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[Does this look like a harassed clock with a human face? Does it? Good, because it's Cogsworth, sitting in front of a window on the Marvisa and he looks like he just swallowed about a half a dozen lemons. In his tiny brass hands he is holding a piece of paper, and he keeps fiddling with it, shifting it between his two hands.

He puts one brass hand up to his mouth, clears his throat, and then fumbles with the paper for a moment. Could he be ... nervous? It's possible.

Lips pressed together, the time hands on his face twitching, he states flatly.]

Hello. My name is Cogsworth and I am a ... [now he has to look at the word.] Ho-mo-sexual. I realize that I am a ... clock, but I assure you that I am not a ho-mo-sex-ual clock, but a ho-mo-sex-ual man. I have been ... told. Rigorously.

[Here he is glowering.]

That I need to ... 'embrace' this. So. If there are any ... individual males who would not mind ... being complimented by a ... human clock, then, ah. Please! Come forward.

[Okay he'll try a smile but it's more of a sheepish grimace at this point. God help him.]

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[ Well, the talking clock thing is definitely new, but if there can be talking foxes, why not clocks. Hell, he's got more courage than a lot of people, getting everything out in the open like this and seeking to better it. ]

You're a better man than most, being honest with yourself.

Oh, I, well thank you. [Cogsworth clears his throat.] I am, in general, a very self-aware person.

[Who was still absolutely terrified he was going to get struck down by God somewhere in the midst of this but - sally forth!]

[He frowns for a moment at the other man, decides, and states simply.] You have very nice eyes, monsieur.

Merci, Cogsworth.

[ He takes a few seconds to figure out how to word it and asks: ]

How long have you been a clock? I mean, I take it you weren't always like this?

De rien, monsieur.

[A florid bow, and then, a pained look.]

Ten years, almost to the day.

What happened? That's a long time to be stuck with something like that, I'm sorry.

[Cogsworth lets out a heavy sigh.]

Well, I really shouldn't be talking out of turn - but seeing as Lumiere has already spread the word far and wide ... we were cursed when our young master, Prince Adam, insulted a very powerful enchantress. She cursed him to look like a beast, and for us to all turn into furniture -- my guess is because that was all we acted like when he was being a brat. His punishment was to become the beast he acted like. We were - are punished for not stepping in and telling him why it wasn't wrong.

Seems to me like you were punished for something you shouldn't have responsibility in. Wouldn't you have gotten in trouble if you had spoken up?

More than likely ... but I am not sure if Enchantresses are really troubled with semantics.

People with the power to do as they want seldom do.

Yes, I quite agree with this.

How are you enjoying the fleet?

[ Let's move onto a less depressing topic, shall we? ]

Well So Far - it is a complete mess, I must say. I have never seen such disorganization! You have all these captains but not a single ... I suppose, Admiral among them to lead the way!

[Here Cogsworth paused.] Although, truth be told -- I am not sure you could be the Admiral of a fleet that you cannot really control.

I've been here for two years, it was a mess then, and it's a mess now.

I don't think I'd want to see that pissing contest. Though I don't know how many take their position without a grain of salt.

Lovely... [Is Cogsworth dry tone.] I am so pleased to hear that it is always a mess, no matter what.

[A long sigh.] Probably more than I want to know. If there was just more ... order perhaps it wouldn't all seem so ... hopeless.

We can try for all the order we want, but if the Atroma want to stir the pot, there's not a lot we can do about that.

[Now the clock's eyes are going to narrow. Little slits of blue, and his tiny hands mustache twitches.]

Now you see THIS - THIS is why the Atroma are just Monsters.

We're not overly fond of how they can get into your head and flip whatever switches they want without regard to anyone.

[ Speaking from personal experience? Nah. No way. ]

Edited 2017-07-13 16:26 (UTC)

[...Now Cogsworth looks concerned. Really concerned.]

Can they - can they make us hurt people?

If they thought it could get them ratings. It doesn't happen often, but once is enough.

Doesn't happen to everybody.

I am not sure what harm I could honestly do -- because neaten someone to death.

[A wan smile, before he taps his little brass hands together.] Is there a way to ... switch it off?

It never lasts too long. Seems to right itself after a while.

[Cogsworth gave the other man a grave, almost sympathetic look.]

It is not ... at all pleasurable, when someone has control over one's body, is it?

I'm not a fan.

Well. While I still have bodily autonomy, and can speak my own mind ... I think you are one of the bravest people I have met here. I also think you have a strength, that just at first glance means you'll be able to overcome it, as I someday shall. Fear not, handsome stranger. This too, shall pass.

If there's anything I know for sure, it's that time goes on. I won't be stuck the same way you won't.

[ He offers a quick smile. ] I think personal sharing goes past being strangers.

(no subject)

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