Blue Screen of Death my ass.

Alexander: That's how I feel with my job, tho I guess more people kinda love animals maybe. So they at least listen politely when I ramble.

Alexander: Trying is a big part of it, I think. Makes a lot of difference compared to most people.

Alexander: Haha, yeah. I was a good kid mostly. I don't...think I ever really acted out.

Nathan: Lol, I doubt you ramble. I'm not sure it's rambling if it's actual knowledge! But the cute animals totally help, I'm sure.

Nathan: I think so too. A lot of people just...don't seem to try very hard lol.

Scott was liking the way this man thought. He seemed like an intellectual fellow and that was always a thing he enjoyed seeing in others. It made him feel less strange and nerdy when he could find a similar spirit or brain, whichever you preferred to compare. “Cats can be just as friendly. Just not in the context us as humans are used to. Dogs were bred more for our purposes, they’re a pack animal as well, so they react more so how we’re used to interacting with other people. More or less.” Liberties were taken in this brief bulletpoint. “Whereas cats are usually solitary. They express love and affections in different mannerisms as well that people mistake easily as being, for lack of a better word, jerks. I read a lot…” He confessed. Animals and facts about them being one of them. “As well as some personal experience, so…” Eyes fell to watch Vicky turn her head away momentarily as if to ask his permission to be pet by another. “It’s alright, girl~.” He assured the both of them. Patting her head quickly. “You can always have a cat now then if you ever have the space get yourself a dog as well, later down the line.”

“Oh yes,” Nate said with a firm nod of his head, “I did know that, actually. Pack animals but also back in ancient times we actually used them to hunt with, I think. So we ended up far more bonded to them than cats. Cats were mousers though, so you’d think maybe we’d have bonded with them as well.” He shrugged his shoulders, feeling distinctly more comfortable by the minute. “Humans are kinda weird though,” he said with a nervous chuckle. It had been said as a joke, but that didn’t mean Nathan didn’t mean it as well. “Exactly though. People think cats are jerks, but I don’t think they are. They’re just...solitary.” They were a lot like Nathan, though perhaps more brave. “I mean, some of them are probably jerks,” he chuckled, “But some dogs are jerks too.” He ran his fingers gently over Vicky’s head once given permission. “Not this one though,” he said with a grin, giving her a brief pat. “You’re right though,” he said, “I suppose I can always get a dog later on. Maybe if I ever decide to settle down and get a house of my own.”

Alexander: Oh! That's really impressive, then. I am...not at all convincing, lol.

Alexander: You must be very good at what you do.

Alexander: Yeah, I think that's the best option. It's not great lying.

Nathan: I'm normally not either lol. But it helps when it's computer talk. Honestly, not very many people are as into it as I am.

Nathan: It makes it a lot easier. But...I'd like to think I'm good at what I do. I try very hard, at least.

“Architecture.” He informed rather proudly. Pride that grew under the man’s enthusiasm for his girl and praise of her. She could steal hearts by simply entering someone’s field of vision. He was convinced. “I used to have a cat when I was a kid. Both cats and dogs are pretty fantastic. I don’t see what all the warring is about on which is better.” Even if he did prefer dogs slightly over felines. “It all just depends on the personality. Thank you, though.” He smiled, clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth with the obedient pooch coming over. Trying to suggest she step closer to this new man as well, she took a few and went to sniffing at the offered fingertips again. 

Nathan was clueless on the topic, but it sounded pretty impressive. “Architecture. Wow,” he said a little breathlessly, nodding his head. “I don’t either,” Nate said with a small frown, “I mean, a companion is a companion, I think. I guess it’s just how people view things. Generally dogs are more outgoing and friendly and want more attention than cats. At least, that’s what I’ve always heard. I never really had any pets growing up.” His mother was allergic to cats, and his parents had never much wanted a dog. Nate just didn’t think he had what it took to train up a puppy, so a cat suited him just fine. With a smile, Nathan let her sniff, hesitantly trying to scratch behind her ears. “I wish I could get a dog, but I just...don’t have enough space.”

He nodded softly in understanding. Not wanting to draw more emphasis to it to spare the other of any further awkwardness. “I’m a professor over at the college here. Mostly.” He still did side jobs of his true passions but those were few and far between. A couple shakes of their hand later and he released it to relax himself more visibly, hoping this Nate would catch onto it. “It’s a pleasure. She is a big sweetheart. We come here, often, too, so feel free to come see her, again.” The offer delivered in a smile as he produced more information he was looking for. “I’ve had her for almost three years now and she’s about that old. Got her when she was just a puppy from a colleague of mine.”

“Oh that’s...actually really cool,” Nathan said, sitting up a little straighter, “What uh...what do you teach?” Nathan liked to learn, but he’d never been too adept at teaching. The invitation to come see her again brought a smile to his face, and Nathan nodded almost immediately. “That would be...that would be amazing, if you’re sure. I uh...I really like animals. I’ve been thinking about adopting.” He cast a glance down at Vicky, holding his hand out so she could sniff him. He wanted to pet her, but didn’t want to do it too soon. “Not a dog. I uh...I don’t think I have the space. Maybe um...maybe a cat though.” It was hard to imagine Vicky as a puppy, but Nathan laughed anyway. “I bet she was a really cute puppy. She’s got such a gorgeous coloring.”

Alexander: Oh, wow, that must...be a lot to handle on your own. How do you do it?

Alexander: Much less complicated. I'd get too lost in my own lies if I tried, I think.

Nathan: I dunno! I guess I just kind of...make a lot of phone calls. I can be uh...I can be pretty convincing.

Nathan: Hard to believe, I know, but it's easier when I know what I'm talking about.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Making sure his voice was dropped to a softer degree with the uncomfortable stiffness of the other man. “We greatly appreciate it, though. I’m– not particularly the best in friending, either.” A small chuckle arose. “I am alright with speaking, though. It’s part of my job, so I suppose it comes with the territory.” Like the other he was watching his girl have her happy celebration. “Thank you. Her name’s Vicky and I’m Scott.” He turned to offer his hand out for a shake.

“Oh, it’s okay,” Nate assured the man, shaking his head. “I um...I tend to startle easy.” He was just a nervous dude, it couldn’t be helped. “Speaking? Um...what’s your job?” he asked curiously. Scott had a nice voice, it was soothing Nathan’s nerves, so he wondered if he was a public speaker of some kind. Shaking the man’s hand, Nate offered him a smile. “It’s nice to meet you Scott. Um...Vicky’s a very sweet dog. How long have you had her for?”

The first thought Josephine had was to tell the young man to change his eating habits for a long list of reasons but then she stopped herself; she didn’t know him and she didn’t have to, nor should tell him what to do. “You don’t? Well, I mean, I’m talking talking like an old grandma, I know, but breakfast is important, not saying that you should do as me but I’ve always liked a good breakfast, you know, to start the day with lots of energy. But don’t mind me.” Jo waved her hand, stopping herself from giving adviced she wasn’t asked. “Ah, yes, they do. I mean, some diets that some people follow are cazy, I swear but I need some boost after working out.” The woman didn’t comment that it was kind of physically notorious he wasn’t a fan of the gym, which was completely okay, for a long time she had ran in the opposite direction of gyms. “Well I don’t blame you, I wouldn’t do it myself if it was possible when after you hit the thirties is a good thing to do.” She joked, chuckling. “Oh, wait, I kept you from getting your cigarettes, didn’t I? I’m so sorry, honey, uh… we can stop for those before the coffee, if you’d like? I don’t mind.” 

“I know it is,” Nathan chuckled, shaking his head, “I know. They say it’s the most important meal of the day but...gosh. I just don’t ever feel like getting up and making something for breakfast.” His head was in a fog most mornings, and popping something quick was a lot easier than preparing eggs and bacon or whatever else. “I think I would to,” Nathan agreed with an uneasy smile. “I mean...you’re burning all those calories, how could you not want a pick me up after.” He’d never understood those people who cut their portions in half. It was a good strategy to lose weight, maybe, but Nate had no desire to do it. “Guess I should start getting into it then,” he said with a chuckle, shaking his head. “I’m thirty now. Thirty-one in a few months.” Nate knew it was hard to peg his age for most people, he looked like he could be either in his late twenties, or hell, even his mid thirties. It all depended on the day. “Oh no, it’s alright,” he said with a small smile, shaking his head. “I uh..I can just go grab some on the way back. I’m not erm...thankfully I’m not so addicted I need them right this second.”

Vicky took the floppy thing with joyous shakes of her whole body. Shaking the poor toy with it back and forth before she ran back up to him to show her work at retrieving her friend. Her reward was a chuckle and pat to the head before Scott arose, figuring he might as well thank the man for his interactions. “On behalf of this shy girl, I’d like to say thank you. She’s not generally the best at making friends but she’s very sweet and I know very grateful.” As it was made obvious be how she paraded with it dangling from her mouth.

Breathing out a laugh, Nathan shook his head, not expecting to see the pup anymore. So, when her owner came to speak with him, his eyes widened. He wasn’t good with people, but he was willing to try. “Oh, um,” he began, fumbling slightly, “No it’s erm...it’s perfectly alright. I’m not um...I’m not very good at making friends either.” He smiled at the pup again, some of the stress easing from his shoulders as he saw how happy she was. “So um...I know how to deal with shy things like me. She’s um...she’s very beautiful though. And very sweet. What’s her name?” Holding his hand out, Nathan swallowed hard. “I’m Nathan.”

Alexander: Seems like that would be hard to handle. Is it just you doing it or do you have...a team?

Alexander: I agree. I try to be as honest as possible usually.

Nathan: Just me! I mean, when I'm with the FBI there's normally a team, but out of contract with them it's just me.

Thinking about the taste a bit more Katrina had to agree. She swallowed the last piece and smiled when he mentioned salsa. “Yes! Apparently they use a lot of green and red salsas in their dishes. It’s a specialty of their grandmother who recently died but she left the recipe to her son. They use that and a lot of…um I think its Masa? The type of bread or wheat that they use? Not sure.” She said shrugging a little again but took another one to eat. Katrina heard him say that he’d hoped they’d get an ordering system and laughed a little. “Oh but that would take all the authenticity of the place away! They wanted this place to be one that family members gather around and talk together-feel homey you know? So if they implemented a to-go-system then….well all the sitting down and talking would go away….but in the end, they just have to wait to see how much business there is.”

“Oh, how nice,” he exclaimed, a brief smile surfacing on his face. “I mean, sad, of course, that she’s passed, but it’s nice that they’re keeping her legacy alive.” Biting the inside of his cheek, Nathan shrugged one shoulder. “I’m not sure what Masa is, unfortunately. I can’t help you there.” Frowning, Nathan nodded his head. He understood, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. “Well, I’m sure that will do well, especially in a town like this. Lots of vacationers come here with their families. Unfortunately means I won’t be coming here much though.” Nate wasn’t one for socialization and crowds. He did okay, but it was pretty clear he was awkward. “With food this good though, I don’t think they’ll have any business issues,” he chuckled.

The dog wagged her fluffy tail and a paw rose to lightly wave towards the toy the other man now held as if that would bring it closer to her. Getting a little antsy it was becoming increasingly harder not to go over to the plush that beckoned her so, so she took a few cautious steps closer. A few soft hopeful whimpers puffing out before her dark snout was sniffing wildly over the new smells this stranger brought with him along the very tips of his fingers. A thorough inspection later and her tongue was peeking out to give a few licks to the bunny’s tummy. Scott himself sitting a few yards back when he catches the interactions and smiled softly. The man seemed harmless enough and Vicky could use more friends. Dogs and humans alike, so he let it play out.

It was pretty clear to Nate that the dog didn’t really want to come near him, which he totally understood. Nathan liked his own personal space as well. “Alright, pup, I understand,” he chuckled, setting the toy down. It had made him happy that the dog had sniffed him, but he didn’t dare reach out to pet her. He knew how traumatizing that could be. Instead, he held his hand out, palm up, giving her the option if she wanted. “I know what it’s like to not want to come near people. I’m like that too.” He knew he looked nuts sitting here having a conversation with a dog, but Nate kind of considered this the best conversation he’d had this week. He looked up again, in search of her owner, feeling anxiety creep up due to the inevitable conversation. But, well, the pup seemed worth it. “Have fun with your toy, pup, and you can bring it back to me anytime,” he said with a grin.

Alexander: That sounds like a lot of work. How do you decide which companies to reach out to?

Alexander: Honesty, I think, is very important.

Nathan: Well, honestly, I sort of just...reach out to anyone who needs a strong firewall.

Nathan: Banks, big corporations like Disney and Universal, that sort of thing. I could probably reach out to celebrities too, or politicians but...I haven't ever done that.

As the man spoke Josephine couldn’t help but notice the nervousness in his voice, anyone would have noticed it actually, and all she could do was smile and shake her hands in front of her to stop him from rambling, trying to tell him it was all right. Funny thing was, she was usually the one rambling nervously with people. “Nathan, nice to meet you. Take deep breaths, I’m not mad at all, really.” Josephine used what her friends called ‘the mom voice’ becuase it was sweet and soothing. “You don’t? Then we have something in common because I’m still kinda new in town and I don’t know a lot of places— Wait, you didn’t have a good breakfast? Honey, that’s so wrong. We need to get you some food. Hm… I think I saw a nice place a couple of blocks from here. Let’s go.” She nodded in the direction and began walking. “Yeah, yeah, I did. I know what you might think, I leave the gym and now head for food? It’s just I don’t go to the gym because I’m worried about my body and I don’t do diets either, just like to work out and forget about work.” Josephine explained, her moment to divagate. “What about you, Nathan? You were going to get something to eat?” She asked, concerned about the man having skipped a good breakfast.

At her command, Nathan did take a deep breath, quelling some of the nervous flutters in his stomach. It seemed a little silly, he was a grown man, after all, but for some reason this woman was momming him with ease. Nate found he didn’t really hate it. “Okay,” he said, sounding much more sure of himself. He blinked at her next command, but found himself falling into step next to her. “Oh I uh...I don’t normally eat a good breakfast. It’s erm...normally just whatever I can scrounge up around the apartment.” He wasn’t the healthiest eater, though Nathan tried. “So erm...this isn’t too uh...out of the ordinary for me, really.” He wanted to reassure her he was fine, even if the prospect of a nice breakfast was tempting. “Oh, no, that wasn’t what I was thinking,” Nathan chuckled, shaking his head, “I was just um...remarking, really. Do people...really say that? I think food’s important after workouts. Replenish the calories or...whatever. I don’t workout, really.” He flushed, looking a little sheepish. He had next to no muscle definition, truth be told. “But um...sort of? I was going to go get a coffee and maybe a muffin or something. I needed to pick up some cigarettes too.” The need to nicotine was still burning in the back of his throat, but he could ignore it for now.

Nodding Katrina smiled in understanding and would do her best to not make it any more uncomfortable for him. “It tastes just as great too! Gosh whats in this?” She asked after taking a bite of what was a piece of Tamal Verde. She chewed and swallowed before commenting on Nathan’s answer. “Yeah same here….though I did get a chance to talk to the owner of the place and their story’s so sweet! But I think it’s such a big turn out because there aren’t many Mexican places around….and if there are, they are not too accessible to most of the workers around this area.” She looked around with a smile and said, “I can’t imagine how crowded it’ll be during the week during lunch time!”

Furrowing his brows, Nathan reached out and took a piece of food as well, popping it in his mouth. “Hm...tastes kinda like...salsa of some kind??” He shrugged, licking his lips. “I dunno! It tastes awesome though.” Nodding his head in understanding, Nate took a glance around. “Huh, cool. I always really like when a place has a good story, you know? Those tend to be the best spots.” He’d always thought there were plenty of Mexican places around, but Nathan figured she had a point. It was kind of an expensive area, and if this place would have lower prices, he was sure people who didn’t make the big bucks would flock to it. “I hope it’s very crowded,” he chuckled, “It sounds like the owners deserve the business. I’ll have to come down here sometimes when I have free time. ...hopefully they set up a to go ordering system though.” He wasn’t sure he wanted to wade through crowds, after all.

Vicky was a shy gentle creature. As soft as she was beautiful, yet, amazingly playful with her owner more than any other. Her hyperactive moment of energy was in full swing when Scott took her out to the park, playing a game of fetch when he’d thrown her soft floppy bunny toy particularly far near an unsuspecting person then distracted with a phone call. The dog galloped over then barked once at the stranger. As excited as she was to retrieve her toy, she was nervous about entering her space so she hopped and wagged in place, releasing a small whimper then another little bark of want. 

If he were being totally honest with himself, Nathan liked animals more than he liked people. So, despite the seriousness of his current phone call, Nate ended it, smiling down at the nervous dog. Looking around, he didn’t see anyone who immediately jumped out as the owner, but Nate figured they couldn’t be too far behind. So, he leaned down, closing his fingers over the toy the dog clearly wanted. “Here you go, pretty thing,” he cooed, eyes going soft, “You can have your toy back. I’d throw it for you, but I don’t want you to lose your owner, you know? Don’t know where they are, but you can have this back in the meantime.” He shook the floppy bunny, hoping to encourage the dog a little closer so she could take it from him.

“No! I don’t mind at all! Honestly I’m a bit more eager to try out the new foods….I’ll get around to talking to others later.” Katrina reassured him with a smile and nodded towards the food area where they started walking towards. “And trust me, I won’t be watching or babysitting you…and actually if you want me to go to let you mingle and talk to anyone else, please let me know alright?” She said with a little chuckle and reached for the first thing she saw. “So Nathan, what brings you to the opening tonight? Or are you a friend of the owners?”

“Okay,” Nathan said with a grateful smile. “The food does look pretty good. I’m eager to try some out too.” Nathan tried to eat somewhat healthy, but most of the time he was weak to his own stomach. Right now, those snacks were calling his name. “Um...honestly?” he began nervously, “I’m um...I’m not so good around people. So uh...I’ll definitely let you know if I want to but erm...I don’t think I will.” People were scary, especially big crowds like this. “Oh no, I’m not a friend of the owners,” he said, laughing as if that were the funniest thing he’d ever heard. “I uh...well. I just kind of heard about it and thought I’d give it a go, see what it was all about. I wasn’t expecting um...expecting so many people.”