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[magnets]

Sunuva- bitch.

[ The camera goes all screwy as Jesse pushes himself up, sits back on his knees and sweeps his hands off on each other. He doesn't seem to notice the camera's even on as he paws at himself and finally stands, swearing a few times under his breath as he does. Idly beats some gravel off his jeans. He sounds dumbfounded when he finally speaks again. ] I'm back here.

[ And the camera turns with him, a few confused steps before he throws his arms out to both sides, an irritated kind of shrug. ] I'm back- here. [ And his hand raises again, so he can first tap a finger against the screen, and then slap an angry palm against it a few times. He repeats, ] Sunuvabitch.

[ Then he finally fiddles with the buttons, intending to turn on the communicator, but, ] oh, [ it's already on. ] Ya wanna clue me in here? [ He glances around the area. ] Yo, anyone still out there?

Comments

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[magnets]

An upgrade? Yeah, huh, you want an upgrade?

[ There's a smooth movement suddenly, and the telltale shift-click of a safety off, of a bullet in the chamber. Jesse's retrieved the gun from the back of his pants and the barrel of it is absolutely pointed at Ghoul's forehead, pressed in between his eyes as Jesse makes his way in closer - closer than before, closer enough to feel his fucking breath on him. ]

Am I comin' in clear? Now?

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[tooghoulforschool]

[Don't hear that sound much anymore where he's from, but he knows what it is. He knows. The smile vanishes and he's staring right into Jesse's eyes with that cold steel pressed up against his skin. He reaches up, grabbing the barrel and holding it in place just in case Jesse changes his mind.

There's no fear in this gaze. None whatsoever. He's not scared to die. Never was. Kobra'd be better off without him anyway. Fucking do it.]

Think you're breakin' up. Reception's not too great out here. Turn it up and play it loud or don't fuckin' play it at all. M'ready.

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[magnets]

[ The hand to the gun almost makes him jump, his fingers tightening on the grip, his knuckles going white against the stark black of the front strap. His eyes flicker uncertainly - panic in them for a moment - before he cups the magazine with his free hand, steadies the small tremor already making its way into his fingers. ]

Get down. [ He says low, dangerous, and then angrier, ] Get down! Get down on your knees!

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[tooghoulforschool]

Think you're missin' somethin' here. M'gonna die, gonna die on my feet. You wanna shoot? Shoot. I don't care. [He points to his face with his free hand, not letting go of that barrel,] I don't care. Means you ain't got the power here. Do it or don't. Only way you're gettin' me on the ground is if you blow my brains out and I fall. Get me? Not kneelin' for you. Don't bend to no one.

[Killjoys never die, never give up, never give in. Not even when they're asking for a way out. Hypocritical? Fuck yeah. Deal with it.]

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[magnets]

[ It seems to fire up something new in him, even with the shake to his hands, even when his voice goes to match and he just presses the gun harder into Ghoul's forehead, starts to leave a dent in his skin from the metal. ] You're not the one in charge here! You don't get to make the calls, alright? I'm the one with the fucking gun!

And I'll do it. I'll waste you right now, yo, do not test me, I'll do it!

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[tooghoulforschool]

Then do it. Waitin' on you, sunshine.

[He's not gonna do it. Ghoul's spent the last few years with a blaster as a detachable part of his body, he knows. Because if you haven't pulled the trigger by now...]

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[magnets]

I'll do it!

[ His face screws up into something pained, his eyes are starting to gloss over in the slightest as he bares his teeth. His fingers reclamp on the gun and it trembles where it's pressed into Ghoul's skull for a few long seconds. Those eyes are bearing down on him - they don't budge, they don't yield and it unnerves him entirely, has him drawing away the gun with a gasp for air. ]

[ Jesse turns away and walks a few steps, his hand mopping shakily over his face. The gun falls with his arm, by his side. ]

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[tooghoulforschool]

[Yeah. That's what he thought. Only a total fucking monster would kill a man like that. Ghoul had done it. Right between the eyes without a second thought.

And only a soulless abomination would murder someone in cold blood by stabbing them in the back. For a second, Ghoul considers wrestling the gun from Jesse and doing it himself. Just for a second. The thought doesn't stick around.

And neither does Ghoul.

He turns to walk away, heading back home. About five steps away, he stops, talking over his shoulder.]

... Glad he's got someone like you. He needs that. Keep lookin' out for him. Can't trust anyone.

[And then he's walking again, bloodied and beaten but still breathing. Not entirely sure whether that's a good thing or not.]

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[magnets]

[ He doesn't say a word in return, not one rebuttal or goodbye as Ghoul retreats - he just watches him, breath heavy, fingers antsily and intermittently grabbing at the gun. ]

[ Ghoul disappears off the horizon and Jesse finally turns and heads back into House 13, gun and all. ]