InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Tell me it was great."

xavier delamere {the count of monte cristo} (whatbefell) wrote in bellumlogs,
@ 2010-07-30 10:36:00

Entry tags:

count of monte cristo, mercedes mondego

Who: Xavier and Gina
What: It's a surprise! ~~AKA, Gina's coming downstairs and we have no idea what's going to happen~~ ...Or it's the great reveal.
Where: 1003
When: August 1, Afternoon
Warnings: No clue. Xavier's thoughts tend to be dark.

After not hearing from the Renauds from several days left him antsy, hearing from Gina didn't help matters. Before he knew it his newest vase was in smithereens on the floor and Gina was set to come down. He didn't know where that idea came from - especially per the Count's suggestion he should be avoiding her. It didn't sit well with him that the man he was supposed to be disapproved of him. But what could he do? How was Edmond able to push Mercedes in the end? Was it a matter of time?

Xavier got out the broom, cleaning up in short time. The apartment was given a once over and decided as clean enough before he paced. Returning to the computer would only agitate him more. There was too much to think about now and to figure out what he was going to do if Gina pieced things together. But if she did, like Mercedes had then she needed to hear the truth from him - even if the last thing he wanted was for her to know.

The knock at the door came at last and he took a deep breath, before putting his Xavier illusion in place. He opened it with a small smile that stayed firm despite how she looked. "Come on in."

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justonefish
2010-07-30 03:24 pm UTC (link)

Two parts of Gina were feuding at the moment. One part wanted her to run and hide away from the rest of the world. The other part wanted her to run down to Xavier's apartment and spill everything because holding it in was starting to hurt. She wasn't sure which was winning officially, but as she walked numbly down the stairs to the tenth floor, she had an inkling as to which was coming out on top.

As she stood outside the door to 1003, she debated just cutting and running before it was too late to turn away. But something moved her hand, pulled it to the door until she was knocking on it. Biting her lower lip, she considered leaving when the door opened.

She tried to return Xavier's smile, but it never reached her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly, stepping inside. Though Gina had always been petite, she had never looked thin. Even as a teenager, she always looked slim, but never skinny. Skinny implied sickly. But now, she looked very thin.

Her loose violet blouse hung off her shoulders as if it were draped over a wire coathanger. She hadn't really lost weight - not much - but everything about her looked off. Dark circles had formed under her eyes, and even her hair seemed limper than usual. She passed Xavier quietly, not saying more until she was in his apartment. Turning to him, she tried to intensify the smile and failed. "Thank you for letting me come by."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 03:55 pm UTC (link)

Xavier shut the door behind her, getting a clear view of how skinny her back was. If the shirt had been any lighter, hw as sure he could have made out the bones on her back. Concern crossed his face until she looked back - and Xavier, the mostly charming gentleman remained. "It's not a problem. It's sometimes good to get away from things. To take a break." He couldn't help but let his eyes lower as he said that - For Christ's sake, why did she look like this?

He gestured towards the living room. "Take a seat. Can I get you something to drink? I've got all the usuals." Possibly. He hadn't stocked up recently.

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justonefish
2010-07-30 04:01 pm UTC (link)

"Yes, it is," she said with a nod. But was this the answer? He was Lucas' business partner. This was inappropriate. As much as she distrusted Lucas at the moment, she didn't want to do any damage to his career. That would be petty, and Gina prided herself on not being a petty person. But really, she had nowhere else to go. Nobody else to turn to. It was Xavier or her mirror, and she had stopped talking to that years ago.

"Just some water, please," she said. This time, the smile was a bit more genuine. After all, she did appreciate his hospitality. Without another word, she took a seat on the couch, spreading her hands over her knees and taking a deep breath. She had to stay in control lest she gush angst all over his nice living room.

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 04:09 pm UTC (link)

Xavier slipped off to the kitchen, returning with a glass of ice water for each of them a few minutes later. He debated over whether offering food would be a bad idea as well - possibly to pay for her to go to a hotel somewhere so she could take care of herself. Get away from Lucas before he did something stupid. Get away from the building before she was attacked by a vampire too.

He took a seat on the chair closest to the couch, taking a sip of his water before letting it hang from his fingertips between his knees. "So..." Oh awkwardness. Where to start? Gina, were you Mercedes? You have to realize then that the Count of Monte Cristo was outside your bathroom...and yes, I am Edward. No. "How bad was the moon for you, honestly?" A lie was necessary on his end - he needed her trust.

"I've been telling people I was able to keep mine in here and he was fine with it - but he was pissed about being kept away from the 'action'." No one would be that surprised.

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justonefish
2010-07-30 04:21 pm UTC (link)

At his question, she pursed her lips. That was loaded. Her grip tightened around the glass of water briefly before she brought it to her lips, taking a long sip as she composed her thoughts. Thankfully he spoke about his, giving her a bit more time. She considered asking about his, but frankly, she didn't want to. She didn't want to ask because she didn't want to tell, and it would be rude to inquire about his and hide her own.

"I'm sure if he knew about all the attacks, he'd have been thankful for staying in," she said softly. After a moment, she shook her head slightly. "I spent it...in my apartment, quietly. It wasn't...dangerous. Simply jarring." Pursing her lips, she looked down at her knees. "I was just...very surprised. And a bit frightened." That was a lie. She couldn't stop crying.

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 04:25 pm UTC (link)

Xavier was well aware with where the conversation was going. Yours for mine was an old deal, dated. The only reason he hadn't crowed over the forums that he was 'Sinbad' was that it would have looked suspicious. Let everyone believe what they liked.

"I doubt it," he said, unable to help amusement. 'Sinbad' had been well aware of them. "Sinbad has always sought out danger." He raised his glass ass he spoke, hiding his frown as best he could. Frightened? "Do you know why?"

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justonefish
2010-07-30 04:32 pm UTC (link)

"Oh," she said quietly. Sinbad? That was a good tale. From what she recalled, Sinbad wasn't insane at least. A little weird, but a little weirdness was never a bad thing. "That would make sense."

At his question, she tensed. Of course she knew why. She was frightened of her dream, what Edward had told her. She was frightened that if she really was Mercedes, then perhaps he was alive and out there. She was frightened that Lucas was as evil as Edward had said, and that she was sleeping beside the man that ruined her Edward.

Breath hitching in her chest, she glanced to him with a painful smile. "I don't think it would be appropriate for me to say."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 04:36 pm UTC (link)

No, it didn't. Xavier was nothing like Sinbad - the only reason why the Count had gone with it was because he was fond of the tale and used it as an alias before. Easier to remember. Easier to pull off in further moons. He smiled though, shrugging. "I guess."

He didn't miss the tension or the meaning her smile. He lowered his glass, quiet for a long moment before meeting her eyes. It was worth a risk - for her. He meant to keep her safe if Lucas wouldn't. "Gina - I don't mean to be forward - but I'm good at keeping quiet. And whatever you do say, I won't hold it against you." He paused, realizing it was the truth at this point. He couldn't. "You can't judge by pieces of information - or fables. You have to look at the greater picture."

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justonefish
2010-07-30 04:42 pm UTC (link)

When he lowered his glass and spoke with a sudden level-ness, she looked up, tensing slightly. But it was wrong to talk to him like he was a friend. He was a business friend - Lucas' business partner. It was wrong to confide in him as if he were her best girlfriend. Poisoning him against Lucas was the last thing she wanted to do. Despite her anger with her husband that had built up over the last few months and come to a recent head, she didn't want to ruin him.

It wasn't in her.

"Yes, I suppose," she said airily before glancing away. "I..." She tensed, biting down on her lower lip. "I'm ninety-nine percent certain that I was Mercedes Mondego."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 04:47 pm UTC (link)

Xavier wasn't sure whether that would work and when she finally confessed to it, he couldn't hide his look of surprise. He recovered a moment later, forcing his features into something neutral. Hopefully that would be taken as - well who the fuck cared what 'Xavier' thought? He bit back a grimace, putting his glass on the floor.

"That's surprising." He took a deep breath, intending to calm himself. Fuck, fuck, FUCK. It confirmed his theories - it was the only answer - and it meant that his plan really was up. Would Lucas and Gina suspect him now? Were they intelligent enough to figure it out? "From The Count of Monte Cristo, correct?" It wasn't impossible that he'd read it. It made more than enough sense.

There was a long pause, before he allowed realization - fake - to come to his face. "Your fiancee that you told me about..."

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justonefish
2010-07-30 04:53 pm UTC (link)

"Yes," she said softly, covering her eyes with one hand. Why did she tell him? Shit. Now he thought she was insane, or worse. He probably thought the worst of Lucas now, because clearly he had to be Fernand. But she couldn't shake the fear that Lucas was that bad. Was Edward alive and warning her somehow? Or was she driving herself insane with grief and guilt?

As he spoke, she looked to him with a forced neutral expression. Her eyes were slightly glassy as she nodded. "That would...make him the Count...if he is indeed alive..." Clenching every muscle in her body, she rested her fingers against her lips. "In which case I pray to God he never comes to this horrible place."

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	whatbefell 2010-07-30 04:56 pm UTC (link)
	Xavier simply nodded. Alright then. This was it, he'd need to make plans and keep everyone quiet. Only Helena and Iris knew who he was - Lucas, if he pieced it together. He had to be safe otherwise. He didn't hide his surprise this time, words spilling out before he could edit them. "You don't think he's here?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-30 05:00 pm UTC (link)

His question made her tense. Was he? Eyes widening, she looked to him in shock. "I...I don't know," she finally said uselessly. "I hope not. I...I wouldn't wish this on anyone. If he was able to escape prison...the way the Count was..." Her hands began to shake at all the implications of that, but she forced herself onward. "Then I would hope that he was able to...find somewhere outside of all this. No matter what, he deserves...better than this. Better than what he had."

Taking a slow, shaky breath, she pressed a hand to her forehead as the tears began to come. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 05:32 pm UTC (link)

"It's a major part of the tale," Xavier said thoughtfully. The level of awkwardness - and describing himself and not being able to confess made his hands twitch. Even as he lied to people, he was usually better about avoiding the direct truth. "But ...I suppose the issue would be if he was here. If you don't think he is, then you shouldn't have to worry about Lucas."

She hadn't said Lucas was Fernand and he didn't realize it until too late. He winced, reaching for the pack of cigarettes in his pocket. "It's fine - do you mind if I light up?"

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justonefish
2010-07-30 05:41 pm UTC (link)

"Right," she started before realizing that he had said Lucas. How did he know? Eyes widening, she looked to him for a moment, dumbfounded. It wasn't too much of a stretch to jump from Fernand to Lucas, since she was Mercedes. But it was a bit much. However, she didn't push it. She had a bad feeling, and Gina did her best to shy away from bad feelings. "Yes, I shouldn't."

As he pulled out the cigarettes, she paused, breath catching in her chest. She remembered seeing that same pack on her nightstand when she and Edward were living together. She remembered him taking it from the pocket of his coat or sliding it from the table after they had had sex, pulling out a slim cigarette and lighting it up with sensuous expertise.

"No," she said softly, shaking her head. "Not at all."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 06:12 pm UTC (link)

Xavier nodded tightly, unable to hide his discomfort. Over the years, he might have cut down on how much he smoked but it still was the best way to calm down that didn't involve smashing something. The packet was tucked back into his pocket and he lit up, hands curving around the cigarette.

He inhaled, shutting his eyes. "Sorry. I'm still trying to get down-" Not at all. "And I know it bothers some." His smile was tight around the cigarette, before he pulled it out, letting it roll over his fore-finger and to the crevice between the next two. "What was I saying? Right - you shouldnt worry."

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justonefish
2010-07-30 06:26 pm UTC (link)

At his apologies, she shook her head. "It's not a problem," she said. "My...fiance was a smoker." Maybe he still was, if there was the chance that he was still alive. It was so strange. For years, Gina had dreamed that Edward was still alive. Now, faced with the possibility of that dream becoming reality, she found it to be a nightmare.

As he removed his cigarette, she glanced down at his fingers, idly watching them. As he rolled the cigarette in the expert, almost careless motion, her heart stopped.

Edward had done that.

She watched him do it a thousand times, and was always amazed that he didn't drop it. Every time was like seeing it brand new, and every time was a small thrill. It was like a piece of stage magic that never grew old, never grew tired. She always wondered how he never dropped it or burned himself, and despite the fact that she felt the sudden urge to vomit and cry and run, she found herself wondering that very same thing in the back of her mind.

Her face drained of color, and her hands went slack. The glass of water she held fell to the floor, landing on the carpet and spilling forward. Eyes wide, she stood up quickly. Her hands shook as she tried to look everywhere but the cigarette. "I-I'm sorry," she whimpered. "I'm...I'm not feeling well..." Her heart skipped several beats as she took a few steps back, knees knocking. "May I just...use your restroom for a moment...and then I'll clean up the water, I-I'm sorry."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 06:39 pm UTC (link)

Of course he was. Xavier knew first hand. But he wasn't supposed to know that. He shouldn't know anything about Edward and Gina or how she used to snatch the cigarette from his lips and kiss him, before going on her merry way. He shouldn't know of her little roll of the eyes as he smoked or how she watched his hands...

Fuck.

The cigarette went back to his mouth when the glass fell. Xavier stood up immediately, nodding. "Of course - it's down the hall, you have to walk through the first bedroom." Different layout thanks to his work there. He waved a hand, trying to remember if he'd left anything in the guest room. Not that he could remember - his copy of The Count of Monte Cristo was in his own bedroom, further down the hall. She shouldn't have a reason to go down there. "I'll clean this up."

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justonefish
2010-07-30 07:20 pm UTC (link)

"Okay," she said, nodding. "Thank you. I'm sorry. Again." As she retreated, she waved a hand at him, fingers visibly trembling. "I'm very sorry." She should have left. She should have told him that she was feeling sick - not a lie - and needed to go lay down. But her mind was consuming itself, and it wouldn't rest.

As she walked through the guest bedroom, she paused at the door to the bathroom before her gaze fell to the rest of the hallway. That itching under her scalp that she often got when something was wrong had come back, and it was enough to make her claw her hair out. Of course it was madness, thinking that Xavier had anything to do with this. He was just a business partner.

But wasn't that what the Count had been to Fernand, essentially?

She hadn't read the book in well over a decade, but this whole thing felt strange. Fingers ghosting over the bathroom door, she finally pulled away and crept to the end of the hall. She just needed to see something - anything - to prove to herself that this was nonsense. A few family photos, maybe, or a diary with entries from ten years ago. Just something to put her mind at ease.

She pushed the bedroom door open and walked inside softly, peering about. Some part of her felt guilty for invading his privacy like this, but she pushed the thoughts away. After all, she had to have proof of she wouldn't sleep that night. Not after seeing what he did with that cigarette. All she needed was a scrap of something proving Xavier's existence before all this and she'd be happy. Everything would be fine.

Holding her breath as if letting it out would alert him to her snooping, she crept towards the bed, making a beeline for the night stand. Just as she was about to start looking in drawers, a book on the bed caught her eye. Turning, she looked down at its pages, covered in tiny black text. It was open on its spine, and she carefully picked up the cover to examine the title.

She almost screamed.

The Count of Monte Cristo was written across the cover in clear, thick script. Her heart began to race, her breaths coming in and out in slow hiccups. No. This didn't make sense. This couldn't make sense. She wanted to turn her back on this and ignore it. She wanted to just say she felt sick and leave. But she had to know. She had opened up this can of worms, and now she had to chase all those bastards down and cram them back inside.

Picking up the book in shaking hands, she walked slowly down the hallway. As she emerged from the guest bedroom, her face was white as a sheet. Wide eyes fell on Xavier as she held out the book, front cover facing him.

"Why was this open on your bed, Xavier?" she whispered.

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 07:27 pm UTC (link)

Xavier had headed for the kitchen, grabbing a broom and cloth from a tall cabinet by the fridge. All the broken shards were picked up - he and Gina didn't need any more of those, methaphorically and literally. He was on his hands and knees when she came back, drying it. Automatically his smile curved into something apologetic, before his eyes fell on the book in her hands.

If he wasn't already smoking, he'd pull out his pack. But the cigarette was still clenched between his teeth, though his jaw slackened at her whisper. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK. He should never have left that out for Edmond - fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck-

"I was reading it-" Which wasn't a lie. It shouldn't have been hard to lie to her, fuck, all he did was lie these days. He forced a smile on his face, even though his whole body shook. "I didn't think mentioning I had been reading it would go over well after you mentioned your fable. It would be absurd, wouldn't it?" His eyes fell and he continued to dry the floor.

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justonefish
2010-07-30 07:35 pm UTC (link)

If Gina were thinking properly, she'd consider how ridiculous she looked. She was standing at the edge of his living room, holding a book with the sort of reverence and fear one normally reserved for an unholy relic of Satan's collection. Her thin figure was draped in clothing that made her look almost like a skeleton, and the dark circles under her eyes made her appear all the less like a member of the living.

Fingers clenching on the book, she took a few steps forward at his nonchalant answer. His smile was pleasant, but something wasn't right. It just wasn't right. She saw a slight tremble running down his spine, and she couldn't help the sudden desire to throw the book at his head and demand a real explanation.

"It's not that popular," she said, voice choked. "The Count took an advisory role to Fernand after his return..." Tears winked in her eyes as she took a few more trembling steps towards him. "Xavier," she said, expression pained. "I just found out that my husband has been lying to me about our finances for months. I-I can't handle another lie like that...please." Her fingers shook as she held the book close. "If there's something you aren't telling me...please...tell me now."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 07:46 pm UTC (link)

Xavier didn't need to look up to know how she looked. He knew her well enough, even after twelve years apart to know that she was near tears. Her voice gave it away - and he'd caused it...at least to some extent...He shut his eyes, ducking his head to give the floor a final swipe. He remained there, on his knees before here for a full minute.

There were only two options - lie or tell the truth. Forcing these lies out was impossible. She clearly suspected...and he'd given too much away. His hands clenched on the floor, balling up the cloth. Just like that, his plans were falling apart. Revenge and justice were an impossibility, becuase he'd let himself be distracted by her - just as the Count had warned.

Was this why he pushed his Mercedes away? Xavier wanted to pull the book from her hands and flip through it, trying to find an answer. He wasn't about to kill her son - why did she have to look at him like that? He couldn't fight the urge to tell her truth, not when she asked.

Xavier reached up to pull the cigarette from his mouth. It twirled down his fingers once more, before it rolled to a stand still. Ready. He took a deep breath, before saying in a barely controlled voice, just over a whisper, "My lies are nothing compared to your husband's."

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justonefish
2010-07-30 07:55 pm UTC (link)

As they stood there in silence, Gina did her best to not dissolve into tears. Something had been rotting here, and she was only now beginning to smell it. She wasn't sure what it was, though she knew that it would inevitably be awful.

When he finally animated after what felt like an eternity, she watched him flick and roll the cigarette just like Edward had. A few tears leaked down her cheeks as she gripped the book. "I can't know that if you don't tell me," she choked. "You twirl your cigarette...just like he did...it's exactly the same..."

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whatbefell
2010-07-30 08:03 pm UTC (link)

He looked up at last, barely meeting her eyes. His lips felt dry and he pressed them together, attempting to hide his own unease. He was only making it worse, he knew it but it didn't change the fact that his whole world was tumbling down again.

"I already have," Xavier said, heavily. He pushed himself to his feet, leaving the cloth on the coffee table. His hands shook as they reached for the book, tugging it from her hands. "I told you everything." The book was put down as well, his eyes moving from hers to stare at the cover.

Fuck.

He took a deep breath before letting a hand reach up and ghost over his face. Features changed, with only a ripple of a change. His hair lightened and the shape of his nose and lips was altered. He was older, far older than he'd been in any dream with her or when she saw him last. But as he looked up, blue eyes looking to hers and spoke with a distinct, American accent, he was Edward. "Tell me, Gina," he whispered. "Do you remember your dreams?"

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justonefish
2010-07-30 08:10 pm UTC (link)

As he took the book from her hands, she fought the urge to cry. She didn't know what he was going to do, but his words were starting to make her head ache. What did he mean, he already told her? He told her nothing. He and Lucas had hid their finances from her, and now he was hiding whatever this was. She was tired of being kept in the dark, and she wanted answers.

Watching his face change was dizzying, and her stomach twisted despite itself. Clutching an arm around her abdomen, she looked up at him with a vulnerable, nauseated expression. As his features began to settle, she felt a weight inside her drop from her heart down to her legs.

Jaw slack, eyes wide, she stared at him with growing confusion, fear, and overwhelming joy. All three emotions clawed at one another, fighting and gnawing, to leave her staring blankly at him as he spoke. His question teased fresh tears from her eyes as she extended a trembling hand to his face. Her fingertips brushed his jaw as if to try and see if he was real.

"Yes," she said softly, tears spilling over her cheeks. "Yes, I do," she choked.