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[incelligent]

@simon.laurent | ■ ▲ ◌ ▼

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[incelligent]

[But that's where the two of them are different.

Marcos seems like a nice guy. Normal, well-adjusted. Handsome, even. He's helpful, seemingly with no agenda of his own, and pleasant. Even during this brief exchange, Simon notes that the other man has done everything possible to make him feel comfortable, without even overcompensating. There was nothing irritating about it. His head is probably not nearly as suffocating or full of anxious thoughts, and unlike Simon, he's also not doing a bunch of mental gymnastics as to why everyone's being so goddamn nice right about now.]

Yeah, I'll be sure to take a look around.

[Denial may be the name of one of Simon's many games, but alas, he knows who he is.

Unpleasant. Insecure.

It's why he lashes out so much.]

Thanks, Marcos.

[Surprisingly, this last bit is actually sincere.]

You've helped me out a lot.

[heliophilous]

There's plenty of people who are willing to help, man. I know the safehouse sucks but if you've gotta ask for help, do it.

( he hates asking for help but sometimes you just have to especially in a place like this. )

They'll help you. I can help you.

[incelligent]

[Simon opens his mouth to say something, closing it just as quickly. He fidgets with his fingers, grabbing his left elbow with his right hand, squeezing tightly.]

But that's the thing...

[He could make a move, make the right choice. Be vulnerable and trust a person he barely knows.]

Everyone I've met here has been really nice so far, and I...

[I'm not used to it.]

I've been in this kinda situation before. Not exactly, but...

[The thing that finally gets to Simon the most, is, well. As frustrating as it is, Marcos isn't promising any quick fixes. Ironically, that makes him seem more trustworthy.

No. Rule number whatever of the Apex- Never trust an adult passenger. And yet Marcos isn't a passenger, he's just an adult.

Simon shakes his head.]

I'll let you know if I need anything else. Say, I've got one more question for ya...

[heliophilous]

Okay.

( he doesn't think he can force the guy to ask for help but at least he knows people are there.

and when simon says he has another question, marcos nods. )

Go 'head.

( he'll do his best to answer. )

[incelligent]

This might sound sorta funky, but uh.

D'you know where I could find any lipstick? Red.

[The best lies are steeped in a bit of truth, so he comes up with something close. Something believable.]

When I first touched down here, I made a lady friend who was kind of a big help to me.

[Not a lie. Shinobu had been incredibly helpful.]

I was lookin' to maybe get her a little somethin' to repay her.

[It wouldn't be for her.]

[heliophilous]

Uh.

( he scratches his head, trying to remember where caroline might have picked up lipstick when she was here. )

I don't really go shopping for lipstick but I think any grocery store's going to have a makeup section, right? At least a small one?

( he hopes. )

[incelligent]

[A grocery store.

Something mundane and ordinary, and yet he can barely recall the last time he entered one. The most he can remember is a various assortment of fruits and vegetables, along with the sensation of holding his mother's hand. Everything had looked so big back then.]

You're right. You're right! Of course, what was I thinkin', silly me.

[Simon feels tired, for some reason.]

I'll uh, catch ya on the flip side, then?

[is that... is that a thing that people say]

Thanks again for everything.

[heliophilous]

Yeah, good luck with everything.

( you're a strange guy, simon. marcos nods though, letting him go on his way. )

I'll check in with you when I can.

[incelligent]

[Strange doesn't even begin to cover the half of it.]

You too!

[He sounds like he means that, but does he?]

I'll be waitin' for ya.

[Simon turns on his heels and walks in the other direction, making sure to take the supplies with him.]