[video/action]

[charming_jerk]

[Looks like you're back to having young Mr. D'Amico back amongst your ranks. Aren't you glad? he looks very distraught, and it's clear when he's talking that he's having trouble forming his thoughts.]

What the fuck even happened? I-- How was it that I was here from the future but... I remember it! I fucking remember everything, I remember the things I said! How does that even work? How is that possible? I-- [He quickly rubs face with a hand, trying to regain composure.] I didn't wanna know how fucked I was gonna be ahead of time. Goddamn you Initiative fuckheads.

[The video snaps off quickly after this. Housemates will find him storming out of the house quickly. Guess where he's heading! Yep, to a bar. But he won't be having a good time or stirring up trouble like usual. He'll be sitting alone on a stool, several empty glasses on the bar in front of him, looking unusually gloomy. Care to approach?]

Comments

[charming_jerk]

[There's another moment of hesitation before he decides to follow her. He's a little torn between wanting to run and hide, and just spilling his guts to someone. He's not used to these sorts of feelings winning out. So for now, he goes along unusually silent.]

[whatsupcroc]

( Something Collette chatters on during for the start. Once they're in sight of where she was planning to have them eat, she cut back to being direct. )

What's bothering you?

( Timing says it's about the timing. Politeness says not to assume. )

[charming_jerk]

Future-me just got back from a little trip here, and he didn't have any good news.

[whatsupcroc]

( She nods. Ah, it was one of those encounters. )

Now it's weighing heavy on your mind? That's no good. If it's going to do that, then at least on a full stomach's better! Easier to think about why you shouldn't dread what's coming. Makes mountains out of molehills and all the sayings like that.

( Still... )

How bad was the bad news?

[charming_jerk]

...I'm pretty much fucked. Thirteen years and counting of living on the streets, running from and fighting off my enemies, and my missing friend is most likely dead. Who knows how long I got.

[He stares off into the distance as they walk, talking quietly.]

I'm better off here than I am there.

[whatsupcroc]

( She listens, coasting along for the most part. She has to slow to navigate around a puddle almost perpetually at this given street corner, considering what he's said. )

That sucks.

( Is her simple, automatic return. The more thoughtful one that follows: )

If you could stay here though, would you really? If it were possible to never go back.

[charming_jerk]

[He thinks it over for a moment.] Yeah. Shitty as it is, I would. No one's actively hunting me specifically down. I got a roof over my head, food to eat, and... ["Friends" is the word that comes next, but he doesn't say that. That's too corny. And it's not like he has a lot of them.] ...And I know people here. I'm used to it at this point.

[whatsupcroc]

Then maybe that's something we need to do.

( Crossing the street. )

Figure out the way to stay, after the Initiative gets what they want. I know you can't be the only one who'd prefer for that than going back to where they were.

( Going back to death really doesn't sound like a good time. )

[charming_jerk]

I wonder if they'd care if I brought it up to 'em. "Hey guys, how do you feel about keepin' some strays? That's what you get for feedin' us."

[whatsupcroc]

Let's try asking. I'd be curious to hear what they'd have to say on the matter, myself.

[charming_jerk]

You're not interested in hangin' around this shithole, are ya?

[whatsupcroc]

( She grins. )

I like keeping my options open!

[charming_jerk]

If you can pick, pick somewhere that ain't rainin' all the time.

[whatsupcroc]

If we fix the world enough here, maybe we'll get sunshine some of those days.

[charming_jerk]

... Do ya think we can ever actually do it? [His tone indicates he sure doesn't think so.]

[whatsupcroc]

I know we will.

[charming_jerk]

How can ya be so confident?

[whatsupcroc]

I choose to be. It's as simple ( and as complex ) as that.

[charming_jerk]

It ain't simple. If it was that simple then everyone here would think the same way. So would I, an' maybe I would be so goddamn miserable-- [He cuts himself off, rubbing the tension from his forehead. That kinda slipped out.]

[whatsupcroc]

Simple and easy are different things, you know. It is simple -- but it sure isn't easy. You can make a choice on how miserable you want to be, believe me or disbelieve me as you want.

( The kid knows what she's talking about -- to some extent. Look at her. Does he think she didn't make a choice not to be miserable as she was? )

But for now, Mr. Misery, let's eat! That'll help some. A stomach full of pretty good, warm food, and alcohol if you're really wanting it.

[charming_jerk]

God, yes. I need like a hundred drinks right now.

[whatsupcroc]

Hah! Sure, like that wouldn't either kill you or make you wanna die with the hangover.

( her tone is nothing close to censoring; she's amused by his hyperbole. Still she gestures inside the place. )

Gentlemen first!