ic contact

[brushoff]

"Hello. This is Dorian Gray's cellphone. I can't talk right now. Don't forget to leave me a message. If you're interesting, I'll get back to you."

voice, video, text, action
[ certain threads in this post contain nsfw content (sex, blood, violence, etc.) so, you know, don't read them where Gramma can look over your shoulder. just kind of a blanket trigger warning for gore & body horror as well ]

Comments

[brushoff]

And what a coincidence, you're the only imPort psychiatrist. But you're right. Taking patients at the moment?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm taking interesting patients, yes. That's why I wanted to reach out to you, in fact.

[brushoff]

[ congrats Chilton, you now have Dorian hook, line, and sinker ] Well, I promise you, I'm more interesting than anybody here.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Tell me more.

[He practically purrs this.]

I've noticed you around the Network, I mean. You adapt well, and I'd like to know more about you.

[brushoff]

Well, where shall we start? Because let me tell you Doctor, it's a very long story.

[slightlyoffchilt]

If you're interested in a few sessions, I would prefer you on my couch. But -- well, we can consider this a preliminary, can't we?

[He's careful to lead up to the death, rather than begin with it.]

Why not start with the basics? Tell me about yourself, your interests. Your hobbies.

[brushoff]

I've got to say, telling my life story isn't generally what I do on strange men's couches. [ said with a chuckle ] But as for the basics. Well, I'm Dorian Gray and I'm just shy over a hundred and fifty. I enjoy the good things in life: drink, art, and the pleasure of good company,

[slightlyoffchilt]

[That first comment earned a raised eyebrow -- but luckily, they were speaking over a phone line.]

Dorian Gray, yes, I remember a little chat about the name. [A beat. Chilton was at a point where absurdly old individuals weren't faze-worthy, but it was remarkable how Gray kept his youth. Much like the fiction, uncanny.] We have that in common, then -- your enjoyments, I mean. But what of your company? There must be limitations of quality in this world.

[brushoff]

Not entirely. There's always some empty-headed little native who's willing to enjoy my company for a night or two, just so she can say she slept with an imPort. [ however, as describing that, his tone of voice is sort of bored, very matter-of-fact. ] And I've managed to find a few people here worthy of my affections.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Why don't we talk about those few who have entertained you? What's so special about them?

[brushoff]

That's veering dangerously close to 'kiss and tell' territory.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm not opposed to that -- are you?

[brushoff]

Only if said kissing and telling remains confidential. I'd hate for my current to find out about my flings.

[slightlyoffchilt]

As a patient of mine, you have the promise of my confidentiality. This is supposed to be a discussion all about you, after all, and I can't allow mistrust to taint your freer dialogue.

[brushoff]

[ a discussion about you = Dorian thinking 'wait, I can just talk about myself for all this time??? therapy's AWESOME. ]

In that case, chronological, by age, or by importance?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Chilton chuckles, almost indulgently -- and then, like a conspirator:]

Let's do by importance.

[brushoff]

[ Dorian reacts with a small little 'hmm' of his own. He's liking this. ]

From most to least, and this is as of right now, mind you...Yuri Petrov, Simon Newton, Dio Brando, Rosie Franklin, Kate Bishop. Poor Kate had a higher spot a few months ago, but apparently she didn't like the idea of potential competition.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Lightly:] Seems rather typical of her. [Chilton clears his throat, and you can practically hear the grin in his voice.] But you're used to interesting people, aren't you? The type who aren't an easy catch, but would learn to bend over backwards for you. A paradox of a person.

[brushoff]

I'm used to all sorts of paradoxes. [ and yeah, you can hear the grin in Dorian's voice as well. ] But yes. If you're not interesting, then you're simply not worth my time—so please, for your own sake, don't leave me bored.

[slightlyoffchilt]

It's certainly not my impulse to bore such a charming man as yourself.

[Oh yeah, Chilton's dealt with narcissists. He WAS one, of course, but that data wasn't included in his general pool of experience.]

It must have been difficult for Yuri and Simon, when you died. Were they highly distressed, do you know?

[brushoff]

Poor Simon was more confused than anything else. After all, Lunatic kills sinners and surely this lovely chap with the unfortunate name couldn't be a sinner. But as for my Yuri...I'd say that he seemed distressed. Of course, it's rare for Yuri Petrov to express an emotion in the first place.

Honestly, the most distressed was poor Anita.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You clearly mean a lot to your selected group -- why would anyone want to hurt you, Dorian?

[brushoff]

That's what I want to know! [ said with a huff. There was a pause, then Dorian continued. ] Well, we do know why Lunatic had it out for me. I'm a sinner.

[slightlyoffchilt]

A sinner, according to his "divine judgement"? What has he accused you of?

[brushoff]

You're an educated man. You've probably read the book. But, in case you haven't, I drove a girl to suicide and killed one of my closest friends.