[ch. 3] post-execution, w/ evan

[asswipe]

[...

There isn't really any bracket text distraught enough to describe how Veronica feels right now.

Evan will find her carrying two bottles of liquor, presumably pilfered from the kitchen so she can get drunk elsewhere. She's obviously been crying, and she doesn't bother to conceal this fact when she spots him.

After a beat:]

... I'm going to the earth suite if you want to join me.

[She's emo.]

Comments

[asswipe]

... As noble as that is, you don't know if the "lighter" consequences apply to you, too. You really don't have to come with us.

[selfinserting]

I know I don't have to.

[He takes a breath.]

[asswipe]

Then don't and stay safe, seriously.

[selfinserting]

I don't have to, but - I'm, I'm going to. Okay?

[asswipe]

But why? We don't know what the punishment is going to be, Evan. You shouldn't put yourself at risk out of some sense of morality.

[selfinserting]

Because I'm not just going to stand there and watch all of you do it, okay?

[asswipe]

[EVAN... There's a twist to her lips like she wants to keep arguing, but. She doesn't.]

Fine. [More or less spitting that out. This isn't over. :/] But if I'm letting you do this, I want a favor from you, too.

[selfinserting]

...Okay. What's the favor?

[asswipe]

I need help with my second objective.

[which, okay. however—]

But... If I tell you what my new objective is, you're going to guess my title right away. So— [...] I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours?

[selfinserting]

[He pauses to think about it for a moment, then nods.]

Go for it. I'll tell you mine.

[asswipe]

I'm... [A pause, and she sighs. A little bitterly:] I'm the Snow Queen.

[Which is Fun, truly.]

... I'm assuming you're Peter Pan from your objective, but I'm probably wrong.

[selfinserting]

[He pauses, then shakes his head.]

...No, you're not wrong.

[But also, that's. Concerning.]

[asswipe]

A hero, then.

[She was lowkey hoping for another villain, considering how badly they need to watch each other's back... but. Okay. She nods.]

I, um... There's going to be a patch of ice in the kitchen tomorrow. [A beat. And she cringes.] I... I need you to slip and hit yourself hard enough to bruise. You don't have to do it if you don't want to, but...

[selfinserting]

Oh.

[There's barely a moment of hesitation before he nods.]

Yeah, sure. Of course.

[asswipe]

[...]

—Wait, what. Really?

[selfinserting]

[He blinks.]

Um, yeah. Why not...?

[asswipe]

Because I'm asking you to injure yourself on purpose?

[selfinserting]

I’m also asking you to probably injure yourself on purpose...?

[asswipe]

We don't know that yet.

[selfinserting]

I mean, there's like a 75% chance that's what's going to happen.

[asswipe]

[........

stands up

and puts a hand

over his mouth.]

Shh... Less talking. More drinking and slipping.

[selfinserting]

[As soon as he realizes what she's about to do...]

Wait, Veronica, don't—

[Ah. There it is. Muffled by her hand, which will be the case for the next two hours:]

The, the touch thing.

[asswipe]

[Well.

In her defense

she's had shots with two separate shitty adults by this point.]

... Oh, fuck. [TRYING TO RETRACT HER HAND and failing. R.I.P., Evan's face.] It's still happening. Why the hell is it still happening? Why did I do this?!

[MMMMMISTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKES.]

[selfinserting]

[VERONICA??]

Stop - stop, that hurts! It's not going to, to come off!

[RIP his face indeed.]

[asswipe]

[SHE'S ASCENDING.]

I— Shit! [OKAY. OKAY, OKAY, OKAY. She stops.] I'm so sorry. Oh my god. Are you okay?!