[Scene] Ben visits Acro in prison
Acro: [[Circus is so tragic :<]]
Ben: [[Except for Regina who spends her whole time going WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE]]
[[We <3 you Regina~~~]]
Ben: [Ben waits anxiously behind a door, muttering and whispering to Trilo, his eyes darting around even more than usual as the security guard beckons him inside. Sweat is prominent upon his brow until he wipes it off. "Sit," one of the security guards tell him, so he does. It stills his knocking knees, which comes as a relief. They tell him that Acro will be in shortly, so until he arrives, Ben sits there, clutching Trilo to his breast.]
Acro: *Acro is shown in a minute later, and he manages to smile as he wheels himself to the table under the watchful eyes of the guards. He's nervous, and it shows a little on his face - he hadn't expected Ben would ask to visit him alone. But he's also hopeful, and he tries to show that through his voice as he greets him.* Hello, Ben. It's good to see you again so soon.
Ben: [Ben drums his free hand against the wood of the armrest, glancing downwards as he sees small half crescent dents made in the soft material.] U-u-um, y-yes. Y-y-you too, erm, um... A-.... Acro. [When Trilo speaks, his voice is less than pleasant.]
Yeah, yeah... Look, Acro, we came to talk business with you, got it?
[Ben speaks, admonishingly.] Trilo...
Shut up, bean-brain. I'm talking.
Acro: *Acro frowns at Trilo, but decides it's not worth it to do anything less than play along. If Ben has something important to say he wants to hear it, even if it has to come through a doll.* Business...? What is it?
Trilo: [Ben's hand squeezes the arm rest uneasily.] You should know. It's about Regina, of course. Who else? She still thinks you're a good person and doesn't believe that you could try to hurt her, but you did, and--
[Ben interrupts with a murmur, looking alarmed.] Trilo...! N-no, Acro, th-th-that's not exactly it, even if w-w-w-I am c-concerned about Regina.
Ben might be convinced that you're cured, beanbrain, but I don't trust you one bit. [The puppet seems to glare at him.]
Acro: *Acro's expression falls, though he suspected it would come to this. Not everyone is as blindly forgiving as Regina. He glances away uncomfortably.* I know. I can't blame you for not trusting me. But... *The strength returns to his voice abruptly.* I'm not going to hurt Regina, ever again. If...it can possibly be helped.
Trilo: Are you sure? You didn't mean to kill Russel either, and--
Trilo! [Ben's voice is high and sharp, and abruptly, the puppet falls silent. He stares at it uncertainly for a few moments, murmuring quietly to Trilo, but the puppet says not a word.] H-h-he's been doing th-this a lot l-lately.... [He casts his eyes downwards.] S-sorry. U-um... where w-w-were we?
Acro: *Acro glances between Ben and the puppet uncertainly, but in a way he's relieved. His voice calms down.* Ben... I'm sorry. I know I can never say it enough, but it's the truth. I don't want to hurt anyone anymore.
Ben: I-I-I.... [Ben glances away.] A-acro, w-we grew...um... we grew up t-together, r-right? [He looks up to face him.] B-but after wh-what you did, I-I'm sorry, b-but I can't leave you a-alone with Regina. E-even--even if y-yo-you had gotten Regina instead... [He looks at Acro now, although he looks terrified.] Wh-what would Russel h-have done? O-or me, or--or Max, or--or even Bat, i-if he woke up. Wakes up. [He stares at Acro pleadingly.]
Acro: *Acro grimaces, unable to meet Ben's eyes when Russel's and Bat's names come up. His jaw works a few times before he's able to properly respond.* I know. I know, but... you don't understand what it was like. What I... *Acro cuts himself off quickly with a shake of his head and falls silent, trying to collect his thoughts properly.*
Ben: I... [Ben averts his eyes and watches his feet as they drag across the floor.] I-I...I don't u-un-understand, Acro. [He says this frankly, unhappily.]
Acro: *Acro glances back to him, his broad shoulders slumping to see Ben looking so distressed. After a long moment of internal debate he licks his lips and manages to speak again.* Ben, I knew what I was giving up when I...did what I did. It's up to you - and Max, and Moe - to look after Regina now. And if that means protecting her from me, too... *Acro's hands clench into fists beneath the table.* ...I'll understand.
Ben: [Ben looks down and clamps his front teeth on his lip.] I-It does. I...Um...um... Uh--uh---uh, A-acro. I-I don't want R-Regina to visit you a-a-a-alone.
Acro: *Though Acro expected him to say that, he can't help a flicker of disappointment across his face.* Then you can be the one to tell her that.
Ben: [Ben looks down, looking uneasy.] Sh--she doesn't u-u-understand.
Acro: She will if you're honest with her. She's grown more than you give her credit for. *Acro struggles to force the bitterness out of his voice.* If you really want to take care of Regina, you can start by telling her the truth. We've all been avoiding it for too long.
Ben: B-but, I-I--I.... [Ben trails off. It's the innocence of Regina that he loves in the first place--her innocent and accepting nature. It's refreshing, and captured Ben's heart the moment she laid eyes on him. He looks at Trilo as if expecting the puppet to pipe up with, "What do you know, you murderer?!", but Trilo remains silent. When he finally speaks, his voice is so quiet that it's almost inaudible.] I-I... Y-yeah, you're--you're... y-...yes.
Acro: *Acro watches him for a moment, and then sighs quietly.* Have you talked to Moe about this? It may be easier if you talk to her together.
Ben: [He pauses before shaking his head slowly, tight lipped.]
Acro: *Acro falls silent again, trying to decide how much of his own honesty to reveal. As much as he knows Ben's concern is genuine - and warrented - he can't help but feel a little wounded.* I think you should talk to him, or even Max, before telling Regina anything. Whatever you all decide I'll go along with, but... *Determination hardens his expression.* I still want to be able to see her, somehow, one way or the other.
Ben: I--I--I will talk to them. [He clears his throat nervously and wriggles a little in his seat, gathering his confidence. He's a little scared of Acro, to be honets - although he's scared of most thing - especially after the whole thing with Russel. Ben looked up to Russel, and for this man to kill him...] B-but why do you w-want to see Regina?
Acro: *This time Acro's answer comes without hesitation.* Because I have to. It's the only way I can even begin to make it up to her--I owe her that much. *He places his hands on the table as he becomes more insistent.* You can't keep her from seeing me completely. We're still family!
Ben: [Ben recoils slightly as Acro leans towards him, more out of instinct than anything else.] I--I.... I-I won't st-stop her fr-from seeing you en-entirely, b-but if--if you ahd k-killed her, th-then... well, n-none of us wo-would have ever seen h-her again, f-....family or n-not!
Acro: *Acro grimaces again; Ben's words add fuel to his temper he didn't expect, making his voice sharp.* I know that! But...but she has to take responsibility, too! You all do!
Ben: [He cringes.] Wh-what does her, an....and our responsibilities have to d-do--do with y-you seeing R-regina? [He bites his lip, hard, eyes darting from the ceiling to the ground again.]
Acro: Because it... *Acro trails off, confusion marring his features. It takes him a moment to recover his full train of thought. When he finally gets it back he sounds defeated.* It has everything to do with it; I can't repent without her. And she can't without me. That's...that's just how it is.
Ben: S-so...y-you just want to s-see Regina t-t-to repent an-and not because y-you-you're family? [When Ben asks this, he looks scared and tense, as if he's ready to run away from Acro if necessary.]
Acro: No, it's both! It's because... *Acro stops when it finally clicks with him just how nervous Ben looks, and he makes an effort to lean back in his chair.* I want to see her because she's everything that matters to me now. *Desperation makes his voice strained.* Please try to understand, Ben. You can't take her from me.
Ben: [He doesn't relax when Acro leans backwards, his senses operating on overdrive. Every creak of his chair seems ominous, and even the forlorn look on Acro's face is threatening.] I--I won't t-take her a-away from you, [he says lamely.] I-i-I mean... i-it's... Regina. It's Regina's d-d-d-decision. B-but... [He leans forward just slightly, his eyebrows knitting together.] If an-anything happens to her, th-the circus will be t-t-torn apart.
Acro: Nothing will happen to her. *Acro rubs his eyes wearily.* though I guess I haven't made you feel any better about this, have I?
Ben: I-I...Just needed to--to--to--to--to make sure. [Ben shakes his head once and leans forward the slightest bit, eyes more focused than they were before and lip trembling in an attempt to keep from having his entire body shake.] A-Acro, we'll let you s-see R-Regina, but if--if one thing h-happens to her, w-we'll do s-something and--and you'll n-never see her again. D--d...I... [He shakes his head uncertainly.] Th-that's fair, is...isn't i-it?
Acro: *The thought of "something" happening, intentional or otherwise, makes Acro wilt, and he has no choice but to agree.* Yes, that's fair. I understand.
Ben: O-okay. [He leans back and looks away.] A-and--and--and--and, I, um... I... I'll talk to M-Moe, and--and Max t-t-too.
Acro: All right... Thank you. *Acro takes in a deep breath to help clear his head.* I'm sorry for yelling at you, Ben. I know it must have taken a lot for you to come here.
Ben: It's okay. [The phrase comes out in a brief rush of words, and he sounds both relieved and a bit scared, unsure as to whether or not Acro will start yelling again. He leans in, a bit conspiratorially,] a-and I-I'm s-sorry about T-Trilo. S-sometimes he can be a--a--a little b-b-bit, uh... h-harsh and-- [He bites his lip.] H-he's been really q-quiet la-lately so th-that's why he hasn't been s-saying anything. [He looks dismayed.] I... uh... He... H-he'll be n-normal again n-next t-time we-we're here. [Ben ducks his head, trying at a smile but ultimately failing.] W-with Regina.
Acro: *Acro smiles back, succeeding a bit more than Ben did.* It's okay. I like talking to you better than him anyway.
Ben: [He ducks his head uncertainly, his mouth curving up at the ends just slightly and his brows knitting even more in the middle of his forehead.] Oh. Well. U-uh. Uhm. He--ah--Tri-Trilo, you s-see, uh, he...he... [He shakes his head, eyes still glued to the floor.] Thank you....?
Acro: *Acro relaxes, until one of the guards off to the side clears his throat - Acro completely forgot they weren't alone.* I think our time's almost up. Tell everyone at the circus...I say hi, okay?
Ben: [At the guard clearing his throat, Ben stands up sharply, knocking over his chair in the process.] Yiii! [He stares at the chair in surprise before sheepishly standing it upright again. He looks at the guard anxiously.] S-s-s-s-s-sorry... [Ben turns to Acro, and mumbles,] Y-yes. I...uh...um. I wi-will. Then. [Coughing awkwardly, he shuffles backwards, towards the door.] Um. B-bye. [Then, as he exits the room, he calls behind him feebly,] An-and don--don--don't for-r-r-rget what we t-t-talked about!
Acro: I won't...! *Acro watches him leave, and feels his heart sink a inches down his chest. Their conversation blurs a little bit in his mind as he tries to remember if he really said all those things. Shaking his head, he allows the guards to push him out of the visitation room.*
Ben: [[Except for Regina who spends her whole time going WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE WHEE]]
[[We <3 you Regina~~~]]
Ben: [Ben waits anxiously behind a door, muttering and whispering to Trilo, his eyes darting around even more than usual as the security guard beckons him inside. Sweat is prominent upon his brow until he wipes it off. "Sit," one of the security guards tell him, so he does. It stills his knocking knees, which comes as a relief. They tell him that Acro will be in shortly, so until he arrives, Ben sits there, clutching Trilo to his breast.]
Acro: *Acro is shown in a minute later, and he manages to smile as he wheels himself to the table under the watchful eyes of the guards. He's nervous, and it shows a little on his face - he hadn't expected Ben would ask to visit him alone. But he's also hopeful, and he tries to show that through his voice as he greets him.* Hello, Ben. It's good to see you again so soon.
Ben: [Ben drums his free hand against the wood of the armrest, glancing downwards as he sees small half crescent dents made in the soft material.] U-u-um, y-yes. Y-y-you too, erm, um... A-.... Acro. [When Trilo speaks, his voice is less than pleasant.]
Yeah, yeah... Look, Acro, we came to talk business with you, got it?
[Ben speaks, admonishingly.] Trilo...
Shut up, bean-brain. I'm talking.
Acro: *Acro frowns at Trilo, but decides it's not worth it to do anything less than play along. If Ben has something important to say he wants to hear it, even if it has to come through a doll.* Business...? What is it?
Trilo: [Ben's hand squeezes the arm rest uneasily.] You should know. It's about Regina, of course. Who else? She still thinks you're a good person and doesn't believe that you could try to hurt her, but you did, and--
[Ben interrupts with a murmur, looking alarmed.] Trilo...! N-no, Acro, th-th-that's not exactly it, even if w-w-w-I am c-concerned about Regina.
Ben might be convinced that you're cured, beanbrain, but I don't trust you one bit. [The puppet seems to glare at him.]
Acro: *Acro's expression falls, though he suspected it would come to this. Not everyone is as blindly forgiving as Regina. He glances away uncomfortably.* I know. I can't blame you for not trusting me. But... *The strength returns to his voice abruptly.* I'm not going to hurt Regina, ever again. If...it can possibly be helped.
Trilo: Are you sure? You didn't mean to kill Russel either, and--
Trilo! [Ben's voice is high and sharp, and abruptly, the puppet falls silent. He stares at it uncertainly for a few moments, murmuring quietly to Trilo, but the puppet says not a word.] H-h-he's been doing th-this a lot l-lately.... [He casts his eyes downwards.] S-sorry. U-um... where w-w-were we?
Acro: *Acro glances between Ben and the puppet uncertainly, but in a way he's relieved. His voice calms down.* Ben... I'm sorry. I know I can never say it enough, but it's the truth. I don't want to hurt anyone anymore.
Ben: I-I-I.... [Ben glances away.] A-acro, w-we grew...um... we grew up t-together, r-right? [He looks up to face him.] B-but after wh-what you did, I-I'm sorry, b-but I can't leave you a-alone with Regina. E-even--even if y-yo-you had gotten Regina instead... [He looks at Acro now, although he looks terrified.] Wh-what would Russel h-have done? O-or me, or--or Max, or--or even Bat, i-if he woke up. Wakes up. [He stares at Acro pleadingly.]
Acro: *Acro grimaces, unable to meet Ben's eyes when Russel's and Bat's names come up. His jaw works a few times before he's able to properly respond.* I know. I know, but... you don't understand what it was like. What I... *Acro cuts himself off quickly with a shake of his head and falls silent, trying to collect his thoughts properly.*
Ben: I... [Ben averts his eyes and watches his feet as they drag across the floor.] I-I...I don't u-un-understand, Acro. [He says this frankly, unhappily.]
Acro: *Acro glances back to him, his broad shoulders slumping to see Ben looking so distressed. After a long moment of internal debate he licks his lips and manages to speak again.* Ben, I knew what I was giving up when I...did what I did. It's up to you - and Max, and Moe - to look after Regina now. And if that means protecting her from me, too... *Acro's hands clench into fists beneath the table.* ...I'll understand.
Ben: [Ben looks down and clamps his front teeth on his lip.] I-It does. I...Um...um... Uh--uh---uh, A-acro. I-I don't want R-Regina to visit you a-a-a-alone.
Acro: *Though Acro expected him to say that, he can't help a flicker of disappointment across his face.* Then you can be the one to tell her that.
Ben: [Ben looks down, looking uneasy.] Sh--she doesn't u-u-understand.
Acro: She will if you're honest with her. She's grown more than you give her credit for. *Acro struggles to force the bitterness out of his voice.* If you really want to take care of Regina, you can start by telling her the truth. We've all been avoiding it for too long.
Ben: B-but, I-I--I.... [Ben trails off. It's the innocence of Regina that he loves in the first place--her innocent and accepting nature. It's refreshing, and captured Ben's heart the moment she laid eyes on him. He looks at Trilo as if expecting the puppet to pipe up with, "What do you know, you murderer?!", but Trilo remains silent. When he finally speaks, his voice is so quiet that it's almost inaudible.] I-I... Y-yeah, you're--you're... y-...yes.
Acro: *Acro watches him for a moment, and then sighs quietly.* Have you talked to Moe about this? It may be easier if you talk to her together.
Ben: [He pauses before shaking his head slowly, tight lipped.]
Acro: *Acro falls silent again, trying to decide how much of his own honesty to reveal. As much as he knows Ben's concern is genuine - and warrented - he can't help but feel a little wounded.* I think you should talk to him, or even Max, before telling Regina anything. Whatever you all decide I'll go along with, but... *Determination hardens his expression.* I still want to be able to see her, somehow, one way or the other.
Ben: I--I--I will talk to them. [He clears his throat nervously and wriggles a little in his seat, gathering his confidence. He's a little scared of Acro, to be honets - although he's scared of most thing - especially after the whole thing with Russel. Ben looked up to Russel, and for this man to kill him...] B-but why do you w-want to see Regina?
Acro: *This time Acro's answer comes without hesitation.* Because I have to. It's the only way I can even begin to make it up to her--I owe her that much. *He places his hands on the table as he becomes more insistent.* You can't keep her from seeing me completely. We're still family!
Ben: [Ben recoils slightly as Acro leans towards him, more out of instinct than anything else.] I--I.... I-I won't st-stop her fr-from seeing you en-entirely, b-but if--if you ahd k-killed her, th-then... well, n-none of us wo-would have ever seen h-her again, f-....family or n-not!
Acro: *Acro grimaces again; Ben's words add fuel to his temper he didn't expect, making his voice sharp.* I know that! But...but she has to take responsibility, too! You all do!
Ben: [He cringes.] Wh-what does her, an....and our responsibilities have to d-do--do with y-you seeing R-regina? [He bites his lip, hard, eyes darting from the ceiling to the ground again.]
Acro: Because it... *Acro trails off, confusion marring his features. It takes him a moment to recover his full train of thought. When he finally gets it back he sounds defeated.* It has everything to do with it; I can't repent without her. And she can't without me. That's...that's just how it is.
Ben: S-so...y-you just want to s-see Regina t-t-to repent an-and not because y-you-you're family? [When Ben asks this, he looks scared and tense, as if he's ready to run away from Acro if necessary.]
Acro: No, it's both! It's because... *Acro stops when it finally clicks with him just how nervous Ben looks, and he makes an effort to lean back in his chair.* I want to see her because she's everything that matters to me now. *Desperation makes his voice strained.* Please try to understand, Ben. You can't take her from me.
Ben: [He doesn't relax when Acro leans backwards, his senses operating on overdrive. Every creak of his chair seems ominous, and even the forlorn look on Acro's face is threatening.] I--I won't t-take her a-away from you, [he says lamely.] I-i-I mean... i-it's... Regina. It's Regina's d-d-d-decision. B-but... [He leans forward just slightly, his eyebrows knitting together.] If an-anything happens to her, th-the circus will be t-t-torn apart.
Acro: Nothing will happen to her. *Acro rubs his eyes wearily.* though I guess I haven't made you feel any better about this, have I?
Ben: I-I...Just needed to--to--to--to--to make sure. [Ben shakes his head once and leans forward the slightest bit, eyes more focused than they were before and lip trembling in an attempt to keep from having his entire body shake.] A-Acro, we'll let you s-see R-Regina, but if--if one thing h-happens to her, w-we'll do s-something and--and you'll n-never see her again. D--d...I... [He shakes his head uncertainly.] Th-that's fair, is...isn't i-it?
Acro: *The thought of "something" happening, intentional or otherwise, makes Acro wilt, and he has no choice but to agree.* Yes, that's fair. I understand.
Ben: O-okay. [He leans back and looks away.] A-and--and--and--and, I, um... I... I'll talk to M-Moe, and--and Max t-t-too.
Acro: All right... Thank you. *Acro takes in a deep breath to help clear his head.* I'm sorry for yelling at you, Ben. I know it must have taken a lot for you to come here.
Ben: It's okay. [The phrase comes out in a brief rush of words, and he sounds both relieved and a bit scared, unsure as to whether or not Acro will start yelling again. He leans in, a bit conspiratorially,] a-and I-I'm s-sorry about T-Trilo. S-sometimes he can be a--a--a little b-b-bit, uh... h-harsh and-- [He bites his lip.] H-he's been really q-quiet la-lately so th-that's why he hasn't been s-saying anything. [He looks dismayed.] I... uh... He... H-he'll be n-normal again n-next t-time we-we're here. [Ben ducks his head, trying at a smile but ultimately failing.] W-with Regina.
Acro: *Acro smiles back, succeeding a bit more than Ben did.* It's okay. I like talking to you better than him anyway.
Ben: [He ducks his head uncertainly, his mouth curving up at the ends just slightly and his brows knitting even more in the middle of his forehead.] Oh. Well. U-uh. Uhm. He--ah--Tri-Trilo, you s-see, uh, he...he... [He shakes his head, eyes still glued to the floor.] Thank you....?
Acro: *Acro relaxes, until one of the guards off to the side clears his throat - Acro completely forgot they weren't alone.* I think our time's almost up. Tell everyone at the circus...I say hi, okay?
Ben: [At the guard clearing his throat, Ben stands up sharply, knocking over his chair in the process.] Yiii! [He stares at the chair in surprise before sheepishly standing it upright again. He looks at the guard anxiously.] S-s-s-s-s-sorry... [Ben turns to Acro, and mumbles,] Y-yes. I...uh...um. I wi-will. Then. [Coughing awkwardly, he shuffles backwards, towards the door.] Um. B-bye. [Then, as he exits the room, he calls behind him feebly,] An-and don--don--don't for-r-r-rget what we t-t-talked about!
Acro: I won't...! *Acro watches him leave, and feels his heart sink a inches down his chest. Their conversation blurs a little bit in his mind as he tries to remember if he really said all those things. Shaking his head, he allows the guards to push him out of the visitation room.*