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Who: Xander Jarle

dominateartimus and John Mitchell

allinvein
What: Adventures in getting lost.
When: Wednesday, August 21st - Evening
Where: A Random Street Corner™

[Today had been one of those days where John spent most of his time driving to and fro checking up on clients. There had been Ms. Baker, who had lovingly held him hostage for five hours of conversation that morning, a slew of teens that he'd spent forever trying to track down during the afternoon, and now he was just leaving the new place of employment of one Mr. Vickery; the man was, much to John's delight, doing well at his new job.

As there was no public parking around the immediate vicinity of the warehouse, though, he was slowly ambling down the street back toward his car. Further down the sidewalk was a man who, quite frankly, looked a bit... lost, which wasn't terribly unusual; Locke City was a huge place, and this part of town was known to be especially obnoxious to navigate.

There was a part of him that was hesitant to help out, what with everything that was now happening in his life, but John just couldn't help himself; it was in his nature to give aid to those that needed it--to give back to the society that put up with him when he was a complete ass growing up.]

Hey, do you need some help?

[John gave the stranger a smile and hoped for the best.]

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[Xander had been minding his own business -- okay, that was a bit of a lie. He was severely lost and was doing a poor job of hiding it when John pulled up beside him. He wasn't expecting anyone to come to his aid, so when the other man called out to him, it startled him a fair bit. In fact, he dropped his phone because of that.]

I'm afraid so.

[He forced a weak smile to his lips before he quickly bent down to retrieve his phone from the ground.]

I guess I have that look of someone who is new to the city plastered all over my face, don't I?

[Cringing when he saw the guy drop his phone, John's gaze followed Xander down, hoping that he hadn't inadvertently made the guy break the thing. When he straightened back up though, John shook his head before huffing out a soft sigh, a bit of a sheepish grin crossing his features.]

A bit, yeah. [Quick to soften the comment, John pressed on.] That's not to say that locals don't get lost here, too. It's a tricky part of town unless you come by often, and even then...

[He shrugged his shoulders easily.]

So, what can I help you with?

[He's silent when John speaks, although his fingers unconsciously tap against the phone's exterior. At the mention of 'tricky part of town', he glances around briefly with his blue eyes before returning them on to John.]

I'll keep that in mind the next time I find myself here.

[That weak smile of his turned in to a smirk before switching to surprise at the question. He glances down at his phone, searching for a certain address.]

Well... Since you offered to help me out. I'm trying to get here, but I obviously took a wrong turn somewhere.

[Xander moved the phone over to John, so he could see the address. It was a restaurant.]

Let's see it here, then.

[Taking a quick look at the address he'd been provided, John made a thoughtful sound before taking a step away from Xander. Licking his lips, he turned in a slow circle, like he was trying to place himself, and then grinned, triumphant.]

I've never been there myself, but I've passed by it a few times. C'mon, I'll walk you there.

[With a slight tilt of the head, John motioned for them to start moving. Sure, he could just give the guy some directions, but that'd probably just end up with him getting lost again, which would rather defeat the purpose.]

[As John moved about and figured out where to go, Xander watched him silently for a moment before pulling out a bottle of spring water to take a sip from it.]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[He nodded and placed his drink back in his bag before following the other. Even if he should be a little wary.]

I guess I can't ask for your opinion on the place, can I?

Mm, I've heard good things?

[John idly adjusted the strap of his messenger bag before tugging at his sleeves, rolling them up to his elbows a moment later.]

I'm usually only in this area for work, so I don't normally have time to give it a try.

[He shrugged good-naturedly.]

Are you meeting a friend there?

That's what I've heard as well, from a few site reviews.

[He nodded briefly in agreement and kept his pace with John. Just don't mind him running his thumb over the bottle's cap to keep his hands occupied.

He won't pry about John's work, after all they were technically strangers. But, when the other man asks about meeting a friend at the restaurant, he pauses before chuckling with a head shake.]

No, not at all. I was planning on handing in an résumé.

Ah, I see.

[John gave Xander a bright smile. He wouldn't exactly call Locke City a place of opportunity--his own work and the people he interacted with taught him that much--but there were definitely jobs to be found if you looked in the right places or had the right connections.

He thought about asking what sort of positions he was looking into, but that sounded a bit too nosy when he hadn't even introduced himself yet.]

I'm John, by the way. Despite the accent, I've actually spent half of my life here.

[He gives a nod in return and a small smile of his own. Even if he didn't get a call back for the job, at least there were other places to try in the city. Everyone has to start somewhere before becoming more familiar with the way things done -- even if life decides to throw curve balls.

He pauses when John introduces himself. There's a moment of hesitation from him as he pulls one of his hands away from the bottle to offer a handshake.]

Well, I'm glad I've met someone who knows their way around here. It's nice to meet you, John. I'm Xander.

Nice to meet you, too.

[He took Xander's hand and gave it a firm shake; if there had been any hesitation on the other's part, John didn't pick up on it. Even after all of the crazy shit that had gone down in the city, he was still pretty optimistic about the random people he met on the street.]

So... What brought you here, if you don't mind me asking? Because I'm pretty sure the restaurant industry here isn't any stronger than any other big city.

[His grin was cheeky, and he gave Xander a wink.]

[To be honest, Xander was expecting to be questioned about his name, since it was rather 'unusual' to most people. But that didn't come so, he returns the shake with equal firmness, before pulling his hand back to his side.]

Would you believe me if I said it was for a change of scenery?

[That grin was infectious and he couldn't help himself from mimicking the other. The wink even got a chuckle out of him.]

I'm just used to moving to a new place after a few years.

A wanderer? I guess I can see that.

[He rubbed at his jaw absently and nodded his head, like he was thinking about travel. To be quite honest, the only place he had ever really wanted to travel to was back to Ireland. Sure, he didn't exactly have anything to go back to now, but John still had spent his childhood there, which had to count for something.]

How have you been liking Locke thus far?

[He made a broad gesture toward the skyline, and it was then that he realized that he was still holding onto something that was definitely not his. Oh, right. John held out his hand, returning Xander's phone; his smile then was a touch embarrassed but still genuine. Wouldn't want him to get lost and be without his phone, right?]

I don't really look the part though.

[His tone was a joking one as he gestured to his attire with his free hand. The other one was still occupying itself with the bottle cap.]

So far, I haven't had much issue with moving in and that was almost a week ago. I was able to find what I needed by a few local shops as well, so that's adding to Locke's favor.

[Although, he won't mention the slight incident he had at the park. That was rather uncomfortable and he rather not think about it. Thankfully, John caught his attention when he handed back his phone, which he accepted and pocketed it.]

Thanks for returning this back to me. It would have been horrible if you left with my phone and received any calls from it.

[Only a week? John's eyebrows lifted; the guy really was new to the city. Still, he tried to hide his surprise, doing his best to settle his expression into something a bit more neutral. Briefly, John wondered if he should warn the guy about some of the, uh, less known issues with the city at the moment, but doing so in a subtle manner was going to take a bit more thought.

For now, he'd just laugh at Xander's comment about his phone.]

I promise I would've returned it to you posthaste, even if I had accidentally wandered off with it.

[He paused and quirked a brow at Xander, his tone teasing.]

Or are you implying that the calls you get are of a less than appropriate nature?

[The slight look of surprise didn't bother him at all and the laugh only caused him to smirk back.]

You wouldn't even know how to find me, considering that's my only method of contact in this place.

[Okay, that wasn't true. He still has an e-mail account, as well as that network number. Not like John knew any of that.

He does pick up on the teasing tone and that gets a chuckle out of him, while shaking his head.]

No, not at all. Unless you want to deal with my parents, which might be a little scary to deal with.

[He tuts quietly and winks again.]

I could've gone back to that restaurant, you know. Your résumé should have an address, right? But... hm.

[John rubs his chin, like he's considering the challenge of dealing with Xander's parents. There's still mischief in his eyes, so really, there's isn't any danger of him actually going through with this, but hey, it's small talk to kill time while they walk. There's no harm in that.]

I handle scary parents very well. Maybe I should take them on.

[He caught that gesture from John, almost wondering if the other man was flirting with him. Regardless of that thought, he glanced at his surroundings as he spoke.]

I doubt they let strangers look at other people's résumés. Then again, with recent trouble of finding the place and being in a 'tricky part of town' on top of that, I'm starting to reconsider handing in my application.

[He started to slow down before coming to a full stop, as if he was going through with his 'plan'. So, he didn't catch any mischievous glint from John, but a thoughtful expression.]

I wouldn't recommend it. Besides, it's not like you have my phone now.

[John came to a slow stop a few feet ahead of Xander, an eyebrow quirked. Did he go too far with his teasing? With a soft sigh, he chuckled and stepped closer, clapping the other on the arm.]

I was joking. I don't intend on stalking a stranger I've just met. Actually, I don't intend on stalking anyone at all. [His smile softened, turning gentle--placating.] Promise.

[That said, he jerked his head to the right, indicating the direction they'd been walking in.]

Now did you want to hand in that résumé or not?

[It was nothing personal, Xander was just in a serious mood with brief moments of joking about. After all, it was a major concern for him if he didn't get a job in this foreign place.

As for John's gesture and the explanation from the other man, Xander seemed to have eased up just a bit. Including a bit of teasing with his next sentence.]

I hope you do keep your word then, for everyone's sake.

[His gaze followed John's for a moment before dropping down to the bag that held his things. There was no harm in handing one in and if another place wanted him, he could easily decline.]

...I guess I should. Sorry for getting cold feet.

[He was quite genuine with his apology as a small smile appeared on his lips. He would wait for John to take the lead again.]

Edited 2013-08-29 00:14 (UTC)

[He waved off the apology with a good-natured smile. It's not like he had any right to actually tell the guy to get a job or anything, what with having just met him. Still, it wouldn't hurt to encourage him, would it? Xander would need a way to pay the bills somehow or another...

As for the teasing, it looked like he'd have to lay off of it for now.]

It's not far from where we are.

[Well, to John at least.]

We should be able to beat the dinner-time rush. Maybe you'll even get an interview right then.

By 'not far', do you mean a few more blocks?

[Xander kept his gaze on the other man for a few moments before looking forward for any indication of the restaurant. When John makes a comment about getting an interview right then and there, Xander laughs a little bit. His voice held no trace of mocking John.]

You think so? I doubt they have the ability to process my résumé that quickly to include an interview on the same day.

Edited 2013-08-31 03:38 (UTC)

Mmm... Yeah, around there.

[He didn't get too specific lest he put Xander off. Really, it wasn't too far off, but they were still a few winding blocks away. John would probably think they were farther if he had somewhere else to go, but as he didn't...

Well, a bit of a stroll never hurt anyone, right?]

Maybe not an official one? But they might have time enough to throw a few questions at you.

[Come to think of it, maybe it'd be better if they did go through with the interview. Otherwise? Well, otherwise Xander was going to have to wander back here on his own at some point.]

[He gives John a nod and is about to open his mouth to comment further, but ends up closing it. After all, it was his own fault that he took a wrong turn somewhere and got completely loss. He was trusting the other man to lead him to the proper place, not suspecting that he would lead him astray just to talk more.]

That's true, just to keep me on my toes.

[A small chuckle escapes him for a moment, before going quiet to take a sip from his water bottle. As much as he would hate to change the subject abruptly, he was a little curious about the water condition in other parts of the city.]

...Say, how is the water over at your place? I ask because there's a slight issue with the water pipes at mine.

The water?

[John just sort of... stared at Xander for a moment, eyebrows raised. After all, that was, uh, well, rather random and out of the blue. He was about to answer with a negative when it hit him that, well, no, there was something wrong with his tap water.

--it was just something he wasn't supposed to talk about.]

What about it, exactly? [He gave him what he hoped was a disarming smile.] I drink bottled water, so... ?

[At least, he had started doing so recently.]

Yeah.

[Xander doesn't blame the look he's getting from John. He did feel a little ridiculous for asking that out of the blue and gives a bit of sheepish smile in return.]

I heard that the water isn't very good for drinking at the moment. I was just wondering if anywhere else was having the same issue.

[Yet, that wasn't enough to stop him from baking a loaf of bread with it.]

Mmm...

[He made a soft, considering noise, rubbing at his jaw--just to buy himself a little time. There was always the off chance that he'd managed to stumble across another network user; after all, he had found out Kallie was part of this entire mess in one of the weirdest ways possible.

Well, might as well try to be subtle about it...]

Not very good for drinking? That's a laugh. [John grinned.] Are you talking about something in the water? Or just the taste?

[While John takes a moment to think things over, Xander will just take another sip from his water bottle and try to stop his fingers from tapping the side of it.

He does pause when the other man finally speaks, taking note of those questionable hints with a slight tilt of his head. He could easily be blunt about calling John out as another network member or just play along. A small smirk crept to his lips, as if to give some indication that he caught on as he spoke.]

...I've heard that there's something in the water. I don't think I want to try it after the several warnings I've received since my arrival. You'd think it would be on the news by now if that was the case.

You heard about the water from other sources then? You're making it sound like a conspiracy.

[John slicked his lips, an eyebrow quirked, but his expression managed to remain teasing.]

What are your sources then? A secret network?

[If Xander was looking for an invitation, that was about as unsubtle as John was going to get. If he wasn't part of the secret numbers club, then he wasn't about to risk it, odd water or not.]

I have.

[The comment about conspiracy gets a laugh out of him and it ceases when the questions of the source is brought up.]

You could say that. ...You're not a member, are you?

[Well, well--it really was a small world out there. A part of him wondered how long it would be before the entire city was in on the secret, but for now, he was happy to celebrate each small victory that he was able to attain.]

Oh, I might be.

[His words might be flippant, but the tone he used and the knowing quirk of his lips suggested that he was quite serious about this.]

Secret numbers to be used to access a secret network. Perfect for us conspiracy theorists, don't you think?

[He picks up on that tone and expression, returning it with one of his own.]

So, I wouldn't be too far off the mark if I said that the password is a set that numbers that could never leave your head? That sounds like it, but I doubt that's really the case.

[Xander really hoped no one recognized him from the network as "that guy who just moved in, thought the network number was a code of sorts and mentioned his cat".]

That would be very handy, yes. More so if you could access that network on any surface you can write on.

[It sounded like a whole bunch of science fiction or urban fantasy--and sometimes, he wished it were. His smile grew just a little less bright then, but John did reach over and give Xander's shoulder a little nudge with his hand.]

How long have you been on there?

[The last time he had had this awkward conversation he had been the new guy. It was interesting to be the one with more experience this time around.]

Especially on an object that has no way of connecting to the 'internet'.

[He wasn't expecting a friendly nudge, which moved him slightly from his path but he didn't seem to mind it.]

About five days ago, so not very long. I have to admit, this is quite a welcome compared to the other cities I lived in.

[A small laugh escaped him, as if he was still in a bit of disbelief over the whole situation.]

It's certainly something to take in, even if you have been here for a while.

[There were still times that he felt about as flustered about the whole damn thing as he had at the very beginning--though, most of his worries these days stemmed from the possibility of what he was becoming and less from "Holy shit, what is this thing?!" John was, however, still waiting for the other shoe to drop; this weirdness was surely just the beginning.

Anyway, John quickly cast a quick look around them to make sure no one was within earshot before walking a little closer to Xander. He gave him a bit of a sympathetic smile.]

I take it somehow has briefed you on everything already?

[Because if someone hadn't, John was willing to tell him what he did know.]

[There was another nod in agreement, even though he had not considered the thought of those who had lived in this place for a lot longer than him and the possibility of dealing with the same things he was. He still didn't know what to expect and believed he got access to the network by accident.

When he heard John move a bit closer, he turned his attention to the other man. He assumed it would be for the best if he lowered his voice to a quieter tone.]

A few people were nice enough to pass on a F.A.Q. and warned me about the water. ...I take it that's everything or did someone forget to mention something else of importance?

[John gave him a small smile and shrugged his shoulders. Really, that was all that anyone knew. To top it all off, he hadn't been around when big things like the mines had gone down.]

Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot to go on. There's so much that is still in the dark, but there are those who are trying to find out more.

[A small voice in his head chimed in that he was slacking off a bit in that department....]

Was there anything you're</> curious about?

[Xander assumed that John's shrug meant that he had no clue if anything of importance was left out. Not that he could blame him for it.]

At least it's a starting point and has some information instead of none at all.

[He flashed a small smile back at the other man. It continues to remain there for a few moments, appreciating the offer, but, the expression drops as he takes a moment to think. He's combed over a fair bit of the network -- well, only if certain posts caught his attention. Was there anything he was curious about?]

...I'm afraid you've caught me off guard with that question. I can't think of anything off the top of my head.

[He brought his hand up to a temple before moving it to the open air as a make-shift shrug.]

[John laughed, bright and clear, before giving Xander his second nudge of the day--this time a shoulder bump.]

I didn't mean to put you on the spot.

[He shifted to give them both space, his feet taking him wide before settling back to a relatively normal distance. John took a moment to glance at a well-hidden street sign and then gestured for them to hang a left.

Almost there, Xander! He hadn't led him astray. Promise.]

If something does occur to you, now or later--or even about boring normal things--you can always ask me. No promises that I can answer you though.

[He didn't mind the nudge again, but it wasn't enough to steer him off course.]

It's all right. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to bump in to another member today either.

[At the gesture to turn left, he follows John without another thought before looking around for land-marks to use at a later date.]

Thanks, John. I appreciate it. [A small pause.] ...I guess the only way I can get a hold of you is through the network then?

Well, since I've already met you in person, I think I can spare a few more details.

[He grinned and rummaged around in his messenger bag. John really shouldn't be dishing out personal info like this, but it didn't seem like Xander was a bad guy--and he hadn't met anyone on the network he ended up actively hating or distrusting thus far. His fingers closed around one of his business cards, and he fished it out before delving back in to find a pen. Footsteps slowing, John scribbled his cell number on the back of the card before handing it to the other.]

Feel free to call whenever or for whatever reason. [John ran a hand through his hair.] No guarantees that I'll be awake if you call at three in the morning though.

I mean, if you don't mind me asking for another contact method.

[He felt like he should add that, but John was already digging around in his bag. So, he slowed down to make sure he didn't get a head of the other man. Once John was done with writing and handed over the card, he glanced over the card before putting it away. He gave a small nod and a smile.]

I'll keep that in mind and you're in luck that I'm usually asleep by then.

Brilliant. I'm not a big fan of late night calls, you know.

[Of course, if it was an emergency, all bets were off. There weren't many people he'd put his neck on the line for, but since becoming part of the network, he was starting to become more of a risk-taker, for better or for worse.

...But that was neither here nor there when it came to finding this restaurant.

Lifting a hand, John pointed at an establishment across the street.]

Took us a while, but there you are.

I doubt many people are. After all, everyone needs their beauty sleep.

[That smile on his lips switched to a bit of a smirk and when John indicates to the restaurant he was searching for, he looks over to it. Then his attention turns to the other man with a bit of a nod.]

Well, thanks again for the help, John.

[Just as he's about to take one step forward, he pauses. He felt kind of bad for not giving John a number to call. So, he moves in to his bag and finds a note pad with a pen before moving to write down his number. Once he's done, he rips the paper from the pad and folds it over between his fingers before handing it to John.]

...I figured since you gave me your number, I'd return the favor with mine. Just don't call in the morning, it's not a good time for me.

[A small chuckle escaped him.]

[He plucked the paper out of Xander's hand and grinned.]

Cheers.

[John was quick to tuck it into his pocket for safekeeping (he'd enter it into his phone later) and took a few backwards steps away from Xander.]

Let me know if this job pans out, yeah? I'll come and give the place a try.

[With one last smile, he waved at the other and turned around. This had been quite a detour, but it all worked out in the end. He... just had to hope that Xander could get out of this place without a problem. Oops.]

[He gives John a nod as he moves towards the building, but was within ear-shot of hearing him.]

Sure. I guess I'll talk to you later then.

[He returned the gesture of farewell before turning fully towards the restaurant. As of right now, he was more focused on getting the application handed in before making the trek back home.]

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...he's not grinning like he does in this icon.

I... hope not. XD

I know it's a creepy smile, so I try not to use it very often.

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