An old muse comes back...

[itsbehindme]

Yeah, I'm still here.

Not sure I want to be, but I am. I want to find Ellie, if that's okay... I mean, shit's really looking bad. She's got to be out there somewhere, right? This is kind of step one to finding her, then. Here, at least.

Oh, and Carver. Yeah. I didn't get to tell him thanks.

[Isaac sighs and shakes his head.]

Just... I hope this is just a slump. We'll get through this. Someone's gonna pick up the slack, right...? Hopefully?

Comments

[tinsoldiers]

You don't gotta thank me for anything, man.

[itsbehindme]

You kept me from making the stupidest mistake I could have ever made, Carver.

[He smiles a little, shakes his head slowly.]

You saved my ass, man. I owe you.

[tinsoldiers]

Nah. I'd say we're about even.

[itsbehindme]

[He punches Carver's shoulder as hard as he can and snorts a little, amused.]

Hey. Lighten up. Seriously. Aren't you the one supposed to be dragging me out of my little pity party?

...It's good to have you back.

[tinsoldiers]

[Careful Marker Boy, you might hurt your hand.]

Shit, now you're getting all sentimental on me. Next thing I know you're gonna want to hug it out.

[A pause.]

We're not hugging it out. Just so we got that clear.

[itsbehindme]

Who knows, Carver. You might enjoy it...

[He makes a suggestive face, then laughs, shakes his head.]

I'll hug it out with Ellie for you, alright? I'll tell you how it went if things stay PG.

[tinsoldiers]

Actually you should probably keep that shit to yourself, man.

[He's seen enough of your relationship drama to last a lifetime. Plus this conversation is kind of reminding him how completely fucking alone he is now and that... That's kind of uncomfortable.]

Just don't fuck it up.

[itsbehindme]

[He puts a hand on Carver's shoulder lightly, still attempting to smile, but he's a little worried, now... not exactly sure of the man's tone. They'd talked about things before... and he's hoping he didn't just hit a sore spot.]

Hey... Sorry, man. I... I dunno, I'm gonna try and keep things going but... you know.

[He withdraws a little, at that, shakes his head.] I just hope I can see her again. And I'm here if you need anything at all. I owe you that much.

[tinsoldiers]

I told you, you don't owe me anything.

[He shakes his head, looks away.]

You'll find her. Or she'll find you. Just make sure you do shit right this time.

[You've got the second chance that Carver can never have.]

[itsbehindme]

I do, Carver. I do. Because if you hadn't stopped me...

[He sighs sharply, shakes his head and rounds on the man, glaring a bit.]

And I'm not leaving you behind. Christ, I'm not going to let you out of my sight, at this point. I can't do this on my own. I'm too old for this shit. I'm tired of this shit.

I need someone to... to keep me going... And, apparently, so do you.