[@SleepingSilence] [@Jewels] Terrence keenly listened to Cas, keeping silent and just letting her explain parts of her past he wasn't aware of though some of it he could piece together himself, his desire to receive more information was being fulfilled as he actually took a seat, leaning back in a recliner still being observant but also questioning things in his head. [color=007236][i]“My own demons...while fortunately for me I'm managing my demons through rigorous experimentation. Given the circumstances I've only gotten better at keeping the monster deep within, which one day I will kill with my own two hands...but this shadow is only seems to continue its reckless animosity for any life, including ones that aren't immediate threats. Makes me very nervous. I don't want to necessary get my hands dirty already, but if the demon makes another pass at me without provocation, I may kill it with my own two hands as well. Regardless of the consequences.”[/i][/color] Terrence stopped his violent thoughts not wanting to accidentally give himself stress as he sat himself back up from the recliner after she took a break from speaking. [color=007236]“Well, I certainly appreciate you telling me. I know it's not always easy for people to talk about past tragic events.”[/color] He spoke in a courteous manner though from the described events he definitely wanted to get rid of the shadow. [color=007236]“I would like to discuss certain matters with you, but that can wait until some other time.”[/color] He added sounding nonchalant but trying to get her guessing exactly what it was hoping she'd come to a conclusion on her own, aware that she was bright for her age. Clearing his throat a little, he was curious exactly what took place while they were gone, going to discuss Mason figuring that he had to, but she starting speaking up again before he could speak. Cas didn’t want to dwell on the story she’d just relayed, and was quick to change the topic. [color=thistle]“On a different subject...Mason must have seen one of the ads I’ve posted. He made the connection to Castor Mallory. ...I hope he doesn’t tell anyone I’m a girl; I’ve worked hard to keep that quiet. Heh, I guess that means he and I are sort of in the same position, not wanting our secrets to get out.”[/color] Except from what Cas had seen of Mason, he was rash, and took greater risks than she was comfortable with. [color=thistle]“I seem to be okay in his book, at least for now. Apparently he was impressed when I decided to tell him I’d be better off ratting him out. He might have even pretended to believe I had nothing to gain as a test, to see if I’d correct him.”[/color] Relieved that at least one particular dilemma between Mason and her was resolved, at least temporarily. Unfortunately he was still too on edge to stop himself from pacing. [color=007236]“Well, I assume that I can trust you that if he, anyone troubles you again. That you'll come here, and please let me know. I don't want either of you getting hurt.”[/color] He said as a certain thought came across his mind. [color=007236]“Or have him know what I've become...”[/color] Terrence slipped out aloud as he realized he spoke it and let out a deep sigh. At this point hoping it would change the subject. [color=007236]“Are you hungry? It's around lunchtime, care for something to eat?”[/color] he offered to her smiling. [color=thistle]“Ah, no thank you, Terry. I had lunch -- well, half a lunch, anyhow. I still have the rest if I really want something to eat, but I don’t right now. Between the panic attack and what I was seeing, I’ve already been sick once. I’d like to stick around a bit, though, if you don’t mind?”[/color] Cas went with the change in topic without further comment, more than willing to return to everyday concerns -- or so she appeared. She was a little surprised that Mason didn’t know about Terry’s other form, but it really wasn’t her place to get involved in that matter. [color=007236]“Oh, very well then. I've just been having lunch later and later since I've been so busy with experiments I've been doing,”[/color] he started to say hoping she wouldn't ask what kind. [color=007236]“I understand, as long as you don't mind me eating in front of you dear, oh and thank you for the candy.”[/color] He replied smiling as he walking into the kitchen. [color=007236]“You can stay as long you want,”[/color] he stated cheerfully, though in all honestly though he didn't mind her company, nor did he want to be rude. He did want to read more of his books and start making progress for Mason and his resistance and the other things he had planned to do tonight on his off day, which he needed as much time as possible for. [color=thistle]“No, of course I don’t mind.”[/color] She gave him half a smile and grabbed her clipboard from her bag before following after Terrence to the kitchen. [color=thistle]“And you’re welcome -- I couldn’t pass it up when I saw it was discounted.”[/color] Cas settled at the table, discreetly checking where the shadows lay. [color=thistle]“More experiments?”[/color] she asked, writing something on a piece of scrap paper and putting it where the doctor could see. [color=thistle]“You’re always doing those -- I hope you’ll be careful. I worry you’ll go too far one of these days.”[/color] [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=thistle]I take it you want to talk about my Shadow, but don’t want it to hear?[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] Terrence decided to make something simple to eat. To quickly get back to the conversation at hand. Unaware he was actually getting pretty hungry, his mind was just too distracted at the moment to notice. Opening the fridge and getting out stuff to make a sandwich. As he made himself something quick as he walked back into living room taking a bite of his corned beef sandwich. He lets out a soft chuckle. [color=007236]“Well I find all the ones I do necessary, but don't worry about me. You know I'm always very careful,”[/color] he replied as he noticed what she wrote down as he smiled a little and gave her a small nod looking right at her to know he was responding to her. The girl rolled her eyes. [color=thistle]“I think you’re the only person in the city that would call injecting yourself with poisons ‘necessary’,”[/color] she retorted, though without venom. It was an old disagreement, and she’d resigned herself to the fact that the doctor had no intention of stopping. When she brought it up now, it was more a combination of teasing and concern. [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=thistle]What do you want to know? Just don’t turn the paper towards the shadows.[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] Terrence spent a minute looking away to collect his thoughts. [color=007236]“Well I suppose you may be right, but for my line of work it’s required,”[/color] he replied knowing that she didn't exactly fancy his experiments though the feeling was mutual. The fact was it was crucial for his survival at least in his mindset. He grabbed a piece of paper and started to write back, as his writing was very professional and easy to read, being careful to avoid shadows in the room showing her his message. [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=007236]I'm considering splitting you and your shadow, I've been working on it ever since I learned about it. I wanted to know if you'd like to get rid of it.[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] The girl turned the topic of the discussion they were having aloud to something inconsequential, so they could focus more on the written one. [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=thistle]Desperately. But I know it would see that as a threat -- if you were to do anything, and it didn’t work, I don’t know that you’d be safe around me anymore. It doesn’t like things that interfere with its ability to “protect” me.[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] Terrence continued speaking about something unimportant, and he continued to write so they could have a quick conversation. [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=007236]I'm not worried about failing, In fact I'm almost hundred percent certain I can split you apart and eliminate it. I'm more worried most of my methods would kill you in the process...[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=thistle]I’m not exactly keen on dying. But if you come up with something you think would work, I’d love to hear about it.[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] [indent][indent][indent][quote][color=007236]I understand, I will work on it in due time. Next time you come back to me. We can discuss future plans. Alright?[/color][/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent] Cas nodded, and folded the paper in half before tearing it into small strips over the course of the next half hour. By then the doctor had been done with his meal for a while, and she knew she should be heading out. [color=thistle]“Oh, I almost forgot. One of my clients wants me to purchase a few different medicines, but the pharmacies I know don’t carry some of them. Where would you recommend I go?”[/color] She riffled through her clipboard and slid a sheet of paper free, holding it out to Terrence. It had a list of various compounds, most of them checked off but a few less common ones circled. [color=007236][i]“Well at least that has been taken care of...”[/i][/color] Terrence thought to himself putting the notes he had written back in his pocket as he watched her tear up the pieces of paper, as he watched her approach handing him a piece of paper full of different medical compounds, he had all of them stored in his lab. He kept a ton of different medicine where it wasn't immediately noticeable, somewhere secret that he hadn't told anyone about, for safe keeping. [color=007236] “Hmm. The next time you visit me, I should be able to retrieve all those items for you,”[/color] he replied. [color=thistle]“Really? I don’t mind going to a shop, but...well, if you’re sure. The guy wants them in the next couple days, so I’ll come by tomorrow or the day after, if that’s alright with you? Probably about the same time as today.”[/color] The young woman smiled at Terrence. [color=thistle]“Maybe I’ll bring my lunch with.”[/color] He smiled at her. [color=007236] “It's not a problem, though I know I'll be pretty busy tomorrow. But just to drop off supplies, I might be able to reschedule or fit you in around the same time,”[/color] He replied trying to work it all out in his head. [color=007236]“Well, I have a lot of reading to do. You keep yourself safe alright?”[/color] he continued. [color=thistle]“If you’re busy tomorrow, I’ll come the day after,”[/color] Cas responded. [color=thistle]“And don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I always am. Take care, Terry.”[/color] She went to grab her bag and gave him a wave. [color=thistle]“Don’t work too hard, yeah?”[/color] she added, before heading out the door. [color=007236]“Take care, dear,”[/color] were Terrence's parting words as he watched her leave, he closed the door and locked it, just in case. He let out a long sigh, as before he could get any reading done. He had one more thing to take care of, as he went to grab a broom and dustpan as he went to his bathroom and started to sweep up the glass. [color=007236]“I guess my mechanic is coming in tomorrow. I suppose I can get him to fix my bathroom too,”[/color] he mumbled to himself rubbing his head. As today was a lot more mentally exhausting than he thought it would be, but he felt as if it had only just begun.