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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.

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[matadorable]

[As usual, Manolo is picking at his guitar when he hears Joaquin’s voice. He immediately brightens and is already setting down his precious instrument when he says:]

I would love to. Today’s weather, it’s beautiful.

[medalsome]

Cool! I've got something I wanted to talk to you about, otherwise I'd say let's take a ride.

[It was a little hard to speak above the sound of a roaring engine.]

[matadorable]

Oh really. [Part of him is afraid that maybe it's related to Hermann, but Joaquin's mood doesn't quite match that kind of talk...]

Alright, then. [Flashing his friend a smile, he casually claps him on the shoulder and begins to lead the way downstairs.] Let's be off.

[medalsome]

[No, no Hermann today. Or maybe ever again. But he's not thinking about that, so there's no reason to fall down that pit of despair so early in the day.

Joaquin cheerily follows Manolo down and they exit the house, heading down the sidewalk as if going to the park. Maybe they'll wind up there, or maybe they'll just circle the block and grab an ice cream when the truck comes along. Either way, now is just as good a time as ever to jump into the matter.]

So, I was thinking about quitting my current job and getting a different one.

[matadorable]

[Manolo takes a deep breath of fresh air once they steps outside. The sun is pleasantly warm against his skin, and he wears a relaxed smile as they begin strolling down the sidewalk.

He has to admit, though, he wasn't expecting this to be about Joaquin's job, and he can't help but raise his eyebrows in surprise.]

Quitting? I thought you liked your life coach job.

[medalsome]

Oh it's fine, sure, but I feel lately that I could... use a job more up to my speed. Like soldiering again.

[He shrugs. Life coaching was fine just...] It's making me soft.

[matadorable]

The great Joaquin Mondragon? Soft? [Manolo laughs and lightly punches him in the arm.] I don't believe that.

[But, no, this is serious, and he grows a little more somber when he says:] If you want to be a soldier again, does that...mean you want to enlist in the military?

[medalsome]

[Joaquin chuckles gamely.] Hey, it's a whole 'nother world, you know! It could happen.

But no, not in the direct sense. I mean, I wouldn't join up with the United States government's military.

[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?