[ Yeah. Childish is how it came across to Jesse, too, not that he can take the high road about that. How many times has he answered back like a little shit? Every day. ]
Look, I was doing the same shit when I was your age. I know you don't gotta explain it to me. Be kinda stupid of me if I noticed a kid at an adult party and did nothin' about it, though, huh?
Adult party? [If that doesn't snap his mind back a little, nothing will. His instinct is to only glance at the food table questionably and turn back with 'what?' expression, though.]
Why 'cause there's alcohol?
[That's about his only conclusion right now, because it doesn't seem like the food warrants that comment. Though maybe it should? He still hasn't figured out where to look.]
[ Alcohol isn't what Jesse is really worried about. It's the drugs. And the "private areas" where things kids don't need to be subjected to is happening.
He sighs, though, squinting at the kid with an expression that can only be considered concern. ]
[Carl just has to give a funny, "you're wasting my time" sort of look with the mention other stuff. He's such a rude kid sometimes.]
Okay. [Translation: Whatever you say. Don't know what you're talking about. He's moving on, finding himself hesitant to reveal anything about his current state of being relatively alone. He's not sure where Carol or Daryl are yet. Which is why his natural response is to get more defensive.]
[Yeah, he does. Being a kid doesn't mean much to him anymore. Since he doesn't want this to go in circles though, he fully turns away from the food, not happily either, and crosses his arms.]
So? What are you gonna do about if I am? There's nothing that can be done about being here, and I'm eating. [Can't you see that? It's the SUPER important fact here.]
[ From one shithead to another, Jesse isn't actually all that bothered by the kid's attitude. Even if he's looking at him like he wants to call him a shithead again. Fair call on the kid not knowing who he is, though. ]
[He really didn't care to know either this guy's first or last name, but then he didn't care to be called a shithead and he kinda did ask. So he does change his mind on saying that he doesn't care to know it as that would only make him sound stupid. Instead, he just frowns deeper and uncrosses his arms to wave one as if to make his next point.]
Well, Jesse. I don't need you watching out for me. I have people [he says as if seeming just to remember them] around here somewhere.
[ Despite the look he's giving the kid, hearing him say he's got people around instantly floods Jesse with some relief. Although... A glance around, with a "where?" gesture of his hands. ]
No! [He snaps back in an instant. But actually he's not entirely sure. Since the crash or the welcoming he hasn't found them. Now that he is thinking about it, his eye wanders back over to scan the crowd.]
They are... [Somewhere, is what he would have finished saying. He's only just noticing he doesn't like what he is seeing though.]
[ ...They totally bailed on him. That's what it looks like to Jesse, anyway, as he likewise scans the room, following where the kid is looking around. His attention settles back on him and Jesse notices the sudden unease seeming to form on the kid's face. Jesus. The poor kid, even if he's a shithead. ]
Some people you got.
[ Said pointedly, though not unkindly towards the kid. ]
[It looks that way, but all he's thinking is that they are around here somewhere. That, and he's a little distracted in JUST noticing how weird people are acting also. Seriously. What the hell is going on? His awareness seems to come back to him a little and with it a resentment for any comment that even suggests his people are no good.]
Shut up! You don't know anything about them. Something must be wrong...
[ The kid's snapped retort rolls off Jesse's back. He can see the kid is getting more worried. That's enough to make Jesse's shoulders sag, demeanour softening somewhat, too. ]
Look, I can help you find 'em if you want. What're their names?
[Carl can't help but think this guy is a weirdo for not reacting. In reality, he's just feeling worried that he didn't notice sooner. He thinks about weather he should share the names of his people for a long moment, before actually seeing no harm in it.]
Fine. Their names Carol and Daryl. She's um... [especially hard to describe right now, actually, so-] uh, well, Daryl's got a crossbow.
[ A prompting look at the kid, waiting for him to give his name. Until he finally does.
Carl. Okay. See, that wasn't so hard, was it? Not that he blames the kid for being wary. Smart of him, really.
But okay, so now he's got a name, Jesse relaxes a little more. He pushes his hands into his pockets. ]
Okay, well... Carl. Wanna look for 'em? [ A glance at the pastries the kid is so hellbent on eating. he gestures to the platter of them. ] Bring those with you if they matter so much to you.
[He still doesn't like that he's had to give out all their names to this guy, but he thinks thankfully that it doesn't give any sort advantage over him.]
Yeah. Why wouldn't I wanna look for them? [He looks back at the pastries glutously though. Yeah, maybe he will! He grabs a couple for the road.]
There's no way that will happen. [So he says while cramming another into his mouth. He doesn't think he's had too many, but in reality he's lost count or not counting at all. (He'll definitely get sick later.)
So, anyway, are they going or not? Carl turns his head around to briefly (and uncomfortably) glance at people and things around him.] You have any idea where we're going? Or am I looking by myself?
[Either way, he's good...as long as he has pastries in hand and his attention doesn't slip back to the table. Which is likely to happen.]
[ 'No way that'll happen'. Sure. Whatever you say, kid. ]
...I just said I was gonna help you look for 'em, didn't I?
[ He takes a strolling step away from the table, hands still in pockets, and he takes to scanning the party. No idea where he's going, or where he's going to start. He glances back to Carl. ]
What would they most likely be doing? Drinking? Dancing?
Well, what "type" are they? [ Watching Carl munching away on that pastry. ] I mean, one of 'em's apparently a crossbow carrying type, sooo... Based on that, I'm guessin' they aren't exactly the friendly type.
I dunno. [This time he says it more in a firm and annoyed tone, talking with food still in his mouth. Although it's true that he really doesn't. It occurs to him then that...] They aren't like any type. And Daryl's not unfriendly. He just sorta looks like that way.
[ Jesse makes himself drop his impatience, though. It's not the kid's fault. He even throws the kid a relenting look. ]
Well, we'll just start with the crossbow and work our way from there.
[ He leads the way into the crowds, weaving around people and robots and quickly sidestepping mantis people. Every now and again, he glances back to see the kid is still behind him; after a good ten minutes of searching and standing on his tiptoes to see past people and getting lost amongst all the partygoers, Jesse is starting to feel frustrated - at this Daryl guy for ditching Carl more than anything.
Jesse motions for the kid to follow him to a less crowded area that he's spotted, and when they reach it, he says in a somewhat antagonised tone: ]
Maybe it's better we just wait for this guy somewhere where he'll be able to see you.
[Carl can agree to that. Starting by looking around for the faces he is familiar with is about all he can go on.]
Okay.
[He finds that it's not easy to concentrate past with the strange focus his mind has on food (that that is seems strange), so for the next ten minutes or so he is perfectly fine with following slightly behind looking for Daryl and Carol. A couple times even he makes faces at the things he sees, averts his eye, then seeminglessly goes back to looking for his friends or eating his food.
Carl manages to stay focused on the task for the most part and follow Jesse over to the less crowded area when beckoned. He does seem to partially distracted with how his food supply has all been eaten, though.]
Maybe. [He agrees.] Or we can move back to the table. I ran out of food.
[It's a serious problem. Right? Okay!]
And maybe that's where he'll think to look for me. Maybe he'll be there.
[Okay. For a moment he takes the time to think back on that, but as he tries the answer seems foggier and foggier. Was it really five? His stomach hurts a little, but that's just hunger, right? He looks down at his stomach even as if trying to decide for a moment eve, then looks back up to deliver an uncertain shrug.]
I dunno. Doesn't seem like I had all that many. I still feel like I could eat more...
[Which, as he fails to realize, does not exactly answer the question as it was meant. Oops.]
[ Sure, maybe Jesse ought to just let the kid live it up a little, but he's not only wanting to look out for him because he's just a kid - he feels compelled to. More and more as time goes on. ]
All you're gonna feel is sick if you keep eating 'em. I'm tellin' you, bro.
[Carl can use as much help, or an eye to look out for him, as he can get right now. Not that he really sees he does though. His lips tug down on either side, somehow coming to the conclusion that Jesse wants his food again. There's no logic behind his thought, sure, but he can't see why else the guy is suggesting he stop. Getting sick is such a weak excuse, far as he can figure.]
You can't trick me. You're just saying that so you can have them all.
pretty much, yeah! the holographic keyboard is still amazing.
well, it's a school run by charles. do you remember me talking about him? most of the people that live here right now have special abilities. the institute is in region five, residence fifteen.
it was pretty weird the first time i used it but not that weird.
i remember. you sure it's OK though? [not just because of all the mutants there but because if it were his place he knows at least one person in his group would not like visitors. he still hasn't said anything about his ability yet either.]
that's probably a good idea. i don't know if i would lose my way or not. it's looks pretty hard to miss.
oh. what's it like using it for the first time? [he doesn't really remember his first time using a computer at school, but if it's anything like discovering technology again after a couple years or like getting an upgrade, he imagines it's pretty wicked.]
that works for me. should we meet on the road? or do you have some place better in mind?
it's a little tough when you only have three digits, but i'm learning! [All of it's super amazing to learn about and while it's different, he seems optimistically enthusiastic to do so.]
actually, there's a really recognizable tree in region three that we could meet up at.
[Another picture message, so Carl knows what to look for.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
from the event!
Yeah? Tough guy, huh?
[ At least that's what Jesse assumes, even with the kid saying it doesn't matter so much where he's from. ]
no subject
I don't have to explain it to you.
[Though just by saying that, he sounds more childish than he means to. Good job, Carl.]
no subject
[ Yeah. Childish is how it came across to Jesse, too, not that he can take the high road about that. How many times has he answered back like a little shit? Every day. ]
Look, I was doing the same shit when I was your age. I know you don't gotta explain it to me. Be kinda stupid of me if I noticed a kid at an adult party and did nothin' about it, though, huh?
no subject
Why 'cause there's alcohol?
[That's about his only conclusion right now, because it doesn't seem like the food warrants that comment.
Though maybe it should?He still hasn't figured out where to look.]no subject
[ Alcohol isn't what Jesse is really worried about. It's the drugs. And the "private areas" where things kids don't need to be subjected to is happening.
He sighs, though, squinting at the kid with an expression that can only be considered concern. ]
At least tell me you're not here on your own.
no subject
He's such a rude kid sometimes.]Okay. [Translation: Whatever you say. Don't know what you're talking about. He's moving on, finding himself hesitant to reveal anything about his current state of being relatively alone. He's not sure where Carol or Daryl are yet. Which is why his natural response is to get more defensive.]
Why does it matter?
no subject
[ Hello?? Does he really have to reiterate this? ]
no subject
So? What are you gonna do about if I am? There's nothing that can be done about being here, and I'm eating. [Can't you see that? It's the SUPER important fact here.]
no subject
no subject
Looks whose talking. I don't even know who you are.
no subject
Jesse. Pinkman, if you need a last name.
no subject
Well, Jesse. I don't need you watching out for me. I have people [he says as if seeming just to remember them] around here somewhere.
no subject
What, they bailed on you?
no subject
They are... [Somewhere, is what he would have finished saying. He's only just noticing he doesn't like what he is seeing though.]
no subject
Some people you got.
[ Said pointedly, though not unkindly towards the kid. ]
no subject
Shut up! You don't know anything about them. Something must be wrong...
no subject
Look, I can help you find 'em if you want. What're their names?
no subject
Fine. Their names Carol and Daryl. She's um... [especially hard to describe right now, actually, so-] uh, well, Daryl's got a crossbow.
no subject
And your name?
no subject
Carl. [No last name, just 'cause.]
no subject
Carl. Okay. See, that wasn't so hard, was it? Not that he blames the kid for being wary. Smart of him, really.
But okay, so now he's got a name, Jesse relaxes a little more. He pushes his hands into his pockets. ]
Okay, well... Carl. Wanna look for 'em? [ A glance at the pastries the kid is so hellbent on eating. he gestures to the platter of them. ] Bring those with you if they matter so much to you.
no subject
Yeah. Why wouldn't I wanna look for them? [He looks back at the pastries glutously though. Yeah, maybe he will! He grabs a couple for the road.]
no subject
...S'pose I don't gotta point out that if you eat too many of those, you're gonna wind up getting sick, by the way.
no subject
So, anyway, are they going or not? Carl turns his head around to briefly (and uncomfortably) glance at people and things around him.] You have any idea where we're going? Or am I looking by myself?
[Either way, he's good...as long as he has pastries in hand and his attention doesn't slip back to the table. Which is likely to happen.]
no subject
...I just said I was gonna help you look for 'em, didn't I?
[ He takes a strolling step away from the table, hands still in pockets, and he takes to scanning the party. No idea where he's going, or where he's going to start. He glances back to Carl. ]
What would they most likely be doing? Drinking? Dancing?
[ ...Other stuff? Hopefully not "other stuff". ]
no subject
I dunno. They don't seem like those types.
no subject
no subject
no subject
[ Sarcasm. The kid's annoyance is rubbing off a little on Jesse.
But okay. He turns on the spot to scan the crowds in the other direction. Unable to help still sounding sarcastic: ]
Okay. So, an unfriendly looking guy that doesn't look like any type, with a crossbow.
no subject
[Never mind that he is accepting the help anyway. The annoyance from this guy in kind is just making him more annoyed.]
Daryl's a guy that's hard to describe.
no subject
Well, we'll just start with the crossbow and work our way from there.
[ He leads the way into the crowds, weaving around people and robots and quickly sidestepping mantis people. Every now and again, he glances back to see the kid is still behind him; after a good ten minutes of searching and standing on his tiptoes to see past people and getting lost amongst all the partygoers, Jesse is starting to feel frustrated - at this Daryl guy for ditching Carl more than anything.
Jesse motions for the kid to follow him to a less crowded area that he's spotted, and when they reach it, he says in a somewhat antagonised tone: ]
Maybe it's better we just wait for this guy somewhere where he'll be able to see you.
no subject
Okay.
[He finds that it's not easy to concentrate past with the strange focus his mind has on food (that that is seems strange), so for the next ten minutes or so he is perfectly fine with following slightly behind looking for Daryl and Carol. A couple times even he makes faces at the things he sees, averts his eye, then seeminglessly goes back to looking for his friends or eating his food.
Carl manages to stay focused on the task for the most part and follow Jesse over to the less crowded area when beckoned. He does seem to partially distracted with how his food supply has all been eaten, though.]
Maybe. [He agrees.] Or we can move back to the table. I ran out of food.
[It's a serious problem. Right? Okay!]
And maybe that's where he'll think to look for me. Maybe he'll be there.
no subject
What're you, like an eating machine?
no subject
You never been hungry before?
no subject
no subject
I dunno. Doesn't seem like I had all that many. I still feel like I could eat more...
[Which, as he fails to realize, does not exactly answer the question as it was meant. Oops.]
no subject
All you're gonna feel is sick if you keep eating 'em. I'm tellin' you, bro.
no subject
You can't trick me. You're just saying that so you can have them all.
text;
uhm
it's kurt? (i'm not sure how these things work)
anyway, i wanted to see how you were settling in and ask if you might want to come and hang out sometime.
text;
i think you got it figured out just fine.
i'm O.K. hang out when? where?
text;
i think i've got this thing figured out and something new always throws me off, haha.
that's good. my friends and i have settled on kauto, in region five. i thought we could get together and i'd show you the school.
text;
i didn't know there was a school here. but it doesn't sound far. my friends and i settled in region two. what does the school look like?
text;
well, it's a school run by charles. do you remember me talking about him? most of the people that live here right now have special abilities. the institute is in region five, residence fifteen.
[He pops a quick picture Carl's way.]
would you like me to meet you part of the way?
text;
i remember. you sure it's OK though? [not just because of all the mutants there but because if it were his place he knows at least one person in his group would not like visitors. he still hasn't said anything about his ability yet either.]
that's probably a good idea. i don't know if i would lose my way or not. it's looks pretty hard to miss.
text;
yeah, definitely! [And if it isn't, he'll take the fall for it; Kurt invited him, so there'd be no reason for anyone to be mad at Carl.]
it is, but just in case, i'll head out to meet you. better safe than sorry, right?
text;
that works for me. should we meet on the road? or do you have some place better in mind?
text;
actually, there's a really recognizable tree in region three that we could meet up at.
[Another picture message, so Carl knows what to look for.]
Re: text;
have you tried holding it and just using your thumbs?
[after clicking the picture to view!]
cool. i know where that is. see you there.
Re: text;
carl, you're a genius!
even better! yeah, meet you there.