13 // video

[stfuelly]

[The Dreamberry turns on just as Vanessa falls back into a large armchair near a fireplace, slamming it with a loud thunk onto a side table as she settles in. She's only halfway in the view of the camera at that angle; it's mostly pointed towards the fire and a vase of yellow carnations. For those who understand Victorian flower language, it's

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[nightraysewerat]

Do calm down, sister. Shall I bring you a cup of tea?

[He's being nice. Well, not really. He's trying to piss her off. But it looks like being nice.]

[nightraysewerat]

[Never mind being better than her. His hand flashes out to slap her before he can stop himself.]

Whatever I did before has nothing to do with Ada!

[stfuelly]

[For a moment, she's actually surprised that he had it in him. The only person who has dared to hit her lately is Elliot. Her cheek flares red as she turns and strikes him back, just as viciously.]

You've cursed our family from the day that you were taken in, Vincent! You and that brother of yours! I'll never forgive either of you!

[nightraysewerat]

[The smile that comes to his lips is not a nice one, at all. He's been doing his best to make amends, since Christmas, over what he'd done before.

That's finished now. He moves toward her, his shoulders squared, murder in his gaze.]

You can say whatever you like about me, Vanessa, but my brother is not for your wicked woman's tongue to soil, do you understand me?

[stfuelly]

[She stands her ground, unafraid of his advance. But it's not because she's feeling particularly courageous in any way - she feels half-mad.]

Or what? What would you do? I'm already dead, buried in the ground beside my brother - killed by his own hands - and forced to be made an object of ridicule here in this false afterlife! What more could you possibly do?!

[nightraysewerat]

Yeah, you're dead. You're dead and Elliot's dead and everyone else is still suffering.

[He wants to hit her again, but he won't. He knows that a this point he wouldn't be able to stop, if he laid a hand on her. Instead, he steps back, several steps toward the door.]

Who do you think suffered over your death, Elliot's death? Who do you think mourned you?

[stfuelly]

Don't you - don't you dare say anything about it!

[She points a finger at him, but looks and sounds ready to cry.]

No one mourned me! No one but my father, even though you tried to convince me otherwise!

[nightraysewerat]

And how do you know that?

[He stands very still, raises an eyebrow.]

[stfuelly]

Because my family were the only ones who were ever allowed to cherish me.

[A Nightray couldn't ask for anything past that.]

[nightraysewerat]

You don't get to choose how people feel about you, Vanessa.

[He knows this well enough himself.]

[stfuelly]

And you don't get to tell me what it is to be a Nightray.

[Because she has no idea what it means herself anymore.]

[nightraysewerat]

I've never tried to. I've told you what I know about specific Nightrays, who chose other things above their children.

[He takes a half-step backward, as if expecting further violence.]

[stfuelly]

SHUT UP!

[Her voice becomes hysterical then as she turns to grab something to throw at him. A book, a lamp, it doesn't matter. Her hands fall on a vase of lavender first - distrust, fitting she thinks - and throws it at him. Still not done having her tantrum.]

[nightraysewerat]

[He doesn't quite manage to dodge, but at least he does get an arm up for the vase to shatter against. He takes another couple of steps back, reaches for her door with his other arm.]

... I'd say enjoy your tea, but you already did, I suppose.

[stfuelly]

Out! Out! Get out!

[Clearly she's not ready to accept anything about her father yet. She's also picking up a book to throw at him if he doesn't hurry up.]