02-09-2025, 07:46 AM
Jude has no fear of snark guy, or Crystal, or Kovich -- largely in part to not knowing who they are, but knowing them would not serve to dissuade him anyways. Near was always in a higher tier of people in Jude's social pyramid, meaning that he draws and receives attention above others and that his attention must be obtained with less respect to risk and cost. Now Near has gone up another rank, a place in the hierarchy Jude never thought a non-Family member could occupy. Jude needs to talk to Near. Snark guy can hear or he can not. It doesn't matter, because snark guy doesn't matter.
Near feels differently about whether other people matter, Jude senses, though he cannot understand why. Near's behavior is as opaque to Jude as ever; this newly-discovered uniqueness means some of that opacity has gone from 'mind-bogglingly irritating' to 'mysterious'.
Still, Jude knows that Near is going to get under his skin. The pain is as predictable as stepping into an ant hill. Jude can only hope to get in a good kick before he retreats with his wounds until next time.
He follows Jude out the back door obediently. He has enough wherewithal to glance around, confirming the alley is empty before he speaks. "To talk to you," he says, when he looks back and catches Near's eye. A note of exasperation rings in his voice.
After a moment, he goes on, "About what you did in your apartment." Jude's eyebrows knit together. "Did you... know you could do that?"
Near feels differently about whether other people matter, Jude senses, though he cannot understand why. Near's behavior is as opaque to Jude as ever; this newly-discovered uniqueness means some of that opacity has gone from 'mind-bogglingly irritating' to 'mysterious'.
Still, Jude knows that Near is going to get under his skin. The pain is as predictable as stepping into an ant hill. Jude can only hope to get in a good kick before he retreats with his wounds until next time.
He follows Jude out the back door obediently. He has enough wherewithal to glance around, confirming the alley is empty before he speaks. "To talk to you," he says, when he looks back and catches Near's eye. A note of exasperation rings in his voice.
After a moment, he goes on, "About what you did in your apartment." Jude's eyebrows knit together. "Did you... know you could do that?"