would be easier if... If you hadn't shown me how much of a monster that a vampire can be..." they shot back, now frowning at him. It wasn't really a defiant frown, more thoughtful.
Edmund Desperaux:
"That wasn't entirely under my control. There's... an instinct, that comes with being a Vampire. An instinct that, if we are injured enough, takes control. It's a defense mechanism, basically. Once you were incapacitated, the threat was gone, so I was able to regain control. That is when I helped you."
Josephine Byrne:
They sighed and their shoulders drooped a little. "I know it wasn't all your fault... I just... I can't just forget that... Experience... Everytime I look at another vampire... That's what I see..." they muttered.
Edmund Desperaux:
"This is my point. The more you can talk to other Kindred, the more you'll have to see other than that. The more you, and by extension your more apprehensive subconscious, will know that we are not all monsters."
Josephine Byrne:
"... Fine... I will keep trying... As long as I never have to try with that athlete ghoul..."
Edmund Desperaux:
“I can’t guarantee that. And she’s just an ass, not a monster.”
Josephine Byrne:
"Oh, I know she's not a monster. She's not a vampire. But... She doesn't understand and she doesn't care. I don't want to associate with someone like that. She is a selfish princess."
Edmund Desperaux:
“You don’t have to associate with her but I can promise you won’t run into her. It’s just like the mortal side of things. Sometimes you see people you don’t want to see. Simple as that.”
Josephine Byrne:
They nodded and shrugged. "I can live with that. Thank you for the lesson... I appreciate it... And uh... Sorry about the 'secret' chat Ra-... Leila and I had..."
Edmund Desperaux:
"Think nothing of it. It's not 'secret' just because I never got around to learning American sign language."
Josephine Byrne:
"But that means you didn't know what we were talking about." they smiled at him.
Edmund Desperaux:
“That just makes it a conversation I didn’t understand. If it were anything I needed to know about I trust you to tell me. And you haven’t. So I’m content to let the whole thing be.”
Josephine Byrne:
Jo relaxed some more. They felt better now. "... Would you like to learn?"
Edmund Desperaux:
Edmund smiles. “Given the time, yes, Jo. I would like that very much.”
Josephine Byrne:
There was a momentary glimmer of excitement as they realized that they would be his teacher and HE would be their student... But they quickly schooled their expression and gave him a curt nod. "Very well. I will put together some... Homework..."
Edmund Desperaux:
Edmund smiles. “I am looking forward to it. It has been some time since I have had any sort of class structure to my learning.”
Josephine Byrne:
"It is easy enough to learn. It is harder to practice it. Your hands have to have the flexibility and subtleness for the movements." they cautioned.
Edmund Desperaux:
“That will not be an issue, I think.”
Josephine Byrne:
They nodded and looked up. They had reached the car. They fished out the car keys from their pocket to unlock the doors.
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