#intro starters

      Curiosity was his sole drive and the only sanctuary he could flee to from growing anxieties. Curiosity that had him peeking in to a variety; local stores, libraries, schools... All populated. All normal. It builds an unknown confidence, having gone from slow, wary motions to a more casual entry. It’s only natural that a local bar would be one of the first he’d willingly step inside. A hesitant smile and cautious head tilt in an acknowledgement towards seated strangers, noting mild disgust, recognizing quickly that he hadn’t the chance to sanitize anything on his person upon his arrival.

     Clearing his throat, he claims his spot close to another with only a seat between and a hesitant glance before greeting the bartender. “ So like... Are we still doin’ the whole ‘money’ thing? I don’t got a problem with it, ‘s just I figured - y’know - with the whole apocalypse an’ all. ” Mildly nervous chattering breaks in favor of clearing his parched throat only to continue further, “ it ain’t like... Well, I’ve seen my fair share of zombie flicks ‘n’ all, but not a whole lot got people scramblin’ around lookin’ for cash, ‘s more just food and ammo and stuff that they wind up tradin’. But I guess that’d explain why Nick was so excited to dig into them registers... ” Another pause, this time in favor of drumming digits nervously against the table. His tones quick to waiver, desperate to keep silence at bay even despite the dryness in his throat.

“ Speakin’ of movies, there was this old one my buddy Dave an’ I saw about this guy and he was like babysittin’ his boss’ haunted hotel or somethin’, and I guess the isolation got to him pretty quick like ‘cause he went all crazy ‘n’ shit, grabbin’ an axe and breakin’ down doors. But there was this one part where he’s sittin’ in some empty bar talkin’ to dead people-!! N - Not that I’m sayin’ y’all are fake or nothin’, just that the uh... The whole bar thing and the... ”

“ Man, this is too fancy a place to be New Orleans... ” Mumbled words spoken for no other ears as he’d continued his now outlandish quest of both exploration and “rescue”. The crowds had held most of his attention, hopeful to find familiarity; pink and purple shirts alongside white fancy wears typically caught his eye, yet not once had he found the comforts of a friends face to match attire.

     Oftentimes high spirits had started to dwindle with his physical strength. A gentle ‘thank you’ muttered to the skies upon spying a park in the distance. Slow limps spent what was left of his willpower carrying him to the very edge of a metal bench. He’d collapsed then, barely catching sides with hands before both body and face could greet it. Sprawling out wide into his spot, exhaustion had led to a profoundly long exasperated sigh following low groans. From there, he sat motionless until movement stirred him into attentiveness, no sooner making clear eye contact with an unfamiliar face, waiting for the inevitable blood-thirsty screech to follow.

     It felt like hours had passed before he’d allowed himself to the luxury of coming to more positive conclusions. Them, like many others, seemed to be another normal human being roaming about carefree. Hesitantly, he waves with a crooked grin and furrowed brows.

     He’d thought himself dreaming at first. The sudden sight of individuals leading to skittish movements and nerve-riddled looks. Perhaps being covered in blood - be it his own or otherwise - hadn’t helped in swaying first impressions from strangers in his favor. If... These were actual strangers, that was. Not the delusions of a hopeful mind in recovery or lost in a deep slumber.

     Even still, the worries, nerves, what have you - there was no stopping his overbearing kindness. Frequent hat tips and gently spoken “excuse me” remained a persistent means of both greeting and getting by as he tried (terribly) to soak in his surroundings. Yet, his inattentiveness had once more gotten the better of him. The softest bump against his shoulder had muscles acting on instinct; a firm shove attempted to keep away whatever he’d walked into.

     Until nerves settled, letting his rasped breathing come to a slow and...

“ Aw shit - hell. I’m sorry. I didn’t hurt ya none, did I? ...Shit. ”

    “Oh no. You’re one of Replacements friends, aren’t you?“ He asked with dread, knowing the type of friends Drake kept.