[OPEN] Wait, let me set the record straight: I was never really yours in the first place.

[hostage]

Date & Time: January 9 and onward
Location: in and about town
Characters: Jesse & OPEN to anyone
Summary: A chance for an everyday encounter with Jesse. Put the date in your subject line!
Warnings: Breaking Bad spoilers are likely.

[Jesse might be the only one who finds Exsilium's current state beautiful rather than desolate and depressing. For more reasons than one, if given the choice between here and home, he'd choose here without hesitation. The snow and the chill do nothing to deter him from taking long walks. For as long as he can physically stand it, he prefers the cold over being confined inside four walls.

So he walks. Every day, without any particular destination, without anything else to occupy him. The concerns of the Initiative and the Transports are no longer his own. Whatever they're up to, they mean little to him. He's still got enough stolen Russian gold to pay for whatever he needs without having to work, so that's how he's choosing to live for as long as he's able. His time is spent doing whatever he wants to do, and at the moment, what he wants to do is wander.

Freedom: that's what this is about. No one is ever going to make him do anything ever again.]

Comments

[hyanaimne]

As well as can be.

[she purses her lips] And yourself?

[hostage]

Terrible. But better now that I'm back.

[hyanaimne]

Back? [she frowns] You left?

[hostage]

Mm. Died, went home, whatever. Yeah, I was gone for a little.

[hyanaimne]

[that is not the expected response. At all. Immediately, a number of thoughts cross her mind, as well as a number of people who—no. She wouldn't think that far]

Wait just a minute - what do you mean, died?

[hostage]

[He shrugs nonchalantly, like it isn't a big deal.]

I guess I killed myself. You know, after everything... I dunno. I don't remember it, but that's what they said. My parole officer found me in my room with a needle. Pretty obvious. Stupid shit.

[hyanaimne]

[she doesn't know what the significance of a needle is, but who talks about their own death so nonchalantly? Not even she did that, and she wanted to die]

It is not very obvious to me.

So you . . . died, and then you went home?

[hostage]

Yeah. If I'da known that would happen, I probably wouldn'ta...

[He takes a breath, shaking his head.]

But I'm back now, so.

[hyanaimne]

Ah . . . [there's something unsaid there that she understands, and she looks almost sympathetic. She hasn't forgotten their conversations in the past]

Welcome back, then.

[hostage]

[He's not here for a pity party. He gives another half-shrug, looking almost embarrassed for having mentioned it.]

Thanks.

Um... So what's been going on with you?

[hyanaimne]

I went home as well.

[she reaches up to push her hood back, showing him how long her hair has gotten in the time she's been gone] That is about it, though. I've not done much else.

[aside from almost getting killed, but details]

[hostage]

[His eyebrows lift in surprise. He hadn't noticed.]

Ah... You look, um. You look beautiful.

[Her home never seemed like the kindest place, either, so he doesn't want to make her dwell on it if she'd rather not.]

[hyanaimne]

[she should have known that was coming. She should have known!!]

That—no. I am cutting you off right now with that.

[Jesse pls]

[hostage]

What? I mean it!

[hyanaimne]

I know you mean it, I am just stopping it now before it gets worse!

[hostage]

What's so bad about me telling you how beautiful you are?

[hyanaimne]

she heaves a sigh, then lifts a hand to rub at her face]

Because I do not want to hear it?

[hostage]

[In that case, he bows his head in acquiescence.]

I'll leave you alone.

[hyanaimne]

[she peeks out between her fingers, then heaves another sigh, this one far more tired-sounding]

I was told I should stay away from you.

[hostage]

[He nods, unsurprised.]

I'll really leave you alone, then.

[He's already turning to walk away, in fact. No need to tell him twice.]

[hyanaimne]

What? Jesse, no—

[she takes a few steps to catch up with him] I would have said "leave me alone" if that is what I meant.

[hostage]

[He stops when she starts to chase him, glancing back to her.]

They're probably right, you know.

[hyanaimne]

Oh, I'm sure they are.

[she won't argue that]

[hostage]

How come you're not listening to 'em?

[hyanaimne]

[she shrugs a shoulder, looking away]

I don't know. I was going to, honestly.