this is a [test] of the emergency broadcast system

[titansno]

TEST DRIVE MEME

> The Park. Man, what a nice day out. Why not enjoy it? I'm sure -- shit, yep, there's some echo monsters.
> The Mall. Exactly what it says on the tin! Dodge the hordes of teenage mallrats or take part, whichever suits your tastes.
> Rainy Day. Agh, it's fucking awful out. And is it raining those vermilion things?? Now you've got an Echo to contend with on top of everything else. Find some shelter, quick!
> PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, HOW FUN
> The most horribly kitschy Arts and Crafts Fair you can imagine.
> Wild Card! Make up your own.

Comments

Julian Bradds | Original Character

[atethecanary]

[Julian doesn't understand why people can't do their jobs right. Why is it raining when there was no rain in the forecast. Why is his driver not here when Julian specifically told him to be here early just in case Julian's class got out early. Julian knew he should have just driven himself to school, but it was early and he hadn't felt like it. He's found safety under an overhang for now, and he furiously dials his drivers number again, but there's still no response.]

I'm going to have to take the bus.

[With an agitated sigh he throws his tablet and phone into his bag, clutches it to his chest, and makes a dash for the bus stop. By the time he gets there his jacket, hair, and shoes are soaked, and he stomps onto the bus getting water everywhere. He finds the nearest empty seat that has no one in the one next to it either and sits there with a huff, looking every bit as displeased as he feels.]

[detectivetroll]

[You know who else is in on this bus? A detective. A somewhat cranky detective who's on a bus because his partner has the car, and he'd thought, oh, it's not supposed to rain, I'll walk, why not.

Clearly, this is why not. And next time he has a thought like that, he'll remember this.

But then he spots Julian, soaking wet and huffing his way down the aisle, and raises an eyebrow. After that, he pretty much has no choice but to head over and stand next to his cousin's seat.]

I'm pretty sure you're one of the last people I expected to see on the bus.

[atethecanary]

[Julian sees someone heading over to his seat out of the corner of his eye, and he has a glare ready just in case whoever it is tries to bother him. But when he realizes it's Nick, the glare disappears and Julian looks faintly surprised before he goes back to just looking grumpy.]

You'd be right. I don't go on buses.

[Except for, well, right now.]

My driver screwed up.

[Normally he'd just leave it at that, but for some reason he feels the urge to start whining at Nick.]

And now I'm stuck in wet clothes on a bus that makes a lot of inconvenient stops, smells bad, and has weird people on it.

[detectivetroll]

Oh, well. You just can't trust drivers these days, I guess.

[Nick hides his amusement, but inwardly he's grinning. He likes his cousin, but Julian's attitude about - well, everything - never fails to entertain him a little.

When Julian continues, Nick blinks, slightly surprised, but gives a shrug and goes with it, settling into a gently joking smile.]

I'm on the bus, and you're on the bus, so it can't be all weird people. But I'll give you the wet clothes - do you want my jacket? It's at least dry.

[atethecanary]

Yes, apparently you can't trust anyone to do their job these days.

[Julian crosses his arms over his chest, looking like a grumpy child who didn't get what he wanted.]

I'm clearly an exception.

[He gives Nick a considering look.]

I suppose you are too.

[When Nick offers his jacket Julian's first thought is to say no. Nick may be better than most people, but Julian still doesn't want to feel like he owes him anything. But Julian finds some part of himself being secretly pleased Nick would even offer, so he eyes the jacket, debating.]

Okay.

[Julian holds out his hand expectantly.]