texts texts texts

[onefellswoop]

this one is for texts!

Comments

5 - Group Text, three weeks before the wedding

[necropolitical]

Sen: I wasn't present for that particular incident, but if he was predisposed to attempt inhaling a mound of multi-colored crystals, I doubt he remembers it. You might ask Vitaly.

Sen: ...I've forgotten to invite Vitaly. Fuck me. Wait a moment, I'll make a group.

[ Chat has been created: Puppy Adoption Planning ]

[ Five contacts have been invited to the chat. ]

[ Blake Navarro and three others have joined the chat. ]

Enri: That's not funny.

Verne: ya it is

Sen: Stand by. Forgot Vitaly.

Enri: Who?

[ 011-380-44-405-0111 has been invited to the chat. ]

[ 011-380-44-405-0111 has joined the chat. ]

Sen: Vitaly, meet Enri, Blake and Nova. Rin is still angry with you, Verne still believes you have been in a gulag in Siberia for six years, Darius is marrying a Puppy, you have three weeks to get here.

[ 011-380-44-405-0111 has left the chat. ]

Sen: Fuck's sake.

[ 011-380-44-405-0111 has been invited to the chat. ]

[ 011-380-44-405-0111 has joined the chat. ]

Vitaly: [In Ukrainian-] Do you know what time it is? Do you want to know what time it is, dickhead? [In English:] It's 7:35.

Sen: You can't use that one anymore. I am deeply in the throes of wedded bliss and will not be unsettled by any future threats to my not-so-secret.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian:] Was my invitation lost in the mail?

Enri: He said Rin's angry with you. Probably got something to do with it.

Vitaly: ONE. TOOTH. One fucking tooth and I am off the guest list.

Blake: tf with rin and they teeth

Vitaly: Exactly. Like that one said: tf with rin and they teeth. Well spoken.

Sen: There wasn't a guest list. We eloped. Enri and Darius are not eloping. Mid-June, Vitaly.

Enri: The 16th!

Verne: you geeting married on juneteenth wtf

Blake: juneteenths the 19th
Enri: That's the 19th
Sen: Juneteeth is the 19th, Verne. It's a federal fucking holiday.

Verne: [...] [...] u sure

Vitaly: It might be the 16th. You know these shitheads only come to consensus when they're wrong. Maybe you should take a poll on the sidewalk, Lolly.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian:] Which one speaks Ukrainian, earlier?

Enri: Russian. Close, though.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian:] A little too close.

Enri: Fuck Putin. I just speak the language.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian:] You can sit with me at the wedding.

Enri: [...] [...] I'm the Puppy.

Vitaly: That so? Don't worry. Daddy won't mind.

[ A sound of rusty, snorting laughter comes from the sitting room of the Null Set apartment. Blake is trying to choke it back. ]

Sen: Christ. Still with us, N?

[citrinesupernova]

Yeah. What?

[ … ]

[ … ]

Lot to unpack here.

Would’ve eased off on the spliff if I’d know we were

Sure, first. All right, several points.

Cheers to the Puppy, pleasure to meet you. Enri. Enri? right. Husband-to-be and Puppy for life, that’s no small feat. Wilco speaks well of you, figure you’re golden.

…Hold up. Fucker went and took a new name. Not Wilco, then. [ … ] Renfield. There we are. that work for you, Sen?

Vitaly. Don’t think I’ve seen you? Got shit for recollection rn though. Question: Dime bag of crushed nerds. Darius. You saw that, or nah?

Blake, xbox, crocs, met you. Apologies about that. Some jag-off failed to tell the situation in full.

Speaking of. Lolly, where the fuck’re your sisters? Can’t get hold of either, and they took off with a handful of caps. Left me with nothing, least they could do is give a word. Added to which, Sher’s asking after you. Give her a call before I wreck my brains against a wall.

Who’s in which gulag? For pinching teeth, or what?

Love to know what languages are going on here. Lads, please; I ain’t on your level and I never will be. No fault but my own, admitted, but what I need understood is I’m too caned for sussing out rn.

Eh, nah, nm that, I’ll catch it later. Doing a wondrous job introing myself. You get what you get, what can i say?

1/2

[necropolitical]

Sen: No, it won't be Renfield, and you'll do nothing further to besmirch the beauty of their name. Neither will you call me 'Wilco'. You're creative; take something to inspire further thought and try again.

Enri: A handful's a lot. And explains a lot about them right now.

Blake: [Spanish:] Is he talking about Verne's sisters? What'd they take? Is Verne 'Lolly' what the fuck.

Enri [Spanish in italics, English unitalicized:] They took some ecstasy I think. Maybe something else. I've only heard it called caps once. It seems like what's wrong with them, though. All the touching.

Sen: Lolly is Verne. Another nickname.

Blake: [...] 👍🏽

Vitaly: I saw the crushed candy. And the Pixie Stix. Baking soda. It's a wonder Darius is alive to get married. What do you want to know?

Enri: Hey, don't talk about embarrassing Darius stuff when he's not around.

Vitaly: Sure. Sen can send him an invitation and then we'll talk about the time he tried to snort Nerds.

Sen: [...] [...] Oh, why not. This can't go any more chaotic.

[ Darius Precarious has been invited to the chat. ]

Verne: whys it brown

Vitaly: ?

Enri: What?

Verne: the hand whys it brown

Sen: You're going to have to be less obscure with your questions, Lolly.

Verne: the hand what blake used
Verne: its brown

Blake: [...] yeah cz i'm brown

Verne: but the simpsons r yellow

Enri: Jesus Christ.

Verne: he's brown

Vitaly: [...]

[citrinesupernova]

Darius: What in fuck did I just walk into and how much of a headache am I about to incur?

Nova: Lolly what the fuck. The Simps

Nova: ...Nellie and Pippa aren't in New York rn.

Nova: Are they with you and have you kept your eyes on them yeah or no??
Lolly. Lolliford. Lollipalooza. You know I love your sisters, a fact which doesn’t change that they’ve got one active braincell shared between them. They can’t be taking fucking MDMA and running amok

Darius: Sen, what in shit’s name have you opened and why have I been summoned, and fuck’re you doing roping Enri into whatever this is?

Darius: Vitaly, good to see you’re with us.

Darius: Enri. Puppy. Does Daddy need to save you from this circus?

Nova: ANSWER THE QUESTION LOLLY

[necropolitical]

Verne: their watchin each other dont fuss

Verne: shouldnt of gave em anything if u didnt want them to have it or let em see it neither u know how they get for what they want

Verne: fuckin weapons got into the lager is what they did its a wonder they aint dead yet

Enri: [...] You know, I think I want to see how this plays out. Want to come sit on my lap, though? ;)

Verne: no thx mabe later

Enri: You fucking know I wasn't talking to y Your loss. 🙄🙄🙄

Blake: u all fkin messy

Enri: Nice to meet you, Nova.

Sen: Enri's roped in because it's his wedding, too. I thought he ought to meet the participants, particularly those closest to you. Don't be a tit.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] They haven't changed much at all. Darius is right: circus.

Enri: [Russian] Darius is different. I don't know how much that difference matters to anyone but me, though.

Sen: Boys. Stop flirting. Or did you two bring enough for the whole class?

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Has Senan learned any languages east of Germany yet?

Enri: Hard to say what Sen knows. He likes to keep secrets.

Blake: ^^^^^^^^^

Sen: Rather mutinous of you, Clifford. You're setting a bad example for Blake.

Vitaly: Why haven't any of you introduced me to Nova before? Or Enri? Blake, I might excuse, but I assume Darius has known Enri long enough to be "different" in a meaningful way.

[ The chat goes dead for a few minutes. Enri takes the opportunity to find and cuddle his husband so they can watch the circus together. ]

Sen: [...]
Verne: [...]

Sen: [...] To my own defense, I don't precisely remember everything I did or didn't do prior to 2003. Socially speaking. There were quite a lot of illegals, Vitaly. From Nova, in fact. I would go so far as to suggest any gaps in my memory and failures to make introductions are his fault. ...Darius, help me.

[citrinesupernova]

Nova: Lolly I swear on thine own mother’s grave

Darius: Help you with what, Senan.

Nova: Fair point enough, it’s my mistake letting slip where I kept the shit and my mistake getting monged out. That don’t take us any nearer to solutions

Darius: I didn’t call this meeting of the minds.

Nova: The thing of it, though. Seeing as they tailed you across the Atlantic and seeing as my passport’s dragging its arrival, responsibility’s on your shoulders, mate

Darius: Vitaly, I’d intended to introduce you and Enri in person.

Nova: Listen. LISTEN, L A VERNE. Get them to call me. Call me and shove the phone at them, don’t fuckin care what it takes, someone’s gotta take this by the tail

Darius: [Russian] I wasn’t certain how [ … ] receptive you’d be after certain ass-minded gambits from certain self-sabotaging parties. [ … ] I have my regrets. I’d like to attempt some manner of mending. And I’d prefer to afford explanations and/or apologies in person.

Nova: Meanwhile, Stitches over here, as in snitches get, disparaging perfectly good nicknames and feigning like intoxicants full-on wipe a man out of memory

Darius: [Russian] Enri is infinitely dear to me, Vitaly. There is far more to him and far more to my feeling for him than can be conveyed in messaging alone. I thought we might take you to dine and have a proper introduction.

Nova: Shit speaking of, you had that surgery Sen yeah? Stitches still in or what?

Darius: [Russian] Regarding Nova, I assumed you’d had enough Brit chattering to last a lifetime.
Admittedly, I begin to believe myself mistaken on that front.

Nova: How long’ve you all known Vitaly anyhow?

[ Darius, who has been very much wrapped up in a kiss shared with his Puppy, draws from the kiss and favors Enri with a smirking half-smile before electing to add another number to the group. ]

[ Rin has been invited to the chat. ]

[ Rin has entered the chat. ]

Rin: Excuse me, why have I been called here?

Rin: It seems a discussion of some dire significance is occurring and as not one thing has been explained to me and as I can see very well who is involved, I can only surmise this is about my tooth, or my hat, or my jar of teeth recently shattered!

Rin: Well? Which!

Nova: ……shite

Darius: There, Sen. I’m helping.

[necropolitical]

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] He is talkative, but is attributing it to whatever drugs he's on at the moment. Friendly. Well, no matter. You seem infinitely dear to your Enri, quick as he has been to defend your honor. I never would have expected to see you married properly, so he must be at least attractive, eh?

Enri: Hey! We talked about this! You forgave me for the teeth and I forgave you for shoving one in my ear. I thought we were square!

Blake: whoever fked up one they hats prob got more to worry about than you w/ that jar

Verne: what r u going to do about them n ur fuckin c a p s even if i let em have my phone again last time they kept callin each other to see if it doubles for a vibrater

Sen: That was quite helpful, in fact. The focus is now on the multitudinous debts owed to my Pookie.

Vitaly: The conversation was about your tooth, as a matter of fact. In part.

Sen: [Direct Reply to Nova] The stitches come out in a week. It would have been much earlier on, but somehow they kept ripping. Certainly, it had nothing to do with Nelli and Pippa attempting to 'Eiffel Tower' me, resulting in much panic, fleeing, and hiding.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Darius, you have said much worse things to me in my life. When have I ever needed an apology? You [...] may not recall, but you told me to stay gone this time. Not undeservedly. But I assumed you would find me when you were ready for me to stop staying gone.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Maybe Enri will endeavor to help prevent such prolonged separations - and precipitating insults, yes? Keep you in a good mood.

Enri: [Russian] That's the plan.

[citrinesupernova]

Darius: [ Ukrainian, after conversing with Enri ] He guards me well; he makes me well, and obscenely happy. My Enri brings me to myself, nearer than I’ve known.
And yes, he is damnably handsome. Hazardous and tender; attractive in heart, in soul, in body all alike.
I love him infinitely, and in him I am infinitely lucky.

Rin: Enri, Enri, no, do not mistake me, please, permit me to be clear! I am referring to one culprit in the case of the shattered jar and spilled teeth, and his name is not Enri, nor is it Blake! The culprit in question is the very same who also owes to Sen a set of knitting needles!

Nova: Memo to the Big Man, I am a singular airline’s flight away from setting my knuckles to your obstreperous unsacked skull
Vexed with you, that’s me. Vexed to the utmost

Rin: [ Spanish ] Enri Scarlett-to-Be and Blake Navarro, I have no upset with you at all. It is only that when invited to a mysterious group chat, one must stride inward with a flourish.

Nova: Keep the phone in-hand, hold it between em if you’ve fears where it might be slipped

Darius: [ Ukrainian] Vitaly—
[ … ]
No, you’ve never asked apologies. But you merited no cut from my ire, nor fallout from my self-sabotage.

Nova: you still maungy about that time two years ago because i was straight out of c a p s then and there not a ruse about it, would’ve shared if I’d had a one for giving out

Nova: christ’s fkin child, Lolly

Darius: [ Ukrainian ] I know precisely what I said. I recall [ … ] clearer than I’d like. And no, it wasn’t deserved in the least.
I’d gotten into the habit of knifing myself in the foot. And it’s simpler to maintain a fragmenting facade when one’s closest connections have been cut.
I am fortunate in Enri. I’m fortunate as well for your patience, and the relative patience of the rest of this godsforsaken circus.
It’s good to hear from you.
It is good to know there remains in this world one Vitaly Kozak.

Rin: Vitaly Kozak, don’t believe for a moment that I am willing or able to overlook your transgression which some day may be provisionally forgiven, but never will be forgotten. That was indeed my tooth if you will recall, given to me by my very Senan! And then it became swallowed. Do you see the crime, the agonies incurred?
But as you have been honest to my question, I will in this one group chat set my focuses elsewhere.

Nova: [ Direct Reply to Sen ] …Fuckin they what
Christs sake. Once I’m over, I’ll have words with the both of em. The three of them, if Lolly keeps on this way.
Sorry for this all. Don’t know what sets em on you as to catnip, save the height, but the ecstasy ain’t helping none, nor the fuck is Verne.
If you can get a message to the twins through someone not your own self, tell em Liam’s back looking after them and Mariel’s scheming to give him the truth of the mug-shot ceremonial if they don’t pay up.

Darius: [ Ukrainian] Kozak. You’ll come to the wedding, won’t you?

Nova: [ Direct Reply to Sen ] Good to hear you’ll be stitch-free for the festivities. Grats on the liver, while I’m at it
Added to which. How many times’d you rip those stitches thissen?

Rin: Verne! Nova! There is accounting to be done!

Nova: Look give it a moment, managing something over here

Rin: And yet you have taken so many moments already, alongside the begriming of my hat!

Darius: [ Ukrainian ] Of the shitheads I keep in my vicinity - Enri, of course, excluded from this count; Enri being far too special to be numbered among any number save his own (you see, Vitaly, I have found a match for my divinity) - Vayne is one of the less maladjusted.
High or otherwise, you might do worse for conversation.

Rin: And I beg your pardon, s’il vous plait, I beg your collective pardon, but am I to understand that prior to my entry, my Senan found himself beset? I shall not hear of it, you see this will not stand!!

Nova: Ey, Rin.

Rin: Monsieur Vayne!

Nova: Say I bring over a hat, say it’s a curious hat, no other like it all the world across. Say I see it safe and in your hands, yours to keep.
Say that happens; any odds of a temporary ceasefire?

Rin: [ … ] [ … ] W e l l.
For a very curious hat.
And for the sake of Darius and Enri’s wedding.
I believe something might be arranged. 😊

[necropolitical]

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Please, Darius. If nothing else, not here; we can talk in person. I'll come to New York and see you both. [...] For now -- Tell me [...] about Nova. A little. Or don't. It's only curiosity. I would like to hear about Enri, too. You could tell me about Enri. How did you meet?

Sen: This is what all of you deserve. Take that assertion to heart. And Nova - not often. Only when others set themselves upon me like the heathens they are. Or Rin becomes energetic.

Verne: calm down fucks sake its only caps its not like they stuck a bottle up there twats again n left it for u to drink

Verne: oi sen tell u blake n enri tried to bust there cock hymens with wax

Sen: No.

Blake: verne i got no problem fuckin u up again

Vitaly: Another question, Darius. [...] Have you heard from Madeline?

Verne: bet u got a problem fuckin anyeone with wax up ur cock

Enri: [...] You know what, I think Rin's right about the teeth. You owe them so many teeth, Verne.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] What is this about candle wax? [English] Rin, one day I will dig up the skull of the tooth's owner and place it on your bed so that I can hear the end of this. But please: feel free to use my transgression for all your flourishing needs.

Blake: so many teeth

Enri: [Russian] If you want to hear about Nova, that's okay. Darius will probably talk a lot about me without being prompted. :) I talk about him all the time, too. He's my favorite.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Your favorite? Of what?

Enri: [Russian] Anything. Everything. [...] Darius is my world. My perfect love.

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Darius, what did you do to that boy, eh?

Verne: rin dont need more teeth they got enuf to make a tooth thrown just give em a rock or like

Sen: Now, there's an idea. A tooth throne, Pookie?

Enri: [Russian] Lots. >:)

Vitaly: [Ukrainian] Yes, that much is obvious. [English] Senan, you haven't changed.

2/2 - Vitaly to Nova

[necropolitical]

Darius and his Pup will put a stop to the story, and the rest of them will go on like that for hours.

Won't get a word in edgewise.

In order?

We haven't met, no.

Senan tried a variety of different crushed substances to see what Darius would take to. He called it a thought experiment. Darius was on amphetamines or some such at the time and I doubt he even noticed the candy wasn't cocaine.

I hear he's sober now. It's for the best.

I was not in a gulag for pinching teeth. Prison is not a gulag. I don't think gulags exist anymore, but who knows anything with Russia.

The tooth, singular, was taken from a mouth and given to Rin. The previous owner wouldn't stop hysterics about it, so I took the tooth from Rin and put it back in the hole. It got swallowed and I wasn't going to sort through intestines for it. You know Rin, yes? You know they beat dead horses for fun.

Fucking tooth.

Languages were Ukrainian and it looks like Spanish; I don't speak that, so I'm equally lost.

And your introduction is no worse than any other.

Was it Nova?

[citrinesupernova]

Nova, that’d be it. Vayne if we’re in for surnames. Don’t know as it’s any grand achievement making an introduction no worse than the others, bar being on the floor and all, but I’ll take it.

You’re an acquaintance of Darius, yeah? Shot in the dusk, bc sounds like you know one of em at the centre, and Scarlett’s as central as they get.

Well done to him, by the by. Seems to be the rage these days; sobering up, I mean. Don’t know how it’s managed, but can’t say it ain’t sensible. In particular when the group chat’s running rings around lucidity.

Point being you’ve lifted the fog from the situation, and now it all makes about as much sense as it’s liable to do. Thank you, Vitaly, from the bottom of my baffled heart. Got too deep real quick there and I am [ … ] not at the top of my cogitations this night.

You Ukrainian, then, or just done time in a Ukrainian prison? No shame no harm; nothing’s shoddier than the arse-end of Yorkshire, and I can’t say I’ve done no time myself. [ … ] Or I could say it, but I’m piss-poor with lies.

Dunno if that's over-personal. Like I said, cogitations, etc.

Here right less personal, more suggestion. You said the tooth was given. My guess is by Wilco, seeing as Rin gets weirdest about teeth when Sen’s involved, so okay, right, right, look. If you elect to reach the wedding, find someone being a pissant at their [ … ] they’ve got a club, I’m pretty sure. Take a tooth, give it to Sen, he gives it to them. Might help, might not; probably the best chance you’ve got.

P sure I’m still on Rin’s shit-list for [ … ] not sure I recall what, nor that they recall. Don’t think it was teeth because I make no habit of touching the things. Might’ve fucked up a hat.

[ … ]

Yep, that’s it. Wasn’t intentional, but you said it: Dead horses, recurrent stick. Ah well.

[necropolitical]

I've known Darius for [...] years. So, I've known Senan and Rin, also.

But not you, though maybe Senan mentioned. His words run together eventually. I don't mean this as an insult, or only as an insult in part. Before he played the game of accents with Rin, when he would drink, he would become unintelligible, and he was usually drinking in those days. Maybe he mentioned you often, for what I know.

[...]

Hm. I understand he is also no longer partaking, to some extent.

A sign of the times, all this sobriety.

I think I'll let the tooth be a point of contention. What would Rin be without their fixations? I've added color to their life in the form of a debt I can never repay. Also, if they forgave me, I would be expected to attend their [...] What word.

[...]

I don't remember the word that was used. Soirees, though.

Ah, no! Salons!

Well, they have a whole kingdom now to inflict with those. Their club. Good for them.

The other question -

I was in prison in New Jersey.

I don't live in Ukraine. Right now, I'm in Dublin. Nearer to you than Kyiv.

[...]

[...]

Are we being formal? Vitaly Kozak. Of no particular import, except that I have known Darius a very long time.

[citrinesupernova]

Not formal, nah. More like info for info’s sake. Also I like both parts of my name, chose em myself and so forth, so I make a habit of giving both. Good habit, bad habit? Not for me to judge.

See you’re not far wrong about Sen. Can’t say the same doesn’t apply to me, or that it don’t apply in amplification. Benefit of messaging: I come off a touch more coherent when fucked

A touch more, mind. Not saying this-all is any short of a mess. Trouble is I simply cannot tell. Haven’t caught up with the times, is the thing. Re: sobriety

But shit off, Dublin?? Close indeed, right said, and not so bad a place to be. Won’t ask what you’re doing but godspeed or whatnot. You there for long?

Shit other thing about chasing highs with me’s I also get chatty. Maybe obvs, maybe not. For good for ill, say it again, not my judgment

Anyway that’s good, the line about color to their life, debt you can’t repay. Good shit, very poetic. Best not let Rin hear it, or you might turn up dead-centre at the next salon / soiree / open mic. Not saying you’d not have a knack, just mandatory attendance, fuck it and all.

Less satisfactory, calling yourself a person of no import. See I don’t believe that for a second. Everyone’s got some particular import or other, and you’ve got interest on your side if nothing else. New Jersey prison, stuck around Bloodlust and the owls, got some poetics in you. I’m not about to hear talk of no important, not a moment. So what’s yours, Vitaly? You’ve gotta pick something, that’s just how it goes, can’t change up the rules.

[necropolitical]

[...]

[...]

Before I respond to anything more about you or Senan and your verbosity, please: did you mean 'fucked up'? Otherwise, I'm not sure how messaging benefits. [...] You'd have to enlighten me.

I'm in Dublin until June, at which time, I'll go see this unthinkable marriage in Manhattan. Darius ('Bloodlust'?) will never forgive me if I miss his wedding, and that is one grudge I couldn't endure.

You don't have to ask why I'm here, but I see no reason not to be candid. A particularly remorseful member of the Provisional IRA defected some twenty years ago. Defected to what allegiance, I don't care. Their familiarity with explosives interests me.

This is purely academic, of course.

[...]

Import, import.

Strange, to have to define your own importance. The mind goes blank. A cold sweat comes over me at times. 'Import' is relative.

Give me an example. What is your measure of a man's worth, and what is your own import?

[...]

A final thought: you chose well. Nova Vayne. I like the double 'v' sound. Va-vay.

Like 'Vevay'. Alive.

Nearly the same meaning as 'Vitaly'. Of life. But not alive.

You do seem very lively right now. Fucked or fucked up.

[citrinesupernova]

Do I mean

Ah fuck

‘Fucked up,’ that’s the one.

Shit shit shit shit shit

Been blazing. Smoking, that’s my meaning. Not fuckin anyone atm Been a dry spell, happens.

My fuckin mouth, swear to christ’s child

[ … ]

Not sure what fucking or being fucked full stop does for me vis a vis coherence or its inverse. Habitually, say, I’m not given to verbosity after. I like a little silence there, let it all sink in.

What I’m saying, any further info’d have to be worked out through mutual enlightenment.

[ … ]

Back to track, though, that’s Dublin for you, educational experience all round. Can’t see a fault in it, academically speaking. Never hurts to glean a bit of familiarity Got a bit myself, come to that.

Darius = Bloodlust, Godsmacked, Deimos. Take your choice, all of the above and there’s more where those came out of. Don’t mean to speak too ill of the devil; he’s done more than his share on yours truly’s account. Also don’t think he’d give a toss about a nickname, so long’s it’s properly of the divine or fuckever.

Clever trick on your end, throwing back at me before you’ve spoke up. Not so sportsmanlike, eh Vevay? c;

Eh, nah. Saying that as if I didn’t bring it on myself. Don’t think it was you steered the ship to deeper waters, so, yeah, fair play after all, and I’m game to begin it.

Could say worth’s in the trade, but I’m not in for that. Got a lot of trades; not adhering myself to any of em. If worth’s in coin I’m well fucked. Acclaim? Same story there.

Going by my account, worth’s in not being a complete dickhead or stuffy at all turns. Gets old real quick, right? Means also giving a person a goddamn chance, see I’m sick to death of what’s anticipated or fuckever, murderous, all those what you’re meant to bes. Related, giving a chance for others, also speaking where you can for those that can’t, for not over bein the critical thing.

Extra points, bein honest, for complimenting a man’s choice in names. That hits real right, it does. And while we’re at it, Vitaly’s a good one its own self.

Put it in short: See a norm or see a raised fist, split its throat, rummage through the pockets. After, drinks for all.

Don’t know as I live that way, or do it well. Could be liveliness is my import, I’m that all over, you’ve got me there.

You meet a lot of deadheads, zombies walkin alive. I try not being that so. I figure that’s worth something.

Your go, and bear in mind will you, it’s nothing worth sweating over. Import’s relative, yeah; go with what counts for you. No one here’s watchin the clockface or the hypothetical rule book.

[necropolitical]

Between the two of us, you would have 'Vevay' for a nickname. I discovered it, so I'll decide its use.

Your definitions of worth and import are different to mine. You're speaking of principle, which is only a part of the measure of anyone. Import, though - what you offer the world. What mark you've made. What good you are to those around you. What you've done to justify the breath you draw, the space you occupy.

To me, that is.

"'But perhaps all these comrades of mine struggled just like me and sought something new, a path in life of their own, and like me were brought by force of circumstances, society, and race—by that elemental force against which man is powerless—to the condition I am in.' [He] began to grow fond of, to respect, and to pity his comrades in destiny, as he pitied himself."

You see the reason, then, why a question of import would unsettle me. Difficult to determine worth or import when history is vast, forgetful, and meaning is so often beyond our grasp.

Or maybe my import is to be a [...] either the vibrancy or the pall at a party. As time and mood allow. But who knows; my answer may change tomorrow.

[...]

I admire your principles.

They speak of a generosity of spirit. A desire for an older sort of justice answering what can't be borne. There is nothing good of 'an eye for an eye', but we place too much faith in the movements of government when a good fist will do just as well.

Call the rummaged pockets 'restitution'.

[citrinesupernova]

[ … ]

I don’t often take to nicknames. Like I said, chose my name, prefer to stick by it, usually

Usually

That said and done with, ‘Vevay’ I’m in for. Not so far from my own name. Removed enough it’s pleasing, fresh.

Yours to give, aye, guess that means it’s mine to take. So I do.

[ … ]

At the risk of coming off minimizing, sounds like you’re in well over your head. Doesn’t need to be as deep as that, Vitaly. Or as [ … ] vast, like. Thinking on a grand scale’s a good way to lose yrself. Removes the world away as well

Look a little more immediate, yeah? History’s fucked one way and another; there’s no getting around it, and no getting a handle on it, neither. Destiny’s no better Myself, I’ve never been much a fan of fate, seeing as fate’d have me fucked from day one.

As well, history is vast, that’s given. The present’s less so. Not small, nah, but more manageable, a bit. Look around you, what’s to do? What’re you acting about it, and what’ll we do when time’s here for restitution?

Good word that. Restitution. That’s my meaning caught and cornered and you’re right about a good fist as well, sometimes it’s on yr own self to reap what heirarchies’ve sown

There’re more words like that to speak what I’m reaching at, probably. Better than i have or’ve heard, or likely the Reckoner’s said em but i’m fucked if I recall.

(Eh, right. The Reckoner = Sen. also Wilco, Pasta, Seneca the Longer, DIY, Johnny Rotten, so on and so forth. nixing Renfield, as he’s got a point on the Renault name not to be crossed. Point is, he’s given to philosophizing, as you may or you may not have witnessed.)

So that above (lit or philosophy or what?), comrades and struggle, new paths, pity and conditions. I’m thinking new paths aren’t made alone, that’s too much on one set of shoulders. Then also there’s distinctions between making and rerouting. Materials ain’t found new whole-cloth, figure the work’s in repurposing, or else getting down to the centre of what’s there all along, take away the detritus give what’s waiting room to breathe

Question starts to look like, What’ve you got or what’s it you see you want remade?

That’s one question, and for that other, what’s offered for the world at large. Fair question, right question for minding. Can’t say for certain on my own offer’s count. There’s more I could do; that’s the truth. There’s important acts I’ve failed on; there’re others have gone right. Don’t know how the balance looks. Don’t know if it’s the balance matters most

Got to think small things count for something. Count for a lot, viewing the aggregate. Get a lass’s car running no fuss, no mucking about. Fix a sink, never mind about the charge bc the man’s mum’s been on hospice. Give a shoulder to sob upon, sure. A drink for who’s thirsty, bite for who’s running empty. Skinned my knee when i was seven, eight maybe. A neighbour down the way, never knew her before nor much after, gave a hand, patched me up. That’s with me still, kept near when I’ve needed it.

Give someone a bolstering, or lend someone a reason. Doesn’t have to mean playin Atlas or skifting all the world, that’s what i’m saying. Effect and effects therefrom; ripples ever-outward, see it?

[ … ]

Fucking rattling yr ear off with preaching. Last thing for now, then

You’re getting a name yet. Haven’t found it, letting this one take its time in gathering. Not thinking I want to rush it, and I hope I've got no cause to rush.

[necropolitical]

Literature. It isn't important; only a way of stating my thought better than I could have, myself. Borrowed words.

Please: speak as much as you like. I can't promise you that I'll be able to meet you - particularly in speech, though in text, I fare much better. I've always left the speeches to Senan.

I find your words interesting. Comforting, in a way. Your view of the world is refreshing, kinder than most. Simpler in a way I wish things were simple. Are you happy, living this way?

Maybe I overcomplicate [...] most things. A day, a week, a lifetime all taking the same shape as an hour, and none of it mattering; such thoughts as this, you see? Sometimes I think I -

Know solutions. The answer. I drink and it comes to me, and then I wake sober and I've lost it again.

But you have it, don't you? Simplex sigillum veri.

[...]

My import, simply? To be a friend, I suppose. To Darius, to Senan and Rin. To this [...] Enri, now.

To you, why not.

And to appreciate!

I appreciate much. Life, simplicity, beauty, the things that pass fleetingly and never come again, but last.

[...]

You speak of 'Vevay' like a vow. You take names very seriously for someone who lives with such simple importance. That isn't a condemnation. Just an observation.

Well. I'll call it my honor, then, and will let no one else use it. You can be Vevay only to me

[citrinesupernova]

Leaving speaking to Sen’s not so bad a call, long as you’ve an hour or three to tune out the rest of the wide world, let yrself fall into his yarning. He’s got a knack for it, that one. Always did And credit to Wilco, I figure that one thrives upon complications

Can’t say the same for myself. You’re dead on about me, sayin I lean toward the simple. Takes work getting there, mind, batting through what’s complex, so it is and it ain’t simple keeping simple, if that makes a lick of sense Took years getting the tangles out from myself. Peeling em out still, I don’t doubt.

I’m getting toward saying it ain’t no stain on you, the complications. Hard to overcomplicate what’s a mess from the start, right? In particular as it persists on growing messier each year

Here, so, what’re you, who’s Vitaly in simple terms? From the sounds of it, friend and appreciator. Ukrainian, well-traveled. Capable of enduring God Hisself in his furies and The Longer’s diatribes. Prone to falling into cogitations, a man seeking answers

Something like a philosopher yourself, aye? Meditative, poetic yr own way. So there’s one name for you, Ovid.

And another, Tavi.

Not claiming that one’s creative on my own part, mind. Think on it like a matter of eh vibes, like musicality in speaking. It’s got a good sound to my mind. And it’s got its meaning, even if theres no dictionary tells it.

Better no dictionary tells it, maybe; leaves room for your own self.

Same’s true with any name a man takes on himself or lets in, or finds tossed his way. Like said, I don’t take a lot of names from outside, never know the thorns thrown in em waiting to prickle, right? Don’t often like the sound of em, neither.

So it’s a rare thing, hearing one I like

[ … ]

If we meet, you and I Or let me put it when we meet, call me Vevay, I’d like to hear it said

It’s no small thing by the by, being a friend. Nor dismissable, appreciating what’s around you. Not many bother or care to give it a go, busy looking elsewhere

Give us a specific. What’s something beautiful you’ve seen, what’s its beauty?

Further, putting aside complications, never mind about realism or otherwise, what’s one thing you want for yourself? Given all of time and resource and telling logic to get fucked, what’s one thing you’d do?

[ … ]

[ … ]

That’s me, posing questions before I’ve answered your own

Am I happy. Loaded question, that

Wouldn’t say I’m in misery. Better off now than when I started, that’s sure, and compared to most I’ve no grand cause for whinging these days. Any trouble I’ve got to bear’s what comes of living. Same goes with questions unanswered

I’ve got my fulfillments, that’s something, and most times what’s good or at the least tolerable outweighs the [ … ] fuck’s the word, malaise, that. Got ways to keep my own self steady, mostly.

[ … ]

Ain’t the same as being happy, truth. Don’t know I can say I’m that, not on the overall. But like it’s said, that’s living, and if I’m given the choice of looking on what alleviation’s possible and given, or of entertaining a 24/7 stare-off with the void, guess I’ve made my choice and mean to make it til my end of days

I'm all right enough, that's an answer.

[necropolitical]

I was understanding you until 'Tavi', but if there's no dictionary definition and only a vibe, maybe you can't say where it comes from.

You could just call me Vitaly.

Talik - depends. One is for friends, the other is for [...] endearment. "God Hisself" doesn't call me Talik, nor does Senan. So there you see the nature of it?

Diminutives are complicated for us.

Ukrainians. Not you and me.

There are social rules. We should be friends before we call one another familiar names.

You see why I have none, then, eh?

Ah, you won't like that. It was only a joke; of course there are friends and familiar diminutives. Darius and Senan have found many names to call me over the years, including 'Shithead'. I would say Rin, also, but sometimes I think they forget I exist. (That is not a joke.)

[...]

I suppose if we are to meet, we will be friends, part of the same circle. I'll call you Vevay if you like.

[...]

There is much to be said for 'Nova'. The burst of a new star - or is it a comet? Nevermind; perhaps 'new' is the best meaning for me to take from it. New and alive.

How little the world has that may be both new and alive.

Ah, but you asked me questions, and answered mine, so I should answer in kind. It's polite. What have I seen that is beautiful?

Many things. But here: something else both new and alive.

[ He attaches a picture of a large, clean, bright-eyed puppy looking directly at the camera; the man holding her is looking off to the left and grinning. ]

I found her outside of Kyiv. Before all of this shit with Russia. She was very dirty, barely any dog at all. I could count her ribs, you see? She had fleas and worms, but I took her home to clean her up. Now she looks like that.

Bigger. Much bigger. Not a pup anymore. I worry she may grow larger, her paws are so big.

She is my something beautiful. Full of joy and [...] I don't want to be unkind about her. Hm.

She is [...] a different kind of simple from you.

[...]

The other question is more difficult. I know answers; I know the impossibility of them, so putting logic aside means little. It only makes the melancholy stronger. Better to ask for things with potential, like -

I want a strong drink and a warm meal tonight.
I want to see what is so special about the buildings in New York.
I want to outlive Putin.

[...]

I want to meet you, Nova, and call you 'Vevay'.

[...]

I want to know why you aren't happy. Why someone like you has malaise.

Ha, you said 'one' thing. There, that's my mistake. The drink and meal, then. It troubles no one.

[citrinesupernova]

Talk like this and a photo like that and I’m thinking I might be lost to falling hopeless thrice over.

Fuck me running.

[ … ]

Didn’t expect that.

Ask most folks what’s beautiful, they’re not like to send a dog, and more’s the shame for them. It’s a good answer, binds beauty side-to-side with life. Warms a man’s heart, no feigning, and you’re dead right she’s a beautiful pup

Happens you’re a beautiful
Fuckssake

That you with her, then? Got a nice smile about y

Took her in and cleaned her up sussed out the dog beneath the dirt. Not many’d do that either or nah, neh, nevermind this about what anyone else’d do, comparison’s a fruitless business, easy to fall into, runs circles through itself goin nowhere. Better said I call it crucial, acts like that, taking up care without knowing what’s to follow, what yr effort’s like to yield. Act of a worthy man, I’d say. Do say. You’ve got a heart to you, Vitaly.

She’s your beautiful thing, you’re her reason. That’s not small.

She got a name, your girl?

Eh, names abounding this night. There’s more to be said there, but what I’m addressing here and now is your calling it a mistake, giving more want than one. There’s no mistake I’m seeing, and I can’t go letting you axe off the rest of those wants. Thing is, I ask for one, you give me more, I call it a bonus. There’s enough of melancholy and malaise both to occupy the wide worlds for centuries to come. Speaking claim for what’s good or what’s wanted’s a way of staking balance, gives pull against what’s sorrowing.

I’ll put in a good word for and seconding of that stiff drink, that meal at its side. I’m ahead of you on both counts aye and can’t recommend strong enough. Worth noting if you don’t ken or haven’t heard, steer clear of Marney’s. Looks a likely pub from outside, but it’s shite for liquor and decor alike, not to speak of the clientele. Full to the brim withs fuckin wankers, is what I mean. Added to which the publican’s a closet fkin fascist, though that in itself ain’t rare.

Right. So I won’t fault you for sticking to what’s possible, what with all the melancholy in the world. Like to say there’s no harm in what’s it, dreaming big or hoping, but that ain’t right. More a question whether whatever’s hoped’s worth the potentiality of said hope falling though and [ … ] that’s not always so. Can’t fault you, then, nor shall I.

Happens that a want of yours meets with my own. I want to meet you, I want you to meet me. I want to hear you call me ‘Vevay,’ truth, and I’ll call you ‘Talik,’ if you should allow.

I like that one, I do. ‘Talik.’ Given to you, chosen, or something else besides?

My profession here’s I can’t say I quite follow on your meaning or either grasp the intricacies of Ukrainian diminutives (can’t say I’m much up on societal rules all in all), but I’ll get there. I learn steady, and what’s this modern age of wonders for, if not caulking up the gaps of ignorance. Meaning if I’ve spoken back your name too swift, it isn’t in impertinence.

Any rate, come to that wedding, we’ll be among us fellow Shitheads and here’s another want of mine, I’d like to call you friend at the least of it, alongside any other name.

Suppose if you’re game for it, you might hear something of malaise. It’s naught I talk on often, or I try to make no habit of it, but travel and old friends, new friends, weddings have a way of driving all manner of sentiments to the surface. Can’t promise it’s cheery, as I suppose the ‘malaise’ label advertises for itself, but it ain’t so rotten, either.

Related and on the subject of Shitheads, the sense I get’s Rin’s got a memory for anywhere between six and seven faces caught in knowing. Up til the matter of wronged teeth or hats or curios arises, ofc. Nothing speaking against them, only a fact to lay out there, and I can’t see how’d yourself’d be forgotten otherwise.

Shite, before I go forgetting to ask, next question, last question only for the now: What’s your girl looking like these days? Any chance of a further photograph?

[ultimatenegative]

Nova-Love.

Assuming someone were to contact me - casually, of course, with the most offhand of airs - and ask for a photograph of you, ostensibly so that this individual might 'recognize [you] in a crowd' upon arrival in New York.

Such is our assumption: that this individual wants only to put a face to a name.

I assume I am not to send the one of you sleeping with your mouth open and a cigarette stuck to your cheek, but rather something of the more 'attractive' variety?

[...]

No, let me rephrase.

What face would you like put with your name for this individual whose intentions are utterly casual and benign and perfectly reasonable?

[citrinesupernova]

Did he rea

[ ... ]

Yeah, give us a min.

[ A minute. Fifteen minutes, close enough, all spent seeking through his phone, thinking, deciding and then redeciding because nah, that one's too flirty, something amiss with his hair in that other, then there's one that'd be good were it not for the fact he looked stoned out from his mind which, to be fair, was likely the case.

Finally, he sends a recent picture, taken on a football pitch, himself leaning against the goal, fingers wrapping through the net. The afternoon's sun soft, diffuse behind him; his own expression quietly pleased, perhaps a little wistful. ]

That's the one, please and thanks.

[ ... ]

Wait wait, hold

[ Nova nearly, nearly sends a second picture, thinks again, messages Sen again— ]

Nah, aye, keep with that one.

Chances of begging a return pic off you? Assuming you've any of him, him being Vitaly, myself lacking any talent toward allusions and sidespeaking, leastwise not in this moment.

Thing is, you see. I'm thinking I enjoy his company.

[ ... ]

Here, favour for a favour—

[ Nova next sends a photo just now found among his phone's archive: Sen of about a decade ago sprawled sitting in a sofa, held in careful poise, looking for all the world as though he's forgotten how to breathe, gone stricken. His eyes are fixed on Rin Renault, who'd fallen asleep against his shoulder, their hand clasped to his forearm. Rin's hat is settled on Sen's head - for safe-keeping, of course - and the picture's caught Sen's hand in the midst of carding with clear care through Rin's hair. ]

Vitaly, if you please? And you'll have ofc my undying thanks upon yrself, dear Senan.

[necropolitical]

[ Not long after receiving a photograph from Sen - and after staring at said photograph with a look of mingled wistfulness, sadness, and appreciation - he replies with another photo of his own.

Of the dog, of course.

He just happens to be in the picture with her. It's more recent, this one: the dog sprawling on her back on a sofa, her head on his lap; his feet are kicked up on a table just out of view in the foreground.

Dodo's tongue is hanging out; Vitaly is laughing, playing with one of her paws with one hand and holding a bottle of vodka and a cigarette in the other.

Either it's a small bottle or he's quite a large man.

It's nothing. Of course. They're just talking, and Nova is just friendly, and Vitaly is just...lonely, really. (But he thinks he'd talk to Nova even if he wasn't lonely. It's not fair to Nova to say he's only talking to the man because he's lonely.)

(It's not the only photo he has of himself with Dodo.

It is one of the few in which he's wearing a tank top, baring his heavily-tattooed arms.) (No reason.) ]

I named her пампушка - Pampushka?

It doesn't matter. In English, it's Doughnut, so that was what everyone called her first. Then she stuck her head in a [...] ковпак. The thing for tyres, what is the word [...] Hub cap.

So now, just Dodo. She looks like this, or she has something stuck on her head. Very brave, my girl, which is not always a good thing when one is the not-Nova kind of simple.

[...]

Did you understand my meaning about 'Talik' or

It makes me breathless, seeing you use it, but I barely know you. The potential, though, you see, it's all the potential and possibility I feel when I read your words

I'm sorry, I asked Sen for your photo

I had to see y

I'm married. You should know I'm ma

Not that it matters at all

No, I won't go to Marney's. Some friends will meet me I think at Walsh's. I'm not in the right mood tonight for fighting with fascists or anyone else. [...] I'm enjoying our conversation very much.

You're very charming even in your talkativeness - or perhaps because of it

It's too bad, isn't it, you're so close and so far. [...] Because you could join us, otherwise, I mean to say! Perhaps I we could raise your spirits some. Would you call me Ta

[...]

But no matter, eh? We can talk here.

Go on, [...] Vevay, and tell me your malaise. Perhaps talking will help.

[...]

[...]

You [...] may call me that. Of course.

Ah, this is stupid of m

And 'friend', as well.

[...]

Do you know Verne very well? I ask only because [...] of how you speak in the group with him, of course. You call him 'Lolly' as his sisters do. I suppose you two are togeth close.

[citrinesupernova]

[ Okay, so. There’s no doubt left that the man in the photos is the same Nova’s speaking with right now.

Which.

Sure. Yeah. Yeah jesus, those're some arms, and that is—

Vitaly is. A very. Very attractive man.

Not a man Nova would've thought to see attached to these exchanges, this loving on a rescued pup, this self-doubting and this speech that feels like the tip of an iceberg running deeper than Nova's glimpsed.

This talk of raising spirits and if only, god above sure, if only he were in Dublin right here and now.

He saves this photo with the one before. Looks over both again, smiling to himself, before responding. ]

Dodo! Don’t know as I’ve ever seen such joy for life in a dog Goofy little lass, isn’t she? Eh, maybe not so little. Looks like she’s got a love for you, and you for her.

[ … ]

You’ve got a smile I’d call contagious, you know that?

Presuming that’s you there, which I’m taking is a safe assumption.

Jesus, it’s a good smile.

[ … ]

There’s a lot I’d like to say. Which, here’s a thing, says itself something about how I’m feeling re this talk of ours, since most days I’d’ve lost track with my own thoughts by this hour, not worth holding onto em usually, what’s the good in holding if no one receives? Meaning if I give no fucks whether anyone receives because there’s few hands I’m giving trust to.

Isn’t the case here. Isn’t so with you, the way I feel it.

Diminutives uncomplicated between you and I, which doesn’t suggest a lack in meaning. Talk goes deeper than most, and I don’t balk at it, don’t think it’s going nowhere.

My meaning is I’m enjoying this conversation my own self. I like the ways you place your word, the matters you take your speaking after. They’re important, the words you’re choosing, and I feel it in em, right? You’ve said my view of the world’s kinder than most, and I won’t argue the point, knowing what I do about the propagation of shit stirrers. You’ve an eye for what a world could be like, as well as a kindness in your own right, the sort I like to hear and the sort not often found, yeah? The sort you might extend a little further to yrself, as it strikes me you’re right hard on Vitaly, aye?

My meaning’s also I can’t say I ever wished to be in Dublin more than now. Fuckin Irish Sea.

No changing what’s geographical, so I’ll content myself with messages, and count myself glad, lucky just as well. Be grand if you could skip on over here, though. Night’s young enough and I’ve got clean sheets to spare and fuckin am getting far the fuck ahead of myself.

Happens you’ve raised my spirits already. The night here’s not so easy on a man. Gets lengthy, gets cold, and there’s hollows this country and its fuckin rains bring out relentless. Wasn’t the brightest day to begin before that group avalanche started rolling, and I’m pissed to fuck with Lolly.

Which. [ … ] [ … ] Best get this one out the way You’ve got the right of it: I’ve known the wazzock the arsehole a good while now, him and Sen both. Since I first came south of Harrogate, right? Met the twins, that’s Nelli and Pippa, Verne’s sisters through the meagre times I did set foot in that school, and as they took to me all right, I hung around their place, leading to the acquaintanceship of Verne and Senan. Thing about his sisters is [ … ] Look, don’t know you’ve met them or not, but [ … ] they make Laverne look the top of MENSA. So I try to look in on em and after em much as I can, Lolly being away more often than not, and you see why I’m fucked off Lolly’s giving not a drop of shite.

[ … ] Yeah as well. Look, I ain’t saying it represented any high point in my life, and I’d ask you not to judge too harsh but then as well your feeling’s up to you, so [ … ] yeah I fucked around with him a bit. Dated him? That, sort of a one-time thing, don’t know I can call it a lapse in judgment but I do know I’d not repeat it. There’s as much beneath the surface as a pissing puddle and sure he’s an all right fuck and a man can only take so much of that. So, eh. That’s been done with a decade since. But I figure it’s better told by me than any other body.

[ … ]

Fuck, might be I shouldntve

Fuck I don’t want

[ … ]

You with me still, Talik?

Shite, shite, apologies if I’ve

Talik

Talik, Vitaly, Talik, Talik

[ … ]

Most days I don’t care a damn who knows what I’ve done with which person. It’s past and if it meant anything lasting, it’d be ongoing, yeah? Had a lot of doings with a lot of people. That’s living, or that’s living if one’s myself and if [ … ] lasting’s not been much accounted for, and there’s always something doesn’t mesh right.

[ … ]

It ain’t that I’m ashamed, only [ … ] I can’t say rightly how it sounds. From where you are, you get me?

Thing is, I don’t want to lose you.

Lose talking with you. Lose you. Either, and both.