- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[slightlyoffchilt]

"Hello.

You've reached the direct line of Doctor Frederick Chilton. As I am not available at the moment, you might assume I'm quite busy with something pressing. State your name and business, and I will return your call."

Comments

[slightlyoffchilt]

You have to accept your limitations at some point. Can't save them all.

[hostage]

You think I don't know that?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm not saying you don't know it on a cognitive level. But emotionally... I doubt you accept the fact fully.

[hostage]

So my bleeding heart bothers you.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Bothers me? Not everyone is out to get you, or distasteful of you. [Not that Chilton was surprised by the reaction, given Jesse's profile.] And, once more, this conversation is about you.

How do you find yourself coping with said bleeding heart?

[hostage]

[He shrugs. What is "coping", anyway?]

I do what I can for people and then I get over it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

As long as that methodology doesn't destroy you before -- [before Walt can] -- your business is concluded.

[hostage]

Why would it?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Repression is a subduction quake ready to spring. Just look at Walt, if you need some evidence.

[hostage]

[Whatever the fuck that means.]

So what's the alternative?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Finding an emotional outlet. Such doesn't need to be strictly psychoanalysis, of course -- plenty of individuals find outlets in arts, or more physical activity.

[He looked Jesse over, debating on referencing what physical activity he knew the young man was into. Probably best to abstain.]

Something to help you work through that obnoxiously obvious martyr complex.

[hostage]

I knew it bothered you.

[He also knows what Chilton's thinking, and he folds his arms in response to that look. Weak armor.]

Why's everybody call me a martyr? I don't like getting hurt. I didn't ask for my power to be like this.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm not bothered by it, Jesse. I'm simply stating fact.

[Clearly his subjective adjectives prescribed counted as fact.]

Martyrdom doesn't necessitate physical enjoyment. It isn't masochism. That's the point.

It's more... Emotional.

[hostage]

So I'm a martyr because I don't like it?

[slightlyoffchilt]

No. You're a martyr because you can't stop. Not when it comes to other people.

[hostage]

I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

[slightlyoffchilt]

As according to whom?

[hostage]

Everybody. Isn't that what we're here for?

[slightlyoffchilt]

You'll take everybody's alleged word over your own health and sanity?

[hostage]

My health isn't worth worrying about and my sanity wasn't there to begin with.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And you've just confessed the last qualification for martyr complex, well done.

[hostage]

Okay. I still don't really know what that means, but whatever.

Look - This whole healing gig? It's like the first good thing I've ever done in my life. The only thing. And, yeah, it doesn't make up for all the horrible shit I do. But I'm good at it and it doesn't bother me.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do you use it indiscriminately? Do you heal anyone who needs it?

[hostage]

Yeah.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Even me?