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[matadorable]

If you're hearing this message, I am probably not here. Or I am furiously pressing every button I can because I forgot how this thing works. One of the two! Either way, I will get back to you...eventually.

Comments

[matadorable]

...The Mexican military? [Uncertainty creeps into his voice, almost like he's afraid Joaquin might pack up and leave him and Maria behind.]

[medalsome]

[Now Joaquin laughs in earnest.]

Ah, no. I was thinking more like... bodyguard work. There's a lot of import-run firms cropping up lately and I was sort of offered the chance to apply for one.

[matadorable]

Oh. A bodyguard. [He laughs now, too, but out of relief.]

Someone made you an offer? That's great!

[medalsome]

[Joaquin raises a brow but continues to walk, not sure what to think of that strange inflection.]

Well, not as such. More like... I guess it was proposed, but not officially extended. Really I'm thinking I may just join one of those groups that offers it as an option. Like the Musketeers or the Dendarii.

[matadorable]

[Manolo nods as he considers what Joaquin is saying.] Yeah, that does sound more like something you would enjoy...

[medalsome]

Yeah. And besides, it would be easier on me, I think...

[He loses some of his smile.]

I've actually been thinking that maybe, maybe, if I moved back to something I was more comfortable doing as a job, then perhaps I could put my mind to use doing something better than just trying to improve that area of my life. Maybe I could improve other areas instead; grow in other ways. Research other things...

[matadorable]

Oh yeah? Well, that makes sense...

[He looks over at Joaquin with curiosity.] What kinds of things were you thinking about?

[medalsome]

Oh, lots of things...

I guess I just realized that I was putting a lot of effort into studying for a job that I'm not really all that invested in. I mean, it was interesting, sure, but not something I'm passionate about. It would just be nice to learn more about... other people, or places, or ideas.

[matadorable]

That's good! We're here, so we should definitely make the best of it. And...I'm happy you're looking for ways to make you happy.

[medalsome]

Yeah, we should...

[A deep breath.] I found some things out about myself recently that I'm still trying to understand. I hope I can talk to you about it someday, but right now I don't want to confuse you about it. I'm confused enough as it is.

[matadorable]

[Manolo gives a small, concerned frown. He resists the urge to ask for more details. At this point, prying would probably just do more harm than good.]

Well, if you ever need to talk, you know you can come to me at any time. Day or night, it doesn't matter.

[medalsome]

Well I probably won't be bothering you if I actually think you're asleep. [Joaquin chuckles, glancing sideways at his friend. Manolo's sleeping habits were far from regular.]

Maybe someday when I get my head wrapped around... everything. Maybe I'll talk to my therapist about some stuff, do a little research, see how I feel in a month or so.

[matadorable]

Hey, you don't have to worry about that! [He lightly nudges Joaquin's shoulders.] I've probably woken you up at least once since we arrived in this place. It's only fair!

[A quiet smile, and then Manolo adds:] Do whatever you need to do, though. I'll be here if you ever want to talk.

[medalsome]

[Joaquin nudges him back, just a bit harder because hey, getting even meant getting back and then some.]

Hey, thanks, Manny. You're always there for me... How about we get an ice cream then head back?

[matadorable]

[Quietly, he says:]

Hey, anytime. You've been here for me too, so...

[As much as he wants to know what’s eating Joaquin, Manolo decides it’s best to let his friend come to him in his own time. The suggestion for ice cream is a welcomed one, and Manolo’s eyes light up. Ice cream whenever he wants is already a novelty, but the fact people sell it from a truck amazes him.]

That would be fantastic! What flavor will you try this time?

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[runningstart]

hey manolo jaime and i agreed that u need to get on this level with ur lack of facial hair:

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[matadorable]

[...Amazing.]

what a distinguished creature
truly a bird that would make his father proud!
how could i even hope to do such majesty justice?

[mightthinkthat]

Mr Sanchez, I was wondering if I could speak with you.

[matadorable]

Yes, of course. What can I do for you?

[mightthinkthat]

It's more of a matter of what you can do for the ImPorts at large. How do you feel about furthering what you did at the negotiation table?

[matadorable]

You mean...like what we did in Mexico?

[mightthinkthat]

Well, with considerably less urgency. More like building on what you've already achieved. It's important that we don't take our allies for granted.

[matadorable]

That is true. I'm grateful to my home country for what they have done for the imPorts. [Despite the threat of provoking the Russians, they still sheltered many of them during the occupation.] What did you have in mind?

[mightthinkthat]

I have spoken with the government about looking into having a group of us take on the responsibility of keeping us in the minds of the world. They've agreed.

[matadorable]

The minds of the world... [He's trying to wrap his head around this. Give him a second, Francis. Before he arrived in Heropa, he spent most of his days in a small, dusty town.]

You mean in case us imPorts need other countries' help again, right? Would we be, like...making speeches, then?