week 3 - sunday

[refactor]

[ So sometime Sunday evening after the execution, there’s going to be a pretty abrupt knock at Rhys’s door. All things considered, it’s pretty obvious just who would come knocking at Rhys’s door, but, hey, just in case Rhys is confused, Jack will still be speaking through it. Their neighbors must suffer a lot because of them. ]

Rhys- C’mon, open up?

[ Jack at least sounds like he’s in a good mood, so that’s a good sign?? ]

Comments

[jackhole]

[ that's... totally a good sign?! probably. maybe. ugh, rhys' stomach always does some weird kind of swoop whenever he ends up alone with jack, out of fear or something else he's not entirely sure but. you know.

still, he'll open up the door so jack can come up to his room. sigh. he's still dressed in his normal clothes but his shirt is untucked and his hair is a bit messy. ]

Why are you so upbeat? ... Did something happen?

[ did someone die again tonight ugh come on, he wanted to go to sleep. ]

[refactor]

What, I can't just be in a good mood? You realize I can just be in a good mood for the sake of it and nothing at all to do with some idiot ending up dead.

[ Jack tilts his hand slightly to show a bottle in hand. It's some kind of dark liquor, but the label isn't quite clear at this angle. Yet even so, without actually waiting for more of an invitation, Jack starts to make his way up. Though he's not shutting up either, as usual. ]

Okay, not today, at least. But I'll get to that. You drink? Hope so, because I'm going to crack this open and throw away the top of it.

[ He stands up straight once he's in Rhys's room with a laugh. ]

Nahhh, just kidding. Between you and me? Not actually a heavy drinker. But there is something I wanna congratulate you for, kiddo!

[jackhole]

[ you know who is relieved to see that bottle? rhys. because even if jack isn't going to drink much, rhys sure the hell is and it takes a lot out of him not to just... grab for the bottle when jack comes in. jack's right, he's probably just overreacting a little and rhys finds himself nodding along dumbly, running a hand through his hair and walking back over to his bed to sit down on it -- the bottom bunk and more lived in one. ]

Right, sorry. Guess I'm kind of on edge? You're kind of -- [ an omen of death ] Weirdly unbothered by these kind of things.

[ well, so are you, rhys.

but rhys is just about to wait patiently for jack to make good on his word and open that bottle so they can share it when -- oh. his eyes widen slightly and he wonders what the hell jack could have seen or figured out that he'd want to... congratulate rhys on? unless he's being sarcastic. shit, rhys hopes not. ]

... What'd I do?

[refactor]

[ Jack laughs, casual as ever, and he ends up taking a familiar perch at the desk. When he comes to visit Rhys, this seems to be his "spot," or it's at least the one that he's claimed for himself. He sets the bottle on the desk itself and starts to open it. ]

I mean, only compared to the people here. Yeah, and I guess Hyperions that don't actually get out much— [ This isn't actually a jab at Rhys, though it does sound like one at first. Jack actually thinks that Rhys has a pretty good understanding of Pandora now... ] —You've got glasses, right? Grab two. Even a plastic cup, since we're not drinking for class right now.

[ While Rhys does that, Jack sits back, and this smile isn't quite the craze grin. No, this one is more dangerous, even if only to Rhys, because it's the sort of warm, genuine smile that makes Jack actually human.

Too bad about what he actaully says, though. ]

Whaaat, you have to guess? For getting in that fight, Rhysie! Now, granted, not exactly the best of strategies if you were lookin' to actually hurt the guy, but, for once, probably better you didn't. At first- Okay, at first, it was just hilarious, because you both spit on each other, but, man, you really escalated! Trying to suffocate the dude? Nice.

[ This is the rambling explanation, but after that, Jack nods. ]

I'm proud of ya, kiddo. Whatever's happened since the last time I saw you on Pandora? It's done you well.

[jackhole]

[ he probably has glasses or... a robot that can get glasses... I STILL DON'T REMEMBER HOW THESE ROOMS WORK SO LET'S JUST GO WITH THAT. he'll get up to go get whatever's available and when he comes back, he'll hold out the cups for jack to fill up.

he's a little caught off guard by the smile though. it makes his heart beat a little faster and his stomach clench. he tries to review his story, make sure that there's no possible way for jack to know about atlas. this all sort of goes out the window when jack brings up the fight. ]

Oh. Not, uh, not really what I expected, but the guy was annoying, right? It's like he thinks he's better than me or something. Which is just, it's just not okay, you know? Because he's not. He's just some smarmy piece of shit no class nobody who is stuck her like the rest of us and what gives him the right to -- to act like...

[ okay, maybe calm down a little, rhys. he stops then, clearing his throat and feels himself growing warm all over because of the compliment. okay, maybe he can't mention atlas but... but jack, this jack, he doesn't have to pretend to be the same rhys he was all that time ago? he's different now, more sure of himself, more content in his place in life (which is at the top), less... bothered by incredible violence. ]

... You really think so?

[refactor]

[ Jack takes the glasses with a nod of his head, and he starts pouring a portion into each. It's actually not his drink of choice, since Jack is surprisingly partial to sweeter drinks, but a nice scotch tends to be what he offers for more formal occasions or business. It's kind of a thing that every CEO does, he figures. ]

See, that little rant there? That's exactly what I'm talking about. You probably would have gone on a rant like that when I showed up in your noggin, sure, but this? It's taking it into your own hands. Not running away or backing down. Because, you know?

[ The glasses are poured, so he pushes one across the desk towards Rhys. ]

You're right, kiddo. You figured out the first step to success, and it sounds like total crap, but it seriously is just having confidence in what you're doing. Anyone tries to challenge you? Don't let 'em.

[ He raises the glass lightly with a smile that's absolutely nothing short of genuine, but what he says might have an uncomfortable familiarity for Rhys. ]

So, as far as I'm concerned, you've earned this.

[jackhole]

[ rhys is going to take that drink and feel a warm flush run down his body as he looks away from jack for a moment. that kind of praise -- it's... it's sort of what he's always wanted to hear from jack, ever since getting him in his head, ever since getting to helios, ever since... everything. killing him. atlas. getting here. he doesn't know how he could even express that, tell jack exactly what it means to him -- so he doesn't. instead, he takes a sip of his drink.

carefully, after a moment, he'll look back to jack. ]

I don't want to back down, Jack. Not... not anymore, you know? Where's that going to get me -- hesitating like that? Nowhere. I can't hesitate anymore, I get that now. If someone wrongs you, you make them pay. That's how the world works. That guy -- he insulted you and I just... I wasn't gonna stand for it? You're my... well, you're my Jack. [ wait ] I mean, you're Jack. Handsome Jack. How could I let that stand?

[ rhys isn't totally aware yet how badly those words might come across, especially with their differing experiences at this point but -- but it's what he thinks, now. where he is in life. he's a ceo, he's rebuilding a company, the universe is at his fingertips and he can't let someone take it from him. not again. not even jack. ]

[refactor]

[ Luckily, just because of how Jack sees Rhys, there's nothing he finds particularly strange about his reaction here. That flush is visible, even though Rhys turns to hide it, and Jack cracks more of a mischevious smile. What is it about the people that work for him where they get that flattered over his praise? I mean, sure, he kinda punches people in the face so often that this is rare, but still. That kind of blush? Damn.

He's planning on teasing at that, but Rhys ends up giving him more interesting ammunition. He raises a finger and wags it, and his tone has the sort of playful chiding like a father telling their kid "no." ]

Ah ah ah, not your Jack, kiddo. I don't belong to anyone, not even you.

[ Yet it's clear that he's not being completely serious with this point, if only because of that "not even." He raises his glass and takes a drink before he continues. ]

But, nah, that's- Y'know, I'm serious, it's good to hear. Was kinda worried you might not have the balls to be at the top, but, hey, in this case? Glad to be proven wrong. When we get back... [ Jack trails off with an almost whimsical tone, pausing as he sighs. ] You and me, kid. It's gonna be friggin' sweet.

[jackhole]

[ ugh, he's so embarrassed. he drags his flesh hand over his face for a moment, feeling the blush deepen on his skin and oh my god, this was supposed to be a moment. instead he made it weird and uncomfortable and he'll go really beat himself up about it later. ]

I know. I didn't meant to say it like that.

[ KIND OF. MAYBE. god, this is so gross. he just has his people okay? and this jack is his jack, and fiona is his fiona, and vaughn is his vaughn and that's just how this works! that's just. how it works. ]

... Seriously? I have the balls, Jack. Huge ones.

[ wait. again, he doesn't want to follow that train of thought so he just grimaces and goes to the next thing. LEAVE IT ALONE. ]

Uh, I wanted to ask about that too and after tonight and everything -- [ he pauses, looking kind of ill before he knocks back the rest of his drink and looks at jack. ] Do you... do you think we're going to get back? The both of us.

[refactor]

[ Jack starts laughing, but it really picks up when Rhys just makes this worse for himself by elaborating. He has to set down his glass, and he shakes his head. ]

W-- Wow, I mean, if you're coming onta me, come on, gotta do better than that, first of all, second, dooooo have a girlfriend, Rhysie! So. Y'know. Don't wanna see your balls. [ He laughs again, getting wheezy as this starts to crack him up ] I- I mean, okay, could see Nisha being into adding someone but— Oh my god, I'm gonna die just thinking of you meeting her—

[ He gets right into that sort of obnoxious laughter like he's a five year old in a forty-plus year old man's body, but at least it doesn't linger too long. He has to regain his breath, but he leans back again when he picks up his drink, sighing in a content way at his own humor. But the serious question is answered with absolutely no hesitation. ]

But get back? Yeah, I do, Rhys.

[ Using Rhys's name almost seems to be a way to make that sound all the more confident, and as Jack smiles, it acts as that perfect reminder of why Jack is so successful. He's insane, unhinged, and overall just a bad person, but... People believe in him. People follow him because he has the sort of self-assuredness and self-confidence that it's easy to believe in his visions and what he says. He says them so easily that it's like the possibility of anything but his own success never crosses his mind. ]

I mean, won't be easy, sure, but when is it?

[jackhole]

[ JACK WHY... oh my god, rhys feels even more embarrassed suddenly that he has to bury his face in his arms to completely hide his face this time and let out a groan. he's not even gonna look up again, reply muffled in his arms as he thumps his forehead against the desk a few times. ]

I'm not -- I just -- I know you have a girlfriend! Also, metaphorical balls! Li-like, just a metaphorical set of balls. Not my real ones. Oh my god? Oh my god. You're not -- you're not -- you're not even my type! [ well, that's a lie. ] I mean, you are, but you're crazy so I'd like, never. No. Oh my god. Jaaaaack.

[ the most defeated whine of jack's name at the end there and he claws his hands into his hair because shit, shit. shittening shit. that's not how he wanted this conversation to go like, at all. jesus christ.

he's just -- he's just going to move on now, tossing back the rest of his drink in one quick movement before sitting back with his arms crossed over his chest. that was the worst derailment ever. ]

A-and, just. I trust you, alright? To do what needs to be done because that's, like, what you do. You're crazy and you're totally going to murder someone here before we're done but just... try not to let it get in the way of the overall goal here, Jack? I want to go home. I want to go home with you and we can't do that if we don't... work together, I guess.

[ and look, he's still embarrassed now that he's said that too because holy shit. it's still the closest he could come to honesty and how he really feels with jack, his own secrets and guilt mixing up in the mix but he hopes -- maybe, just maybe, jack can understand what he means here, underneath it all. maybe he can see how much rhys really just wants to be part of his team again, even if jack isn't aware that he left yet. ]

1/2

[refactor]

[ Rhys's reaction is exactly what Jack had been hoping for, since his expression is quick to light up with nothing short of delight. The physical way that Rhys reacts combined with digging himself in an even deeper, gayer hole (heh). His laugh starts out as a snicker, then develops into more of a laugh as Rhys actually expresses some semblance of interest, and finally, that whining of his name gets Jack to finally just lose it completely. Rhys should be familiar with this brand of Jack Laughter, since it's absolutely the wheezing, almost infectious kind where he's doubling over. Or at least, it would be infectious if these laughs weren't always at Rhys's expense. ]

Oh- Ohhhh my god, okay-- Okay, I'm—

[ There's more snickering as Rhys throws the drink back, and Jack just continues to laugh, almost teary with how hilarious he finds this. ]

Just, gimme- Gotta have a sec...

[ He really does, because even as Rhys starts, Jack is making a valiant effort at quieting his laughter. He really is wiping tears out of his eyes by the time he straightens up, which is of course a new element here that Rhys had missed out on with Jack being in his heads. It's that much more physical laughter in every sense. ]

[refactor]

[ But he really is making an effort to quiet his laughter, because the first few words there absolutely catch his attention. It draws out a smile that's less mocking, and more the sort that Rhys had received... Well, quite a while ago, for him. It's that sort of charming, friendly smile that he had received when they were riding on top of the caravan together, even in the face of being called crazy. ]

Yeah-- No, you don't need to worry about that, kiddo. I'm not gonna forget what my goal is here.

[ He takes another drink, though that's partially just to settle what remains of his laughter at this point. He sits back, but his eyes are truly drawn up with a smile at this point. Maybe Rhys saying that he trusts Jack means a lot to him? Or maybe he's still just energetic from Rhys's embarrassing ranting there. It's never easy to tell. ]

I'll get us home. You put your trust in me, so, hey, I'm the right guy for the job. Just stick with me. I'll get us home.

[ He tilts his glass lightly towards Rhys. ]

We'll figure it out. Can't be that hard. Hell, I've done waaaaay harder things than stealing a space station back from an AI before, just sayin'. So. No problem.

[jackhole]

[ as jack just loses it completely, rhys feels his face turn even redder by the second and he keeps it buried in his arms because oh my god. this... isn't what he wanted? at all? he feels so ridiculous right now and he's trying to keep himself together but this really was the opposite of how he wanted this evening to go -- even with, uh, the whole spitting on arumat thing.

but when jack finally seems to calm down, rhys drags hands over his face and sits back up to look at jack between his fingers. when he seems like he's okay, rhys runs a hand through his hair and sighs, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest. ]

Which is... getting us home, right? Us. Including Fiona. Me, you, and her. We're a team, even if she would never agree to it.

[ his eyes narrow slightly because he just has to clarify because jack -- well, jack's slippery. rhys knows how he works, knows he won't lie to him, not really, but... he also knows jack probably has something else going on in his head. honestly, if he does? rhys doesn't care. jack can do whatever the hell he wants as long as it still ends up with rhys, jack, and fiona back on pandora -- rhys can take care of the whole "jack on pandora" thing afterwards.

but jack's smile is enough to defrost rhys a little and he relaxes despite himself, sighing a little and letting his head drop to the side. right. stick with jack. despite rhys' better instincts, the logical part of his brain knows that that's... probably the best option here. he doesn't doubt fiona's ability to get things done -- but there's a reason he trusted jack and not fiona when they were in old haven. this is pretty much the same thing here.

... the comment though about "stealing a space station from an AI"? yeah, that gets him to grimace. ]

Hey, if anyone can do it, Handsome Jack can. That's... sort of what I'm relying on here, you know? I'm a different guy than when I knew you last but you're not. You're still... Jack. You're still a hero, for better or worse.

[ which is why he spit on the guy, actually, in a convoluted sort of way. ]

[refactor]

[ It's easy to guess that this would make Jack smile, because Rhys really does know him well enough that he's predictable. Rhys's words bolster up Jack's ego exactly as he likes, but instead of confidently taking such words with arrogance, Jack actually looks much more genuinely warm at those words. It's that kind of fond, proud smile that anyone in Hyperion would die (or kill) to receive. ]

...Well, yeah, of course. I said it on that stupid caravan, didn't I? You and me, we're a team. [ He shrugs ] Aaaand Fiona's pretty hot, so, yeah, she can come too.

[ He snickers, since he knows that comment will probably get Rhys flustered in some way. He takes another sip of his own drink, then sighs, but it's not quite heavily, at least. ]

'Course, wish I could do more than just voting people off the island like a friggin' reality TV show, but, eh. It's just a matter of digging. Already cracked the datapad, y'know? So it's not like this place is some kinda flawless fortress.