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[outerfringe]

open post for jeff

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[hardlydead]

Course.

[ is it a mistake to drain the rest of the bottle? yes. but david does it anyway. ]

This was nice.

[outerfringe]

Find me first if you get another one.

[It's lighthearted, not a demand. He wouldn't be hurt if David chose to relax with someone else in this hypothetical next time.]

[hardlydead]

I might.

[ he's teasing, jeff is probably top of the list now for sure. david actually wants to get to know him better? which is strange, he's been pretty happy to keep that wall up between himself and the other survivors since he got here. ]

[ weird. ]

You get your hands on any, you better share.

[outerfringe]

[God, he's drunk and this is funny for a reason he can't pinpoint. Jeff is left grinning just very slightly, holding up one hand and holding it over his heart.]

I promise. You're first in line. [A pause, followed by-] Maybe second. If Jane puts me on her show. [That actually sounds horrifying, but whatever.]

[hardlydead]

[ something about that makes his expression fall just a little before his brain catches up and reminds him he's drunk and looking for excuses to be sad. none of that. ]

That's fair, I can't compete with that.

[ joking, light-hearted. ]

[outerfringe]

Mmh.

[Just a filler noise. He's tired, stalling to keep the conversation going.]

Maybe two hats. When you get to knitting.

[hardlydead]

[ david's more than okay with that, as evidenced by the way he immediately latches on to the offered thread. ]

You can have as many hats as you want. Long as you don't mind 'em looking like shit.

[outerfringe]

[Jeff laughs again, another quiet little chuckle, and watches David for just slightly longer than he means to.]

Yeah, sure. It's a deal. Gotta have a variety to impress the old ladies at book club.

[hardlydead]

[ the mental image of jeff in a variety of stupid, poorly knitted hats is honestly just as charming as it is hilarious and david smiles a little at the thought when he turns his head to look at jeff to really picture it. ]

They'll probably think it's some kinda... Rock 'n roll fashion the kids are doing.

[outerfringe]

[David looks at him while Jeff is still watching him in turn. He's visibly amused by the remark.]

Dunno, man. You'd be shocked. Way more heavy metal grandmas than you think.

[hardlydead]

Yeah?

[ he keeps watching jeff until he realises he's being looked at in return, and he suddenly ducks his head like he's been caught doing something he shouldn't be. ]

Guess you'll be a real hit with the old grannies then.

[outerfringe]

[Does.... he have something on his face, David :(]

Might be, yeah. Maybe I'll just get another dog.

[Maybe he'll get five. That feels like a life well spent.]

[hardlydead]

[ he could have something on his face if david wasn't so chicken ]

Any particular breed?

LOL

[outerfringe]

[A tragedy tbqh]

Not really. Big ones.

[The breeds with hearts of gold that terrify people for some reason.]

they're both so dumb and awkward it's killing me

[hardlydead]

[ the little gasp from david is entirely genuine ]

Huge, slobbery babies.

[ god he loves them ]

Drunk and gay is a mood though

[outerfringe]

[He looks at David in a way that seems to say you get it!!!]

Yeah. Wish I had pictures of mine. He's the best.

lmaooo you're not wrong

[hardlydead]

[ david sits up very suddenly and turns to look at jeff ]

Tell me about him.

[ it's important!! ]

I think that's the breed

[outerfringe]

[Jeff looks a little startled by the enthusiasm, then privately proud. He glances around, finds a stick, and begins a careful outline of an American Staffie in the dirt.]

He's the best. Had been at the shelter for ages - but he's a lovebug.

[hardlydead]

[ he shifts closer to jeff so he can look at the shape in the dirt, smiling a little as he watches jeff draw. ]

He was lucky to have you.

[outerfringe]

Nah, man. [It's dismissive, sure, but friendly about it. There's a sad sort of fondness on his face as he drags the stick through the dirt.] I'm the one who lucked out. Couldn't imagine a better friend to have. Hope my neighbor found a good home for him.

[hardlydead]

Y'know, two things can be true.

[ he says it with a light nudge now he's close enough for that. ]

He'll be okay until you can see him again.

[outerfringe]

[If you'd asked Jeff if he thought there was any chance he'd be getting drunk and comforted about his dog by David King...

He nudges him back.]

You have any?

[hardlydead]

Nah.

[ he'd love to have a dog but. ]

Considering I spent most of my time drunk or travelling, wouldn't be good for any animals.

[outerfringe]

I mean- not everyone's a homebody. But a good dog's worth drinking a little less.

[And then Jeff starts laughing, a quiet but lingering one, just because the empty bottle is still there with them.]

[hardlydead]

[ he raises an eyebrow at jeff, half-smiling but it's confused by him laughing more than anything. ]

What?