Lifting Assurance | Vinzent + Abel | Mirror Mines Car

Vinzent Mayer

After his chat with Melvin, Vinzent wasn’t sure what else is there to do. At the very least…? He stopped hiding. Mostly, because he didn’t want more people to risk tripping over him, or something.

Right now, Vinzent’s taking the smallest bite of what food he has taken for himself (read: Really. Not. Many. At. All. To his own detriment), while trying to figure out his next step. He was not strong at all, it was dark, and manual work really… Wasn’t in his capabilities. He could Minecraft anytime online, but in real life? Hah. This was completely different.

… Still.

His lack of strength and his diminishing confidence was anything but good. Matsu got him to realize that it’s not cowardice to want to protect oneself by running away if Vinzent deemed it the best thing at the time. But is it really the best thing all the time? Here is the real question. And honestly…

He wants to stop running away to cry just because he wasn’t able to be more assertive. But… How was he to do this? Vinzent had absolutely fucking no idea of how to handle this. He had no idea how to confront this without cowering almost immediately. The only person who really snapped him out of this mindset a bit, so far, was Matsukaze. Surprinsingly enough. But even so, Vinzent had no internal tools to tackle on this problem, and yet he wants to stop doing what he is used to do. It’s… A start. But seriously, not enough yet.

… He’ll get there in due time. Walking in the mines with mindfulness (as he really didn’t want to run in people on purpose), Vinzent spotted Abel not too far.

At least, Abel was by himself for now, so Vinzent had no issues approaching him.

“Hey…! How are you right now, Abel…?”

The artist did his very best to muster up a smile to be reassuring… But it didn’t work. It never appeared. His voice was still soft as ever.

God, he hates this. But he is glad to at least see his friend is still around.

… He hopes Abel still considers him a friend.

Abel Lazarus

Abel…isn’t much aware of his surroundings at the moment. However things went with Viper and Melvin doesn’t matter because time has passed and he is now Alone and with nothing to distract himself he’s in pain- clutching his arm and trying his best to not… Not Think about it. Because if he’s not thinking about it it won’t hurt as bad. That’s how he’s made it so far! Just Not Focusing On It.

He’s foggy- but Vinzent’s voice is a welcome distraction.

Vinzent Mayer “Hey…! How are you right now, Abel…?”

He takes a second to process and answer- he’s in serious pain after all- but he’s glad it’s Vinzent who’s offering him this reprieve.

“… I’m fine.” He sounds strained and looks slightly pale and maybe he’s realizing he should have tried to find an alternative to mining before he even bothered with the pickaxe at all. Come on Abel. Did you even think about that?

He grimaces and puts his head down for a second.

“Okay. I’m not, but I’m fine, really, I’m just… I think I fucked my shoulder up again.” He’s going to be fine if he just resorts to the medical supplies in his bag but it seems he’s hesitant to reach towards any of it. (Especially his bottle of Tylenol.)

“Did you eat? I portioned the food out for everyone- I was planning to give them out I just… Needed a moment.”

Vinzent Mayer The artist did his very best to muster up a smile to be reassuring… But it didn’t work.

Unfortunately he’s not in much of a place to fully register this. He’s trying to but it’ll be a second until he can fully focus on something enough to not just look miserable. For now he’s going to start on the food topic and work his way through it. Anything else to focus on instead.

“It’s going to be important to keep your energy up for this car.” He throws the comment on mindlessly. The topic isn’t the Pain so it’s Enough to push through.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus He takes a second to process and answer- he’s in serious pain after all- but he’s glad it’s Vinzent who’s offering him this reprieve.

“… I’m fine.” He sounds strained and looks slightly pale and maybe he’s realizing he should have tried to find an alternative to mining before he even bothered with the pickaxe at all. Come on Abel. Did you even think about that?

He grimaces and puts his head down for a second.

“Okay. I’m not, but I’m fine, really, I’m just… I think I fucked my shoulder up again.” He’s going to be fine if he just resorts to the medical supplies in his bag but it seems he’s hesitant to reach towards any of it. (Especially his bottle of Tylenol.)

Vinzent frowned when Abel said he’s fine. But he continued to listen. Even if it was worrying, just fussing around wasn’t going to do shit. Vinzent glances at Abel’s bag, wondering if he did take anything that’d help him. But uh, first…

Abel Lazarus “Did you eat? I portioned the food out for everyone- I was planning to give them out I just… Needed a moment.”

“I… A little-”

His rumbling stomach betrayed his answer. It was way too little to be sufficient, clearly. Did he think he could last that long without eating enough again? Vinzent could faint at any moment, but he ignored that fact very much so.

… Okay. Think.

“I… Actually have some food with me but I didn’t finish what I took. I hope you’ll eat enough to heal up your shoulder… And uh… After I eat a bit soon, do you mind letting me help you with your shoulder? I might not be the best guy to fix it up, but… Just tell me what you need and I’ll do my best…?”

A headache sprung up, bad enough for him to react outwardly, massaging his forehead. If this isn’t telling of how much he’s ignoring his own health…

… He needs to sit down. Then, he’ll help Abel for real.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “I… Actually have some food with me but I didn’t finish what I took. I hope you’ll eat enough to heal up your shoulder…

“I ate my ration.” Did he give himself a larger ration because he was injured? No.

He’s not among those doing the more physical task at hand, therefore it makes sense those people receive larger portions. This is great in theory but realistically he’s going to cut his food before anyone else’s if they don’t have enough to stretch- Especially since he doesn’t exactly feel like he’s contributing enough, So!

… It’ll get messy in a few days. But right now he’s eaten enough.

Vinzent Mayer And uh… After I eat a bit soon, do you mind letting me help you with your shoulder? I might not be the best guy to fix it up, but… Just tell me what you need and I’ll do my best…?”

He nods. “Yeah- that’s fine. I was sort of thinking about finding Dexter but it’s better to just… care for it now. I don’t want to risk anything.” He pats the ground next to him for Vinzent to sit down and when he notices his physical response to his head ache he frowns.

“You should finish your food. I… Have some medicine if you need it.”

He can tolerate Tylenol. What a Saint. /s

Of course! Other people having the Tylenol. Not him. Never him.

“Have you slept?” It seems he’s decided fussing after Vinzent is distraction enough from the pain.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus “I ate my ration.” Did he give himself a larger ration because he was injured? No.

“Oh, okay…!” It’s not like Vinzent would check because uh. He usually does not eat a whole lot himself.

Abel Lazarus He nods. “Yeah- that’s fine. I was sort of thinking about finding Dexter but it’s better to just… care for it now. I don’t want to risk anything.” He pats the ground next to him for Vinzent to sit down and when he notices his physical response to his head ache he frowns.

“Yeah, alright…! I’ll do what I can to make it more bearable!”

He sat down as he was asked. Much better. Vinzent won’t risk fainting while standing up.

Abel Lazarus “You should finish your food. I… Have some medicine if you need it.”

“… I. Okay. Fine…” This was mostly to himself, and not directed at Abel.

“I’ll do that. And…”

At the mention of medicine…

“I’d like some medicine, please.” At least, Vinzent has some water left from his bottle he refilled again, at some point. It didn’t taste great now, but that’ll do.

Abel Lazarus Of course! Other people having the Tylenol. Not him. Never him.

Abel!!!!

Abel Lazarus “Have you slept?” It seems he’s decided fussing after Vinzent is distraction enough from the pain.

“Um, no… I think sleeping after eating might help. But… I am not sure how safe this place is? And… I don’t… Wanna be alone, actually. But no, I haven’t rested for a while. I think.”

What if he gets killed or something while he’s napping alone! He’s not willing to find out <3 So, maybe some company is appreciated in that case.

Once this was all said, Vinzent picked what’s left of his food to finish it. Maybe the headache will finally go away again. Or maybe a nap soon will help. Who knows!

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “I’d like some medicine, please.” At least, Vinzent has some water left from his bottle he refilled again, at some point. It didn’t taste great now, but that’ll do.

Abel fishes the bottle out of his bag- and it takes a moment not only due to his general fog from the pain but also because it seems he really hid the bottle in there. Like Truly buried it and wrapped it in things. Like he was trying his best to remove it from existence somehow.

He shakes out the exact dosage to hand over to Vinzent before wrapping it back up and reburying it as if he isn’t also clearly in need of some sort of pain relief- but in his defense (and this is a rather weak argument) He did only have low grade Tylenol, which of the over the counter pain killers is like. The least helpful for his particular issue.

Vinzent Mayer “Um, no… I think sleeping after eating might help. But… I am not sure how safe this place is? And… I don’t… Wanna be alone, actually. But no, I haven’t rested for a while. I think.”

“If you need to sleep I can watch over you. I don’t have much to do at the moment except. Sit here.” Something Something he’s supposed to be resting- whatever- but he’s not tired himself and he actually isn’t sure he even could sleep in this much pain- so perhaps just finding entertainment on his phone or something while feeling like he’s accomplishing some task would be good. Unfortunately for him the only entertainment on his phone is a bible app that doesn’t require data to use but you win some you lose some.

Though perhaps instead he’ll just write more notes in his journal. He’s definitely got to update his writings on Jagal after all.

“This car… will hopefully be over soon enough. I’m not a big fan of the… mirrors?” He isn’t quite sure what to call the ore- perhaps because it functions differently enough from typical mining material. Of course- all of his miner knowledge in general is only what he needed to know for his family history! After all! The Lazarus Family sure did get rich off screwing over the Gold Rush miners.

“The movement in them seems off.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus He shakes out the exact dosage to hand over to Vinzent before wrapping it back up and reburying it as if he isn’t also clearly in need of some sort of pain relief- but in his defense (and this is a rather weak argument) He did only have low grade Tylenol, which of the over the counter pain killers is like. The least helpful for his particular issue.

Vinzent wasn’t willing to rush, it looks like both of them are. Kinda Not Doing Great, Huh!

He thanks Abel once he was handed the exact dosage (which honestly, was better that Abel did that than Vinzent himself.) Low grade Tylenol was better than no medication at all. He swallowed it, and drank water to make sure.

Abel Lazarus “If you need to sleep I can watch over you. I don’t have much to do at the moment except. Sit here.” Something Something he’s supposed to be resting- whatever- but he’s not tired himself and he actually isn’t sure he even could sleep in this much pain- so perhaps just finding entertainment on his phone or something while feeling like he’s accomplishing some task would be good. Unfortunately for him the only entertainment on his phone is a bible app that doesn’t require data to use but you win some you lose some.

“I’d like that…! And okay, yeah I figured… So as long as you’re here and resting. Well, the best you can.”

You Win Some, You Lose Some!!!

As he laid down to make himself more comfortable and close to Abel (Not on his lap, though. But just next to him), Vinzent continued to listen. He wanted to take in all Abel was saying. Because it wasn’t done.

Abel Lazarus “This car… will hopefully be over soon enough. I’m not a big fan of the… mirrors?” He isn’t quite sure what to call the ore- perhaps because it functions differently enough from typical mining material. Of course- all of his miner knowledge in general is only what he needed to know for his family history! After all! The Lazarus Family sure did get rich off screwing over the Gold Rush miners.

“The movement in them seems off.”

“Yeah, it’s strange. I don’t like mirrors either.”

A gentle squeeze on Abel’s good arm.

“… Is it? I gotta check after my nap. But, yeah I… Felt something was off about this place, but if you say that’s the movement… I’ll think over it once I wake up. Okay?”

He’s now starting to drift off for good, closing his eyes. Hopefully by the time he wakes up, Vinzent’s headache will be gone and he’ll do what he can to help.

At least for now, he didn’t seem like he was having any bad dreams at all. The floor wasn’t the most comfortable, but Abel was here, close by and it was plenty.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “… Is it? I gotta check after my nap. But, yeah I… Felt something was off about this place, but if you say that’s the movement… I’ll think over it once I wake up. Okay?”

He nods- but he’s looking up at the little bits of reflective surfaces he can see. It sure is something.

But by the time Vinzent is drifting off Abel shrugs his suit jacket off and lays it over Vinzent for warmth. Not much else he can offer to make this more comfortable- but he’s got this.

While Vinzent sleeps he attempts to focus on journaling. It helps-somewhat. At least enough that the pain isn’t all consuming.

He’ll just need to get used to it.

-- Ah the passage of time. –

By the time Vinzent finally starts waking Abel has moved tasks, having his button down opened and moved out of the way enough he can try to see the damage to his shoulder. Seems he couldn’t just get used to it. (Almost like that’s bad Abel.)

The bandages are bloody- not excessively so or anything but it’s clear enough he’s bled recently based on the color. He has a first aid kit set in front of him but he seems to be hesitant to start to any of this himself- So noticing Vinzent stirring is a Relief.

“Vinzent? Sleep well?” He didn’t seem to be having nightmares but he knows sometimes it’s not so obvious.

Vinzent Mayer

His headache wore off thankfully.

After putting on his glasses again and checking where Abel is, Vinzent got up of his little nap. He saw his friend was still nearby and-

… He isn’t complaining at the button down opened. ~~Not at all~~. Dude can’t be helped. He also noticed the coat on himself… It’s warm… And nice. He’d have to give it back to Abel at some point, but for now… He can be a little selfish and keep it on him until Abel will want it back. (Because Vinzent is not THAT greedy, c’mon.)

That said, what was Abel doing was not without any reason, in fact once the shorter man caught sight of the bloodied bandages…

He sighed. Well. Time to help, and combat his queasiness with blood in general. He promised after all. And he’s going to stick to it. That said. Abel’s voice at least got him to cheer up a bit.

Abel Lazarus “Vinzent? Sleep well?” He didn’t seem to be having nightmares but he knows sometimes it’s not so obvious.

“Yeah, better than earlier. I don’t have any more headaches so that’s already something.”

“Alright, allow me to help you change the bandages then…?”

He went closer to Abel, hands hovering over Abel’s ponytail to move it out the way on the good shoulder for a better look of the injury and treat it as quickly as he can. To the best of his ability.

Although another strange thing caught his attention, as his hand touched the longish raised scars on Abel’s back, near the new wounded zone. Three, he counted. With a frown, he tried to recall if it was brought up…

Nope. Abel never told him about any of these scars.

“Hey, Abel… What… Happened? If. You’re comfortable telling me, of course.”

After that, he’ll quickly help with bandages changing. These are still a more pressing matter than (presumably) old scars. But… Man. There has to be a reason that Abel never brought it up before, after all.

Abel Lazarus

CW: Abuse mentions, Religious Trauma, Downplaying his own abuse

Vinzent Mayer “Alright, allow me to help you change the bandages then…?”

He nods. He’ll probably need to clean it too but first things first.

His shirt is easy enough to move out of the way- so are the bandages. He honestly doesn’t. Really think about his other scars. Most of them aren’t noteworthy- his chest, his hands- they’re whatever.

But Vinzent’s fingers make contact with the ones on his back and he freezes without even thinking about it.

Vinzent Mayer “Hey, Abel… What… Happened? If. You’re comfortable telling me, of course.”

He doesn’t answer immediately- mostly because he seems to be… unsure. Unsure what to say exactly.

“…Uh.”

He lets out a breath and has to consciously untense his shoulders- Especially since it Doesn’t feel good to have his bad shoulder tensed at All. He’s quiet. Avoiding Vinzent’s gaze before he finally, Very Quietly, starts to answer.

“… It’s… A common… Punishment for my family. They… Mention this sort of punishment in the bible. Lashes. It’s… My Great Uncle…” He clears his throat. “My Great Uncle Lucius wanted to punish me. For… What happened with Cain. I agreed.”

It’s… Something. He’d destroyed that tape before he showed Vinzent what happened to him- so only Viper knew of it. Only Viper knew the train had decided to be so… Cruel.

His hands twitch and he looks down at his lap. “They’re not… So bad or anything. It’s been worse for other family members.”

…

He grabs something to clean his shoulder with and seems to decide to do it himself. To offer some level of distraction.

Vinzent Mayer

cw from last post applied here too

Abel Lazarus He lets out a breath and has to consciously untense his shoulders- Especially since it Doesn’t feel good to have his bad shoulder tensed at All. He’s quiet. Avoiding Vinzent’s gaze before he finally, Very Quietly, starts to answer.

“… It’s… A common… Punishment for my family. They… Mention this sort of punishment in the bible. Lashes. It’s… My Great Uncle…” He clears his throat. “My Great Uncle Lucius wanted to punish me. For… What happened with Cain. I agreed.”

“…” If he knew before. If he had learned of what happened on their earlier days on the train, Vinzent would have voiced his protests much, much more. About how fucked up this is. How fucked up that this is common. Common doesn’t mean this should be normal. Instead, he listens. Horrified that Abel had gotten these scars in such a cruel manner.

“…… I…”

Abel shouldn’t have agreed! Is what Vinzent wanted to say. But…

Abel Lazarus His hands twitch and he looks down at his lap. “They’re not… So bad or anything. It’s been worse for other family members.”

“… Doesn’t mean it’s better.” It was very, very quiet, on whisper level.

…

Abel Lazarus He grabs something to clean his shoulder with and seems to decide to do it himself. To offer some level of distraction.

Vinzent blinked at the movement.

…

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bring it up ever again. Let’s just do what we should do. …If you still will let me help you. Just to be sure all is clean…”

Some… Things are better to let be. He feels… Guilty. For asking. But he didn’t know. Until now. So lashes can leave those kind of scars…

… Just horrible.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “… Doesn’t mean it’s better.” It was very, very quiet, on whisper level.

He’s quiet in response. That does seem to be the consensus, doesn’t it? Marius felt the same. He didn’t seem happy when he found out Abel agreed but they’re so similar it’s not like he could have fought Abel on it.

What would the outcome have been if he’s done the same and he’s trying to scold Abel for truly being his mini me? He isn’t perfect and sometimes he’s just not… The best to have the talk with him.

But it’s been enough people he’s starting to think he… maybe should have had the strength to tell Lucius No.

To tell him he doesn’t… Get to decide when Abel needs punishment.

Vinzent Mayer “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bring it up ever again. Let’s just do what we should do. …If you still will let me help you. Just to be sure all is clean…”

“… It’s okay. I’m… Not upset you asked. I just…” He pauses. “There’d been another tape. In the… Island car. I destroyed it but. It had… the whipping on it.”

Watching it literally out of his body… Perhaps it’s worse. Seeing just how young he was.

He shakes his head.

“You can still help. I’m fine.” He’s a bad liar. It’s always clear he isn’t fine- but he doesn’t quite mean it to say he himself is fine. He more so means… It’s okay. He’s not upset.

He offers the disinfectant to Vinzent to let him be the one to do it. His shoulder isn’t bad- just a little swollen and irritated. It’s clear where it’s had a chance to heal longer and where it’s been reaggravated- but ultimately it’s clearly enough okay. He’s not getting an infection. It’s not even actively bleeding.

Vinzent Mayer So lashes can leave those kind of scars…

When they’re from a whip they can! But that’s definitely a tid bit that. Perhaps only Jagal also knew. Considering the events of the last trial at least.

Vinzent Mayer

Vinzent’s guilt was still there. But he forced himself to listen to Abel at least.

Abel Lazarus “… It’s okay. I’m… Not upset you asked. I just…” He pauses. “There’d been another tape. In the… Island car. I destroyed it but. It had… the whipping on it.”

… Ugh. Wait …That’s odd. Everyone had one tape, but Abel had two?

“That’s fucking cruel of the car, then. But I see.”

Abel Lazarus “You can still help. I’m fine.” He’s a bad liar. It’s always clear he isn’t fine- but he doesn’t quite mean it to say he himself is fine. He more so means… It’s okay. He’s not upset.

Physically? Yeah no, Vinzent knows it’s not the case but… “I hope that mean you’re… Alright. But if you need to talk about anything, I’m here, okay? Just an offer there. It’s always there for you to take.”

He resumes attempting to clean the wound. Despite his poor first aid knowledge, Vinzent isn’t that bad at extremely basic things, he hopes.

Abel Lazarus He offers the disinfectant to Vinzent to let him be the one to do it. His shoulder isn’t bad- just a little swollen and irritated. It’s clear where it’s had a chance to heal longer and where it’s been reaggravated- but ultimately it’s clearly enough okay. He’s not getting an infection. It’s not even actively bleeding.

Speaking of. This was simple enough to do. Vinzent at least knows how to use a desinfectant. As he needs to clean his piercings regularily. So the same principle mostly applies to wounds too, he thinks. He just sucks at everything else that isn’t basic. In any case, Vinzent makes sure that it’s clean first. He worries that he may do the wrong thing so he’s… Very careful on that front.

Abel Lazarus When they’re from a whip they can! But that’s definitely a tid bit that. Perhaps only Jagal also knew. Considering the events of the last trial at least.

… Vinzent definitely remembers that Jagal incident with the whip but… He doesn’t dare say anything more. It’s over. Why should it be brought up again, if nothing good comes of it anyway?

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “That’s fucking cruel of the car, then. But I see.”

“It was… tampered with. I’m not sure if someone just. Moved if from one tape to the other or something? It was pretty damaged. Comedy had been messing with the tapes so. Maybe it was just. Not finished?” It’s hypothetical- and he doesn’t really have any other speculations past that.

Doesn’t really matter anymore, he guesses.

Vinzent Mayer Vinzent makes sure that it’s clean first.

Abel watches Vinzent clean his shoulder- only wincing somewhat from the sharp pain of getting a wound cleaned- but he seems to be able to mostly stay still for it. He’s getting used to it enough after this long.

By the time it’s done he feels at least… a little better. Enough to be fine considering how long he’s been nursing this shoulder and messing it up. He reaches back into his bag and withdraws new bandages so they can rewrap it.

“It’s just this and then it’s fine. Nothing much else to do at this point.”

He’s going to need to keep himself distracted to not focus on it too much but. He figures he can manage that.

Especially if he has a little task to do! He loves little tasks.

“I’m… Just going to be collecting ore to fix up the… mirror? Instead of… Trying to mine again. So. Don’t worry about… me doing anything else with it.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus “It was… tampered with. I’m not sure if someone just. Moved if from one tape to the other or something? It was pretty damaged. Comedy had been messing with the tapes so. Maybe it was just. Not finished?” It’s hypothetical- and he doesn’t really have any other speculations past that.

Vinzent listens. taking note mentally, so he’ll think about it later.

“I see. Maybe…”

He wasn’t there to see in person, and it doesn’t matter anymore, indeed. It’s over. The full context has been given. So what else is needed? Nothing.

Abel Lazarus Abel watches Vinzent clean his shoulder- only wincing somewhat from the sharp pain of getting a wound cleaned- but he seems to be able to mostly stay still for it. He’s getting used to it enough after this long.

Abel will hear a tiny “I’m sorry…!” from Vinzent himself once the man saw the wincing, but he still made sure that it’s okay.

Abel Lazarus He reaches back into his bag and withdraws new bandages so they can rewrap it.

“It’s just this and then it’s fine. Nothing much else to do at this point.”

Vinzent saw what Abel was reaching at and hummed to signify he heard him.

“Okay…!”

As he was patching up Abel’s wound for good, the artist paid attention. Oh right. The mirror. He needs to do that too.

Abel Lazarus “I’m… Just going to be collecting ore to fix up the… mirror? Instead of… Trying to mine again. So. Don’t worry about… me doing anything else with it.”

“Alright, okay! I’ll see if I can help either finding or mining it… But I’m not sure if I have enough strength to do the latter. Oh well.”

It’s not like his poor strength was a secret, it was not. He’s been always bad at it, but these last near-10 years… He never really bothered to get stronger. Why should it matter to him?

… But maybe it may change. Maybe he’ll try again. Someday.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “Alright, okay! I’ll see if I can help either finding or mining it… But I’m not sure if I have enough strength to do the latter. Oh well.”

Abel nods in understanding. Haha… He’d normally be strong enough to do something, he isn’t weak after all!

But. The funny thing about being injured- About… Not having the time to heal properly or even completely avoid aggravating the injury- is that you… are not at full working capacity.

Who knew.

So he’s… Running on less anytime it requires a second arm to be done.

And that bothers him.

“Either way works. If you find someone mining you can be there to transport what they make for them- I know Melvin is mining fine.” Viper wasn’t doing as good at mining and also she’s. Viper. So he isn’t going to recommend her.

“I think… I’m going to keep passing food out to people. For anyone who hasn’t eaten yet.” Yes he did more than likely label the portions he divided. He’s Abel. He’s a dork like that.

He finishes putting his suit back on once his bandages are finished off and stands. He’s feeling a lot better now. It’s a relief. “If you need me… I’ll be around, okay?”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus And that bothers him.

That’s why rest matters-

Abel Lazarus “Either way works. If you find someone mining you can be there to transport what they make for them- I know Melvin is mining fine.” Viper wasn’t doing as good at mining and also she’s. Viper. So he isn’t going to recommend her.

“Okay… Okay yeah I can carry what is needed…! At least. I’m not that… Weak.” He hopes. But probably. Anything up to 25 lbs maximum. But very likely less. “Yeah.”

Abel Lazarus “I think… I’m going to keep passing food out to people. For anyone who hasn’t eaten yet.” Yes he did more than likely label the portions he divided. He’s Abel. He’s a dork like that.

“Sounds good.”

Abel Lazarus He finishes putting his suit back on once his bandages are finished off and stands. He’s feeling a lot better now. It’s a relief. “If you need me… I’ll be around, okay?”

Vinzent is relieved that Abel feels alot better now. Especially after his help. He’s glad to not have been useless.

“Yeah…! And same to you. Thank you.”

For now, he’ll do what he can to help! As he stands up, Vinzent squeezes Abel’s good shoulder as thanks.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer For now, he’ll do what he can to help! As he stands up, Vinzent squeezes Abel’s good shoulder as thanks.

Abel gives him a smile before settling his back back on his good shoulder so he can continue his task. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

And he leaves.

--Time skip time–

In the bits of reflective surfaces that peak out a certain figure seems to be… a little too observant. Like he’s trying to see every single thing he can.

Eventually he isn’t even hiding it. He stands right at the reflection point- everything about his very presence reading stern. His arms are crossed, his brow deeply furrowed, and his energy reading… Unpleasant. Much worse than Abel even gave off at the worst of times.

His hair is pulled into a tight bun and pushed back some- giving him the appearance of much shorter hair. His jacket and tie are absent and his shirt is unbuttoned to a degree Prime Abel would never be caught casually doing. How unprofessional to have Four measly buttons undone.

He looks familiar. Obviously because of Abel- but he almost… resembles someone else. A ghost Abel spend much of the last car avoiding.

It’s not hard to tell this isn’t prime Abel- even beyond the chrome color. It isn’t hard to tell just speaking with him will make anyone appreciate speaking with prime Abel. It isn’t hard to tell talking to him will be… A little miserable.

He spots movement just out of where he can easily see- which frustrates him. He scoffs quietly and barks out, “You! Show yourself. Don’t be a little coward in the shadows.” He taps on the… glass? in front of him. “Come here.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus Abel gives him a smile before settling his back back on his good shoulder so he can continue his task. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

And he leaves.

Vinzent nods and smiles back again.

“Yeah, see you!”

He waves.

Vinzent was doing what he could to mine more, in spite of his shitty strength. Hey, he still has two hands! As he was looking for reflective parts, he felt he was… Being watched. Observed. Weird. Spotting the reflections closer… He couldn’t help but feel something was familiar but… He must be imagining things, right? Haha!

Haha.

Abel Lazarus He spots movement just out of where he can easily see- which frustrates him. He scoffs quietly and barks out, “You! Show yourself. Don’t be a little coward in the shadows.” He taps on the… glass? in front of him. “Come here."

“Eep..!”

Wait, that voice. The tone wasn’t right but… Vinzent followed the voice with a little carefulness…

But when he saw what he saw…

Abel Lazarus His hair is pulled into a tight bun and pushed back some- giving him the appearance of much shorter hair. His jacket and tie are absent and his shirt is unbuttoned to a degree Prime Abel would never be caught casually doing. How unprofessional to have Four measly buttons undone.

He looks familiar. Obviously because of Abel- but he almost… resembles someone else. A ghost Abel spend much of the last car avoiding.

…

On one hand, he hates the vibes here very much so. On the other… Unbuttoned shirt? No tie and jacket???

……… He’s. He’s not. He’s not having These Kind of Thoughts, he swears!!! Nope. Normal Thoughts Here. No Head Empty!! Promise!

……. Don’t think about it, boy.

Abel Lazarus He spots movement just out of where he can easily see- which frustrates him. He scoffs quietly and barks out, “You! Show yourself. Don’t be a little coward in the shadows.” He taps on the… glass? in front of him. “Come here.”

Of course, this wasn’t… The most ideal world to him, but. He… Kinda wants to see what’s going on. Closer. Without making it seem like he was obeying the damn order, Vinzent still wanted to see what was his deal.

… He’s going to study this mirrored appearance a little more. Warily but also he’s… Interested. In a way. You’ve caught his attention 110%. That said, his lack of hesitation with his upcoming question was apparent. Wonder why.

“Yes? I’m here. What is it?”

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “Eep..!”

He snorts at the noise- finding it quite funny, clearly, but also… kind of pathetic.

Vinzent Mayer “Yes? I’m here. What is it?”

He lazily looks Vinzent over, sizing him up like he might decide to try and fight him for fun. On the upside, he is… Unable to lay a single finger on him.

“… That’s your get up for a mine?” He looks the shoes over long enough that it’s clear he’s thinking about how easily Vinzent might topple over because of them. “Didn’t even think about trying to get better shoes? Even being barefoot?”

He shakes his head but it doesn’t seem like that’s the pressing matter for him to pick at.

“I recognize you. Spend a lot of time with… him, don’t you?” He makes a vague motion with his hands. “Makes sense you’d be in the shadows like that, huh? Not much spine.” Oh he truly is pretty reminiscent of Solanus here. It all seems intentional. In the way Abel Prime intentionally seems to mirror his uncle.

“Trying to avoid that… Girl?” He knows both Vinzent and Viper’s names- but it seems he’s… Intentionally trying to be as rude as possible. Like he’s decided they aren’t worth the respect needed to remember their names. “Made a real mess of things there, didn’t you?”

He tilts his head for a moment.

“… Trying to avoid people?” He smirks. “Going to let yourself be scared little lamb again?” That seems… To amuse him. He’s poking for low points like he wants to see if he might make Vinzent defend himself. If he could make him blow up or get emotional at all. “How fitting you latch onto him. He’s a worthless thing too.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus He lazily looks Vinzent over, sizing him up like he might decide to try and fight him for fun. On the upside, he is… Unable to lay a single finger on him.

Oh fuck, if it wasn’t for the current context, he probably wouldn’t mind being like. Pinned or something. But like this? Absolutely not???? So, he’s glad this guy in the mirror is unable to do anything to him.

Abel Lazarus “… That’s your get up for a mine?” He looks the shoes over long enough that it’s clear he’s thinking about how easily Vinzent might topple over because of them. “Didn’t even think about trying to get better shoes? Even being barefoot?”

He couldn’t know there was a mine, for the love of-

Vinzent starts snapping a bit. It wasn’t really funny, with the yell from earlier.

“Hey, don’t blame me for not knowing I’d get here of all places! And better shoes? I mean, maybe I could, but I didn’t want to. I’m fine.”

But then the man moves on.

Abel Lazarus “I recognize you. Spend a lot of time with… him, don’t you?” He makes a vague motion with his hands. “Makes sense you’d be in the shadows like that, huh? Not much spine.” Oh he truly is pretty reminiscent of Solanus here. It all seems intentional. In the way Abel Prime intentionally seems to mirror his uncle.

Not… Much spine? He fucking knows that, asshole.

“Hey. So what if I spend a lot of time with him? Why does that matter to you? You’re just trying to be a ruder Abel, or what.”

The mirror man didn’t even stop that another stingy as hell topic reached Vinzent.

Abel Lazarus “Trying to avoid that… Girl?” He knows both Vinzent and Viper’s names- but it seems he’s… Intentionally trying to be as rude as possible. Like he’s decided they aren’t worth the respect needed to remember their names. “Made a real mess of things there, didn’t you?”

“I- I…”

Oh god, how did he-

“Fuck off. I tried to fix the issue at hand but I accidentally made it worse so I just am not sure anymore what to do without making it even more worse! I just don’t FUCKING KNOW HOW.”

Abel Lazarus “… Trying to avoid people?” He smirks. “Going to let yourself be scared little lamb again?” That seems… To amuse him. He’s poking for low points like he wants to see if he might make Vinzent defend himself. If he could make him blow up or get emotional at all. “How fitting you latch onto him. He’s a worthless thing too.”

A snarl. This… Is really getting to him, badly. And he still isn’t emotionally steady.

“I don’t want to hurt more people, ’kay?! What the hell! I’m.. I’m not a fucking scared lamb!”

But he is scared. He knows. And yet, being this agitated… He forgets how to think rationally.

… That last point… Oh, he knows who this is about and, that… Enrages him.

“HE’S NOT WORTHLESS! CAN YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP FOR ONCE. YOU MAY LOOK LIKE HIM BUT YOU’RE NOT ABEL!”

Abel wouldn’t say things like this, right? He’s not like that.

…

Right?