#🕯️ ↠ 𝗐𝗂𝗌𝖽𝗈𝗆 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗇𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖾𝖺𝖼𝗁 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗎𝗌 𝖿𝖺𝗋 ┆ threads

[vicariousphotographer]

{ @godstrayed | for plot 1 + simon and river! }

Such a misty day. Doesn't it look nice? / IT DID.

Crestfallen eyes drifted along the sky, enjoying the sight of clouds -- both wispy and fluffy -- that held only rain rather than the THUNDEROUS CHARGES of a recent super cell. It prevented Henry from driving out at the intended time due to traffic being a massive headache but once everything settled down, he finally drove off to his new home. From what it sounded, it was a quaint, small town ( how lovely~! ) with only an hour or so of driving to the nearest city -- it wouldn't feel like Henry's completely ISOLATED, but there wouldn't be a rush to the city if he needed to head on over.

He turned down the radio when the outgoing commercials grated on his nerves, unfortunately opting to feeling the rumblings of unusual chuckles within his chest. At least someone is enjoying the road trip, Henry noted with a quiet sigh.

The wheels of his car soon went over gravel, passing by the sign of the town's name that somewhat reminded Henry of the times he's visited Silent Hill ( ah, the memories~ ). Throat threatening to go dry, he casts those thoughts away as he took the road to his new home, SOMETHING UNPLEASANT coiling in the pit of his stomach though he chalked it up as mere anxiety. Well, who wouldn't, after finding out they are to inherit a seemingly ancient house by the ocean? Henry didn't know that his parents even owned this house, though he supposed with the amount of money they had, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that they've purchased a summer home during their time here in America.

Finally, upon seeing the house in the distance, Henry drove up to the wide driveway. The engine silenced for a moment before he stepped foot out of the car, staring up at the house that appeared rather HAUNTED in the misty grey.

Shoving his hands into his pockets to combat the CHILLY AIR, Henry walked towards the house, eyes peering around as though searching for someone. Wasn't there... "Hello..?" he called out, remembering that he had spoken to someone on the phone about meeting them here.

[vicariousphotographer]

{ @deliciousfear | cont. from here! }

The moment he felt the cloth touch him, Henry's eyes burned with SHAMEFUL ( embarrassed? ) tears. All he could smell is copper, and her gentle tone caused him to duck his head even lower -- at least it hadn't gone all the way / UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS TIMES... "Bo, I-I'm so sorry...for you to see that. I thought I could stall him or something...so I could run, but..." Henry trailed off with a heavy sigh. His hand reached up to hold the handkerchief at his nose, taking a minute to wipe the blood from his mouth. That was definitely going to bruise, he lamented. "...Sure. I don't...feel like going home right now." Alone, he would have added, but the SHEER SORROW in saying it would have made him look even more pitiful. Henry rose to his feet with a few pained groans, slowly at first so he wouldn't suffer a dizzy spell. The fact that he, a young man at a good six feet, would appear ( rather adorably ) smaller than the woman before him. He turned to Bo with his eyes in half crescents -- his own GENTLE SMILE given back. "Thank you... You've already done so much for me."

[vicariousphotographer]

{ @heartspower | continued from here. }

In spite of the pain THREATENING TO BURST through his eyeballs, the photographer couldn't help the surprise -- it showed by his eyes widening, and lips turned up in a pleasant, somewhat hesitant, smile. "Oh... I uh... I'll take whatever is more effective. I take Ibuprofen or Tylenol sometimes...but even they don't do much."

[vicariousphotographer]

{ @deceivesthem | continued from here. }

He opened his mouth to respond, only to close it as he pondered over his thoughts. The photographer would believe it to be so simple to say / I BELIEVE YOU. I TRULY DO / yet the reasoning and emotions behind it never failed to clog his throat. All he could do is feel -- gain an understanding of what was emitting from anyone he's speaking to and provide support, if needed. Only...it didn't feel like it was out of obligation. When Henry felt that burning sensation at his eyes despite them being normal, his heart tugged UNCOMFORTABLY. It wasn't out of uneasiness or concern, though. HOW COULD HE EVER EXPLAIN IT?

"I... I've been through hell myself." That was a start; not a particularly FAVORABLE, but one nonetheless. "I've seen and...dealt with stuff that people would have called me crazy for if I ever told them about it. I've learned long ago that...that things aren't as simple or black and white as people would think. I want to understand, y'know?" Henry swallowed after a pause, a small smile at his lips as he nodded. "I'm here to listen...if you want to talk."

[vicariousphotographer]

In spite of himself, a chuckle bubbled up from his chest, his presence now emitting a SOFT GLOW like a lantern within a dark forest. The photographer had to lean his head back to stare up at the other -- his own green eyes GLITTERING WITH MIRTH speaking louder than his voice. "And...it doesn't take me that much effort to do," Henry replied with a hum, tone airy and sweet. "...Maybe. I might have looked out the window more than usual to see if you're around." He can't help the bashful redness now coloring at his cheeks. It's not often he'd feel THIS GIDDY to greet someone! "Guess it's my lucky day~."

"Well, don't you look particularly nice today. You know, you really own the perpetually tired look, right?"

Robert teases Henry gently, a wide smile pulling over his face as he walks towards him. Rolling his neck, forcing the bones to give off little popping sounds. It had been a while but that couldn't be helped considering he went into his deep sleep unprompted. Still, his first stop was here to see Henry, even before he went off to eat.

"Miss me?"

@vicariousphotographer // Closed.

[vicariousphotographer]

For the moment ( however long it would feel to either of them ), nobody spoke. The photographer kept silent as he watched every movement -- skittish or composing -- before he finally found his own voice / DIFFICULT TO COME BY, NOWADAYS. "It's okay... Here, let's move out of the way." Henry ushered the other man to the side of the path so they weren't in the way of other bystanders. Luckily, no one would approach to OFFER ASSISTANCE or PRY where it wasn't any of their business. they were curious. so very curious!

"You okay? I thought you were gonna pass out...!" he softly said, lifting a hand as though CAUTIOUS in case the man begins to stumble or fall. "...Do you want me to call the police or something? I mean...the nearest hospital is literally a few streets down, but..." He trailed off, not wanting to OVERWHELM the other. Henry's voice sounded quite placid -- somewhat pleasant to listen to even when concern is clearly visible in his tone and features. everything around them remained normal -- no flickering of images, no rust threatening to consume all... Why, the people walking to and fro appeared ordinary. TOO...ORDINARY? Henry himself appeared worried, at least. A compassionate soul among the faceless masses.

[vicariousphotographer]

"...Huh. You're...one of the few who thinks so." A finger tapped along the camera being used to photographed a rather DELICATE LANDMARK. The amount of signs around it attested to that. "Oh, really? Uh..." Uncertain how to exactly comment that sort of thing. "...I guess there's something captivating about it. The brutality, the aftermath..."

" i don’t know, i think photography is interesting.. i guess i’m just not used to it in a positive light. crime scene photos are most of what i see when it comes to the art form. " // @vicariousphotographer

[vicariousphotographer]

"...That isn't good. I think it would be because of them...since they don't really like gods. Or...like...deities in general. I guess they don't like me being around you."

"Maybe, there is just something about the vibe in the room." Kharon hums, motioning around, brows furrowing.

@vicariousphotographer // continued.

[vicariousphotographer]

"Bad dreams...?" An occurrence that Henry is ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH himself. The corner of his lips turned downwards as he took a step closer -- with not too much CAUTION or HESITATION as he normally would. "I'm sorry to hear that, Penny... Is there anything you want me to do? I can...try what I can to help you."

"Just some bad dreams, is all."

Penny offers, rubbing at his tired face. It was a little dangerous for him to be sleep deprived and hungry, but he was too exhausted to hunt down any animals. But also too scared to sleep, so there was little else he could do but distract himself. Hoping the hunger wouldn't take over him like in the past.

@vicariousphotographer // Closed.

[vicariousphotographer]

That seems on par with such a small town; he supposed it would depend on the day on whether if he wanted to wait for a few days for the materials necessary or take that hour or two drive to the city to obtain them. Neither of which he'd mind, honestly. As he's thinking this, there's a thought at the back of Henry's head that won't stop nagging at him ——— a particularly UNORTHODOX feeling that persisted in the air. thankfully, it isn't like an omen or anything that would threaten to burrow under his skin, but it's more like something that's amiss.

He wouldn't want to assume...and quite frankly, Henry knew better than to feed into his curiosity which had you fending for your life, right?

"...That'd be swell," Henry replied after a moment of supposed PONDERING, opting to ignore the tittering echo in his head. He might as well be GRATEFUL that it isn't much of a nuisance when it decides to give its two cents ——— Henry finds that he could IGNORE IT quite easily if he wanted to. "I was so excited...to see the house that I didn't really think to give a drive through town. I'm sure there's stuff to do even with a town this small..? It...honestly doesn't take much to get my attention grabbed. I was kinda of a hermit..."

Something about that last comment held a DISTINCT WEIGHT, as though there's a significant memory regarding it, to it that the man didn't elaborate nor give attention to. It was said, then dismissed right after without batting an eye. "...Thank you again, for everything. I appreciate it..!" he nodded with a smile, GENUINE with gratitude.

[vicariousphotographer]

Despite the beautiful sight, the photographer had a feeling that it isn't as peaceful as it seemed -- the sea is a CRUEL MISTRESS ( a fickle bitch, more like ), and she wouldn't care if her furious waves claimed a few lives, whether they were innocent or had challenged her patience. "Ah...I see. Right, I've read about that from some articles online," he muttered, green eyes lingering on the shore as though MESMERIZED before he's brought out of his thoughts by Simon's lecture. "Y-Yes! I'll keep that in mind!" Henry immediately followed after him, teeth catching at the end of his bottom lip like he's flustered over being SO EASILY distracted.

Henry listened in awe and intrigue, nodding in acknowledgement all the while as he gazed around the outside more before the front door opened. Already it felt like he BELONGED once he stepped foot into the house -- either that, or he had effortlessly adapted to the vintage atmosphere without feeling out of place. He took the moment to peer into each room, noting that the waves outside didn't sound that loud, or even completely silent, from indoors. It sounded...perfect.

"Wow..." is all he could muster. It might have been a tad silly to be this awestruck by such an old building, but this was HISTORY! A piece that remained standing despite the years, and it's like stepping back into time even when it had been MODERNIZED and furnished. "...This is amazing! Again, it's been a while since I've been in a building like this. It really does feel like home to me... Oh man, if I had my camera with me and I wasn't the homeowner...." That's when it seemed like a light bulb lit up above his head, eyes brightening as the man turned to Simon.

"This uh... This might be a stupid question, but is it possible for me to have a darkroom? I dunno if the basement is any good... I mean, I don't even know if you guys have a store or something that carries camera equipment and setup like that. I... Well, I can make and develop photographs! I would love to snap several of this town..."

[vicariousphotographer]

"Well, let me come in and meet this person!" Henry's mouth went dry, his eyes widening a tad in SLIGHT PANIC. "Please... Can't this wait? He's really shy around other people, and...and..." In his hurry, he couldn't contain his accent from slipping out -- a CLEAR INDICATION that Henry's truly uncomfortable. A shiver went down his spine as he witnessed the grin that stretched across SIMILAR FEATURES. it's like looking into a mirror, huh? "Move out of the way, Henry." They didn't wait for him to do so; instead, Henry had to move to the side to avoid getting shoved aside. Cognac-colored eyes roved over the room before landing on the UNFORTUNATE soul sitting at the couch. "Well, well, well!" Gehenna walked over to Penny with that grin still on its lips, hands upon its hips as it leaned down slightly. It's JARRING to witness it on a face that appeared almost identical to Henry's -- one wouldn't be blamed for mistaking them for siblings.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes. Or wait, wait, wait, lemme guess... You're the troubled kid from down the street, and Henry has to come save you from a life of filth and misery~?" Gehenna GLEEFULLY assumed this with a glance towards Henry, who merely swallowed as he closed the door. He didn't look AFRAID, really. Only concern for Penny's well-being. "In any case..." It then returned its gaze over to Penny. PIERCING even when its tone is ever so casual. "I might as well know the name of Henry's new friend! He doesn't get many of those, y'know~."

[vicariousphotographer]

That's honestly quite a decent way of living, if Henry had to be honest. It would only be him and whatever furry friend that would accompany him for a trip around the country. A fleeting fantasy in a world of what ifs / AND WHAT COULD NEVER BE. Henry quietly nodded, beginning to walk towards the direction of the bookstore -- whatever somber air that emanated from the photographer soon dissolves into a serene one, evident by the smile on his face. "Sorry, I'm...I'm not one for talking a whole lot," he stated after a moment, flickering his gaze between her and the store in sight. "I think it's better to look around -- sight see, y'know? The smallest things here is worth looking for, like how the leaves change color in a pretty way. Listening to everyone around you... It's soothing to me, I dunno."

[vicariousphotographer]

Henry held him close when Penny turned to wrap his arms around him. His own embrace only TIGHTENED, if only to convey compassion and reassurance. "I know it'll be tough to remember, if you really want to..." he mutters, reaching up to run his fingers through Penny's hair. "We can figure this out together. I promise..!" Just then, a CHEERFUL knock can be heard at Henry's door. The photographer, with a quizzical look, leaned back when he turned towards the door. "...Huh. I'm not expecting anyone..." Giving a quick, consoling glance at the other man, he pulled away to answer. It was only when Henry peered out of the peephole did the air around them shifted -- every ounce of warmth SIGNIFICANTLY DROPPED when Henry went rigid. A soft curse can be heard from him as he opened the door, just slightly so whoever it was couldn't look inside. "Henry!" came a startlingly perky ( masculine? ) voice from the other side. "Did you really forget that we had a day to spend together? Are you isolating again?" The photographer swallowed nervously. "Hey, uh... Can this wait? I have someone over and uh..." He then winced from the INCREDULOUS snort made by the other. Spitefully amused, even "You actually have someone over? What, did you call over a neighbor cause you're that lonely?"

[vicariousphotographer]

The whole scenery is...DOMESTIC, if he had to admit. It brought upon a fuzzy feeling in the depths of the photographer's chest -- it spread within the fragile cage that were his ribs, touching at his heart for a gentle embrace. He can't help but duck his head when Kharon set up the plates and utensils, to hide at the blush settling at his cheeks. He then brought his eyes up with a raised brow. "That's...interesting! Maybe not the accusation and being hunted part but...I bet Thailand is beautiful." Henry decided to NOT COMMENT on the other's enjoyment of his company. Considering just WHAT awaited for him at home ( jesus, the manner of that thought made him inwardly grimace ), he'd rather not indulge too much. aren't you so considerate~. "Chocolate milk?" His mouth watered at the thought of having that delicious beverage, only for him to shake his head. "Th-That's okay! I'm...not really thirsty for now. Thank you, though..." He only waited from where he was -- the command or gesture that permitted him to take some sweets.

[vicariousphotographer]

"RV? Huh, I didn't think...those were still in style. Or like...y'know, used all that often. I bet it's fun to drive around and...see all sorts of places." Henry couldn't even think that he could acquire the same DEDICATION to drive around the country for long periods of time. Not when he had recently settled down for a sense of normalcy after... Ah, he wouldn't want to revisit that memory right now. a little sensitive about it, hm? Henry, in need of a distraction from the tittering, distant voice, gestured towards a nearby bookstore down the street. "...You're in luck! That store right there doubles as a coffee shop, and I gotta say.... The prices are way better than your average Starbucks. They even sell these muffins and croissants! I tend to...hang out there whenever I have to work on stuff."