less life-threatening… yeah . [ pointing excitedly at himself . ] and — i don’t need those stupid shots anymore .

haven’t felt this good in years . [ grinning as he straightens his coat . ] say — when do i get t’ meet him ?

“ would after work be good ? “ [ he returns the smile while he smoothes out his hair . ] “not — forcin’ you guys or anything . ‘s fine if not . “

“ could you tell him i’m free later today ? “ [ he checks his watch , eyes widening at the time . ] i’m — gonna be late , sorry . can we talk later ?

“ it’s alright — don’t worry . “ [ his hands fly towards the doorknob , and he quickly opens the door . ] “ i’ll call you ? “

i care all the time . no one will ever catch me lookin’ like trash .

you have no class .

commander and you’re STILL broke . sheesh .

play your cards right and get your insurance to cover it . or get your employer to pay for it for you .

fine , only because i relate . 🖕

[ he sticks out a hand for the other to shake . a little uneasy at the prospect of meeting him . ] “ nice t’ meet you too … raymond was it ? name’s scott — think you might already know … “

[ he stands a little straighter , returning the smile . though it’s faint . ] “ really ? and … yeah — i have . he’s been doin’ better , a bit happier too , if that’s what y’mean . “

“ a bit — yeah . kinda forced him to … since y’know . he was runnin’ from somethin’ . “ [ grinning . ] “ it’s no problem , really . “

[ he raises a brow, gaze flitting to the floor and back up towards them . ] “ wh— me ? alright … what would y’like to know ? don’t really know what t’ talk about … “

“ well — i work a security detail for starters … ‘m alright with guns ‘n things like that . “ [ he suddenly pauses ; drawing blanks . ] “ i cook ? personality wise — gotta ask viktor ‘bout that . “

“ could make y’somethin’ later if you wanted . “ [ he feels a bit of the tension dissipate . ] “ interestin’ ? y’could say that — and we’re gettin’ along right now , aren’t we ? “

“ anything you’d prefer ? “ [ he freezes , glancing over at the hand on his shoulder uneasily . ] “ yeah — it’s pretty nice t’ get t’ know others . especially you . “

x.com/i/lists/175851…

“ i know a few simple pasta recipes — if that suits your fancy . ” [ he shakes his head apologetically.] “ oh , it’s fine , i’m just a little nervous . considerin’ you’re vik’s … y’know . ”

Flipping soon / /