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[hippie_ninja]

This is Jesus. Leave a message.

Comments

[braveoff]

Nobody's like that without a reason. And I'm getting a better idea of why he messaged me specifically.

[hippie_ninja]

Why?

[He's glad Crais did. He appreciates it, and he's enjoying this conversation so far. But he doesn't know Drake well enough to understand why him.]

[braveoff]

He knows I'm safe. And probably more important than that, I'm really patient with trust issues. People who refuse to let anybody in or drop their guard... we get it. Crais tends to win everybody over faster, but I think that's a force of personality thing.

[hippie_ninja]

It's hard to argue with his honesty. I've never met anyone like him.

[And yes he's already very fond.]

I take it you have your issues, too. I mean- everyone does. But issues like mine.

[braveoff]

Trust? Maybe if you squint... in my case it's more like I'm always braced for someone to fuck me over. That just doesn't stop me from doing what I can for people, but the reasons there are complicated.

[hippie_ninja]

[Jesus is pretty sure his own reasons are bog standard, at least in a world like this one. But that's not the salient point here; he grins a little]

We need more people in the world willing to do what they can.

[braveoff]

We do, yeah. The ratio is real skewed in most worlds, which is how you wind up either burning those few willing people out or... guys like me. I've spent the past couple years working on the self worth thing, but I think Crais still worries.

[hippie_ninja]

Guys like you? [It's a gentle question, with a tip of a smile. He likes self-awareness. It's another thing the world needs more of.]

[braveoff]

That might be a third date question. Let's just say when you think giving's all you're good for, eventually there's nothing left. I got a second chance to learn some balance.

[hippie_ninja]

I'm glad. It's a hard way to live. Especially when there are people taking advantage.

[braveoff]

Sounds like you're speaking from experience?

[hippie_ninja]

Let's just say keeping the peace can be a full time job.

[braveoff]

You wanna tell me about it? I'd be happy to buy you a drink or a decent meal, if you feel like getting out of the starter housing for awhile.

[hippie_ninja]

I'd like a meal. [Never turn down a meal] Where at?

[braveoff]

Depends what you like. Name it.

[hippie_ninja]

Chicken. [The answer isn't exactly immediate but it doesn't take any thinking, either.] We, ah, haven't had chickens in a long time.

[braveoff]

Okay. I'd send you a pin but it might be easier to teach you how to use those in person... meet me at the elevator?

[hippie_ninja]

I'm headed there now.

> action

[braveoff]

Cool. See you soon.

[ Drake cuts the call, heading out right away so he can get there in case the guards give Jesus any trouble. It's way worse moving around the city as an uncontracted sub.

There's nothing terribly distinctive about Drake -- he's a big guy, tall and muscular, but not exceptionally anything in particular. Still, there's only one person just waiting around when Jesus arrives, and he's got the same casual friendly energy in person, body language relaxed and open. Drake lifts a hand to wave when he spots Jesus, letting the newcomer approach him rather than the other way around. ]

Re: > action

[hippie_ninja]

[ He feels a little naked being out in the world without armor, without even his leather coat. But he leaves the coat at home because he's discovered that being slathered in rotting walker guts doesn't wash out as well as everyone thinks it does. He hadn't noticed until he came here, where people smell like soap and laundry detergent and sweat.

He lifts a hand back, and offers a smile when he's in talking range. ]

Good to see you.

[braveoff]

Yeah, nice to meet you. I think I know just the place, if you can stand a really questionably sexualized menu.

[ This city really loves drowning everything in innuendo. Drake got used to it a long time ago and just thinks it's funny now, but Jesus is new enough it might still be weird. ]

[hippie_ninja]

[He laughs lightly] You mean more than just hotdogs and tacos?

[braveoff]

Oh, so much worse. It's a chicken place -- they went a little overboard with cock jokes.

[hippie_ninja]

[He raises his eyebrows] I've got to see this.

[braveoff]

[ Hold on to that sense of humor, Jesus, you're gonna need it around here. ]

Remember you chose this when it's time to order. Follow me.