on her potential new dwellings;;

[dupe]

I'm not about to talk you out of it, you know. Got no reason to shout when it's either this place or the tunnel.

[ she's all quiet, practically mumbling. fingers twisted in knots and her peepers caught on her shoe buckles, because looking up would mean owning up and she can't heckle that just yet. ]

I'll do things different this time, I swear it. I've got my head on straight and I won't fall off the tracks again, not like before. I know better now, I really do. Maybe all I need's a clean slate, someplace I can mark up right this time, no players or games. [ she could keep saying it until timbuk marries tu, hoping that'll make it stick, but it's hard to believe it when her voice is so shaky and her hands aren't looking any better. won't fall off the tracks again, won't fall. won't fall. she's nervous, but she's got a right to be. right or reason, one of the two. ]

You just gotta give me a chance, that's all. One shot. If I gum it, I'll handle it on my own. That's the straight, I swear.

Comments

[dirtyword]

Don't do it, Em. You don't need more people trying to play you, not now.

[dupe]

Won't be like that, Bren, not this time. [ her cheeks are hot and she can't stop it, who knows why ]

My troubles from home can't follow me there, right? No more brick, no more symbols. A second chance.

[gothamscop]

[He'd like to say something but he doesn't. He knows a person strung out when he sees one.

Or at least a person who just...needs something he's not sure he can provide. so instead he just hesitates. Studying her before speaking.]

...You okay?

[dupe]

[ he speaks up and it makes her freeze up like a trapped rabbit, eyes wide and curious. he sounds familiar, looks familiar, but if she tilts her head just a touch to the left, the whole picture is skewed and wrong and confusing. who is he? not Brendan Frye. ]

Will be, once I've got a new place to stay. I'm gonna- [ he's making her nervous, not just because he looks just like her ex, but because that badge is blinding, making her want to hide back in the shadows again. ] -I'm gonna fix things, fresh start. [ won't fall, won't fall. ] I'll be status quo in no-time.

[gothamscop]

[He squats-down on her level. Kids in the home, kids at St. Swithins. He knows that look.

He doesn't hesitate as he unpins his badge and tucks it away in his jacket pocket before folding his hands to look down at the floor.]

That's good. [And he smiles warmly] You got someone to help you?

[dupe]

No. [ blurted out before she can stop it, because he's on her level and she gets one look at his eyes and it's done, game over. it's like looking at Brendan, always trying so hard to protect her, except it's not him and he's smiling at her and she knows that look, she does, and it makes her chest twist to think she's earned it, deserves it. it's the look people give you when they think you need help, that you're crawling in the dark without a match and you're too scared to call out to the ones you can't see. it's the look of someone braver than her.

and in a small way, it's true. maybe she does need a helping hand.

( if she let herself think about it, she'd realize that in every way it's true ) ]

I mean, I might. Don't know who else is gonna show just yet. Might find a friend, might not. But- But it'll all be patent leather, real shiny. I know it. You don't gotta worry about me. [ her smile doesn't reach her eyes but she's trying her best ]

[gothamscop]

[He doesn't buy it for a second. but with kids like this-either left in the Narrows never got the shot like the rest of the GPD and citizens or somebody who just hadn't had enough love in their lives.

All he offers is just a slow nod.]

Well if you're going - where your writer wants you to go? [It is not any place to send someone trying to remake their life.]

You can come find me if your friend doesn't pan out okay?

[dupe]

Okay. [ the toe of her shoe scuffs against the other and she finally looks up again, squinting just a little bit, just enough. ] What can I call you?

[gothamscop]

[And he extends a hand] John.

John Blake to be specific. I work for the security there.

[dupe]

[ John Blake. officer John Blake. he looks like a John. well, sorta. she takes the offered hand, tries not to think too much about befriending a bull. doesn't matter much anymore, does it? she already took the hit. ]

My name's Emily, Emily Kostich.

[gothamscop]

It's nice to meet you Emily.

...Another smile. [He raises an eyebrow] Where are you from? Or will be from, before Rapture?

[dirtyword]

Em--if your writer's putting you up to something, they've got a reason. You're done being some player's pawn, okay?

[dupe]

San Clemente. Just a little berg in California, nothin' special.