And everything was buried by the deep blue sky.

[hostage]

Date & Time: April 1
Location: Unit 409
Characters: Jesse & Saul
Summary: A boy is reunited with his criminal lawyer.
Warnings: Breaking Bad spoilers y'all.


[It must be a too-familiar sight for his roommates by now: Jesse sprawled on the couch, a mess of old plates and leftovers and crushed cigarettes all around him. He's asleep, but not deeply. Drifting in and out like he's been doing since he "woke up" this morning. He made a good call, giving up cookie duty this month. He'd probably be passed out in that tent right now, rain and cold and everything. It's warm in here, though, and all the warmer for that blanket wrapped around him. The door's left unlocked - yes, even with the recent attack and everything. Jesse's gun is within arm's reach, anyway, tucked right under the couch. And even so, he's not worried. He's too tired.]

Comments

[5055034455]

No to which?

[Trying to lighten the mood with a stupid joke? Why yes.]

[hostage]

[Rejecting that joke with a flat stare.]

[5055034455]

[STARING BACK. Then pointing at the sink.]

I'm not kidding about the water. Do you know how many times I've had to call the carpet guys after one of my clients tossed his mid-withdrawal cookies all over the place?

[hostage]

It ain't that bad.

[But look, he is taking his glass to the sink, rinsing it out, and refilling it with water. If it will shut Saul up about it... He holds the glass up for Saul's approval, then takes a long gulp from it.]

[5055034455]

Whatever.

[Better safe than sorry, or something.]

So. What now?

[hostage]

What now? Now you settle in and get comfortable and hope your roommates ain't vampires or something.

[5055034455]

Comfortable. In the middle of a war zone — now with the added attraction of vampires! [jazz hands] — and you tell me to get comfortable.

Are you comfortable?

[hostage]

I got running water, the heat's working, and nobody's tried to kill me today. Yeah, I'm comfortable.

[5055034455]

Comfortable, but broke.

How are you getting meth if you're broke?

[hostage]

[That question makes him considerably uncomfortable.]

I'm, um... I cooked it.

[5055034455]

[SQUINT.]

How are you broke if you're cooking meth?!

[hostage]

Because I ain't selling it!

[5055034455]

[oh my god is this

is this what a heart attack feels like

is he going to test that immortality thing right now he thinks he is]

And you say you don't need me. Are you — like — really —

Are you crazy?

[hostage]

[That makes him bristle.]

I don't want to sell it. I got as much money as I need and these people got enough problems without me pushing on 'em.

[5055034455]

[A number of thoughts occur to him in rapid succession. He takes a breath. The tingling in his arms subsides.

Okay.]

Where and how are you doing it?

[hostage]

Like six months ago, the Initiative hooked me up. Lab, equipment, precursor... They didn't even know what meth was, so I told 'em it was medicine. Said all I wanted was enough for personal use, but they liked the whole idea of it. Said they wanted to try it, so I cooked a batch, they sampled it, and I guess they liked it.

Now they got me making it regular, every week. Not tons of it like before, but... few pounds a week. I dunno what they do with it. I don't wanna know. They got me on as a chemist full-time, so it ain't just meth I'm cooking now, either.

[5055034455]

And are they paying you?

[The "chemist" thing throws him for a little loop, but.

Priorities.]

[hostage]

They're paying me but they're not paying me, you know what I'm saying? Like a scientist, not like a cook.

[5055034455]

Since when are you a "scientist"?

[hostage]

[Oh boy, here it comes. Jesse folds his arms again, steeling himself up for a good berating.]

[5055034455]

No, really.

You said you're making more than just meth. When did that happen?

[hostage]

Same time as they gave me the lab.

[5055034455]

So they gave you a lab and that awoke in you some weird, innate knowledge of chemistry.

Okay.

[hostage]

[...Kind of.]

I guess. I dunno. I learned.

[5055034455]

You realize how this sounds, right?

It sounds crazy.

[He turns his attention back to the liquor.]

Have you always been some little genius and just didn't bother to tell anyone?