** Stranger curses under his breath as his magazine runs out, fumbling backwards as a lone zombie manages to shamble towards him.

** Lured by the gunfire, the gaunt-faced dead drags one injured leg at a time. The ankle on one is bent crudely, which it pays little attention to. Something else catches its eye; as it advances, its shambling slows.

** It stares down the barrel of his weapon. In a voice hoarse from disuse, it groans out a name. "..Jai..me?"

** Stranger tries to scramble for a loaded magazine to replace the one in his gun, still taking sloppy steps back, trying to keep space between him and the dead. He manages to get a magazine in hand - but then it speaks - and his blood runs cold. His hands tremble and he looks back to them, incredulous. "Wh-what?"

** “Jai..me,” it repeats. It shouldn’t, but the look in its eyes.. recognizes him..? “..it’s..me.”

** Stranger ... drops his magazine. His hands aren't just trembling; he's shaking. He looks, now, and something claws inside his mind - they look familiar. They sound familiar; it hurts. "You... wh..." He feels... confused. Overwhelmed. He's stunlocked while the gears in his brain grind agonizingly, trying to put the pieces back together.

** The zombie’s advance continues, driven by the instincts of its kin and its own desire to approach him. “You…” it echoes and groans lowly. “Should..n’t be.. here. Why..?”

** Stranger continues backing up, until he finally runs into the railing on the house, cornered. This wasn't a fluke; it wasn't some final neuron firing, it wasn't even... a cry for help. They were trying to warn him - and finally, something clogged in his mind finally comes clear. He recognizes the face; one of his friends, from the picture Julia had found. Even now, they were trying to protect him. Protect Jaime.

** Jaime finally loses grip on his gun, and it clatters to the concrete. Tears form in his eyes, even though he doesn't quite know why, yet. He tries to vocalize in response, but... he doesn't have any words. He makes incoherent noises before the incomprehensible emotion overwhelms him, and he breaks down crying. He finally finds words to choke out, as painful as they are; "Who are you?"

** It- he- processes the question slowly. The two of them are dangerously close now, enough for the dead to claw at him, but the way his nails dig into the fabric of Jaime’s jacket seem just as desperate as the man’s prompting.

** Right now… this is the only name he knows. ..and it isn’t even his. His expression bleeds confusion. “Guh...go, Jaime. Air..port.”

** Jaime takes a shaky gasp as he's grabbed, but against all common sense - doesn't move to shove the zed off of him, or defend himself in really any way. There's a matched confusion between them; his eyebrows furrow with mild upset. "I- I- I left- the airport- I almost died-" The busted-up machine of his mind is finally starting to work again. His expression transforms into something more pained. "...waiting for you."

** "Waiting for.. you..?" His grip doesn't loosen. If anything, Jaime's words give the undead more reason to cling. He stumbles over syllables. "Still... alive."

** Jaime is hit with another wave of tears. Still alive. He couldn't even remember his name, but those words made him so happy and so upset in the same breath. Alive? Maybe. Not in a way that most people would accept or acknowledge. His trembling hands move, wrapping around the cold, rigid ones balled up in his jacket. "...I... waited for you. I couldn't... n-not..." His voice cracks, his eyes wrenching shut as his hands tighten on theirs. His voice fails him again, and he takes another trembling breath instead.

** The corpse’s head jerks forward in an awkward motion. He catches his teeth on the jacket, next- not quite biting, not quite not. "No.. nn..” Dull eyes peer into the lenses of Jaime’s sunglasses, his friend’s mouth twitching as he tries to form an expression. "Don’t.. cry. M..my fault. Can we still go..? I’m.. here. My car…”

** Each word cuts deeper at the old wound opened for the two of them. He speaks in simple words, using loosely connected thoughts… a man who’s been dead for longer than he knows.

** Jaime tries to keep it together. He really does. Despite the silent tears rolling down his face, he keeps telling himself that he's trying to keep it together right now. He lets out a short gasp, flinching away from the sudden movement, but doesn't let go. Such broken, slurred words might have been harder to understand, but the world felt deafeningly silent behind his voice.

** He can't hold it together any longer - don't cry. Everything is so confusing; the dead are speaking to him, trying to protect him, trying to console him. Can we still go? He lets out a quiet sob, the tears flowing freely, and his voice comes out thin. "N-no. It's... there's- there's nothin' there." He takes another breath, trying to find what to say. "...we can't... leave."

** Another utterance of, "Jaime,” leaves cold lips. Hurt, confused, worried… His emotions claw at his throat viciously. "..Jaime, we h..have to,” he pleads. "We have to. C’m..’n.”

** In a stagger that could be mistaken for drunken, he attempts to pull Jaime towards the road. Those atrophied muscles can’t accomplish much. If he notices, though.. he doesn’t show it. "Car… we said… We said.. where..?”

** Jaime can't bear to keep looking at his friend, the half-baked expressions crossing his sunken face. He wrenches his eyes shut, but he still can't stop crying. Not with such choked, desperate pleas. A faint whimper escapes him as the zombie makes an effort to pull him along, but he's too heavy, the muscles too far gone.

** He tightens his grip on his friend's hands, again, and shakes them lightly. "We- can't. There's, there's nothin'... we're stuck here." His head hangs; his head hurts. “...no way out. Not… not this time.”

** Jaime's words get through to him at last; again, his mouth contorts as it tries to express emotion. He doesn't take another step. "Then... where do we..? What do we...do?"

** Jaime takes another trembling breath as the zed relents, some solace from the rattling door of memory struggling to open. He takes a few long moments, trying to calm himself down, before he speaks again. "I- I dunno. I just..." Another sob cuts his words, his own realizations sinking in. "...tryin' to survive. I... I dunno... if there's anythin' else."

** It twists his hands. Rigid fingers escape warm ones to close around them. The squeeze he gives is rough, unpleasant, but purposeful- an imitation of the same gesture Jaime showed. "I..dunno neither," the undead admits. As he wracks his brain, his head lolls again. "..could go home.. suh..sm-.. s-smoke..?" After an uncertain pause, he adds, "Don't...want to be here."

** Jaime stays still, offering no resistance to the pulls and grabs of the undead. His eyebrows knit as he listens, and another tear cuts down his face at the mention of home. He nods his head weakly. "I... ...I want to go home," he whispers back, the strain palpable in his voice.

** It responds with a stiff nod. "Home." Looking around, he can't tell where he wandered off to. "W-.. we can go. Is.. Nathan.. here? Did he get to th..the.. airport?"

** Jaime swallows back nothing, barely pulling himself back together. Despite everything having fallen apart, things could almost feel normal, talking about going home - but then, the pain returns. Nathan. Jaime's face contorts into regret; remorse. "...I don't know." It's quiet, hoarse, and his voice cracks before he cries again.

** His lips part wordlessly. Only a low groan of pity and pain escapes the dead man’s throat. “Need…” The word is dragged out, long and painful, “..find..him. Bring..we bring him home with us.”

** It says, "I d.. didn't see him."

** Jaime frowns as he - yet again - tries to gather himself. He had left searching for answers; he didn't expect those answers to find him so quickly. "I... I haven't... seen him either. I'm... sorry." He looks at the zed through tear-stained eyes, and tries to put on a smile. "...m-maybe he escaped." ...He didn't believe it.

** It squeezes against Jaime's hands again. In this state, he can hardly provide any comfort at all, but he hates to watch his friend struggle. "We.. we'll see him. When we leave." As if they could. "He.. I.. I'm sorry, Jaime. You could've..left..too. But you waited..."

** Jaime lets his eyes cast to the floor; it hurts, so much, to look at that face. So familiar, and it felt so shameful that he couldn't remember. Every word feels like another wound, despite how hard he's trying to console Jaime. "...we... we will." He's lying through his teeth, but he can't stand to shatter his hope right now. Not like this. He shakes his head vigorously, upset. "I-... of course I did. Never leave y'behind." Another quiet sob escapes him; he felt like such a liar. Even if he didn't leave them behind - it wasn't like he was searching for them. Everything in the world felt like his fault.

** Whether truth or not, Jaime's assurance is something to cling to. "Never.. leave you behind neither," he replies, wishing that were true too. "Not.. now. N..not.. never." What else can he offer but that?

** Jaime glances to him, again, a pained smile forming. Another tear falls; despite all of his shortcomings, someone still cares. He wants... he wants... he hesitantly pries his hands away from the grip, shifting in for a hug. He needs this, more than he knows it, and it brings another wave of tears. "I'm- I'm not lettin' you outta my sight. Not- not again. I can't... lose you again." he mumbles between the tears, pulling his friend in for a tight hug.

** It sinks into the hug, patting against Jaime's back before his arms wrap properly around him. More memories come flooding back- countless other hugs during better days, better times, another life... "Keep you safe," he states. "I'll keep..me.. safe."

** Jaime lets himself... relax? He wasn't sure what it was, but for the first time since he'd woken up... he didn't feel so lost. Between the trembling sobs that he's trying to suppress, laughter slips through. "N-no... s'both'a'us, now, okay? It's... we're doin' this together. We... we keep us safe." After a few more moments, Jaime hesitantly breaks the hug - he really doesn't want to - and lets out a heavy breath. He looks his friend over, again, and gives him that same pained smile. "...home? S'... s'not that far."

** It doesn't let go himself for a few more moments. Home... His body aches, and his mouth is dry, and the wind registers cold on his bare skin. Home. He grunts affirmatively, freeing Jaime as he does. "C..crash on the couch." That sounds right. When did he last sleep..?

** Jaime finally recovers enough for the tears to stop coming, and he brings a sleeve up to roughly rub at his face. His head still hurts, but... he comes back to the present moment. The world forms around him again, and a shiver runs through him, even under all of his layers. Another chuckle escapes him at his friend's words. "Beds are all open. Way more cozy'n the couch, y'know... but I can't stop ya." He takes a step forward, tugging gently at his friend's sleeve to urge him to follow.

** For the first time in too long, a choked laugh comes out of the man. He hobbles forward on unsteady legs. "Guess..so." Whichever way 'home' is, he knows Jaime will take him there- trusts Jaime will take him there.

Jaime says, "This fuckin' fog again..."

It asks, "Again..?"

Jaime says, "...keeps comin' through. Makes everythin' act up.”

Jaime says, "Guess s'good we're walkin'."

** Jaime sparks his lighter to try to help navigate the fog.

** The light goes out.

Jaime says, "Aww..”

It states, "..dark.”

Jaime says, "Yeah..."

Jaime says, "...at least s'quiet.”

** Jaime digs for another lighter and sparks it. "...power's been out fer a while." He mumbles, shuffling over to sit on a couch.

** Jaime puts the lighter away once he's safely navigated the room.

** It looks around, but anything he could recognize is shrouded in darkness. "Can't fix it..?"

Jaime says, "...generator at the bar, but I ain't seen one 'round th'house. Don't... remember if we had one.”

** It staggers into, then slumps onto a seat.

It says, "Everything..went to.. shhh-it. At least..house is still here."

** It slouches further. "Cars gone..?"

** Jaime sighs and relaxes into the couch. He gives a small nod in response. "Came by here a few weeks ago. Saw 'em n' took 'em... didn't even realize they was mine. They're all safe."

** It pauses. His glossy eyes look over with confusion. "..weeks..? But.."

It says, "Was here..last week."

** Jaime shifts uncomfortably, looking to him with a frown. He checks his watch, and his voice goes soft. "...it's October."

** None of that makes sense to him...but his friend doesn't seem to be joking, either. His brow furrows. "N..no," is all he can think to reply.

Jaime says, "I'm... sorry. It is... we been out here for months, now.”

** It clenches his jaw shut and grinds his teeth together, as if needing to chew the news before he can digest it. "But.. I..." There's a long pause before he can come up with anything, and it's a very pitiful, "I..wasn't gone that long..."

** Jaime feels his heart wrenching as he speaks. Guilt weighs down on him; four months, he'd spent dicking around. Four months and his friend was dead. He shuffles in his seat, shrinking into himself. "...I was. I'm sorry." He mumbles softly, voice laden with regret. "...mebbe y'wouldn't be like this, if..." He pauses, and frowns. "...I dunno. If I did anythin' different."

** It gives Jaime a solemn look through the dark of the room. "..s'alright. Glad you found me now. Whatever.. whatever I am."

** Jaime can't bring himself to look at him with the regret weighing down on him. "...s'good to have you back."

** It grunts agreeably. He shifts around in his seat, trying to acclimate to not being on his feet. "You..been okay? ..Safe?"

** Jaime gives a halfhearted shrug. "Safe s'I can be. Got mangled pretty bad at th'airport, but... mostly put back together. ...Leg still hurts." He pushes out a laugh, but he just sounds... tired.

Jaime says, "There's... lotta other survivors. Been stickin' together."

** It doesn't look like the idea of anyone but Jaime existing has really registered to him. "Thought I..saw you limp. I should've been there. Meet your..new friends, too."

** Jaime doesn't quite understand why the words hurt him so deeply. "...s'okay. Yer here now." He says softly. "...we can go meet 'em. In- ... a couple days? I..."

** Jaime hesitates, an uncertain frown cutting his face. Even if he can't remember, this is his friend. "...I... need time on m'own. Tryin'... to remember." The words are hesitantly shared; it was the most forthcoming he'd been with anyone since he came to on that swarmed runway.

** It shuffles again- bringing himself to stand. "Remember.. remember what's happening?" he asks uncertainly. ...He doesn't know much either. If only Jaime could tell him who he is.

Jaime says, "...anythin', really."

Jaime says, "I... hit m'head. Fell outta the boarding-thing. Can't remember nothin'.”

** Jaime pauses for a moment, before continuing quieter. "...startin'a stir again, though."

** It sways in place. "Wish I.. wish I knew more. ..You 'member.. when you broke the window here?" He scratches at his temples. "Upstairs one..had to get a guy to fix it. That was..funny."

It says, "I.. laughed. ..maybe you didn't. Someone did."

** Jaime lets out a short laugh, gears in his head turning slowly. The sound of glass shattering. Laughter and hollering. The details were hazy, but... it was there. It just had to be dug up. "...think I do, yeah. Jus' barely."

** The sound of Jaime's laughter registers something in the dead man. He laughs too. "That was..a long time ago. Before…”

It says, "Before.. I..don't know."

** It frowns. The pleasant memories are fleeting.

Jaime says, "Before... all'a this, at least.”

** Jaime lets out a soft groan and rubs his head. The headache was creeping back; remebering things... hurt. A lot. "...you... feel like gettin' some shut-eye?" He's just as hesitant to pose the question; he doesn't want to, what he wants is to stay here, sitting with his friend, talking like things were still... normal. But the hours of travel and fighting and thinking are catching up to him.

** It looks towards the staircase instinctively. "I'm.. tired. Yeah."

It says, "Th..anks. For coming back. ..for staying."

** Jaime watches him, a sad smile forming. "...me too. I... I ain't leavin' you behind again." He grunts as he gets to his feet, leaning over on his crutch. "...can't afford to."

It says, "Neither. Think you're.. all I got left now."

** Jaime feels his breath catch as the words cut his heart. He stops for a moment, his face contorting as he tries to keep it together; the wave of sadness is immediate, and overwhelming. "...thas' gonna change. I promise. We got more." His voice is shaking, the strain of emotion palpable in his words.

He shuffles away, hobbling up the stairs, soft groans of discomfort escaping him as he puts weight on his bad leg. He takes a heaving breath when he reaches the top of the stairs - the day really was catching up to him. It was dark, and silent; he could just barely distinguish the outlines of furniture. The floorboards creak as he shuffles through the dark.

He makes his way to his bedroom door, gently pushing it open. It was... cold. Everything seemed so much more lonely, like this. He steps to the bed, carelessly dropping his bags on the floor before slumping over on the mattress. He doesn't bother taking off any of his clothes, but he rolls just enough to encapsulate himself in the blanket. He lets out another heavy groan as he feels all of his bones and muscles shifting, relaxing, as he finally takes a rest.

It takes a while - the pain coursing through his body keeps him conscious for some long minutes - but he eventually slips into a restless sleep.

It's... silent, for a while. His mind lapses into a shallow, dreamless sleep, as his body tries to recover. He doesn't know how long, but eventually, dreams begin forming. Hazy, overlapping, not quite clear where one begins and another ends.

Messing around with the pool table upstairs. He didn't really know how to play, but striking the balls was fun enough on its own. He was just dicking around, but one strike too strong - the ball bounced across the edge, flying through the window.

His face was hot. Laughter rang around him, and he turned to look at Nathan and Antony, sitting back and watching him. Jaime scoffs. “Oh, shut it, Antony…”

The perspective shifts. Sitting together downstairs; Jaime strumming his guitar. His friends dozing off on the couch as he quietly sings along.

“...found that place, for lovers who wander, yeah…”

It's sunny; wind blowing through open windows. Jaime slouched back in the driver's seat, only one hand on the wheel; the other one holding a cigarette to his lips. The song continues, rolling out the windows.

𝅘𝅥𝅮 A-walkin’ around, thinkin’ about her,

𝅘𝅥𝅮 Never thought I could live without her…

𝅘𝅥𝅮 She broke my heart, I really showed it,

𝅘𝅥𝅮 Look at me now, you'd never know it!

Jaime humming along, Nathan absentmindedly mumbling the words. He passes his cigarette to Antony.

They're back on the couch; Antony is passing back a joint. Buttons clicking; the sounds of video game fighting. Nathan groans in dismay, and Antony laughs. “C’mon, Nate, you didn’t even try to dodge that!” Jaime is happy, draped across his friends’ laps, watching them play.

The banter shifts to idle chatter; for once, the car is still. Jaime is parked in front of a Spiffo's, Antony in the passenger seat. Listening to radio talk shows and sharing fries. “Heard ‘bout that telescope they’re puttin’ up in the sky?” “Crazy shit, right?”

The car is in motion, again. The sun sets on the horizon, and they laugh together as the speedometer teeters higher and higher. 90. 100. 110. Jaime laughs from the thrill as it hits 120, the world flying past them, deafened by the wind.

The exhilaration carries through as the sky goes dark, speeding through neighborhood streets. It's just him and Nathan - flashing lights and shrill sirens. Nathan is giving him sharp orders. “Left. Left. Right. Keep going. Pull into that driveway, and shut the car off.”

The lights get brighter - the sirens get louder. Jaime's heart races as they get closer, and closer - and fly past.

He sits up straight in bed, taking rapid breaths from the adrenaline rush. Faint light seeps through the space under his door; the night had came and went. Another day.

** Jaime sighs and slides out of bed, his heart still racing from his dreams. He rubs his face, letting out a small groan before shuffling back out of his room. "...you 'wake?" He calls quietly, looking around for his friend.

** It groans lowly in acknowledgement. He stands hunched near one of the seats, possibly waiting for Jaime's arrival- or having been interrupted before he could sit.

It says, "Couldn't..sleep much."

** Jaime listens and makes his way downstairs. He puts on a small, slightly puzzled smile. "...y'know, I ain't thought if you could sleep or not, like that. Were y'least comfortable?"

** It grumbles, unhelpfully, "Mmrgh."

It says, "'S'warmer in here than out there."

** Jaime laughs. "Damn right. Might need'a see 'bout getting a heater in here... ...or we could hang out in the van. Least that don't need grid power."

It says, "Van's..good. We can't do..much..no power."

** It looks to the TV as an example.

** Jaime follows his gaze and snrks. "...yeah. Barely any water left, either. 'Least she's all hooked up."

** It shuffles towards his friend. "Not much of nothing... bet you get..bored."

** Jaime shrugs. "Been keepin' pretty busy on th'other side'a the island. Not half-bad, really..."

Jaime says, "Got power, got water. Smokes, tapes, music..."

It asks, "Why..other side?"

Jaime says, "I mean... jus' tried to get outta th'airport. Found the bar on that side, just holed up in it."

** It scrunches up his face for a second, then wrangles his lips into a smile. "...Free drinks."

It says, "Think I got into a fight there. Won."

** Jaime lets his eyes shift away, trying to pull at those faint memories. If he was present for that one... he couldn't remember it right now. "...gon hafta tell me 'bout it if you remember it better, eh?"

* It screws his eyes shut to claw more details out. "..not..much."

It says, "Someone's bar."

It says, "Dunno how.. how much I forgot. Must be a...lot.”

** Jaime pushes out a quiet laugh. "...makes two'a us."

It says, "F..fucked up."

It asks, "Everything else is bad..enough. What do you remember..?"

It says, "You remember..here."

** Jaime shuffles to the door, yet again gently tugging his sleeve to pull him along. "...'fore now, ain't much. Didn't even know this was my place... only figured it out 'cause Jules found a picture upstairs. Us together."

** It is tugged along. He wrinkles his nose in thought. "You still have it?"

** Jaime gives him a disappointed look. "S'at the bar... sittin' on my bedside. M'sorry..."

It says, "..don't mind. Nice you..took it with you."

** It lets his head droop. "Don't even know where..I lived. Maybe I got one too."

** Jaime frowns. "With all these rooms, I'd figure you was stayin' here, huh...?"

It says, "Don't know. ..prob'ly.."

** It hates how sad remembering- and the lack thereof- makes him. He grinds his teeth together.

It says, "Stay here anyway."

** Jaime nods. "S'nice place. ...nicer when there was water n' heating." He lets out another small laugh. "...les' go warm up in'a van."

** Jaime opens the door and gives him an exaggerated bow, gesturing to go ahead, with a stupid grin.

** It bows clumsily, a similar grin finding its way to him before he hobbles onward.

** It staggers into a seat and relaxes.

** Jaime flops over in the other seat with a sigh. "...way better. Ain't fuckin'... f-" He finally gets a clear look at his friend, and gives him an odd smile. "...you need a shirt, buddy?"

Jaime asks, "...maybe some other pants...?"

It asks, "..uh..?"

** It looks down at himself.

It asks, "Y.. yeah. Thought it was cold. What happened..?"

** Jaime shrugs. "...ain't like I got a clue."

** It picks himself up and rubs at the exposed leg on one side.

It says, “..neither.”

** Jaime gets back up with a soft groan, shuffling back to the side room and opening the closet. He digs around in the clothes, frowning and letting out a noise of irritation. "...I'unno whatcha wanna wear. Take a look fer yerself...? Can close'a curtains if yer... self-conscious." He puts on a teasing smirk, giving him a playful poke in the arm.

** It wheezes. He fumbles with the jukebox as Jaime talks at him. "Makes you..jealous of all them muscles, more..like."

** Jaime snorts and slips past, depositing himself back on the seat. "Yer right, yer right. You know I'm nothin' but spaghetti."

** It tosses his old clothes aside after changing. There isn't much that could make him look more presentable, but... at least he looks more human now. "Long legs..run quicker. Heh... helped out."

** Jaime glances to the disposed clothes, shrugging dismissively before directing his attention back. A smile pulls at his lips. "Maybe 'fore I broke one'a 'em. Ain't so fast now."

It asks, "Been..months and hasn't cleared up none?"

** It peers at his leg, but he's certainly no doctor.

Jaime says, "I mean, s'healed... jus'... maybe not healed right."

Jaime says, "Not like I'm gettin' top-of-the-line hospital treatment... fuckin'... had'a strap a branch to it n' call it a day."

It says, "Shhhit. I guess.. sounds like it hurt."

It asks, "Doesn't still hurt, d'sit?"

** Jaime laughs and shrugs. "Kinda. Depends on what I'm doin'. S'what I get fer not sittin' on my ass t'let it heal."

Jaime says, "In my defense... kinda hard to sit on yer ass when you got the whole world fallin' apart 'round ya."

** It 'mrgh's sympathetically. "Don't..blame you or nothing. I'd have.. fucked mine up too."

It says, "Not exactly got time to..prepare for any of this..."

Jaime says, "Yeah..."

Jaime asks, "We really got th'short end'a the stick, huh?"

It says, "Yeah. One min' we're on top of the world, then..."

** It looks at his hands, resting on his legs. He tightens his grip a bit. "Then..not. It just happened."

It says, "Like a bad dream.. but it's real. F- fuckin..g.. depressing."

** Jaime is quiet for a few long moments, steeping on his words. "...yeah. Ain't really had th'chance to stop n' think 'bout it, really. But... sucks." He looks to the floor; an exhaustion reaches his face that wasn't there before. The months of survival are catching up to him all at once. "...the fightin' never stops. S'always somethin'. More food, more tools, more materials. Dead keep gettin' back up. Never-endin' cycle... worse'n before, really."

** It leans forward. "Can't..do much else, can you?" He isn't sure if he wants the answer... He hasn't had to 'survive'. ..He didn't survive at all. "Not 'til..don't know. I thought..help would come."

It says, "Army or.. something..."

It asks, "Get you out of here..?"

** Jaime pushes out a bitter laugh. "Army, or somethin', came n' went. Found their camp down south... don't think they was doin' anythin' ta help us. Ain't seen a single one of them - musta bailed when shit really started hittin' th'fan."

Jaime exclaims, "...sides, not like they'd wanna help my ass get out. Found some other government place, n' they had a whoooooole file on me!"

** Its eyes widen in surprise. "You're joking. Real.. government.. surveil.. shit?"

It asks, "On you?”

Jaime exclaims, "Right? Made me sound pretty badass, though. Ain't even had m'real name!"

Jaime says, "Nathan musta done real good to cover my ass all them years."

Jaime says, "Still remember that night we was runnin' from the cops... got a little too spicy speedin' on the highway."

** It laughs. "Yeah..he always said.. be in jail without him."

It says, "You.. 'member when they just..rode right past? Scared to even breathe 'case they turned around.."

** It sinks further into his seat; he smiles at the excitement of the memory.

** Jaime laughs. "Fuckin' right I do! Scariest shit on earth. Thought they'd pull up right on my ass, but Nate really got us covered. Fuckin' a, miss the man..."

It says, "Me too. Bet he..could bail us out right 'bout now."

Jaime says, "For sure..."

** Jaime shifts in his seat, leaning forward to turn down the jukebox as he retrieves his guitar. "...lots t'remember."

** Jaime begins strumming before a tune catches. "...some'a it came back up las' night. Sleepin' on it. ...feels weird."

** It nods along. "Means you can remember..that's good news."

It asks, "Better than.. gone forever, i'n'it?"

** Jaime glances over with a smirk and gives him a small nod. "Much better. ...have somethin' ta hold onto, y'know?"

It says, "Wish I could..sleep on it. I just 'member you, and Nate, and.. 'bout it."

Jaime asks, "Couldn't sleep?"

It says, "Mrgh. Just kept tossing and.. turning."

It says, "Felt like I haven't slept ever... still tired. Don't know, maybe it's..nerves."

Jaime exclaims, "Maybe!"

Jaime says, "Hopefully..."

It says, "Trying..not to worry about none of that."

** Jaime hums softly and nods. "...makes sense. Mmm... maybe anythin' I might help with? We gotta have some kinda answers, 'tween the two'a us."

** It thinks. "Don't..know if you could help, Jaime. Just wanna know what..happened. ..who I am, or..was.”

It says, "I guess I.. died."

** Jaime lapses his playing for a moment and sits up a bit straighter, giving him a sheepish smile. "Oh, uh... ...Antony. I- I remembered."

Jaime states, "Yer name."

Jaime says, "...at least."

** It looks up at him. Now that his friend had said something, he... He did have a name. That shouldn't have been much of a surprise.

Antony says, "..yeah.."

** Antony glances away. "..Antony. How'd I forget that."

** Jaime picks up another song, and gives Antony a lopsided grin. "'Ey, I forgot my name th'whole time. No shame."

Jaime exclaims, "Bigger problems, I guess!"

** Antony chuckles after a pause. Jaime's attitude is infectious. "'Least we got them now."

Antony says, "It worked out."

Jaime asks, "All's well 'at ends well, huh?"

Antony says, "If we don't..go outside, yeah."

** Antony laughs again.

** Jaime laughs along.

** Jaime trails off in a quiet chuckle, relaxing back into his seat as he continues playing. His mind stirs with faint memories of past days and nights, spent much the same. "...ain't realized how much I missed ya."

** Antony hums along to the music at points. It's the calmest he's looked since they reunited.. he remembers days like this, too. "Neither.. Don't know how I managed months..on my own."

Antony says, "Glad you're..alive. I mean..didn't expect you to be dead... but glad."

** Jaime smirks, giving a shrug. "Keep sayin' that God don't want me yet, guess it's truer than I thought." He tilts his head thoughtfully for a moment. "...deads been roamin' around fer months. Dunno why they're gettin' back up... maybe them other survivors got a better clue. But... it means I got'chu back, so I guess I cain't complain too much."

Antony says, "Heh-.. don't know if I should find out.."

Antony asks, "Any of those survivors government types?"

** Jaime thinks. Really hard. "Think there's a couple ex-military brats, but don't think any government hangin' around. Think they fuckin' ditched us here, anyways."

Antony says, "Mmrgh. Good for nothing government..should've expected."

Antony says, "Just..waiting for things to sort themselves out. We might hafta..investigate if we want to know."

Antony asks, "You went to..some place with files? Nothing there?"

** Jaime nods. "Some camp, some building out in'a woods... Reems pointed out m'file, dunno if there was others. Ain't really thought ta ask."

Antony asks, "Would've hoped someone said if..anyone knew anything about what's happening... 'cause why hide it?"

** Jaime frowns. "...y'gotta point. Everyone jus' been keepin'a themselves. Ain't really bothered t'ask 'bout all'a it..."

Jaime says, "...we had 'nother zed come on up to the bar. Or, well, t'me. They was..."

Jaime says, "Confused. But they ain't tried t'fight me or nothin'."

Jaime says, "...somethin' weird goin' on. Been nothin' but deads tryna kill us, now suddenly y'all are comin' back to real life. Not jus' fer killin' us."

Jaime says, "...sorry. Sounds rude sayin' it like that."

** Antony shakes his head. He saw firsthand- hurrying to Jaime, the gun aimed right at him.

Antony says, "Don't..know. ..least I didn't.. kill you or nothing."

Antony asks, "Maybe that other one knows..?"

Jaime says, "Mebbe. ... ... ...didn't... .... didn't ask 'bout it."

** Jaime gives Antony another sheepish smile. King of never questioning Anything.

Antony says, "'S'alright.. just thinking out loud. Guess I got..time for questions when I see 'em."

Jaime asks, "Want me ta get a book n' start takin' notes fer ya?"

** Jaime grins at him. He's giving him shit.

** Antony laughs. "Your..shitty..handwriting..? Yeah... right."

Antony says, "Eyes don't work well as they did..wouldn't help me."

** Jaime bursts out laughing. "'ight, 'ight, no need fer such a low blow..." He rolls his eyes. He's not taking it that personally.

** Antony 'heh's again. "C'mon..made it easy for me."

Antony says, "I'll..take notes for you 'stead."

** Jaime grins. "Yer hands still workin' like they 'sposed to?" he pokes back.

Jaime says, "Couldn't even drag me off, y'know... gonna hafta get back to the gym."

** Antony pats his bicep defensively. "Hey..! You should try first. Haven't..stepped foot.. in your life."

** Jaime snickers. "Hey, if you seen what I done so far, you'll be takin' back them words."

Jaime exclaims, "As fer the gym... I'unno, actually. I ain't seen it. But we could totally haul out some'a them pieces fer ya!"

Antony says, "Would be nice... gonna need a trailer."

Jaime says, "Oh, we got pleny'n'more cars, trucks, trailers..."

Antony says, "..Guess their owners wasn't using them... There's a lot of shit to just... take. ..never thought about that 'til now."

Jaime exclaims, "Exaaaactly!”

Antony exclaims, "Not like we got cops anymore..!"

Jaime exclaims, "Ex-ACTLY!"

** Antony laughs.

Jaime says, "It's a sweet world, other'n fightin'a stay alive. But it ain't like that's much new, either."

Antony says, "Nah.. don't need to cover our tracks now. That's something.”

Jaime says, "It's fuckin' great is what it is."

** Antony grins at him. "So not all doom 'nd gloom." He pauses to think about something distinctly Antony-esque: "There any cute chicks out of the survivors you mentioned..? 'Cause then I'm set."

** Jaime smiles back, before he blinks at Antony's commentary - and his hands stop playing as he lapses into laughter. Hard laughter, that racks his body. It takes a few minutes for him to recover. "Oh, fffuck, God- I- hahahah- sorry, bud, I'm not sure 'bout that one. Seems like a pretty big damn sausage party in'a bar..." He snickers, giving Antony another stupid grin. "That other zed might be some typea lady? Get'cherself a zombie romance?"

Jaime asks, "Said 'er name was Amelia before. Goin' by... Ahava... now?"

** Antony can't help but laugh along with him, even as he hears the bad news. "Ahava, eh..? Have a what? ..gimme min'.. bet I could hit it off with her.."

** Jaime snorts. "Bet you could, loverboy. Gettin' all'a ladies even after it all goes ta shit."

Antony says, "Damn right.. wingman you for one of the guys too.."

Antony says, "You gotta get..one lasting one."

** Jaime smirks and tilts up an eyebrow. "I mean, never say no t'wingman, buuuuut...."

Antony asks, "But..?"

** Jaime's grin turns a little smug.

** Antony gives him a look. "Reyes charm already done..the work, did it?"

Antony asks, "What's'is name?"

** Jaime lapses into laughter. "Far's I'm concerned, yeah.~ He ain't all that convinced, though... jus' call 'im Dickhead fer the most part. Real name's Dennis."

Antony asks, "Fell for a guy called..fucking.. Dennis?"

** Jaime puts up his hands in mock offense. "Hey, ain't like we got options any more..."

Antony says, "Yeah, y'right... need to meet him."

** Jaime snorts. "Jus' don't tell 'im. Buddy's got a stick up his ass 'bout it."

Jaime says, "'Don't kiss n' tell' kinda guy. Gotta get it outta him someday..."

Antony asks, "I'll get 'im to come clean. Gotta have some fun stories...been on a date yet?"

** Jaime frowns thoughtfully. "...eh, drinkin' n' smokin' counts as a date."

Antony says, "Not even Spiffo's..? C'moonnn..gotta treat him."

** Jaime snorts. "There ain't no Spiffo's left runnin'! And it ain't like I got fuckin'... chef hands."

** Antony continues teasingly. "Candlelit..dinner at your bar. I'll cook it up."

** Jaime raises his eyebrows and nods along. "Mmmm... sounds romantic. I'll see if I can rope 'im into it. Some Xanax prolly loosen 'im up." He laughs and sets his guitar next to the seat.

Antony says, "You gotta..bribe your man? Must be why you call him Dickhead."

Antony says, "'Long as you're happy, though."

** Jaime leans over in his seat, still smirking. "Eh, more like gotta get 'im to chill the fuck out. Fucker's always angry 'bout somethin'. Ain't got the bother to fight everything n' God when he's hopped up."

** Antony stares at him listlessly. "Sure there weren't no other guys to try your luck with?"

Antony says, "Wouldn't wanna be 'round a guy like that."

** Jaime's smirk slips into a thoughtful yet unconvinced expression. "There's Biscuits, but... he don't really seem all there. Real quiet-type too. ...ain't too up my alley, y'know? 'Ere's Rock, but he's just..." Jaime laughs. "Think he's just homophobic. Punched th'shit outta me fer jokin' wit' him.”

** Antony frowns at the mention of this 'Rock' guy. "Better've knocked some sense back into 'im, else I will."

** Jaime grins and shakes his head. "We was all drinkin' all night. Ain't too pressed 'bout it. Now, if he comes swingin' sober... he's gonna learn how th'floor tastes real quick."

** Antony relaxes slightly. "He better watch himself. 'Specially now you got me to look out for you."

Antony says, "Really not'ta lotta options..see why you went with that one."

** Jaime gives Antony a sappy smile. His stupid little heart. "'ey, we lookin' out for each other. I ain't lettin' nobody mess with you either."

Jaime says, "...but, yeah, he's the most fun, if y'ask me."

** Jaime winks.

** Antony shakes his head lightly. "Isn't no-one gonna mess with me anyway... you know me."

** Jaime laughs. "Ya never know. Someone could damn well have a death wish!"

** Antony laughs too. "Gonna end up like me 'f'they do... don't gotta worry, Jay."

Jaime says, "I guess death don't do ya 'part no more."

** Jaime gives Antony the stupidest possible smile.

Antony says, "Brings us..t'gether now."

** Jaime's stupid smile turns sappy yet again. "Alriiiight... yeah..."

** Jaime itches for a cigarette, and digs in his pockets for a pack. He raises an eyebrow as he places one in his lips, tilting the pack to Antony. "...can you still smoke?"

** Antony reaches over without thinking, then pauses. "..think so. Haven't had one in..however long."

Antony says, "Need a light."

Jaime exclaims, "Should be one on'a table!"

** Antony grunts affirmatively.

** Jaime flips the jukebox back on. "...gotta tell me what s'like. Now I'm all nosy wonderin' how everythin' changes, eh... when yer dead. Un-dead?"

** Antony takes shaky drags of the cigarette, like he's remembering the act of breathing. "..dunno.. hard to remember what it used to be. Brain feels like it's...running on fumes."

Antony says, "Wish it was..cooler."

Jaime asks, "Bein' undead?"

** Antony nods.

** Jaime chuckles. "If it makes y'feel better, I don't think yer ever gon' stop bein' a badass."

** Antony shakes his head, flattered. "Gotta get back to the gym, you was right... get my muscles back."

Antony says, "'N'then I'll be badass."

Jaime asks, "Maybe could go see 'bout draggin' out one'a them exercise bits sometime. Tomorrow?"

Jaime says, "Ain't got space t'keep it in here, but... y'know."

** Jaime shrugs.

Antony says, "Yeah.. don't need to take it nowhere either. Could just... visit. Place must be empty."

Jaime says, "I mean... think we'd gotta get a genny fer the building."

Jaime says, "At least, fer the, uhhh... treadmills n' stuff."

Antony says, "..forgot. Fuck."

** Jaime laughs.

Antony says, "Power being out's such a.. pain in the ass."

Jaime exclaims, "It really is!"

Jaime says, "Generator's always fuckin' runnin' out."

Jaime exclaims, "Got solar panels, but this damn island is so rainy can't get a fuckin' charge on it!"

** Antony laughs. "Should've been an electrician... way easier. Fix the..grid, whatever needs fixed…”

Antony asks, "How'd you get solar panels?"

** Jaime raises his eyebrows, giving Antony a thoughtful nod. "Ain't no time like th'present... got pretty good with sum' light switches n' all. Cain't be that much harder, right?"

Jaime exclaims, "Oh, we went bustin' open people's storage units. Buncha bits n' bobs layin' around fer 'em!"

** Antony scratches his lower jaw with his free hand. "Always surprises me...things you come up with. Don't even know where the power plant is."

** Jaime frowns and shrugs. "Me neither."

Jaime says, "Ain't seen any building like that on th'map..."

** Antony shakes his head. "I guess we havfta look ourselves."

Antony says, "Has to be somewhere..."

** Jaime taps his chin thoughtfully. "I did seen some fenced-off road down south. Need some, uhhh... wire cutters. See 'bout gettin' through n' pokin' round, maybe?"

Antony says, "Poking around where we don't belong... sounds.. fun to me."

** Jaime grins. "Thas' th'Antony I know n' love! The best place ta be is where we don't belong."

** Antony grins back at him. "And that's the Jaime I 'member. Said those exact words...once or twice. Lotta work for just..two people, though.. might need your boyfriend."

** Jaime laughs. "Oh, I'm sure he'll be more'n eager to get in some trouble. Fucker joined us fer all the other runs we done.”

Antony asks, "Didn't have to pay him or nothing?"

Jaime says, "Nawww. Bastard just loves shootin' shit."

Antony says, "Hope there's not too much to shoot.. 's'just a power plant."

Jaime says, "Good question... s'either gon' be a ghost town, or s'gon be swarmin' with the sorry bastards that got abandoned there."

Antony asks, "Don't know which is worse. ..more survivors, though..?"

Jaime says, "Well... meant they'd prolly be dead by now."

Antony says, "...could be like me."

** Antony offers, hopefully.

** Jaime tilts his head and gives a small shrug. "We could hope..."

** Antony sinks a bit further into the seat. "Should... go somewhere. Any of the good spots still standing..?"

** Jaime mirrors him, relaxing back with a sigh. "Dunno 'bout good spots... most stuff's... fine, jus' no power.”

** Jaime thinks for a moment before letting out a small laugh, and giving Antony a stupid grin. "Wonder how many movies they got stashed up? Could have a marathon of a lifetime if we get a generator hooked up there."

** Antony takes a few seconds as his memory is jogged, then grins with his friend. "Never got to watch Terminator. Sounds bitching."

Antony says, "Just..need generator."

** Jaime casts his eyes to the side, sifting through his own scant memories. "Well, if I did, sure as shit ain't remember it now! Might'a picked up a tape fer it, though...?"

Jaime says, "Ain't had luck findin' no other generators, though... jus' th'one fer th'bar."

Antony asks, "...Borrow it?"

** Jaime pouts More, somehow. "But... we got so much stashed up in'ere..."

** Antony makes a vaguely 'I dunno' noise. "It's for a good cause..."

** Jaime chuckles. "Maybe we could steal them fancy projectors... turn th'wall into a great big screen, mebbe?"

Antony says, "Can't be that hard to..steal."

Jaime says, "Everythin's easy ta steal when ain't nobody lookin'.”

** Antony laughs a little. "I'll... turn around."

** Jaime snorts.

Jaime asks, "Well... ...we gon' go steal shit, then?"

** Jaime gives Antony a shit-eating grin.

Antony says, "Don't gots'ta ask me twice, Jaime..."

Jaime exclaims, "Hell yeah!”

** Antony flexes unimpressively before he shambles out.

** Jaime gets to his feet with a groan as he follows.

Jaime says, "Man... I miss th'desert."

Jaime says, "Too cold like this…”

Antony says, "I like it. Looks..tough wearing shorts in this weather.”

** Antony is not wearing shorts, but that doesn't seem important.

Jaime exclaims, "Makes my layers nice n' cozy, though!”

Jaime says, “Place’s swarmin…”

Jaime says, "Fuckin' a."

Jaime exclaims, "Well, ain't theater, but!"

Antony says, "Kinda.. creepy.. when it's dark."

Jaime says, "Shit, ain't realized they had a pool in here..."

** Antony looks amused. "You never went."

** Jaime gives Antony a look of fake offense. "You ever told me they had a pool??"

Antony says, "Didn't..ask."

** Jaime rolls his eyes and sulks away. "Ruuuude..."

** Jaime goes up to the wall of mirrors and pampers himself. Like the fool he is.

Antony says, "Sorryyy, Jay... know I don't mean it."

Jaime says, "I dunno if I can eeeever forgive y'fer this one, Ant."

** Antony hobbles up to a mirror just to stare at his reflection.

Antony states, "Noooo."

Jaime asks, "You want me ta start haulin' one'a these?"

** Antony grunts affirmatively.

Antony says, "I can help. Just gotta..."

** Antony strains to even move the damn thing.

Jaime exclaims, "S'all good. I'll start draggin'!"

Jaime says, "If you get them weights, I got th'rest."

Antony states, ".."kay."

Jaime states, "One."

Jaime says, "One's in'a back! Gettin' a treadmill, too..."

Antony says, "Fuck yeah..."

Jaime says, "I wan' see whazzat other buildin'."

Jaime says, "Awww... just an office."

Antony says, "Yeah..."

Jaime says, "Doubt these people was even doin' anythin' fun."

** Jaime snickers quietly as he watches Antony trip.

Jaime states, "Ah."

Jaime states, "Visitors."

Antony asks, "Is that...katana?"

Jaime exclaims, "Damn right it is!"

** Antony laughs.

Jaime asks, "Sweet, right?"

Antony exclaims, "Fucking...awesome!"

**Jaime grins.

Antony says, "I should... get one."

Antony says, "Need something."

Jaime says, "I'll letcha know soon."

Jaime exclaims, "I'll letcha know soon's I find another!"

Jaime asks, "Want my machete?"

** Antony holds out his hand sheepishly.

** Jaime hands it over with a grin.

Antony states, "Thanks."

Jaime exclaims, "Yer welcome!"

Antony says, "Gonna..look after it."

Jaime asks, "Wan' go pokin' 'round upstairs, or think s'not worth it?"

Antony says, "Might 's'well..."

Jaime says, "Same shit."

Antony states, "Mmrgh."

** Jaime sighs dramatically.

Antony says, "Boring..shit.."

Jaime says, "Yuuuuup..."

Jaime says, "Let's get outta here. Fuckin'... waste'a time."

Jaime says, "So tempting..."

Antony asks, "You want it?"

Jaime exclaims, "Just because!"

Jaime says, "Ain't like nobody else gonna bother with it."

Jaime says, "But we already got th'van... can just pick it up some other time."

Antony says, "Yeah..not going anywhere."

Antony says, "..hopefully."

**Jaime laughs. "Prolly!"

Antony says, "Spiffo's cute.. he-"

** Antony is interrupted by the zeds jumping Jaime.

** Jaime starts at the sound of the groaning. "All good, promise!"

Jaime says, "Maybe oughta get back in. Cold out... n' zeds ain't gonna come crawlin' in."

Antony says, "Sounds..good."

Antony asks, "Take this all home?"

Jaime exclaims, "Hell yeah!"

** Jaime whines. "Bastard tore my coat!"

Jaime says, "Let's bail. I'm sick'a this..."

** Jaime gives the Spiffo van a wistful look. "Be back fer ya..."

** Jaime looks over as they pass a side road, a smirk forming. "Could go visit Dickhead... don't think he'd 'preciate visitors, though."

Antony says, “..I wanna meet him.”

** Jaime laughs. "Worst case scenario, he shoots us, I guess! Y'really wanna risk it?"

Antony says, “Your boyfriend’s not gonna..shoot us.”

Antony asks, “Izze?”

** Jaime raises his eyebrows and gives Antony a concerning shrug. "Thas' th'fun part. Cain't tell when he's jus' sayin' shit n' when he's forreal."

** Antony gives him a bit of a look.

** Jaime gives Antony an absolutely faux-innocent smile. "Whaaat?"

Antony says, “C’moonnnn.”

Jaime says, “He’s fuuuuuun…”

Jaime exclaims, "Fuck's sake, hate these screechers!"

** Jaime sighs as he shifts the RV into park. "Home sweet home."

[Low] Jaime says, "...or somethin' like that. Ain't feelin' too sweet lately."

Antony says, "Yeah.. home."

Jaime says, "...feel like crashin' on the couch in here? 'Least there's actual heat..."

Antony says, "..Think I will. Thanks, Jaime."

Antony says, "Couldn't..really sleep in the house."

** Jaime smiles. "Was hard 'nuff fer me, too. I'll go get cozy up on'a seat back there too."

Jaime exclaims, "Don't quite feel like freezin' my ass off, 'specially now it's snowin'!"

** Jaime shuffles in after Antony, settling down in the loveseat and procuring a needle and some thread to begin silently stitching up the hole in his jacket.

** Antony shifts about, struggling to find a comfortable position to lie in.

Antony asks, "Doing..'Iright?"

Jaime says, "Mm-hmm... jus' sad 'bout the coat."

Jaime asks, "Them new clothes doin' you better?"

Antony says, "Loads. Less..cold."

Antony asks, "Guess I didn't feel it before..?"

** Jaime lets out a light laugh. "Really? You ain't even got'cher jacket on anymore."

Antony says, "Shouldn't've left it."

** Antony smiles sheepishly.

Jaime asks, "Ain't 'nother one in the closet?"

Antony says, "Probly...but I don't wanna get up..."

** Jaime smiles and shakes his head. "Princess Antony..."

** Antony laughs. "Thaaankkss."

** Jaime gets up with a soft groan and goes to dig through the closet. "That means you ain't get t'be picky, though!"

** Jaime pulls a coat out and tosses it on top of Antony like a blanket.

** Antony doesn't even bother to take it off him- he just grunts, then flips onto his side. "Looks good."

Jaime shakes his head and laughs, and settles back down in his seat. "Man... forgot how fuckin' cozy these are."
Antony 'mm's in not-really-listening agreement. Maybe the jacket was all he needed to drift off; his head lulls, and his shifting slows.

Rest comes as unnaturally to Antony as his existence. His eyes dart vigilantly beneath pallid eyelids, at odds with the calmness of his body. He doesn't think- doesn't breathe- doesn't realize he's unconscious, even as the world shifts.

There was a time where the two of them could walk without limping... Times that Antony treasured, taken for granted. He scales a fence and runs, yelling after an unruly labrador. Her leash trails tauntingly from her collar. "C'mon! C'mere, Rosie, good girl!"

Rosie ignores him. He groans, picking up the pace in time for a root to catch his foot. "Shit-!" As he falls, he can hear his date calling: "Oh my god, are you okay?!--"

Everything turns upside down in an instant; his surroundings are a blur of indistinct faces and asphalt. He's on his hands and knees, winded. "You okay? Shit.." the man at his side repeats, gingerly holding a tissue to his bloodied nose.

He pushes the help away. "Fine, Ben. Fuck that guy." He vaguely remembers that night- the last night the two of them ever spoke. It stirs bittersweet thoughts in him: I stuck up for you, and you left me behind. His best friend...

..but his best friend isn't Ben, it's…

When the world warps again, it almost matches reality. Music radiates from the interior of Jaime's brand-new RV. The man himself tugs Antony along by the sleeve, beaming from ear to ear... "Bit of an impulse buy," he explains, "but I always wanted one'a these things."

Nate has already made himself comfortable in the loveseat. He rolls himself a cigarette on the table as he mumbles along to the lyrics.

And there's a cold, lonely light that shines from you..

"Whattya think, Ant?" the redhead prompts. "Gonna get some posters an'all too."

Before Antony can respond, Nate glances up. "..oh, hey, Jaime.. Ant.."

"Nate's lovin' it! Make one fer me too?-"

Nathan looks right through him. "...You're not Antony," he realizes, the grin peeling from his face. Jaime turns, bewildered, only to do the same.

"..Ant?"

The dead man opens his mouth. Nothing comes out.

Jaime lets go.

"Wait," those dead lips finally manage. "I.. I am. Back me up, Jay..."

Antony's friend smiles unconvincingly. Without reassuring anyone, he flops into the one-man-chair.

He staggers forward on heavy legs. "Stop fucking with me, Nate! Jaime, I.."

The corpse sprawled over red cushions pries open its eyes, and the weight of not-quite-living bears down on him again. Nate’s gone. Was he.. ever here?

** Jaime is still dozing peacefully, slumped over on his hand, snoring quietly. A burnt-out cigarette hangs from his other hand.

** Antony sits up groggily. He takes a moment just to process his surroundings. Just a dream, right?..

** He heaves himself out of the comfort of the couch. "Mmrgh... Jaime..?"

** Jaime starts at the slightest sound of his name - sitting up straight, blinking and pushing his sunglasses up. "Hu- whuh- awake- I'm 'wake. I've been 'wake. Yeah? Whuzzup?" He definitely does not sound like a man that has been awake.

Antony says, "Sleeping... beauty."

Jaime says, "Nawww. I'm Prince Charmin'."

** Antony chuckles. "'Kay, your.. highness. Good morning..."

Antony says, "Just making sure...awake."

Jaime says, "Yup, totally have been, whole time. Keepin' watch. Like a hawk."

Antony says, "Maybe...sleeping hawk."

Antony says, "Still smoking too."

** Jaime suddenly becomes aware of the cigarette between his fingers, and quickly lifts it to light. "Like I said! Whoooole time. You ain't seen nothin'."

Jaime exclaims, "Woke up- woke up 'cause the smell of that sweet, sweet nicotine!"

Antony says, "Pants on fire..."

** Antony can't hide his amusement, though.

Jaime exclaims, "No they ain't!"

[Low] Jaime says, "...would'a woke up sooner if they were."

** Antony laughs out loud. "Sense of..humor hasn't changed none..."

Antony asks, "What's..time?"

** Jaime stirs a little to check his watch and gives Antony a sheepish smile. "Almost two. ...in th'afternoon."

Antony says, "Good.. 'nough. Tired after yesterday." Antony asks, "Doing okay too?"

Jaime exclaims, "I'm doin' jus' dandy!"

Jaime says, "...hungry, though. Runnin' outta snacks."

** Jaime pouts.

Antony says, "..Hungry too."

Antony asks, "...Everything gone bad?"

** Jaime digs in his bag and pouts More. "I got sum' chips ta tide ya over, but... we gon' hafta go scrapin' fer food, or jus'... drag ass back t'th'bar."

Jaime says, "Ehh... we managed't grab bunch'a meat n' stuff 'fore it all went bad."

** Antony nods. "Might as well.. bar. Need to meet..everyone anyway."

Antony says, "Specially that..boyfriend."

** Jaime gives Antony a teasing grin. "A'ight, a'ight... I guess I kept'cha to myself long enough, loverboy. Let's see if any of them ladies like ya."

Antony says, "Allll of 'em."

** Jaime gets up with a groan. Like an old man. He's barely in his 30s.

** Antony flexes muscles on his arms that he doesn't have.

Jaime says, "Well... hope snow ain't too bad."

** Antony pauses after taking a step to follow- he turns around to grab that jacket Jaime threw at him last night.

Antony says, "Right... cold."

Jaime exclaims, "Fuckin' freezin'. Got the heater in the car, though!"

Jaime exclaims, "Hey, some that snow melted!"

Jaime says, "Maybe now I can actually see the damn road."

Antony says, "Can't wait...summer.."

Jaime asks, "Right...?"

** Jaime laughs. "Maybe that pool in'a gym actually be useful!"

Jaime says, "So many of the bastards..."

Antony asks, "Maybe... don't the water go bad..?"

Jaime asks, "Shit, does it?"

Jaime says, "I never had one, sooo..."

Antony says, "Neither...just thought.. don't wanna swim in gross water."

Jaime says, "Fair'nuff."

** Jaime flips on the radio.

Jaime says, "Not the damn snow again..."

** Jaime lights a cigarette and offers it to Antony.

** Antony takes it without really thinking and brings it to his lips.

Jaime says, "Guess they been doin' good at keepin'a streets clean."

** Jaime pulls up to the bar, music blaring through closed windows. He ever-so-carefully pulls his van between the cars, cirling around to park next to the greenhouse before shutting off the car.

Antony asks, "Home?"

Jaime says, "Home! ...Guess. Feels weird callin' it that now."

** Jaime glances up. "Looks like 'nother supply drop. Risky flyin' in this weather..."

** Antony doesn't pay the sound of the plane much mind. "..farmer now?"

** Jaime glances over and snickers. "Only sorta. Not like we gettin' canned goods no more."

Antony says, "Pretty...cool. Didn't expect... green thumb."

** Antony chuckles.

** Jaime shrugs. "I mean, hey... handy with th'weed."

Jaime exclaims, "And it's damn nice growin' my own tobacco!"

Jaime says, "Not like we need it, with fuckin' ten lifetime supply a'smokes inside."

** Jaime rubs his arms. "Speakin' of..."

Antony asks, "..want cigarette back..?"

Jaime says, "Naww. We got pleny."

** Antony nods and continues puffing.

Jaime says, "...I meant I wanna go inside."

** Jaime laughs.

Jaime says, "S'fuckin' cold."

Antony states, "..Yeah."

** Jaime ducks and darts inside and sighs with relief when the warm air hits him.

Jaime exclaims, "So much better. Now for some fuckin' munchies!"

** Jaime beelines to the snack shelf, like a very healthy boy.

** Antony follows his friend's example, grabbing at the nearest junk food.

** Jaime is literally just eating jelly beans.

** Antony seems to be playing a game of 'how many gummy bears can fit inside a grown man's mouth'.

** Jaime looks over to Antony and chokes a little with laughter. He puts a hand to his mouth and focuses on getting down a mouthful of jelly beans, before -

Jaime says, "...we should totally play chubby bunny."

Antony says, "Aooundssh 'ike...eeay..eeeaa.."

** Antony coughs.

** Jaime cackles.

** Antony has to spit a wad of gummy bears back into his hand. (gross.) "..Got.. marshmallows?"

Jaime exclaims, "Fuck yeah we do!"

** Jaime darts over to dig in the cupboard and pulls out ALL of the bags of marshmallows. He returns to Antony and promptly dumps them all on the floor.

** Antony‘s eyes widen.

** Jaime grins.

Antony says, "Holy...shit, man.."

Jaime exclaims, "Not like anyone else's usin' 'em!"

** Jaime tears open a bag and starts attempting to stuff his mouth.

** Jaime rolls 3 on a 5-sided die.

** Antony follows suit: he quickly finishes off the rest of his gummy bears first, though.

** Antony rolls 1 on a 5-sided die.

** Jaime tries to speak through a mouthful of marshmallows. "Shink yh'gort'suh suff im'ur mourf frurm duh dummy ghears."

** Antony sheepishly chews on his pathetic, singular marshmallow.

Antony says, "..warming up."

** Jaime manages to swallow them back and gives Antony a marshmallow-eating grin. "Suuuure..."

** Antony defiantly continues his marshmallow battle without a word.

** Antony rolls 1 on a 5-sided die.

** Jaime rolls 3 on a 5-sided die.

** Jaime tries to beat his previous score, to no avail - but still gives Antony a smug, marshmallow-filled grin.

** Antony groans. “Can do at least… two..”

** Antony rolls 1 on a 5-sided die.

** Antony cannot, in fact, do at least two.

** Jaime chokes on his marshmallows and coughs as he tries to recover, witnessing Antony repeatedly fail. He can't talk in this state.

** Antony slumps to the floor in defeat.

** Jaime finally manages to swallow back the marshmallows, and takes a deep breath. He's a bit pink in the face from the stifled laughter. "Good shot, buddy... you'll get them jaws back soon 'nuff, I'm sure."

Antony says, "Enough..marshmallows for a rematch."

Jaime exclaims, "Oh, twenty times over!"

** Antony plucks one from an open bag. "..taste good too."

** Jaime scoops them up to stuff them back in the cabinet.

Jaime says, "Yanno, I'm s'prised no-one's up n' around. Usually crawlin' with life."

Jaime says, "Must be naptime."

Antony asks, "How..many?"

** Jaime grabs a soda and glances away thoughtfully. He counts off mentally as he drinks, before sighing. "Ehhh... four r' five? Sum'n like that? Dickhead don't stay here, but with how often he hangs 'round, wouldn't blame ya fer thinkin' otherwise."

** Antony counts on his fingers. "Mr. Popular... we can wait. Already.. slept.. so.."

Antony asks, "Wanna watch.. TV?"

Jaime exclaims, "Well, ain't got service, but we got pleny'a tapes!"

Jaime says, "Could make popcorn n' all."

** Antony grunts approvingly.

** Jaime throws some popcorn in the microwave.

Jaime states, "Sweeeeet."

** Jaime drags the couch.

** Antony stops at the soda machine. He absentmindedly pushes against one of the levers, getting root beer over his hand, then frowns a bit.

** Jaime begins rifling through the shopping basket of loose VHS tapes.

Antony says, "Sweet..setup."

Jaime asks, "Right?"

Jaime exclaims, "Yesss!"

** Jaime flashes a tape to Antony with a big grin. "Terminator! Like you was talkin'bout!"

Antony says, "Fuck yeah..."

Antony asks, "Haven't..watched it neither?"

Jaime exclaims, "Don't remember if I did!"

** Jaime pops in the tape and kicks back on the couch. He offers Antony a bag of microwave popcorn.

** Antony happily feasts.