[ Nikolai holds very still, watching Brook intently for the young man's reaction. He doesn't look frightened, or shocked, or even fazed by Nikolai's words. Instead, Brook makes the very sensible suggestion that they should talk somewhere else. ]
Probably for the best. You're right, I would prefer to remain discreet about my, ah. Situation.
[ Anyone at all could walk through the door right now, and the prospect of explaining his affliction to even one person is daunting. ]
In fact, is there a way to destroy that image? The 'photo'?
[ No use leaving it lying around, where it could be leverage against him. He might be choosing to trust Brook at this moment, but there's a difference between trust and pure carelessness. Possessions could be lost. Someone less inclined to be sympathetic to monsters might find that device and the photo, and where would that leave Nikolai?
Nikolai follows Brook from the green room and out of the exhibit entirely. He walks with his hands clasped together behind his back, listening intently as Brook explains that their stories are not so different after all. Nikolai's throat goes tight, hearing those words - he did put a demon in my body.
It had never occurred to him, that he might ever meet someone who had been through a similar experience. Nikolai's heart beats quick, and he doesn't know if he should feel relieved or nauseous. Somehow, his body is managing to do both at the same time. ]
You would know best, of course, but...
[ Nikolai looks sidelong at Brook as the two of them exit the building. The chill air of the street is a relief, after the oppressive atmosphere of the exhibits. He measures his words carefully, conscious that he might be overstepping. ]
I'm not so sure I'd call that fair. It doesn't sound as though you had any real choice in the matter at all.
[ Nikolai is extremely aware of how power can pervert the ability to choose freely. Agreeing to go along with something you would have no ability to refuse is hardly the same as choosing that thing. He'd spent much of his adult life devising ways to avoid inadvertently coercing those around him. It was one thing to issue an order, as a ship's captain or later as king - but it was another to wield the kind of influence Brook seems to be alluding to.
Nikolai isn't sure what Brook could mean, that this being had made his body. Surely if it was his father he were talking about, he would just say so? And how else could a body be made? ]
no subject
Probably for the best. You're right, I would prefer to remain discreet about my, ah. Situation.
[ Anyone at all could walk through the door right now, and the prospect of explaining his affliction to even one person is daunting. ]
In fact, is there a way to destroy that image? The 'photo'?
[ No use leaving it lying around, where it could be leverage against him. He might be choosing to trust Brook at this moment, but there's a difference between trust and pure carelessness. Possessions could be lost. Someone less inclined to be sympathetic to monsters might find that device and the photo, and where would that leave Nikolai?
Nikolai follows Brook from the green room and out of the exhibit entirely. He walks with his hands clasped together behind his back, listening intently as Brook explains that their stories are not so different after all. Nikolai's throat goes tight, hearing those words - he did put a demon in my body.
It had never occurred to him, that he might ever meet someone who had been through a similar experience. Nikolai's heart beats quick, and he doesn't know if he should feel relieved or nauseous. Somehow, his body is managing to do both at the same time. ]
You would know best, of course, but...
[ Nikolai looks sidelong at Brook as the two of them exit the building. The chill air of the street is a relief, after the oppressive atmosphere of the exhibits. He measures his words carefully, conscious that he might be overstepping. ]
I'm not so sure I'd call that fair. It doesn't sound as though you had any real choice in the matter at all.
[ Nikolai is extremely aware of how power can pervert the ability to choose freely. Agreeing to go along with something you would have no ability to refuse is hardly the same as choosing that thing. He'd spent much of his adult life devising ways to avoid inadvertently coercing those around him. It was one thing to issue an order, as a ship's captain or later as king - but it was another to wield the kind of influence Brook seems to be alluding to.
Nikolai isn't sure what Brook could mean, that this being had made his body. Surely if it was his father he were talking about, he would just say so? And how else could a body be made? ]
What job calls for a demon?