It has everything to do with this, given that it's why I talked to Elena at all. She told me how to kill vampires, and asked that I kept the knowledge secret for her safety. That, I fully intend to do, since I gave her my word.
That was before your friend pushed a bomb at Athos, and made him believe he was a genuine danger to people's safety here. I wanted Elena to make sure that was not the case. If he, as you put it, steps out of line, I will use what I know, and I will share it. That's what I told her.
[ exhaling, his words come after a weighty pause. seth has stood here before, between a companion and his brother. in texas, he abided murder and mutilation for the latter; in mexico, damnation and monsters. maybe it's not right. hell, it's probably not even smart or safe, but he's never been a good man or a smart man by the truest definitions. ]
Though I'll say it again: it's not your place. The instructors will handle him if he steps out of line, and if you make it your job to take him out instead, I'll make sure they handle you. You're my friend, and guys like me don't get many of those in this life, so I'm sorry, but — I can't lose him, too, Sturmhond, so I'll call in favors from high places to protect him, no matter what or who is at stake. [ even you. If he keeps doing favors for Dagger, he keeps his people safe. ] I'm not saying he can run wild, but all he did was what he thought was best for his survival. Reckon I'd do the same to save my own skin. He's all too aware that even immortals die, y'know? [ Damon. ] I swear I'm trying to help him, but I'm only human. And he is, too, underneath all the bullshit. I won't let anything happen to him, period. I can't.
[ maybe he's desperate, too, always emptying his sinking rowboat with a spoon :') ]
[ He has to stop this; it’s getting out of hand. Has already gotten out of hand, in fact. ]
I don’t plan to handle him. I don’t plan to step out of place, hunt him, punish him, or whatever else it is you’re thinking. I don't want to kill your friend, and never did.
Equally, I won't put his safety above my own. [ Or above Athos'. Or Alina's. Or anyone else he cares about here. ] I plan only to defend myself. That’s all. Unless he becomes a threat, I will not be one to him.
If knowing how to kill a vampire is itself a threat, then perhaps it’s Elena you should speak to instead of me – given that she told me herself, in casual conversation, and not because I forced her. I could have told Athos how to defend himself already, and I didn’t because I gave her my word.
Now tell me what it is you want to achieve. I will only act if I am threatened, or someone I care for is. It would be in self-defence, no more than that. Do you honestly expect anything less?
[ He will make a record, though, of all of this – just in case one of the vampires gets it into their heads to compel his memory. It’s made him more wary, not less. ]
[ Seth's words are calm, tired. He still can't grasp why Stefan's conduct was a problem in the first place, but that's probably because he also acts in his self-interest, most of the time, and he doesn't view actions on the job a personal, just business. ]
I don't know what I expect anymore. [ and that's honest. ] You already stepped out of place when you confronted Elena. You made Stefan's mission conduct your personal business. He didn't have a vendetta against your friend. He just performed his mission in the way he thought was best for himself, which wasn't great, but that's how he is. He doesn't have it in for anybody. He just doesn't give a shit about them, either.
And you literally just said that you would use what you know and share the secret to killing him, if he messes up again — not if he has a hand on your besties' throats. I'm saying that you can't do that, end of story. The instructors know how to handle him. No one else needs to.
I want you to give me your word that you won't share that information with anyone under any circumstances or use it in any way beyond immediate self-defense. And I mean fucking fangs-in-face immediate.
[ He's had enough. Sturmhond isn't the kind to be intimidated, and he's certainly not going to be told off. He's not in the wrong here. He acted to protect his friend just as Seth is doing.
His voice chills. ]
Your friend has a documented history of violence which is plain for all to see, and Athos has a right to be wary. I did nothing more than talk to Elena about it to ask for her help in preventing that violence.
I have told no one how to harm him, but I will point out that he knows how to harm every one of us. He is better protected than anyone, and so it will remain - unless he threatens us. If he does, I will fight back, Seth, and I will help others to fight back. If you don't want that to happen, tell him to play nice, and you'll have my word that I'll do the same.
[ The tone tells Seth that Sturmhond intends to watch and act. It's not an if, it's a when — because Stefan will slip up, in the state he is now.
And Seth will shoot anyone who comes after him for it. It doesn't change his relationship with Sturmhond, on his end, since he's always been willing to sacrificing everything for one person, even his personal connections. Their friendship is the same as before, but now Seth doesn't have the luxury of pretending his loved ones are on equal footing. ]
You danced around what I asked again. I know you're a liar, man, and normally I don't care, but you need to give it to me short and straight. What is your definition of threat? Because if it's anything other than an off the job attack, I won't and can't promise you shit.
[ Which is unusual for him, granted, but this isn't a subject he's playing lightly with. He also doesn't deny being a liar. He's careful, because his mind is not fully here. It's always on home, and on what he's risking, and aiming for.
In the end, though, no matter how much he pretends otherwise, he's still Nikolai Lantsov. He won't let anyone he cares about be harmed, if there's a way to prevent it. ]
A threat means your friend directly attacking someone. I know he has it in him. If it doesn't get to that stage, neither of you need be concerned about what I know, since it will stay with me.
That you're still worried at all tells me I was right to be concerned.
You don't know shit about him. [ and that's it, his own cold line of impatience. Then, he sighs. He won't lose anyone in this, if he can help it. ] What it tells you is what I said. That there won't be outright attacks, and I'll personally shoot anybody who goes after him, no exceptions. I've made an extra deal to protect my people here, specifically, him included. And if you or the musketeers or whoever act against him or Elena Gilbert, you're going against me, my deal, and you're going to lose. [ A brief pause for effect as much as thought. Then, a shade lighter. ] Oh, and for Christ's sake don't give Gilbert any more panic attacks. Girl's been through enough.
I've heard your warning. That's mine. Are we clear?
I'm not stupid. I know what you said. You singled Stefan out specifically with the actions that you've taken, and you've admitted that you would spread his weaknesses around, if he became a threat or whatever. To me, that counts as 'going after him,' even if it's warranted in your eyes.
I think we disagree on what everything that's happened today means, and that's fine, as long as we both know it.
[ it's not a misunderstanding; it's a difference of perspective. that's why they'll be on opposite sides, if something should happen. Seth's willing to accept that. ]
There isn't a difference to me, sorry. [ He almost says, you wouldn't have time to help someone but that's as inflammatory as it is true, so he stops himself. He has a curious habit of being angry when everyone else is calm, and calm when others are angry. ]
It's not about trust because I know you're a big damn hero — so you'll do what you said and nothing more or less. I hear you, and I'm saying that I'll fight you on it, if it comes down to it.
Then you would expect me to die, or to let others die, to save our aggressor.
[ Just checking where you stand here, Seth, because those are the stakes. This will never even be an issue if Stefan is not the one who started something. ]
That's good to know.
You have the only promise I'm giving you. I don't believe there's more to say here.
[ He scoffs, a short sound. No one ever listens to him when he says that he's no good, even though it's all right there in his file (written in the bank teller's blood). Seth doesn't care about other people.
He cares about his people. Seth Gecko isn't damned like his brother, but he's a sinner all the same. A thief and a killer, when he wants to be, taking hostages and lives as the situation calls for it. It's easy to say he did what he had to do, what anybody would do, but he never had to choose this life, not really. There's always another option. It's not survival with him; it's selfishness. Vanessa gave him an out: a hunky dory life by the beach. No stealing, no murder, just them.
Not enough. ]
Nice ten dollar word there. He's not an aggressor, but yeah, I'd kill those supposed 'others' myself. [ He's done it before with Richie. He'll do it again. ] The only people who get to go at him are the instructors. [ And even then, Seth would likely stand his ground. ] He didn't attack anybody, and he won't on my watch. So, if you stay out of his business, we're cool as ever, slim.
[ With that, he disconnects the call. That's what guys like him do in the movies. However childish it may seem, they end things on their terms. ]
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no subject
It has everything to do with this, given that it's why I talked to Elena at all. She told me how to kill vampires, and asked that I kept the knowledge secret for her safety. That, I fully intend to do, since I gave her my word.
That was before your friend pushed a bomb at Athos, and made him believe he was a genuine danger to people's safety here. I wanted Elena to make sure that was not the case. If he, as you put it, steps out of line, I will use what I know, and I will share it. That's what I told her.
no subject
That's what I thought. I appreciate the honesty.
[ exhaling, his words come after a weighty pause. seth has stood here before, between a companion and his brother. in texas, he abided murder and mutilation for the latter; in mexico, damnation and monsters. maybe it's not right. hell, it's probably not even smart or safe, but he's never been a good man or a smart man by the truest definitions. ]
Though I'll say it again: it's not your place. The instructors will handle him if he steps out of line, and if you make it your job to take him out instead, I'll make sure they handle you. You're my friend, and guys like me don't get many of those in this life, so I'm sorry, but — I can't lose him, too, Sturmhond, so I'll call in favors from high places to protect him, no matter what or who is at stake. [ even you. If he keeps doing favors for Dagger, he keeps his people safe. ] I'm not saying he can run wild, but all he did was what he thought was best for his survival. Reckon I'd do the same to save my own skin. He's all too aware that even immortals die, y'know? [ Damon. ] I swear I'm trying to help him, but I'm only human. And he is, too, underneath all the bullshit. I won't let anything happen to him, period. I can't.
[ maybe he's desperate, too, always emptying his sinking rowboat with a spoon :') ]
no subject
[ He has to stop this; it’s getting out of hand. Has already gotten out of hand, in fact. ]
I don’t plan to handle him. I don’t plan to step out of place, hunt him, punish him, or whatever else it is you’re thinking. I don't want to kill your friend, and never did.
Equally, I won't put his safety above my own. [ Or above Athos'. Or Alina's. Or anyone else he cares about here. ] I plan only to defend myself. That’s all. Unless he becomes a threat, I will not be one to him.
If knowing how to kill a vampire is itself a threat, then perhaps it’s Elena you should speak to instead of me – given that she told me herself, in casual conversation, and not because I forced her. I could have told Athos how to defend himself already, and I didn’t because I gave her my word.
Now tell me what it is you want to achieve. I will only act if I am threatened, or someone I care for is. It would be in self-defence, no more than that. Do you honestly expect anything less?
[ He will make a record, though, of all of this – just in case one of the vampires gets it into their heads to compel his memory. It’s made him more wary, not less. ]
no subject
[ Seth's words are calm, tired. He still can't grasp why Stefan's conduct was a problem in the first place, but that's probably because he also acts in his self-interest, most of the time, and he doesn't view actions on the job a personal, just business. ]
I don't know what I expect anymore. [ and that's honest. ] You already stepped out of place when you confronted Elena. You made Stefan's mission conduct your personal business. He didn't have a vendetta against your friend. He just performed his mission in the way he thought was best for himself, which wasn't great, but that's how he is. He doesn't have it in for anybody. He just doesn't give a shit about them, either.
And you literally just said that you would use what you know and share the secret to killing him, if he messes up again — not if he has a hand on your besties' throats. I'm saying that you can't do that, end of story. The instructors know how to handle him. No one else needs to.
I want you to give me your word that you won't share that information with anyone under any circumstances or use it in any way beyond immediate self-defense. And I mean fucking fangs-in-face immediate.
no subject
His voice chills. ]
Your friend has a documented history of violence which is plain for all to see, and Athos has a right to be wary. I did nothing more than talk to Elena about it to ask for her help in preventing that violence.
I have told no one how to harm him, but I will point out that he knows how to harm every one of us. He is better protected than anyone, and so it will remain - unless he threatens us. If he does, I will fight back, Seth, and I will help others to fight back. If you don't want that to happen, tell him to play nice, and you'll have my word that I'll do the same.
no subject
And Seth will shoot anyone who comes after him for it. It doesn't change his relationship with Sturmhond, on his end, since he's always been willing to sacrificing everything for one person, even his personal connections. Their friendship is the same as before, but now Seth doesn't have the luxury of pretending his loved ones are on equal footing. ]
You danced around what I asked again. I know you're a liar, man, and normally I don't care, but you need to give it to me short and straight. What is your definition of threat? Because if it's anything other than an off the job attack, I won't and can't promise you shit.
no subject
[ Which is unusual for him, granted, but this isn't a subject he's playing lightly with. He also doesn't deny being a liar. He's careful, because his mind is not fully here. It's always on home, and on what he's risking, and aiming for.
In the end, though, no matter how much he pretends otherwise, he's still Nikolai Lantsov. He won't let anyone he cares about be harmed, if there's a way to prevent it. ]
A threat means your friend directly attacking someone. I know he has it in him. If it doesn't get to that stage, neither of you need be concerned about what I know, since it will stay with me.
That you're still worried at all tells me I was right to be concerned.
no subject
I've heard your warning. That's mine. Are we clear?
no subject
Some of the ice in his tone melts, for a moment. ]
If she was upset, Seth, that wasn't my intent. I was calm. I didn't want her to see me as a threat, because I don't want to be one.
[ But it hardens again. ]
That said, I already told you that no one was going after him. All I have said, and consistently - to you and Elena - is that I'll defend myself.
That is what I would do against any who threaten me. Regardless of who or what they are.
[ Including if it's you. ]
If that is clear, we're done here.
no subject
I think we disagree on what everything that's happened today means, and that's fine, as long as we both know it.
[ it's not a misunderstanding; it's a difference of perspective. that's why they'll be on opposite sides, if something should happen. Seth's willing to accept that. ]
no subject
[ He's not talking about announcing this to the community. He's not spreading anything around, nor did he tell Elena that he would. ]
This isn't a lie, regardless of what you think of me. If you think my word means nothing, that is your own concern. I'll keep it anyway.
no subject
It's not about trust because I know you're a big damn hero — so you'll do what you said and nothing more or less. I hear you, and I'm saying that I'll fight you on it, if it comes down to it.
no subject
[ Just checking where you stand here, Seth, because those are the stakes. This will never even be an issue if Stefan is not the one who started something. ]
That's good to know.
You have the only promise I'm giving you. I don't believe there's more to say here.
DISCONNECT.
He cares about his people. Seth Gecko isn't damned like his brother, but he's a sinner all the same. A thief and a killer, when he wants to be, taking hostages and lives as the situation calls for it. It's easy to say he did what he had to do, what anybody would do, but he never had to choose this life, not really. There's always another option. It's not survival with him; it's selfishness. Vanessa gave him an out: a hunky dory life by the beach. No stealing, no murder, just them.
Not enough. ]
Nice ten dollar word there. He's not an aggressor, but yeah, I'd kill those supposed 'others' myself. [ He's done it before with Richie. He'll do it again. ] The only people who get to go at him are the instructors. [ And even then, Seth would likely stand his ground. ] He didn't attack anybody, and he won't on my watch. So, if you stay out of his business, we're cool as ever, slim.
[ With that, he disconnects the call. That's what guys like him do in the movies. However childish it may seem, they end things on their terms. ]