[ Good. Joel nods, satisfied. And maybe just a touch amused at the way Jesse's attitude instantly vanishes, replaced by blatant fear. He doesn't let that part show, though. Joel has an excellent poker face, and he keeps the gun trained on Jesse and his expression just this side of a scowl as he scrambles around him at the perimeter of the room.
He also ignores Jesse's plea. His finger isn't on the trigger - he doesn't actually want to blow the kid's brains out, no matter what it may look like right now - but it's close enough. Just in case. And he's not about to change that.
He jerks the gun to the side slightly, indicating the hallway beyond. ]
Keep goin'.
Y'got any other friends around?
[ There'd been one, patrolling the outside of the building - Joel had done his homework, scoped the place out, and dispatched the other 'guard' the same way he'd handled the one in front of Jesse's room. But it'll be interesting to see how he responds. How truthful he is, and what kind of lie he'll cook up if not. ]
[ Jesse sort of side-steps through the hallway, not wanting to fully turn his back on Joel, but also not wanting to risk a trip-and-fall. With the guy's finger that close to the trigger, any sudden moves could mean getting shot, and Jesse's gotten this far in life without that experience. He'd like to make it as long as possible not knowing what a bullet wound feels like, even though he's been shot at plenty. Jesse contemplates lying. It comes as easily to him these days as it always has, only lately he doesn't feel that pang of guilt afterward. It's just the way things are. The cost of survival. There arent' niceties anymore. Everyone's out for themselves, and that's just how shit goes. It's beginning to get hard to remember how things were before. ]
There's one guy outside. I sent another one out on an errand but I don't know when he's s'posed to get back.
[ He isn't lying. Only, by the time he gets to the end of the hallway and starts down the stairs, he catches a glimpse of 'the guy outside' through one of the windows at the staircase landing. He's in a crumpled heap on the ground and Jesse winces, feeling defeated. He can only hope the guy's unconscious and not dead. Even in times like this, he isn't hardened enough to shrug off the loss of life. He hasn't grown that cold yet, and likely never will. ]
Where are we going?
[ It's starting to become clear that fighting this guy off isn't going to be a viable option. But, as he shoulders the door open and the fresh air hits him, he starts to panic and makes what's probably a stupid mistake as he hikes up his baggy jeans and then takes off in a dead sprint, trying to keep his movements erratic so it's harder to keep a steady aim on him. ]
[ Joel nods grimly to himself behind Jesse's back. It's not respect, exactly, but it is approval, at least. The kid hadn't lied, either in a moronic bid to convince Joel he had an army at his beck and call or with the slightly smarter aim of concealing the existence of what few allies he actually had.
Not that it changes anything, not really. It remains to see whether Jesse had told the truth because he was too smart to think it'd work, too stupid to consider trying it, or too scared to make the attempt. Joel doesn't think for a minute that it had been out of some antiquated sense of morality. That's twenty years gone, along with the rest of civilization.
For the moment, they just move down the corridor, Joel's gun at Jesse's back. All seems to be going well, even though the kid still hasn't learned to keep his mouth shut, apparently. Joel growls, nudging him hard between the shoulderblades with his pistol. ]
Shuddup.
[ Maybe it had been a step too far. Because the moment the door opens, Jesse yanks up his stupid, too-big pants and takes off in a desperate run, dodging and weaving in a move that's as likely to get him shot by accident as anything else, considering that Joel doesn't actually want to injure him if he can help it. He doesn't try running after him - the kid's young and fast and even the small headstart he'd managed to nab is already enough to put him out of Joel's reach. Insead, he takes aim at the ground near Jesse's feet, firing and sending up a spray of dirt and grass accompanied by an earshattering bang. He calls out in a harsh, no-nonsense voice. ]
[ Jesse hears the gunshot before he feels the spray of dirt and rock hitting his legs. It's far too close for comfort. He wonders if the fact that he'd missed is just an accident or intentional--that he doesn't actually want to shoot him. Either way, he's certain that he's fucked now. Jesse skids to a stop at Joel's words, even though every cell in his body is screaming at him to run--to keep going and don't stop until you get somewhere safe, which might be never. He isn't sure that safe places actually exist anymore. ]
Okay, okay.
[ Jesse freezes, folding both hands behind his head as if he's been stopped by the police. Better that this guy can see both his hands easily. There's nothing to reassure him that the next round won't hit him, and being injured tends to be a death sentence. He can't risk being unable to run when the situation calls for it. ]
I'm done, man, just--don't shoot.
[ Jesse's shaking, his heart up in his throat, his pulse pounding deafeningly in his ears. He squeezes his eyes shut as he hears the footsteps draw closer. ]
[ The kid stops before Joel can even finish issuing his warning. Maybe he does have some deep-buried survival instincts, after all.
But even so, Joel keeps his gun aimed and ready as he stomps after Jesse at his own methodical pace. Once he reaches him, he grabs him by the ear, twisting painfully and dragging him down almost to his knees as he growls his next warning. ]
Don't make me waste another bullet.
[ They're worth nearly as much as food, these days, and the kid should know that. Joel shoves him roughly away, glaring daggers at him, his gun still out even if it's no longer pointed at Jesse's head. ]
You try pullin' another stunt like that, you won't like how things go next. You understand?
[ Yeah, Jesse does generally try to stay alive, though his various life choices might have some questioning that fact. Running, for instance, might look like a death-wish. But for Jesse, it was a last-ditch effort at freedom. Before the world went to shit, he did everything in his power to keep from being locked up and he still has that instinct even though prisons are more or less defunct. Being caught by the military usually leads to a swift execution rather than detention and, well, the same apparently goes for not following orders from this guy. At least he was given a warning shot this time.
Jesse's shoulders tense and rise up towards his ears as he interlocks his fingers behind his head, a grimace scrunching up his face as he braces himself for whatever consequence he can sense coming as he hears and feels Joel's heavy footsteps getting closer.
He doesn't expect being grabbed by the ear, of all things, and the action in itself is almost as embarrassing as the surprised yelp that leaves his lips involuntarily as the burning, twisting pain brings him to his knees. Jesse fights the instinct to lash out, his arms flailing a little until he forces them to his sides, hands clenching up into tight fists as he whimpers helplessly.
He blinks back tears of frustration as he's shoved roughly, causing him to fall over, though he catches himself on outstretched palms so his face doesn't hit the dirt. Jesse refuses to look at Joel, but he can feel the guy's stare boring holes in the side of his head. He sniffs in hard and then lets out a sigh, tempted not to say anything at all but he has a feeling that the guy won't take silence for understanding, even as he nods in response. ]
Okay, man. I said I was done.
[ Jesse makes a face and pushes himself up to his feet, clapping his hands together to brush the dirt off of them before he does the same to the knees of his jeans. ]
Where are you taking me? Can you at least tell me that much?
[ Joel's eyes are hard and sharp as flint, fixed on Jesse. The kid isn't able to stop the yelp of pain and surprise as he goes to his knees, but he shuts up after that, doesn't cry or beg for relief, and that's worth something.
It's enough to earn him the truth, at least. Joel studies him as he picks himself up and brushes himself up, and gives him a sardonic twist of a smile. More than anything, he just looks tired. ]
Maybe you missed the memo holed up like y'were, but you're worth a lotta money now.
[ His gun is still clasped loosely in his right hand, and he gestures with it, indicating that Jesse should keep watching. ]
[ Jesse's mouth drops open and he goes still in his effort to clap the dusty dirt out of his clothing. He looks like he might throw up or pass out, legs threatening to give out from under him, but he manages to stay standing. ]
Wait, what?! You're just--you're just gonna hand me over? Y'know what they'll do to me? Nah, man...
[ Jesse starts shaking his head, reaching up to grab both sides of his neck. He can't stand still as his wide blue eyes start to well up. ]
Look---I-I'll give you my whole stash, tell you where to find the rest. I'll give you names. Everyone I've started selling shit off to. It's worth money. It's worth--
[ Jesse scrambles for something, anything to get this guy to change his tune, but he can't seem to find a chink in this guy's armor. He just stares, cold, and Jesse's face falls. ]
So you're...you're just cool with bein' a rat, then? Snitchin' some guy out you don't know anything about? Or is that what makes it easy?
[ It's true, Jesse's pleas are falling on deaf ears. Joel lets him babble, beg for some kind of deal, but he scoffs, rolling his eyes. ]
Oh, you'll give me names, huh? Your stash? Or maybe you'll just take off again, try an' save your sorry skin.
[ Nope, he's not buying it, any more than he's buying Jesse's hypocritical appeal to his own sense of loyalty. He fixes him with his gaze, raising a single eyebrow. ]
How many people you willin' t'rat out t'save yourself? Uh-uh. Sorry, kid. I ain't givin' up on a sure thing. Now move.
It's not the same thing, yo. The names I'd give you are just so you can get the drugs back from 'em. Y'know, to appease the people I stole 'em from. It's different. I'm not the one marching some guy to his fucking certain death just so I can make a quick buck.
[ Jesse scoffs. Sure, he's scared, but the threat of death still feels far off. He still feels like he can get out of this. Or maybe that's just his mind's last ditch effort at self-preservation so he doesn't just completely lose his shit. ]
Better hope I make it there alive, then. Or they won't give you squat.
[ There's a hint of a threat in there. That if Jesse really wanted to, he could just stick a gun in his mouth and make sure everyone's good and fucked. But he doesn't actually want to die, in spite of life being a hell of a lot different than it used to be. ]
I take it they're not a quick walk down the block?
[ Considering Jesse intercepted this shipment enroute, he's assuming the destination is a ways away. Or they would've had better luck in finding him. ]
[ It's not a bad argument, so far as it goes, but it also doesn't do Jesse any good at all. Joel's already made up his mind. He'd tracked Jesse down and taken out his guards, made a whole plan to bring him back to the people he'd doublecrossed, and he doesn't take risks like that on a whim. He wouldn't have bothered in the first place if the payday hadn't been worth it. ]
You can stop talkin'.
[ It's more than an invitation - there's a veiled threat of his own there, though Joel's eyes narrow at Jesse's words. Is he just asking for protection? Or would he really off himself rather than lose his own freedom? Joel's gut tells him he wouldn't, but people get desperate sometimes, and he doesn't know this kid at all. ]
Better hope.
[ He keeps his own tone mild. No point in giving up too much of his own thoughts. But Jesse's right. The drugs he'd stolen had been intended for another zone, and it won't be easy to get him there. To get either of them there.
Worth it, though. This pays off, and it's the end of smuggling individual boxes of bullets and bottles of pills in and out of the city, the end of struggling for scraps. He gestures with his gun again. ]
[ Jesse snaps back, a self-satisfied smirk on his face because they both know Joel can't kill him, which means he gets to be an extra annoying little shit and make this guy regret this decision of his the entire way there. Worst case, he gets sick of Jesse and puts one between his eyes. Because he knows that's a hell of a more merciful death than he'll have once these animals get their hands on him. If they let him die at all. ]
I figured that much. Not like you can hail a cab, exactly.
[ Jesse rolls his eyes, but he listens anyway, putting one foot in front of the other and letting out a frustrated sound at the sky as he gets to walking. It's not like he has much of a choice. He already knows what happens if he tries to run, and he'd rather his legs--and ears, for that matter--stay intact. ]
[ No, he can't hail a cab. Getting cars to run at all has gotten harder and harder over the last few years, even for FEDRA. For a nobody like Joel, it's walking all the way.
He doesn't take the bait, just rolling his eyes at Jesse's posturing and sarcasm. There are things he can do to make this unpleasant for Jesse, things that'll leave him still breathing and worth every ounce of that bounty. But there'll be plenty of time for Jesse to learn that for himself if he puts a toe out of line. For the moment, he's moving, if not exactly without complaint, and that's good enough.
They walk for a while. Joel doesn't feel the need to encourage conversation, and so it's quiet. But while they make fairly good time - Jesse doesn't drag his feet and try to delay too much, at least not that Joel can see - the fact is that it's way too long a walk for them to ever have had a hope of making it in one day. And getting caught out past curfew isn't worth the risk, not if he can help it. It's nearing sunset when Joel gestures with his gun to an alley that doesn't seem to lead much of anywhere. ]
[ Jesse does drag his feet a little, but not enough for Joel to really yell at him for. He talks for most of the walk, even when Joel stops replying. It's fairly obvious that he can't let more than a minute or two of silence go by without filling it with something, even if it's just humming a song to himself or kicking at rocks and gravel along the street.
He notes the sun getting low in the sky, but it seems like Joel has everything figured out. Or at least he should. People generally don't just go kidnapping other people without some kind of plan mapped out in their heads, right? Unless they're some kind of psycho. But Joel seems a little more put together than that. This wasn't something just done on a whim.
Jesse arches a brow as he looks down the darkened, dead-end alley and then back at Joel. Twice. ]
Oh yeah, sure. Just--go down the totally dark, sketchy-ass alleyway that, y'know, isn't a completely wicked out pathway to certain death.
[ Jesse throws his arms up, spouting sarcasm and waiting for Joel to give him some other option. When he doesn't, his face scrunches up. ]
What're you, high?. No way, man. You go in there. You're the one with the gun.
[ It becomes obvious pretty quickly that the kid can't keep his mouth shut if his life depends on it, and eventually Joel just sighs inwardly and resigns himself to the background noise. There may come a point where silence actually matters, and if he's threatening the guy with a fucked-up kneecap if he doesn't put a lid on it from the jump, there'll be no way to make it clear when he needs to shut up for real to keep them both alive, as opposed to just because the constant sound is driving Joel slowly insane.
So of course he argues this, too. Joel just stops and looks at him, his expression stonelike. ]
We're both goin' in there.
[ As if he's about to let the kid out of his sight for one second. He jerks his head towards the alley, a clear indication of so get moving. ]
'Less you prefer t'sleep out on the road. Get stepped on by FEDRA soldiers before they shoot your ass for breakin' curfew.
[ It's no huge surprise that Jesse comes off as an idiot. That's partly a defense mechanism. Better to be underestimated, and all that. He's not actually as dumb as he seems, though, and he knows how to shut his mouth when his life depends on it. For the most part.
Jesse's expression softens a little when Joel explains, with little patience, that they're both going down the Creepy Serial Killer alleyway. Okay, then. Maybe that makes it a little less daunting. But he's not about to admit that out loud.
Instead, he lets out an exaggerated huff. ]
Yeah, fine, yo. Whatever. Hopefully neither of us get, like, tetanus or some shit.
[ Does Jesse even know how one gets tetanus? It's something to ponder as he pauses intentionally before turning down the alleyway, squinting as if it'll somehow help him see into the shadows. He nearly trips over a discarded pile of junk, but catches himself, blue eyes darting back at Joel momentarily as he shrugs. ]
[ Well, at least the kid's capable of listening. Joel recognizes the change in his expression when he learns that he's not being sent down the alley alone. So he really had been scared. And for whatever reason, he trusts Joel to look after him down there, instead of just thinking he's being marched to his death or something.
Well. He is worth more alive than dead. At least for the moment.
Joel just grunts noncommittally - he's not about to get pulled into some drawn-out conversation about shots and infections - and waits for Jesse to move. He's right behind him, and though he knows this tunnel and doesn't have any reason to suspect trouble here, he is actually on alert, as always, just in case. So the worst Jesse has to worry about, apparently, is tripping over his own two feet and smacking facefirst into the ground. Joel stops short behind him when he nearly does just that, and though he doesn't say watch your step out loud, his expression should say it all. ]
Keep movin'.
[ His tone is, maybe, just a shade more patient when he says it. The kid may be an idiot who'd crossed the wrong people and hadn't had the brains to get the hell out of dodge after, but it's been a shitty day for both of them, and he's still going. He hasn't made another attempt to run off or turn Joel's gun back on him. Maybe there is hope for him, after all. At least until they get to where they're going and Joel turns him over to the people he'd screwed over, that is.
But that's a problem for Jesse, and it's a problem for later. For the moment, he just follows Jesse down the alley until they reach the doorway he'd been watching for. It looks like it's boarded up, but Joel calls for Jesse to stop and then he's fiddling with the handle, pulling the whole thing open, boards and all, to reveal a darkened hallway. ]
In here. Y'got a light?
[ There's always his flashlight, if Jesse says no. ]
[ Jesse pauses, a look of confusion on his face when Joel tells him to wait. But then the guy's prying open this door that looks like it's off-limits. Except the boards come with it. Huh. Good camouflage. He eyes the entryway before looking at Joel. ]
Uh, no. You didn't exactly give me a chance to pack up any of my shit back there, remember?
[ Jesse makes a face. He's certain people are plundering his hideout as they speak, taking anything and everything he's got left to his name. It's not the first time he's lost it all, but that doesn't make it suck any less. Guess it doesn't really matter in the long run. He's just a dead man walking, anyway. But something dawns on him and he pats his pockets. ]
I got a zippo lighter, I think. But I dunno...might wanna save the fuel in case we actually need it for somethin'.
[ He pulls it out of his pocket anyway, flicking the lid open and closed. It's something to fidget with when the uncertainty of it all is crawling through his veins like a sickness. ]
[ No, he hadn't. Joel's not that stupid - not when Jesse could've had a gun hidden away under a pillow or stuffed in with his clothes. He grimaces, then nods reluctantly. ]
Keep it.
[ Not that he wants to drain his flashlight battery either, but the lighter'll come in handy for more than just lighting their way. He pulls out his flashlight and turns it on, holding it up over Jesse's head to illuminate the path in front of him. ]
Walk til you get to the end, there'll be an opening on your right.
[ Yeah, it might've been dumb to just let him grab anything he wanted, but Joel could've overseen it--or picked out things Jesse might need himself. It doesn't matter anymore, though. They're not anywhere near where Jesse's hideout was anymore, and, even if they were, it's likely being picked over now by anyone who came upon the unconscious guard outside. His things are being dispersed either way, and turning back was never an option for either of them. ]
O..kay?
[ Jesse's tone ascends like he's asking a question, because he kind of is. That is, until Joel pulls out his flashlight and holds it high to illuminate the path for both of them. Jesse turns back, but only turns his head to the side instead of fully looking over his shoulder; that light is bright as fuck. Must be one of those LED deals.
Even though it may not seem like it, Jesse pays close attention to directions, and he turns his head to the right as he nears the end of the hallway, looking for the said opening. It's less of a doorway and more of a break made in the drywall in between the beams, like it's been hacked away by some sledgehammer. ]
In here?
[ Jesse sticks his head through first, which, in retrospect, probably isn't the brightest idea. But there's nothing that's particularly threatening on the other side, so he steps through, catching the toe of his sneaker on the edge of the opening and stumbling through. He hears a noise, but it sounds far away. No immediate threat, but that doesn't stop his heart from picking up pace; blue eyes going wide like saucers in the dark. ]
[ Joel's already learned that most of the kid's comments don't necessitate a response. Not as far as he's concerned, anyway. He doesn't respond to Jesse's questioning acceptance, just follows him down the path, and at his question about the turnoff he just grunts in assent. He does have to close his eyes briefly in exasperation at the reckless way he just sticks his head through - it's a wonder he hasn't been killed already, with an attitude like that, but then, the kid's probably spent his whole life in the zone. Never had to think about or deal with what lives outside.
Luckily for Jesse, this place, at least, is secure. Joel's made sure of that. He follows him inside more carefully, freezing in place and listening intently when he hears the noise. ]
Nothin' we need t'worry about, hopefully.
[ Nothing that can reach them in here, that's for sure. He fixes his gaze on Jesse, watching him curiously, and not a little appraisingly. ]
[ It's true, much of what Jesse says is something like a monologue--things to be heard, but not necessarily responded to. It's difficult out of habit for him not to sort of narrate his life. Maybe it comes from spending a decent amount of time by himself, or maybe he just talks too much. Either way, it's a habit not yet gotten rid of. Jesse is a little more than reckless when he sticks his head into the hold in the drywall, but does he really have much to lose at this point? If anything, he'll maybe be granted a quicker and more merciful death than what those he's fucked over are likely to afford him. But that quick death doesn't come and, even though a sound rattles through the old bones of the building, it's not close, and Joel is that thinking-ahead type who would've made sure the pathway was clear. At least as much as he could. ]
Hopefully doesn't sound that definite.
[ Jesse snaps back before really giving in a second thought. He softens, though, looking around as the flashlight beam enters the hole behind him followed by Joel. ]
I get it, though. Nothin's ever definite these days.
[ Jesse shrugs off that thought, but his head darts back in Joel's direction at the man's question. There's a longer pause this time. Maybe the longest in any of their conversation. Jesse tries not to allow the hairs at the back of his neck stand on end; tries not to let a tremor shoulder its way into his body. ]
Yeah. Couple times.
[ He hasn't been bitten yet, but that doesn't mean he hasn't had a couple of close encounters, one of which where he'd needed to go hand to hand with the things and finished them off with a piece of broken glass. There's still a scar running across his palm and tha creases of his fingers because of it. Jagged and raw like the memory. ]
[ For the moment, at least, and that's all they have to worry about right now. Later is for worrying about later.
But Jesse's responses surprises him, his eyebrows going up despite his stoicism. Huh. Yeah, he hadn't expected that at all. He might've guessed the kid might have seen one - if he's dumb enough to get caught up in everything else he'd gotten caught up in, it makes sense he might find himself somewhere he wasn't supposed to be. But killing one? ]
Y'got lucky, then.
[ That's true no matter what. Meeting even one of those things - it's never a sure thing for anyone, no matter how skilled you might be. And Jesse...Joel gives him one more appraising glance before walking the perimeter of the small space, just in case. It doesn't take long. ]
[ Jesse's not entirely sure if it was luck or what. He knows he's scrappier than he looks, but honestly, he hadn't been sure he had it in him until it came down to life or death. He's still not sure about that because there are still nights when what he did bothers him. He gives Joel a long look when he asks how it happened and he turns over his hand, holding it out palm-up for Joel to see his scars. ]
It happened when I got a hold of the stash. I got intel that it was comin' in from another QZ. Figured it'd be easier to get to it on the outside than once it made its way in here since it was only traveling with a couple of people--efforts to keep it on the low or whatever. Anyway, while my guys were gettin' the stash secured? Guess the struggle caught the attention of some infected. We barely made it back. One of 'em ended up breaking through. Killed one of my friends outright, and infected another. He downed it but I didn't know he was bit. Guess he was too scared to tell anybody so I didn't know 'til he came after me. So I had to take him out myself with a broken bottle. That's how I ended up with this. The bottle broke in my hand while I was fighting him off.
[ Jesse lets his scarred hand drop to his side again, shrugging it all off but it's clear in his suddenly glossed-over blue eyes that it's something that continues to affect him in spite of his efforts to shove it all away. ]
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zvi
no subject
Date: 2022-11-12 03:06 am (UTC)He also ignores Jesse's plea. His finger isn't on the trigger - he doesn't actually want to blow the kid's brains out, no matter what it may look like right now - but it's close enough. Just in case. And he's not about to change that.
He jerks the gun to the side slightly, indicating the hallway beyond. ]
Keep goin'.
Y'got any other friends around?
[ There'd been one, patrolling the outside of the building - Joel had done his homework, scoped the place out, and dispatched the other 'guard' the same way he'd handled the one in front of Jesse's room. But it'll be interesting to see how he responds. How truthful he is, and what kind of lie he'll cook up if not. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-12-17 02:40 am (UTC)There's one guy outside. I sent another one out on an errand but I don't know when he's s'posed to get back.
[ He isn't lying. Only, by the time he gets to the end of the hallway and starts down the stairs, he catches a glimpse of 'the guy outside' through one of the windows at the staircase landing. He's in a crumpled heap on the ground and Jesse winces, feeling defeated. He can only hope the guy's unconscious and not dead. Even in times like this, he isn't hardened enough to shrug off the loss of life. He hasn't grown that cold yet, and likely never will. ]
Where are we going?
[ It's starting to become clear that fighting this guy off isn't going to be a viable option. But, as he shoulders the door open and the fresh air hits him, he starts to panic and makes what's probably a stupid mistake as he hikes up his baggy jeans and then takes off in a dead sprint, trying to keep his movements erratic so it's harder to keep a steady aim on him. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-12-25 02:00 am (UTC)Not that it changes anything, not really. It remains to see whether Jesse had told the truth because he was too smart to think it'd work, too stupid to consider trying it, or too scared to make the attempt. Joel doesn't think for a minute that it had been out of some antiquated sense of morality. That's twenty years gone, along with the rest of civilization.
For the moment, they just move down the corridor, Joel's gun at Jesse's back. All seems to be going well, even though the kid still hasn't learned to keep his mouth shut, apparently. Joel growls, nudging him hard between the shoulderblades with his pistol. ]
Shuddup.
[ Maybe it had been a step too far. Because the moment the door opens, Jesse yanks up his stupid, too-big pants and takes off in a desperate run, dodging and weaving in a move that's as likely to get him shot by accident as anything else, considering that Joel doesn't actually want to injure him if he can help it. He doesn't try running after him - the kid's young and fast and even the small headstart he'd managed to nab is already enough to put him out of Joel's reach. Insead, he takes aim at the ground near Jesse's feet, firing and sending up a spray of dirt and grass accompanied by an earshattering bang. He calls out in a harsh, no-nonsense voice. ]
Next one's goin' through your calf. Stop.
no subject
Date: 2022-12-28 12:39 pm (UTC)Okay, okay.
[ Jesse freezes, folding both hands behind his head as if he's been stopped by the police. Better that this guy can see both his hands easily. There's nothing to reassure him that the next round won't hit him, and being injured tends to be a death sentence. He can't risk being unable to run when the situation calls for it. ]
I'm done, man, just--don't shoot.
[ Jesse's shaking, his heart up in his throat, his pulse pounding deafeningly in his ears. He squeezes his eyes shut as he hears the footsteps draw closer. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-01-08 06:18 am (UTC)But even so, Joel keeps his gun aimed and ready as he stomps after Jesse at his own methodical pace. Once he reaches him, he grabs him by the ear, twisting painfully and dragging him down almost to his knees as he growls his next warning. ]
Don't make me waste another bullet.
[ They're worth nearly as much as food, these days, and the kid should know that. Joel shoves him roughly away, glaring daggers at him, his gun still out even if it's no longer pointed at Jesse's head. ]
You try pullin' another stunt like that, you won't like how things go next. You understand?
no subject
Date: 2023-01-09 09:37 pm (UTC)Jesse's shoulders tense and rise up towards his ears as he interlocks his fingers behind his head, a grimace scrunching up his face as he braces himself for whatever consequence he can sense coming as he hears and feels Joel's heavy footsteps getting closer.
He doesn't expect being grabbed by the ear, of all things, and the action in itself is almost as embarrassing as the surprised yelp that leaves his lips involuntarily as the burning, twisting pain brings him to his knees. Jesse fights the instinct to lash out, his arms flailing a little until he forces them to his sides, hands clenching up into tight fists as he whimpers helplessly.
He blinks back tears of frustration as he's shoved roughly, causing him to fall over, though he catches himself on outstretched palms so his face doesn't hit the dirt. Jesse refuses to look at Joel, but he can feel the guy's stare boring holes in the side of his head. He sniffs in hard and then lets out a sigh, tempted not to say anything at all but he has a feeling that the guy won't take silence for understanding, even as he nods in response. ]
Okay, man. I said I was done.
[ Jesse makes a face and pushes himself up to his feet, clapping his hands together to brush the dirt off of them before he does the same to the knees of his jeans. ]
Where are you taking me? Can you at least tell me that much?
no subject
Date: 2023-01-14 08:21 pm (UTC)It's enough to earn him the truth, at least. Joel studies him as he picks himself up and brushes himself up, and gives him a sardonic twist of a smile. More than anything, he just looks tired. ]
Maybe you missed the memo holed up like y'were, but you're worth a lotta money now.
[ His gun is still clasped loosely in his right hand, and he gestures with it, indicating that Jesse should keep watching. ]
An' I'm about to collect.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-14 10:52 pm (UTC)Wait, what?! You're just--you're just gonna hand me over? Y'know what they'll do to me? Nah, man...
[ Jesse starts shaking his head, reaching up to grab both sides of his neck. He can't stand still as his wide blue eyes start to well up. ]
Look---I-I'll give you my whole stash, tell you where to find the rest. I'll give you names. Everyone I've started selling shit off to. It's worth money. It's worth--
[ Jesse scrambles for something, anything to get this guy to change his tune, but he can't seem to find a chink in this guy's armor. He just stares, cold, and Jesse's face falls. ]
So you're...you're just cool with bein' a rat, then? Snitchin' some guy out you don't know anything about? Or is that what makes it easy?
no subject
Date: 2023-01-14 11:46 pm (UTC)Oh, you'll give me names, huh? Your stash? Or maybe you'll just take off again, try an' save your sorry skin.
[ Nope, he's not buying it, any more than he's buying Jesse's hypocritical appeal to his own sense of loyalty. He fixes him with his gaze, raising a single eyebrow. ]
How many people you willin' t'rat out t'save yourself? Uh-uh. Sorry, kid. I ain't givin' up on a sure thing. Now move.
cw: suicidal imagery
Date: 2023-01-15 12:07 am (UTC)[ Jesse scoffs. Sure, he's scared, but the threat of death still feels far off. He still feels like he can get out of this. Or maybe that's just his mind's last ditch effort at self-preservation so he doesn't just completely lose his shit. ]
Better hope I make it there alive, then. Or they won't give you squat.
[ There's a hint of a threat in there. That if Jesse really wanted to, he could just stick a gun in his mouth and make sure everyone's good and fucked. But he doesn't actually want to die, in spite of life being a hell of a lot different than it used to be. ]
I take it they're not a quick walk down the block?
[ Considering Jesse intercepted this shipment enroute, he's assuming the destination is a ways away. Or they would've had better luck in finding him. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-01-15 12:42 am (UTC)You can stop talkin'.
[ It's more than an invitation - there's a veiled threat of his own there, though Joel's eyes narrow at Jesse's words. Is he just asking for protection? Or would he really off himself rather than lose his own freedom? Joel's gut tells him he wouldn't, but people get desperate sometimes, and he doesn't know this kid at all. ]
Better hope.
[ He keeps his own tone mild. No point in giving up too much of his own thoughts. But Jesse's right. The drugs he'd stolen had been intended for another zone, and it won't be easy to get him there. To get either of them there.
Worth it, though. This pays off, and it's the end of smuggling individual boxes of bullets and bottles of pills in and out of the city, the end of struggling for scraps. He gestures with his gun again. ]
It's a walk. So get a move on.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-15 01:03 am (UTC)[ Jesse snaps back, a self-satisfied smirk on his face because they both know Joel can't kill him, which means he gets to be an extra annoying little shit and make this guy regret this decision of his the entire way there. Worst case, he gets sick of Jesse and puts one between his eyes. Because he knows that's a hell of a more merciful death than he'll have once these animals get their hands on him. If they let him die at all. ]
I figured that much. Not like you can hail a cab, exactly.
[ Jesse rolls his eyes, but he listens anyway, putting one foot in front of the other and letting out a frustrated sound at the sky as he gets to walking. It's not like he has much of a choice. He already knows what happens if he tries to run, and he'd rather his legs--and ears, for that matter--stay intact. ]
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Date: 2023-02-07 07:16 am (UTC)He doesn't take the bait, just rolling his eyes at Jesse's posturing and sarcasm. There are things he can do to make this unpleasant for Jesse, things that'll leave him still breathing and worth every ounce of that bounty. But there'll be plenty of time for Jesse to learn that for himself if he puts a toe out of line. For the moment, he's moving, if not exactly without complaint, and that's good enough.
They walk for a while. Joel doesn't feel the need to encourage conversation, and so it's quiet. But while they make fairly good time - Jesse doesn't drag his feet and try to delay too much, at least not that Joel can see - the fact is that it's way too long a walk for them to ever have had a hope of making it in one day. And getting caught out past curfew isn't worth the risk, not if he can help it. It's nearing sunset when Joel gestures with his gun to an alley that doesn't seem to lead much of anywhere. ]
In there.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-09 12:57 am (UTC)He notes the sun getting low in the sky, but it seems like Joel has everything figured out. Or at least he should. People generally don't just go kidnapping other people without some kind of plan mapped out in their heads, right? Unless they're some kind of psycho. But Joel seems a little more put together than that. This wasn't something just done on a whim.
Jesse arches a brow as he looks down the darkened, dead-end alley and then back at Joel. Twice. ]
Oh yeah, sure. Just--go down the totally dark, sketchy-ass alleyway that, y'know, isn't a completely wicked out pathway to certain death.
[ Jesse throws his arms up, spouting sarcasm and waiting for Joel to give him some other option. When he doesn't, his face scrunches up. ]
What're you, high?. No way, man. You go in there. You're the one with the gun.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-14 07:41 am (UTC)So of course he argues this, too. Joel just stops and looks at him, his expression stonelike. ]
We're both goin' in there.
[ As if he's about to let the kid out of his sight for one second. He jerks his head towards the alley, a clear indication of so get moving. ]
'Less you prefer t'sleep out on the road. Get stepped on by FEDRA soldiers before they shoot your ass for breakin' curfew.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-15 03:54 pm (UTC)Jesse's expression softens a little when Joel explains, with little patience, that they're both going down the Creepy Serial Killer alleyway. Okay, then. Maybe that makes it a little less daunting. But he's not about to admit that out loud.
Instead, he lets out an exaggerated huff. ]
Yeah, fine, yo. Whatever. Hopefully neither of us get, like, tetanus or some shit.
[ Does Jesse even know how one gets tetanus? It's something to ponder as he pauses intentionally before turning down the alleyway, squinting as if it'll somehow help him see into the shadows. He nearly trips over a discarded pile of junk, but catches himself, blue eyes darting back at Joel momentarily as he shrugs. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-02-16 07:01 am (UTC)Well. He is worth more alive than dead. At least for the moment.
Joel just grunts noncommittally - he's not about to get pulled into some drawn-out conversation about shots and infections - and waits for Jesse to move. He's right behind him, and though he knows this tunnel and doesn't have any reason to suspect trouble here, he is actually on alert, as always, just in case. So the worst Jesse has to worry about, apparently, is tripping over his own two feet and smacking facefirst into the ground. Joel stops short behind him when he nearly does just that, and though he doesn't say watch your step out loud, his expression should say it all. ]
Keep movin'.
[ His tone is, maybe, just a shade more patient when he says it. The kid may be an idiot who'd crossed the wrong people and hadn't had the brains to get the hell out of dodge after, but it's been a shitty day for both of them, and he's still going. He hasn't made another attempt to run off or turn Joel's gun back on him. Maybe there is hope for him, after all. At least until they get to where they're going and Joel turns him over to the people he'd screwed over, that is.
But that's a problem for Jesse, and it's a problem for later. For the moment, he just follows Jesse down the alley until they reach the doorway he'd been watching for. It looks like it's boarded up, but Joel calls for Jesse to stop and then he's fiddling with the handle, pulling the whole thing open, boards and all, to reveal a darkened hallway. ]
In here. Y'got a light?
[ There's always his flashlight, if Jesse says no. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-02-16 06:41 pm (UTC)Uh, no. You didn't exactly give me a chance to pack up any of my shit back there, remember?
[ Jesse makes a face. He's certain people are plundering his hideout as they speak, taking anything and everything he's got left to his name. It's not the first time he's lost it all, but that doesn't make it suck any less. Guess it doesn't really matter in the long run. He's just a dead man walking, anyway. But something dawns on him and he pats his pockets. ]
I got a zippo lighter, I think. But I dunno...might wanna save the fuel in case we actually need it for somethin'.
[ He pulls it out of his pocket anyway, flicking the lid open and closed. It's something to fidget with when the uncertainty of it all is crawling through his veins like a sickness. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-02-19 04:48 am (UTC)Keep it.
[ Not that he wants to drain his flashlight battery either, but the lighter'll come in handy for more than just lighting their way. He pulls out his flashlight and turns it on, holding it up over Jesse's head to illuminate the path in front of him. ]
Walk til you get to the end, there'll be an opening on your right.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-20 06:57 am (UTC)O..kay?
[ Jesse's tone ascends like he's asking a question, because he kind of is. That is, until Joel pulls out his flashlight and holds it high to illuminate the path for both of them. Jesse turns back, but only turns his head to the side instead of fully looking over his shoulder; that light is bright as fuck. Must be one of those LED deals.
Even though it may not seem like it, Jesse pays close attention to directions, and he turns his head to the right as he nears the end of the hallway, looking for the said opening. It's less of a doorway and more of a break made in the drywall in between the beams, like it's been hacked away by some sledgehammer. ]
In here?
[ Jesse sticks his head through first, which, in retrospect, probably isn't the brightest idea. But there's nothing that's particularly threatening on the other side, so he steps through, catching the toe of his sneaker on the edge of the opening and stumbling through. He hears a noise, but it sounds far away. No immediate threat, but that doesn't stop his heart from picking up pace; blue eyes going wide like saucers in the dark. ]
What was that?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-26 07:56 am (UTC)Luckily for Jesse, this place, at least, is secure. Joel's made sure of that. He follows him inside more carefully, freezing in place and listening intently when he hears the noise. ]
Nothin' we need t'worry about, hopefully.
[ Nothing that can reach them in here, that's for sure. He fixes his gaze on Jesse, watching him curiously, and not a little appraisingly. ]
Y'ever seen 'em up close?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-28 04:42 am (UTC)Hopefully doesn't sound that definite.
[ Jesse snaps back before really giving in a second thought. He softens, though, looking around as the flashlight beam enters the hole behind him followed by Joel. ]
I get it, though. Nothin's ever definite these days.
[ Jesse shrugs off that thought, but his head darts back in Joel's direction at the man's question. There's a longer pause this time. Maybe the longest in any of their conversation. Jesse tries not to allow the hairs at the back of his neck stand on end; tries not to let a tremor shoulder its way into his body. ]
Yeah. Couple times.
[ He hasn't been bitten yet, but that doesn't mean he hasn't had a couple of close encounters, one of which where he'd needed to go hand to hand with the things and finished them off with a piece of broken glass. There's still a scar running across his palm and tha creases of his fingers because of it. Jagged and raw like the memory. ]
Killed one.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-04 03:12 pm (UTC)[ For the moment, at least, and that's all they have to worry about right now. Later is for worrying about later.
But Jesse's responses surprises him, his eyebrows going up despite his stoicism. Huh. Yeah, he hadn't expected that at all. He might've guessed the kid might have seen one - if he's dumb enough to get caught up in everything else he'd gotten caught up in, it makes sense he might find himself somewhere he wasn't supposed to be. But killing one? ]
Y'got lucky, then.
[ That's true no matter what. Meeting even one of those things - it's never a sure thing for anyone, no matter how skilled you might be. And Jesse...Joel gives him one more appraising glance before walking the perimeter of the small space, just in case. It doesn't take long. ]
How'd it happen?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-04 09:15 pm (UTC)[ Jesse's not entirely sure if it was luck or what. He knows he's scrappier than he looks, but honestly, he hadn't been sure he had it in him until it came down to life or death. He's still not sure about that because there are still nights when what he did bothers him. He gives Joel a long look when he asks how it happened and he turns over his hand, holding it out palm-up for Joel to see his scars. ]
It happened when I got a hold of the stash. I got intel that it was comin' in from another QZ. Figured it'd be easier to get to it on the outside than once it made its way in here since it was only traveling with a couple of people--efforts to keep it on the low or whatever. Anyway, while my guys were gettin' the stash secured? Guess the struggle caught the attention of some infected. We barely made it back. One of 'em ended up breaking through. Killed one of my friends outright, and infected another. He downed it but I didn't know he was bit. Guess he was too scared to tell anybody so I didn't know 'til he came after me. So I had to take him out myself with a broken bottle. That's how I ended up with this. The bottle broke in my hand while I was fighting him off.
[ Jesse lets his scarred hand drop to his side again, shrugging it all off but it's clear in his suddenly glossed-over blue eyes that it's something that continues to affect him in spite of his efforts to shove it all away. ]