Walk A Mile: Epilogue (Nexus LOL Conclusion)

[workthroughit]

While these meetings would perhaps suggest the formality of his desk, Dr. Hill instead is strolling through the Nexus, smiling as he watches the snowflakes drift down from the sky. A take-away cup is held in both his hands, the drink gently steaming.

He seems content to just wander for a time, more interested in his coffee and the falling snow than addressing anyone just yet. The psychoanalyst seems perfectly unaware how bizarre his previous appearance ended up being, or that his prolonged absence since then was also sorely noted. Unaware or uncaring.

Finally, after one last sip of coffee, he simply asks, tone light and conversational: "Well? What did we learn?"

((The conclusion post for the bodyswap event! Get yer details here before tagging in! Also, feel free to tag in if your character just wants to talk to/yell at the doctor in general. And don't hesitate to comment on the OOC post or send me a PM if you have any concerns or questions!))

Comments

[magnetite_plz]

"I learned that the Nexus anti-violence field doesn't extend toward inanimate objects or has a very loose phrasing where arson is concerned, mya."

The only reason Nekomata isn't trying to punch out the good doctor is because it would be a waste of effort. Plus, she's not even all that mad, anymore. She has a new bestie, and like it or not, she has Dr. Hill to thank for it.

The Ends justify the Means is the sort of logic a demon would get behind.

"Thanks for makin' me and Kazkaz hafta hang out. He's pretty cool for a humie."

[hellburger]

Said Kazkaz is immediately on high alert the moment Dr. Hill's signature scent hits his demon nose. He stands next to Nekomata, arms akimbo and tails flicking back and forth irritably.

"What she said. And that your professional practices are as grossly unorthodox as they are unethical. We could draw up a very solid malpractice suit, Doc."

[workthroughit]

"Malpractice? I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about. I assure you, these sort of things are quite run-of-the-mill for the Nexus. And besides, I'm not the one so recklessly destroying businesses, am I? That seems a more clear-cut case of ill intent to me than anything else here."

He nods to Nekomata, however, smiling. "I'm glad you've learned to better appreciate humans! They're remarkable, aren't they? Resilient. Adaptable."

[magnetite_plz]

"One human, at least." Hey, it's a step in the right direction. This one human isn't even the plaything of an elder god like Joker-sama even!

"They're not all judgmental assholes. We'd have never gotten out of your sadism chamber if Kazkaz hadn't trusted me....Feels kind of...nice...Actually. To be trusted."

[hellburger]

"Ha! Get a load of this guy!" he says with a guffaw. "Just because it's 'run-of-the-mill' for this mad house doesn't make it right.

"... And we burned your office because you trapped us in there with more of your ... your bullshit!"

He bristles at Nekomata's more amenable tone and addresses her in hushed Japanese. "Whose side are you on here, Neko-chan?"

[emboldsursicklyspirit]

Did you expect people to be happy about this situation, Doc? Because now an Audrey-shaped Doll coming over to you and giving you a big happiness-induced hug.

[workthroughit]

Oh! Well, goodness. Honestly, of all the things he was prepared for, this was probably one of the least likely. Probably not even on the list. Dr. Hill looks genuinely, briefly surprised by the hug before he smiles and pats Dolldrey back kindly with his free hand, careful to keep his coffee held away so no one gets sloshed on and burned.

thats such a good nickname why didn't i think of it ;a;

[emboldsursicklyspirit]

Oooh coffee? Coffee!

No wait, stop. Focus. Don't let the meatsack make the drink so alluring when you're trying to be serious.

A head shake and a face smiles. "For what you have done.....words cannot express my gratitude..." she whispers, a secret longing fulfilled shared between them. "Thank you....!"

INSPIRATION STRUCK

[workthroughit]

Noticing her clear pique of interest, he glances between the Doll and his coffee cup before offering it to her. Why not? It's a nice mocha. Not too sweet, not too bitter and piping hot.

"I had a feeling you'd value this experience, but I underestimated just how much so. Please, would you share with me? What have you gained from this exercise?"

[shoulda_toined]

(Here comes Bugs, drawn like a moth to a flame.)

What's up, Doc?

[workthroughit]

Dr. Hill can appreciate the gag, laughing lightly. "Couldn't resist, could you?"

[shoulda_toined]

Of course not. It's like asking me ta not press a big red button.

[workthroughit]

"And how are we this fine day, Snurre Sprätt? Goodness, I'd never think I'd come across such a celebrity in the Nexus like this."

Dr. Hill is totally fine with talking to a cartoon rabbit in complete and total stride.

[smartass_captain]

"I learned I'm entirely justified in the opinions I held before this 'experiment' of yours. Also, I'm pretty sure I learned I hate you."

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of point it trying to beat the sense out of Dr. Hill--Nexus fields are working against him there-- but it doesn't mean jim Kirk has to be happy about it.

[workthroughit]

"Hate's a strong word, Jim! I think you cut a rather dashing figure like this." He waves a hand, indicating the body the captain's currently stuck inhabiting. "Very unique. Maybe you could have taken this chance to learn a little about youth vs. age? Or appreciation of being non-human."

[smartass_captain]

"Yeah any of this 'learn to be a better you' thing kiiinda went out the window when my partner started abusing my body and threatened to kill it if I crossed him. And has been a childish...." Sigh. Jim is tired of explaining this.

He's tired of this entire affair.

"I have learned something from all of this, but it's none of your damned business." And he's not one hundred percent sure it's true, but if it is it changes everything between himself and Felix. And god is that frightening.

[workthroughit]

"Oh? Has he? Well, that's not really conducive to growth, is it. Me and your partner will have words, don't fret. Your patience in this exercise is well-noted."

A pause. Then he asks with a cheeky squint, "What's it like having a tail?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"I've learned you need to watch who you mess with. Not everyone can let something like this slide."

Amelia's eyes are on fire when the doctor turns to face her. Her hands are curled into fists at her sides and all of her weapons are visible when a slight breeze rustles her cloak.

Sorry, doctor, but you're about to have a terrible first meeting with the resident rogue.

[workthroughit]

He turns to face her indeed, eyebrows raised in mild curiosity and interest.

"Hello, Ms. Ronsam. I don't believe we've formally met before now, have we? Dr. Hill." He offers her a hand to shake like everything is completely copacetic here.

[rogueinladysclothing]

That he knows her name is not surprisingly - she is a rather recognizable person, after all. That he uses her name so casually, though, causes a twitch of her eyebrow. She ignores the offered hand completely.

"Had I the choice, I would have left it that way." Her eyes narrow as she considers him closely. "You hurt a lot of people with that 'experiment' of yours. They may have learned things about each other and about themselves in the process, but you had no right to do such a thing." No, she has no intention of going easy on him.

[workthroughit]

The hand isn't retracted until partway through her angry explanation, eventually done with curling fingers and a dawning smile. As if interested but being mildly indulgent in hearing Amelia out.

"Experiment, Ms. Ronsam? I prefer to call it an exercise. And sometimes these things have been be sprung on a patient. Keeping it immersive. Spontaneous. And near as I can tell, no lasting or physical harm came to any of the participants. Have you seen otherwise?"

[red_room]

"I've found a few small holes in my defenses I need to work on." Natasha and Vanyel really didn't embark on any grand adventure during the course of this, mostly because neither one of them could really bring the other home realistically.

Sparring and basic magic lessons have filled much of their time. Let it not be said that Natasha did not take this opportunity to learn something from this endeavor.

"Otherwise, it's not much different. Distracting, mostly."

[workthroughit]

"Very pragmatic! I like that. What better way to get an outside look at your capabilities and defenses?" He just assumes that this revelation came about because of observation and isn't directly referencing the event of the swap itself. Or he's just being coy about it.

"And did your partner come to similar conclusions?"

[red_room]

"Well, there wasn't a whole lot else either of us could do, given the circumstances. Neither of us was about to let the other out of their sight." Empathy and trust are two very different things. Though Vanyel has garnered some measure of it from Natasha throughout the course of this.

"He refrained from touching himself so I'd call it pragmatic." Might have also been the unspoken threat between them, but Nat likes to think it was out of respect. Or fear. She doesn't care which, actually.

[workthroughit]

"Ah. Always a present danger with these sort of things. Knowing to respect one another's bodies and privacy. Glad to see your partner was so thoughtful in those regards. It should go without saying, honestly, but not everyone is as decent as they claim to be. Always enlightening to see who realizes that, but maybe not always in a good way.

"Though it sounds like you still lacked proper trust in one another, not allowing the other to wander far. Afraid he'd run off with his new body?"