[ video ]

[beholding_archivist]

[ And this is Jon appearing on your network feed, actually outside of his library and in all likelihood enjoying a nice evening at the open air. ]

Good evening, Temba.

I... I mean. We don't need more apologies, and yet I feel like I owe quite a few. Things happened. I hurt people both physically and verbally and I'm sorry, but...

...it happened.

[ He falls silent, eyes dropping for a moment. Then he clears his throat and looks back up and over his screen. ]

The beach here is gorgeous. Have been here a few times now and- I think it would be nice to- To come together. Here. Have a nice day and enjoy- uh, well. The beach. The water. Find some time to just... Talk. Maybe... Have fun...

I... I will organize something.

[ Is he awkwardly announcing a beach party? Oh, you bet he is. ]

Comments

[beholding_archivist]

I rarely listened to music back home. Some classic pieces while reading and otherwise more of the 80s. Which fortunately make up the majority of the titles on Cayde's karaoke machine.

[ Yes, he's actually using that thing. ]

I'm actually a decent singer. Used to work with a band while in university so we could afford paying rent.

[kyley_b]

There's a karaoke machine? And I am a little surprised you dig the 80s.

No way! Dude, that's totally sweet. I'm like the world's shittiest bassist.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon lets out a little huff. ]

Kyle, I was born in 1987, which still makes me a bloody millennial. Which may not mean anything anymore after what happened on my Earth, but- I did listen to the 80s plenty growing up.

My band was more into storytelling cabaret. Never learned an instrument, but I- Well.

[ He had a talent for commandeering the room. ]

[kyley_b]

No, it means something. You just seem so... I dunno, classy? Yeah. So it's hard to picture you jamming out to like, George Michael or whatever. Hey, you like Run-DMC?

Okay, what the fuck is that? I've never even heard of 'storytelling cabaret.'

[beholding_archivist]

I listened to them. Though I will admit that hip hop is not my strongest genre.

[ Look at him. Clearly he's more into heavy metal. ]

We dressed up as immortal space pirates and told tragic stories via song. A mix of known myths and legends and horror elements. I wrote none of the songs.

[kyley_b]

Oh, I love it.

...

[Kyle bursts into cackling laughter.] What?! I love it, oh my god, that's awesome!

[beholding_archivist]

[ Congratulations, Kyle, Jon looks a little flustered now. ]

Ah, w-well. Thanks. I mean- You haven't heard any of the pieces, but...

[ Yepp. There he goes, scratching the back of his neck. ]

[kyley_b]

Dude, I wish you could preform some of em. That would be so sweet. We'll have to get you drunk and make you sing one some day.

[beholding_archivist]

Ah, actually.... I’m not drinking anymore. For Tony’s sake.

[ Gotta be supportive! ]

Though I generally don’t mind singing. I do use that karaoke machine in Cayde’s bar, you know? Can be rather relaxing.

[kyley_b]

Oh, dude, that's awesome. I totally understand. My best friend is an alcoholic.

Well, I'll totally have to hear you then.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon simply nods, offering a smile. ]

I'm glad you understand.

For now I'll see you at the party. Going to ask Cayde to borrow the guitar from his bar. Just in case.

[ He can't play it, however. ]