@the-crypt-of-randomness (Starter prompt from here)

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"Years of practice."

It was a rather clichéd answer as he patted the bar counter to encourage Random to hop onto a bar stool, but it was merely a opening.

"See, when ya keep ya head down an' sad miserable, all th' problems weigh ya down further. Always feels like when yer blue, everything goes wrong, right?" He paused for a beat, waiting to make sure Random was following, before continuing. "A lot of that is 'cause ya get these sorta blinkers on yer face," he lifted both hands and placed the side of each one on the side of his face, at eye level, "an' ya miss things. Fer instance... I used ta be a real grumpy gills. Had a lotta crap goin' on an' everythin' was goin' wrong. But in that haze, I missed th' fact that there was a friend who still cared 'bout me, an' my actions only helped them feel worse in th' long term. Not sayin' that bein' happy makes no problems happen at all, but it's easier ta deal with 'em when they come."

Once more, he paused. This time, it was so he could lower his hands and shift into a more relaxed posture with his weight on one leg and his elbows propped against the counter. "So why don't we start by seein' what's on yer mind?"

*Shoves a cupcake with a candle at him*

“Happy birthday, Damien!”

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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When Damien returned to the apartment, he was surprised at how quiet it was. Usually, Barnum would race to find him when he opened the door, but there was no sign of the corgi. Instead, Random stepped out of the kitchen, with Barnum trotting at her heels. There was a look of realisation and a soft chuckle as the penny dropped.

“Thank you. This is very thoughtful of you. I hope getting this wasn’t too much of a hassle?” It was a very pretty cupcake, with icing that looked like it had a pale glitter in it. But of course, it was taking the role of a birthday cake, and so he would need to blow out the candle. It was lifted to eye level and with a puff, the little flame was extinguished.

“I do hope you remembered to take a knife from the kitchen, for I have full intentions on splitting this with you.”

"Hiya Wilford! I'm spreading some post-Halloween love to you. Trick or treat!"

Random then slams a bucket of various chocolates onto Wilford's bar, grinning wide.

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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Wilford's eyes widened at the arrival of a BUCKET'S worth of treats. That was far more than he could have expected! "That's gonna keep me goin' fer weeks, Random! Y've no idea how great that is!"

(All the better since it was now approaching Wilford's 'busy season', and he'd need all the sugar boosts he could get.)

"But spill th' beans. Tell me ya had a good time yesterday an' didn't scare too many people." As he spoke, his hand ducked under the counter to place a small, squeaky pumpkin in front of her.

Random LOVED Christmas. Even in prison, celebrating the holidays with Yancy and the gang gave her so much joy.

So now, being free and all, she had to do something for her first Christmas back. Leading up to the holiday, she sent out cards for her former prison friends, and of course, Yancy, Asterius, Mark, and anyone else she could think of.

But by Christmas, while her main priority was to try to make sure Damien wasn't just working the whole time, she also wanted to stop by the Roller. She had a modest gift for Wilford: a plastic-wrapped tray of gingerbread men decorated with pink icing. They seem to resemble the man himself.

It takes her a bit of time weaving through the crowd to reach him, all decked out in his Santa outfit, but she's all smiles when she comes up and presents the cookies to him.

"Hi, Wilford! Merry Christmas!"

@the-crypt-of-randomness (I would like you to know my phone froze and hard reset while I was trying to write this)

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The Roller was buzzing with activity. There was a large crowd, yet not too many to make the atmosphere feel stuffy and overwhelming. Overhead, the lights had a softer tint to them, allowing the focus to be on the glitter and decorations adoring the main area. The music on the speakers was cheesy as expected, but not to a volume where everyone had to yell to be heard.

A curious problem emerged as Random entered the main area: how could she not spot a man who was taller and larger than the average person and sported a bright pink moustache? Was he keeping himself so busy that he was working behind the scenes in the Roller? Or had an emergency popped up and he had to leave early?

As it turned out, it was neither. He had taken up one of the couches near the entrance to the rink and was surrounding by kids as he told them the "story" of Comet the Reindeer being very angry at Santa and headbutting the jolly man every time he walked into the stable. It had turned into an impromptu problem-solving session, as the kids began giving suggestions on what Santa could do to make the reindeer like him again.

"- sayin' bells might work? Musical ones? Never heard of them. Might have ta suggest ta ol' Nick ta - Random!" Rising to his feet, Wilford carefully stepped around the children so he could pull his friend into a firm hug. "Didn't think y'd be able ta make it today! How are ya? How's everyone doin'?" It was a lot to throw at a person in one go, but luckily the cookies served as a distraction. Some of the eagle-eyed kids had spotted the treats, but Wilford would keep the entire tray on the barrier of the rink, far out of reach, so he could enjoy every single one of them by himself.

"Randoooom. Ya made little 'me's! I'm so itty-bitty an' edible!" One of the dainty cookies was lifted so he could better admire it. "I love 'em. Thank you. Oh! But don't think yer leavin' empty handed. Hey, uh, pass me up that bag, will ya?" The gingerbread man was placed in his breast pocket so he could take the empty material bag, rummage through it, and pull out a medium-sized, soft parcel wrapped in silver with her name on it.

"Merry Christmas, Random. I think this might help ya fer all th' adventures next year, eh?" Once it was opened, it was revealed to be a dark, heavy jacket that would be ideal for days where the weather was a little lousy. There were even some pins on it: a little corgi butt, one that read "Second Chance Successor", a knife, a butterfly, and several others.

For the emotion meme, Damien and B2?

Expression meme

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A present is delivered to the bar by one of Wilf's employees. When opened, he'll find a small cake absolutely covered in pink icing and a note attached:

"Happy birthday, Wilford! Thank you so, so much for helping me out when I needed it most. I forgot to get candles, but I hope you like the cake! It's super sweet just like you!"

~Random

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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The employee left the small box on the counter, only alerting the boss that it was there by ringing the golden bell. By the time Wilford poked his head out the store door, they were long gone, but the box remained.

It didn’t belong to the Moonlight Roller. In fact, there was a small, round sticker with a logo of a local bakery keeping the lid in place. Wilford pulled out his trusty butterfly knife to neatly slice the sticker in two and slide the lid up.

The smell was amazing. Wilford’s train of thought completely derailed for a moment as he took a deep breath. Thankfully, he spotted the note from Random, and that was enough for him to grin as the page was gently pulled off the lid and put aside. He’d pin it up on the board in the storeroom. It was always nice to have a reminder of people in his life. It helped him remember who was still in his life, and that they were okay.

What wouldn’t be okay was that cake that was tempting him. If he went down the staff stairs and bribed some of the staff in the diner with a slice of cake, maybe they’d overlook the ‘WILFORD IS NOT ALLOWED COFFEE’ rule, just for today.

Random nods and quietly sips her coffee, letting her thoughts drift.

Man... Damien is so laidback. Wouldn't think it from the guy who runs the city, but he seems to take everything in stride. He even seemed to get over me being here pretty quickly. I feel...lucky to be here.

She shakes herself out of her head, realizing she's been staring at him.

"Thank you, Damien. I, uh... *clears throat* I'm probably going to say it a million times, but I really appreciate you doing all this for me. You AND Wilford."

She chuckles a little, smiling at him.

"I had been starting to think prison was the best time of my life recently. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of good that came from it. But I think... I think I'm more than ready to move on and try to have a life. Hopefully one with less drama from now on."

She finishes her coffee and sets the mug down.

"So, I have plenty of time on my hands, and you have the day off. What kind of stuff did you have in mind that I might enjoy?"

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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There was no response. Damien didn't expect one, but there was something about her expression. Their conversation did deal with some heavy topics. It wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination to assume it might have been too much in one go. He opted to finish his drink and return it to the tray to make the silence less awkward, only giving her proper attention when she was ready to continue.

"I am glad I was able to offer some sort of assistance. It can be easy to settle into a state of complacency when things have been rough. And if you are ready to try and find that better future for yourself, then I am happy to help be a support where I can. Just remember: one step at a time, and one day at a time. Change won't be immediate, nor will it be easy, so be gentle to yourself."

But that was a problem for the future. Right now, there were other matters to address. "I suppose it would be a good idea to bring Barnum out on a walk, once you are ready, of course." Even if the dog was half-asleep, Damien silently laughed at how Barnum's ears perked up. "It would be a good opportunity to show you the locality, and get used to having him around when I am not here."

Random lets out a slightly sad chuckle, shaking her head.

"Well, I'm glad you still have them regardless. I guess that's another thing I could vent about. I'm an only child, but my parents are still around. They've, ah...basically disowned me. I think they're still ashamed I ended up in prison to begin with."

She rolls her eyes, huffing a little.

"But I'm not gonna spend my life worrying what they think every second of the day. Maybe one day we'll patch things up. Maybe."

She then smirks as he talks about his job.

"Sure, fair, being Mayor would keep anyone busy, but are you so sure you can't 'have a life' before you're done? Even mayors should get to cut loose every so often, I think. *shrugs* But then again, I'm not in your position so that's easy for me to say."

Once again linking the post since it's been a hot minute xD

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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"Ah... I am sorry to hear that your parents have done that..." It wasn't his place to comment, and he knew that. However, he did think it harsh for her family to completely cut her off. In his experience, a lack of support was why some ended up reoffending. Thankfully, he kept that to himself, but was sure to keep that thought in the back of his mind. "But it is good that you are going to take time for yourself. Mayhaps proving to yourself that you are doing better might help influence others to see that too."

Her comment on his job made him laugh. "That's not the first time I've been told that. It is possible, yes, but I have promised to serve the people with honour. Most believed I was running for some sort of 'clout' or to use it for social media fame, and I want to be sure they're wrong." If anything, his social media was strictly professional... Bar the one he had to make for Barnum since his friends liked seeing photos of the dog, and somehow the account gained traction. "Saying that... I have been trying to take a little more time away from it. And likewise, this should be your chance to do just that. Once we finish here, I can show you to your room, give you a key, and let you have some time to familiarise yourself with the area."

Oh man, a Switch?! Yesssss, I’ve wanted to play one forever!

“You better believe I’ll use it! I’ll need to get used to it first.”

She listens to him before shrugging and nodding.

“I know. I’m honestly not close to either of his boyfriends. But they do treat him right, so maybe…that’s all I really need to know.”

Good thing I didn’t tell him one is a stubborn minotaur and the other is Yancy’s creator. Pretty sure the advice wouldn’t be much different, though.

Back to the topic at hand, as the shock subsides, she feels happy tears brimming but forces them back. Even when happy, she still hates crying in front of people, especially someone she’s just met.

“I… Damien, I can’t thank you enough. This is the nicest thing anyone’s done for me since prison. God, I wanna hug you, but I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable.”

She fidgets and sips her coffee, a slow smile forming as he continues.

“I like that. ‘Life is Ours to Choose.’ I really need to start living more for myself, for sure. Not that I don’t like caring about other people, but I put others first most of the time. Especially Yancy. So… Yeah, relaxing sounds wonderful.”

She then frowns.

“They definitely wouldn’t know to find me here, but I kinda…left a note saying I’d be back after a while. I didn’t tell them I was staying with anyone, just so you know. I don’t know how worried they’d be if I’m gone longer, but there’s a chance they might try finding me. They also know Wilford, though I dunno if he’d tell them I’m here.”

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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"Good. Videogames are a fantastic escape, in my own experience." When he would have time for them. "Barnum enjoys watching them too, for some reason. It's one of the reasons I keep it docked and connected to the TV, otherwise he's climbing onto my lap and blocking the screen in his quest to see what's happening."

Speaking of, Barnum's head lowered onto his paws. It appeared as though he was not as tense about this situation as he initially was. He could manage another human in this place.

"That's all you need to know," he agreed. "You are all adults. Whatever he gets up isn't anything for you to worry about. If someone is constantly there to stop you making mistakes, how do you expect to learn anything in life? Likewise, if you spend your life worrying about someone else, are you really enjoying your own life?" Of course, there were obvious exceptions to this, but Damien did not believe she and Yancy did not fit into any of those categories.

He reached over to the tray, lifting a napkin and placing on the edge of the table closest to her. "I am simply happy that I'm able to offer the support you need. Not only that, it will be an ideal starting point to help you without having the looming worry of rent, at least until you are in a position where you can fully support yourself." No doubt Wilford and his eccentric team would help with that side of things better. As for the explanation of his personal mantra, he smiled.

"Precisely. Find the time for yourself. This is where one does encourage selfishness. If you want that coffee, you should take it. If there's a book you want to read, you should look into it. If you don't think it's healthy to be in a certain situation, then you ought to step back from it if you can." Easier said than done, but sometimes it needed to be heard in the first place. "And as this is Wilford's idea, I doubt he would go against himself and reveal this place. Of course, if there is a chance they could be a threat, I can inform security to watch out for them. However, I imagine that's unlikely, so I suggest you simply get all this frustration off your chest. If there is something you need to talk about now or at a later time, do so. It helps."

She laughs a little.

"I'm sure I'll find plenty to do, but seriously, ten books? Really? I mean, I like coloring, but I'll gladly settle with a movie or video game too if I need to unwind. I'm not sure if gaming is something you're into, though."

Once Random's finished ranting, she gives Barnum some pets. She's somewhat surprised but also elated that the corgi is warming up to her so quickly. Her attention turns back to Damien and she sighs a little.

"Honestly, I think it would be best if I'm not his roommate. I do want to be civil with him, at least for Yancy's sake, but I was also being impulsive when I suggested it. I don't think either of us would be all that happy, especially with what's happened."

And anyway, being stuck in a labyrinth really isn't ideal, especially now that I might be getting work.

Her jaw drops the second he offers to help her, and she blinks a few times.

Did I hear that right?!

"D-Damien, are you sure? That would be...insanely generous of you. I... Wow, um... Are you sure?"

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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"Yes. Ten of them." He rolled his eyes, but there was amusement in his voice. Everyone had meant well at the time, but it was near comical in hindsight. "Actually, I do play video games. I'm a rather casual gamer, but I own a S.witch. When I'm showing you how the TV setup works, I'll point it out, and you can use the guest account if you like." Just don't challenge him to M.ario K.art. He was very good.

But regarding the matter at hand, Damien nodded. "There's a difference between being civil, and being self-sacrificing for little good reason. You can still be friends with this man, but you shouldn't need to interact with someone else if you don't want to. Boundaries need to be set in moments like this." Set, and enforced. He could only hope this 'Yancy' was someone with a scrap of common sense, especially after the events that have transpired.

"I am sure. I've spent a lot of time with people from all walks of life, even before I became Mayor. One thing I learned is the importance of being able to help others. What you are going through is something that would terribly difficult to face alone. But in a new location, and with new friends, mayhaps you can start working on finding the life you want for yourself. As you said already, you worked hard to achieve parole and prove you are a better person. That's something that needs to be encouraged, in my opinion. But this can be something we can iron out the details of toward the end of your stay."

There was a brief pause, before something stirred him to speak. "Regardless of everything that's happened, I need you to remember something for me: Life is Ours to Choose. It's something I try to live by. It is idealistic, considering how many things are unpredictable, but it serves a reminder that you need to live for yourself if you can. For example, trying to find a middle ground 'for Yancy's sake', to use your own words, can only work if the other party want to do so as well. If they don't, and you are expected to make all the changes needed to make peace possible... It not only puts you under immense pressure, but it does not allow the other party to see the errs in their actions. It is up to him to convince the others to see you are just a friend, not you. In fact," he lifted his mug again, "Your focus for the next few days are to relax. I don't know them, and they don't know me. It's highly unlikely there will be any sort of encounter here."

She didn’t need to be told twice. Random picks up Barnum and gently sets him down beside her, giving him a pat on the head. It puts a smile on her face, even for just a moment. She listens and nods as he speaks.

“There are a few reasons why I thought leaving that house was smart, but… Seriously, thank you, Damien. I’m grateful to you and Wilford for allowing this to happen. And sure, I’ll look into those events. I’m not the most outgoing person, but it couldn’t hurt to try.”

Her heart sinks as he describes his own loneliness, but she smiles a bit and glances between him and Barnum.

“Loneliness is definitely rough - I can understand how it would be in your situation. But I can also see how he’s helped you so much. He’s like a little roommate! I think I would love to get a pet sometime after Wilford helps me find work. Hanging out with Barnum in the meantime does sound great, though.”

She chuckles and sips her coffee again before focusing back on her story. Her expression turns serious.

“I wish I could tell you that that’s when I went to see Wilford, but… One of Yancy’s boyfriends, Asterius, found out I had feelings for him. He got…really jealous.”

Just mentioning it puts the image in her head of Asterius looming over her, and she sounds angry as she continues.

“He threatened to kill me if I didn’t stay away from Yancy, who is still my friend. Can you believe that?! I think he thinks I’m a homewrecker who’s going to steal him away, and I’m NOT like that at all! Asterius is the one who’s insecure about it. He still has a lot of maturing to do. I even discussed being roommates with him before all of this, but now I feel I should just get my own place instead. I’ll be surprised if he genuinely apologizes to me the next time I see him. *mutters* Bullheaded jerk!”

She huffs and sips her coffee, trying to calm down. She knows she’s holding back, but she doesn’t want to subject Damien to an onslaught of her just cursing out Asterius.

“So, obviously, I told Yancy about it. They got into a fight, though I’m sure they’ll make up soon, and I ended up going to see Wilford.”

She shakes her head and taps her fingers on the cup.

“…Now do you see why I really don’t want to go back there yet? Whenever I do, I’m sure I’ll forgive and forget, but I didn’t realize until now just how badly I needed a break from everything.”

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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The fluffy corgi was grateful for the assistance. She didn't drop him roughly either. Maybe she wasn't so bad for interrupting their morning.

"It's not something you need to do if you don't want to," Damien was quick to give reassurance. "The local library has a notice board that showcases other events, such as book clubs or talks. At the very least, it would give you a new interest, which can sometimes help give a layer of a distraction." He paused, only to laugh. "Otherwise, I can let you have one of my ten stress relief colouring books. There was a period of time where people kept gifting them to me for some reason."

(He knew why, but he didn't need another person aware of his long work hours.)

As Random continued her story, she might have felt something press against her as Barnum tried to offer some form of comfort and grounding. Opposite her, Damien couldn't mask the alarm quick enough. None of these names were familiar, fortunately (the city was large. He doubted he'd meet anyone mentioned).

"That must have been a terrifying experience..." From what he could gather in their brief conversation, Random didn't act on her desire. Of course, he was only hearing one side of the story, but he was keeping an open mind. "I will be honest, Random. For the time being, it might be wise to put some distance between yourself and anyone who might be involved in that relationship for the moment. As you said, there is a chance that they might have patched things up post-argument, and I have no personal experience in polyamorous relationships so I cannot give any accurate explanations on matters." The mug was placed back on the tray for the moment as he focused on Random. "Even so, jealousy to that extend in a relationship is not good. It could be insecurity, it could be something else, but you being the target of it is something that can be dealt with. I would advise against moving in with this individual for the present moment. While one could argue that it would allow you both a chance to get to know each other, my worry would be in two areas: one, that you would be in an environment where you could be walking on eggshells; two, that you are in an environment where you are constantly reminded of someone you have unrequited feelings for. The latter in particular would make me feel it would be somewhere that could make your mental health worse, and bar you from properly moving on."

Her final question had him nod in understanding. "And you said Wilford was helping you find a job... He's eccentric, but I have learned he knows what he's doing when he has a surprisingly sensible plan in place. If he's helping there.... Then, should you find somewhere to rent for yourself, I will be happy to help contribute to the cost until you are stable in said job."

Random tended to forget that violence wasn't supposed to be a "normal" thing. Prison had slightly desensitized her to it, though she wouldn't be surprised if the whole uncle incident had left her with some trauma. Still, she also knows she can't say Yancy murdered him either.

"Um... Well, I didn't, no. Yancy said he'd take care of it. I trust him with that much. And I'm doing much better now, I promise."

She takes another sip of coffee to prevent herself from saying something she shouldn't.

"Anyway, during that whole thing, I...realized that I was in love with Yancy. So, I told him."

She pauses, another brief but pained look appearing on her face. Just the thought of the events that followed made her stomach twist in knots.

Don't cry, do not cry. You can do this.

"...He didn't feel the same way, so we agreed to just be friends. I still want him in my life, it's just..."

She shakes her head slightly and sighs.

"He has two boyfriends. It's an arrangement they're all okay with. But, I dunno, seeing them with each other...just really hammers home how lonely I've felt since prison. I know I shouldn't rush into anything, but it's just...hard to deal with."

She sips her coffee, choking back the lump forming in her throat.

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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It wasn't the ideal solution, but Damien decided not to press the matter further. Hopefully there would be some resolution. It wasn't right knowing that someone could attack an innocent party and get away with it. The bruise on her cheek was present, but not too obvious. It must have happened some time ago. Presumably, the authorities would be on the case by now.

Then, the thought that Damien had came to light - there was a confession, and one that was rejected in a manner that Damien couldn't even begin to fathom.

Rejected because the feelings weren't mutual was one thing. Rejection because of a partner was another. But revealing that he was in a polyamorous relationship must have been a difficult discovery to make, if only for emphasising that loneliness. Did it make her feel like she'd never find something like that? That was hardly a fair conclusion for someone her age to make.

... Suddenly, Wilford's abrupt arrival and vacation plan made a lot more sense.

Before Damien could speak, there was shuffling beside Random as Barnum was attempting to make it his mission to climb onto the couch beside her. Sadly, little legs made that climb a little harder, and the steps to get onto the couch were too far away.

"You might need to help him up, Random," Damien chuckled. "But... I am so sorry to hear that you've had so much to deal with. I know there's little I can do in terms of offering proper resolutions, but... I need you to try and not compare yourself to others when it comes to relationships, for your own sake. And, if I may say so, it's good that you are currently away from all of that. Being in a familiar location with memories and associations makes it terribly difficult to try and get a grasp on where you need to go next, nor does it allow you to properly process your emotions in a way that doesn't risk stumbling back over and over." He paused to sip his coffee with a thoughtful expression. "You know... I do believe there might be some small community events happening as part of the summer festivities in various public spaces in the city. Mayhaps you could attend one or two while you're here and try to branch out, just a little. And beyond that..."

Damien rested an elbow against the arm of the chair, deciding that this ought to be something that needed to be shared. "I do know that feeling of loneliness well. I thought I had found happiness, then lost it. I may have had friends, but it did little to ease that - that hollowness in your chest when you know others are happy. If you aren't careful, it turns your world stagnant, and it feels as though you will never properly be 'yourself' again... But then," his gaze shifted from Random to the corgi, "I adopted Barnum. And suddenly, the world became more colourful again. Having a companion to keep you in a routine, and who will make it their business to be a part of your life, can help give a new sense of purpose. Of course," he quickly collects his thoughts to made an important addition, "I know I don't know your personal situation. However... While you're here, spend a little time with Barnum. See if having a pet of some sort might help in the future."

Random doesn't even try to hide her glee when the pup sits down beside her, but she refrains from petting him to focus on the coffee. She waits for Damien to finish pouring and carefully adds the creamer in. The cup was way too hot, so she sits back to give it a few minutes and nods to Damien.

"Thank you. And I will, don't worry. Like I said, though, it's...complicated."

She rubs the back of her neck and clears her throat.

"Well, you'll need context. So, this involves a guy I met in prison, Yancy. We became good friends, but we also had a bit of a casual thing. Nothing serious, just kissing. At least, we didn't treat it as serious at the time."

Hindsight really is 20/20...

"He's also out on parole. There was an...incident a while back involving him and his uncle. I got caught up in it and was basically beat up by his uncle's friends. I didn't go down easy, though."

She absentmindedly scratches at an ugly but faded bruise on her cheek. It didn't hurt now, but the proof still remained. She picks up her coffee, taking a tentative sip and letting out a small, happy moan.

OH, that is perfect!

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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So far, so good. Barnum would stay nearby. He was waiting to see what Damien thought of Random.

Damien poured his coffee, keeping it black as he lifted his mug. The heat didn't seem to bother him. In fact, his attention was on Random as she started explaining herself.

He winced in sympathy. A story starting like that was never one with a happy ending. Her context only proved as much. If it was viewed as a 'casual thing'... He could only imagine that someone caught feelings and it went wrong.

(What? He's watched plenty of rom-coms!)

"You were attacked?!" That was not what he was expecting to hear. "Did - Did you report it? An assault of any sort is not something that should be dismissed, regardless of the connections the assailants have to someone you know."

Whew, that's a relief. I'd feel bad if I ruined his one free day.

She nods and gets up to rummage through the fridge. She hadn't even had coffee at Mark's, so she's a little stumped on what to choose at first. Finally, she spots and grabs some French vanilla creamers.

God, I can't even remember the last time I had coffee. I just need the energy boost. He doesn't need to know I'm running off two hours of decent sleep.

"Okay, all set!"

She turns to see he's gathered everything on the tray and, once he's ready, she follows him to the living room. Before they sit, she notices Barnum again and gives him little wave.

@the-crypt-of-randomness

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While she chose her creamer, Damien prepared the tray to ensure it could be lifted without causing trouble, and led the way into the living room.

As Damien set out everything to have it all in reach on the coffee table beside the couch and the armchair, Barnum watched on. She seemed harmless but she was here and he didn’t know her. Just to be safe, he followed after her, opting to sit beside her as though making sure there wouldn’t be any funny business.

“Seems Barnum is alright with you being here,” Damien chuckled. He sat in his armchair and poured the drinks. “Now, there is no hurry with any of this. Only talk about as much as you want, and stop if you feel uncomfortable in any way, alright?”

Random glances at the freezer, eyes shining.

Ice cream whenever I want? Ohhh, I'm in heaven!

She finishes off her second snack and turns her attention back to him.

"...Well, if you're sure. Don't say I didn't warn you, though. It's a pretty complicated story."

She doesn't look surprised that he doesn't want her doing housework, but she shakes her head and smiles.

"Technically, I do kind of owe you a little bit. You could've told Wilford no, and you are doing me a favor by letting me stay. I'll accept not doing housework, but I thought I'd mention it 'cause I'm used to pulling my weight. Old prison habit."

She chuckles. Her fingers move to take another snack, but she stops abruptly as he continues.

"Wait, you have today off? That's great! Er... *blinks* I mean, I know I needed a break, but I imagine that's an even bigger deal for you. Your job just seems like a 24/7 thing."

By this point, Random looks completely relaxed, both in expression and posture. It's like she's right at home.

I don't even know what I was worried about. Damien is so nice and easy to talk to. Also cu-- NO! This is time for you to focus on you, not men. Relax!

She takes what is now her third and final snack and tilts her head.

"Sure! That all sounds good to me. How are the drinks coming along?"

@the-crypt-of-randomness

-

Random didn't need to express her sentiments about there being ice cream. He watched her reaction with amusement. It would be for the best not to impose a limit on how much she could take. He had watched enough cheesy rom-coms to know ice-cream was part of the break-up process.

"I do have today off, yes. I have been told numerous times by friends that I ought to use my flexi-time more often. Of course, I'm still 'on call', in that anyone could contact me if something came up." A thought crossed his mind that perhaps Random would feel like she was interrupting something, so he added, "I had nothing planned for it. A quiet day at home was the furthest I had gotten."

On the question of the drinks, Damien turned to check on them. He had opted to make a small pot of coffee that was just finishing up. Stretching over to a nearby cupboard, two mugs were lifted out and placed on the counter. HIs instructions were given as he reached into another cupboard for a tray. "The creamers are in the fridge, just there to the left. I'll take everything else into the living room if you want to take what you want and bring it in." Then, they could sit down and let Random talk about everything that happened.

She pulls up a chair and laughs a little, shaking her head.

“I would never take all your food, promise. Just don’t keep a lot of sweets out to tempt me.”

She smirks, her brown eyes hungrily eyeing the food. In her rush to get out of Mark’s house without detection, she’d forgotten to grab a bite to eat. She picks up a snack and munches on it, pausing when he speaks again.

“I… *sighs* I know we just met, but I kinda want to vent about it with you. But… I also feel like I’d just be burdening you.”

There’s a small, pained look on her face for a moment before she finishes her snack and accepts the key.

“Thank you. I can help keep the place clean, obviously. I’ll also dog sit if you and Barnum want.”

She chuckles and grabs another snack.

“I guess I’m wondering what kind of entertainment you have here too. Not that I’ll just stay in all the time, but I like to relax too. I might need suggestions for things to do in the city, though. Preferably things that don’t cost a lot. Wilford’s helping me get a job, but for now, I’m working with what I have.”

@the-crypt-of-randomness

-

There's a light chuckle at that. Damien had gone shopping in recent days and had coincidentally stocked up on important food such as chocolate. "Ah, which reminds me. Should you desire ice cream, the fridge has no accompanying freezer. Instead, there's a small walk-in-freezer behind us, on the left-hand side. I'm not sure who in their right mind thought anyone would need one, but there it is." Damien was not raised a rich man, and so there were some features of the world of the wealthy that he might never understand. For the best, really.

"You wouldn't be burdening me at all, Random. I don't mind you venting out your frustrations. I can't promise I'll be able to give you solutions, but I can try and offer advice and some support. Though, I suggest we wait until we're back in the living room. The chairs are more comfortable when you want to have a conversation." Not to belittle the chairs in the kitchen, but they were better suited for lounging and idly scrolling your phone while sipping a drink.

As for what she would be doing...? "Housework of any sort is off the table. You're a guest, need I remind you. I'll not allow you to work yourself or feel you 'owe' me anything." If anyone owed him anything, it was Wilford, and Damien would follow up on that later. "I'm sure Barnum won't mind the change of company. I will have to go into work tomorrow, so it will just be the two of you. Saying that, he can come with me into the office, or is content to stay here for a portion of the day alone if there are things you want to do. I'll show you some ideas once you've settled in a little more. I actually have a map of the locality on the wall that was gifted to me. It can serve as a starting point."