Once they've both settled in on the patched-up sofa, Lucas goes over the mess of tabs he left open in his web browser with Jonathan while talking about his thoughts for their itinerary planned for today and tomorrow. Jonathan provides aggressive support for all recipes displayed, with the roast pork even earning active drool.

However, when going over apartments, Jonathan starts expressing reluctance when Lucas indicates he should pick a place out for himself.

"Oh, it's just. Um, could we, um, for at least a little while… I mean, I should at least learn to cook first? I know not forever, but, um, c-could you at least help me get my bearings a bit b-before I'm on my own?" As Jonathan manages to somehow vaguely hint at his request, he reverts into fidget mode. He turns his head away to the side, not looking at Lucas nor the laptop screen. Twisting and twiddling his fingers, he skillfully demonstrates an array of various shades of red and white.

On the other hand, Lucas more or less anticipated this response, and he can't help laughing at the young teen's distress. At least his expression softens into a smile that reaches his eyes, he's not a complete jerk.

"I had a feeling you didn't want to be alone. Still, though, I wanted to give you a chance to be independent if you wanted. Help me pick a few places out, I'm gonna be active throughout the city before long, and having a couple of places could be useful. After all, I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of staying at hotels if I can avoid it. If you wanna tag along on my little adventures, that's up to you." As Lucas says all this, Jonathan's expression lights up with wide-eyed joy, although getting a bit red-eyed as well, as he's a bit overwhelmed with emotion.

"Oh! Um, yeah, of course! That, that sounds great!" With newfound enthusiasm, Jonathan dives headfirst into this mission. Before long though, Lucas claps twice to get his attention.

"Oh right, we should do this later. For now, let's get you some clothes and whatnot. I'd like a few suits too, honestly, I was looking at MF fashion boutique, don't judge me." Lucas watches Jonathan's expression to gauge his reaction, subconsciously raising an eyebrow in inquiry.

"No, no, that's good. I know he has some, um, normal clothes there, too!" Jonathan shakes his head a few times in denial before expressing his agreement.

"Right. I was looking at his enhanced suits online, I feel like we should both get a few, can't go wrong with being bulletproof and fire-resistant last I checked. I'm pretty sure I'd burst the shoulder seams on a normal suit the moment I punched something too, so there's that." Imagining Lucas's description, Jonathan can't help chuckling at the thought of Lucas immediately ruining a suit the moment he steps outside after getting it.

"Besides, I feel like you might want them even more than I do, I can only begin to imagine the… Friction… When you get the zoomies." Lucas has a thoughtful expression as he starts the sentence, but it sinks into clear displeasure by the end.

"Thankfully, it hasn't been too much of a problem… But, uh, yeah, no skinny jeans for me." Jonathan has a deadpan expression on his face, but there is a pearl of sage-like wisdom to his tone of voice. Perking up, he continues. "An-anyway, let's go!"

Jonathan starts heading towards the door but partway there, after a very direct look from Lucas, he realizes he needs to fix his birdnest hair first before going out.

Eventually, they are on their way to a nearby subway station, as MF's is a bit of a distance away. Not far from the entrance to the subway, 427 abruptly chimes in.

[Alert; a new minor GDV task has been assigned. Please prevent the pending vandalism in a side alley approximately a block and a half to your right.]

Lucas jumps slightly after being startled from 427 suddenly giving a task out of nowhere, quickly composing himself while hoping a certain cheerful follower didn't notice. Which he did. Not that Lucas realizes, since he can't see the small change in Jonathan's expression currently.

'Uhhh… That's out of the way though? If I was alone that'd be fine, but..?'

[No time like the present to start practicing dragging him off to random GDV tasks. You'll have to do it eventually anyway if you're going to be keeping him nearby.]

'I mean yeah… But at least help me think of an excuse?'

[That's on you.]

'So no ideas, got it.'

If 427 had a physical form, he would absolutely be rolling his eyes right now.

[Instead of trying to trick me, trick him instead. It should have a higher success rate at least.]

'Touché'

Clearing his throat, Lucas attempts a half-assed excuse, not really having enough time to think it over.

"Oh, I think I just heard something. I'm feeling a bit curious, so let's go check it out." ...Practice makes perfect Lucas, maybe you'll do better next time.

With an incredulous expression, Jonathan gives a halfhearted "Oh, okay." and follows after him. Whether he is just being polite or a kiss-ass to his rich new caretaker, no one knows but him.

Coming around the corner towards the alleyway, an older teen comes into view. He has a shaved head and is wearing a stained, paint-splattered denim jacket over a ripped tank top, paired with jeans and unlaced sneakers. Currently, he's hunched over a decent-sized duffel bag set on the ground, in the process of zipping it open. Catching sight of the spray paint cans inside, Lucas can't help but smirk.

'Ah yes, a timeless look. Classic, really.'

[...What are you on about?]

'Don't mind me. Heheh'

-----

Lucas kills this chapter: 0

Lucas total kills: 4

Lucas deaths this chapter: 0

Lucas total deaths: 4

Lucas current GDV: 4.2

Jonathan current GDV: .63

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Little character theater:

Jonathan, deep in thought: 'I really hope he isn't planning on taking me shopping on the top few floors. I don't think I could walk in heels, let alone run.'

Lucas, baselessly hopeful: Hey 427, think he bought my excuse?

427, completely deadpan: [Absolutely not.]

Author, equally deadpan: Absolutely not. +1 Better luck next time.