Say Something | Vinzent + Abel | The Segway Car

Abel Lazarus

Abel is around! In fact he approaches.

He doesn’t. Quite talk first though. Just. Pauses for a moment and rocks back and forth on the Segway for a moment. He still doesn’t come close enough for busting- no. He. Learned better from Viper.

“… hey.” He fiddles with his new bag. Perhaps it’s a little obvious to wonder around with it but it’s making his life a Lot easier. They really have to hope Plart won’t come by.

“… I read it.” He did! He just suddenly doesn’t know how to talk about it. What will be say? Do? Ehh…

… maybe Uncle Ransom was right. The segway Is silly. He thought it looked cool when Uncle Marius used it but he’s realizing that might be a trait exclusive to his uncle maybe. He feels sillier trying to interact like this so he motions Vinzent towards a store so he can get off the damn thing- but again. Distant.

“… I don’t…” he’s quiet at first. “Really get why you’re so…” he clears his throat. “… look I don’t like what you said but I was honestly…” being a little dramatic? The problem is that I understand how badly he’s dismissing his feelings but he doesn’t. He just. Also doesn’t want to admit he thinks he’s dramatic. “… it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

He looks. Embarrassed- but what’s new?

“I…” this got a lot harder. All the sudden. Very suddenly. “I… think. You’re moving a bit too fast but. I’m not…” pause “going to stop talking to you.”

He hesitates. “… I. Think you should think about it more, though. If it’s a good idea.” Abel isn’t meeting his gaze for this. “I don’t… think you know exactly what you’re trying to sign up for. People don’t like me very much.” He’s offering a little bit of a warning. The reality that picking him might cause issues in his relationships with other people. Even in this… less intense sort of way. Even then he’s…

Well just one look at his face tells Vinzent he may not be well liked but. Other than that… the whole trial…

He regrets what he’s done. He always regrets it. He wanders further into the store but he’ll keep talking if Vinzent follows him.

Vinzent Mayer

As always, Vinzent waited for Abel to talk, however long it needed to take. He saw that Abel got a new bag… And that’s great! It’s better than carrying around without one. Yeah, please, technically Vinzent is breaking the game’s rules and he knows it. But he doesn’t care! This is ridiculous. So… Discussion first is better.

He gave all his attention to Abel as the other man spoke.

Abel Lazarus “… I read it.” He did! He just suddenly doesn’t know how to talk about it. What will be say? Do? Ehh…

Well, it’s genuinely a relief to hear this. He’s glad. Really.

Abel Lazarus “… I don’t…” he’s quiet at first. “Really get why you’re so…” he clears his throat. “… look I don’t like what you said but I was honestly…” being a little dramatic? The problem is that I understand how badly he’s dismissing his feelings but he doesn’t. He just. Also doesn’t want to admit he thinks he’s dramatic. “… it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

With that stare back then? Well, it was kind of a big deal but… Abel had time to think it over post trial, no? So… Vinzent still wasn’t talking because he wanted to hear Abel out until the end.

Abel Lazarus “I…” this got a lot harder. All the sudden. Very suddenly. “I… think. You’re moving a bit too fast but. I’m not…” pause “going to stop talking to you.”

He hesitates. “… I. Think you should think about it more, though. If it’s a good idea.” Abel isn’t meeting his gaze for this. “I don’t… think you know exactly what you’re trying to sign up for. People don’t like me very much.”

“That’s quite alright. I’ll wait. I won’t move anything forward further until you’re ready. But… I’m glad we get to talk again at least.”

He follows Abel without a problem in the store, to listen to him and to talk again.

“Abel, I know you did quite some wrong things, but to expect you to be perfect and well liked by everyone is impossible. And… I… While I know not everyone likes you, I still do. I know I’m disliked by some people here and it’s whatever. I don’t like them as well. And maybe I’m a fool for still wanting to stay by your side. But… I don’t want our past good memories to be just that… Memories. I want us to try again to at least stay as friends if anything. I enjoyed the conversations we had. And… What happened back then in that room was… Different, you know?”

A small pause.

“We got thrown in bullshit that forced us out of our comfort zone… So, to assume you’ll be always like that just because of what happened one time? It’s stupid. I don’t want to stop talking to you just because a situation that we didn’t choose to participate has been forced on us.”

He takes another pause.

“I was worried about you the whole time. And when I messed up, I felt even worse.”

More pauses…

… He looked down as he finally spoke, while still following Abel.

“I guess, in the end, what I actually want to say… I really don’t want you to be lonely. It sucks. And I still care a lot about you.”

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer But… I’m glad we get to talk again at least.”

He moves around a rack of clothes to have a moment to react. His face would read negative- mostly because he doesn’t get it- he doesn’t Get that sentiment- but he has his face cleared again by the time he’s visible.

Vinzent Mayer Abel, I know you did quite some wrong things, but to expect you to be perfect and well liked by everyone is impossible.

Well! Maybe so. Maybe that’s the right take to have. Maybe he would have long started improving if he accepted slip ups were inevitable. That they can happen and you can still get better. It won’t happen all at once.

…

Vinzent Mayer I know I’m disliked by some people here and it’s whatever. I don’t like them as well. And maybe I’m a fool for still wanting to stay by your side.

There’s a falter in his travels as he trips over the edge of a rack- but he catches himself. Stands back up and keeps moving. Sure. Except there’s people he Likes who don’t like him. Which. Isn’t that typical of him? Marius didn’t always like him. He just. Made himself his problem until he accepted him.

… that won’t work again, though.

“Arty and Haruka dislike me I think.” He sort of blurts that out. Like those two damn him in some particular way. Perhaps it does. “Well I know Arty does. She wasn’t being subtle.” And it hurts. It does! He doesn’t want to think about it. He has to feel she made the right choice! She did. But she was the first person he had a nice conversation with here.

…

Vinzent Mayer “We got thrown in bullshit that forced us out of our comfort zone… So, to assume you’ll be always like that just because of what happened one time? It’s stupid. I don’t want to stop talking to you just because a situation that we didn’t choose to participate has been forced on us.”

but that’s the thing right? Abel didn’t think… Abel doesn’t think he’s only like that now. He’s like this all the time. He’s always awful as far as he’s concerned. He slows in his path. Arty’s right. He’s a monster. It’s just him. (~~That’s not what she said~~-)

Vinzent Mayer And when I messed up, I felt even worse.”

That’s what he does, right? Make people feel bad? That’s what he did to Viper.

Vinzent Mayer “I guess, in the end, what I actually want to say… I really don’t want you to be lonely. It sucks. And I still care a lot about you.”

He won’t be lonely. There’s no way everyone here will disappear- but. Even then. He does know Vinzent doesn’t mean that that Literally. He comes to a stop in his path. Fully.

“… I ruined things with Viper.” There’s almost a. ‘How long until I ruin things with you too?’ But that isn’t said. It’s left in the air. Did he deserve to get beat like that? No. But. He knows why what he did was bad. Now with clarity. He gets it.

She’s right. To pick Jack. Maybe he’s easier to predict. At least she knows what she’s getting in for.

He starts moving again. He probably is better alone for himself and Others.

But what job does he have to turn to so he doesn’t need people to talk to? He isn’t good at being left alone with his thoughts. Even besides that. Somewhere in him he does care. It’s hard to admit to it but he does. He cares a lot more than he’d like. Otherwise why would he care about Cain forgiving him?

…

“Okay.” He sounds quiet. What else can he do? He’s wallowing in his own misery I’m so sorry about that.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus There’s a falter in his travels as he trips over the edge of a rack- but he catches himself. Stands back up and keeps moving.

Vinzent was close to try to catch him until he realized Abel is still much heavier than Vinzent would be able to hold were it in the instant. Still, he’d try anyway. In the end, he was relieved Abel didn’t fall.

…

Arty hates Abel? Well, Vinzent can’t read her mind nor can he assume this isn’t the case. In the end, if he doesn’t know what happened back there…

“I… I can’t of course get her to change her mind about you but… I’m surprised. Maybe that’s just me. I… well, I don’t know.”

He let it be.

When Viper was brought up, then Vinzent made a face.

“… I’m not really fond of her much anymore.”

Even after the little stupid chase he kind of brought up by attempting to avoid her and the injury he gave himself, Vinzent found that as long Viper is trying to stick to Jack, it was better for the artist to take his distance.

… Yes Viper’s free to befriend who she wants, but there’s still a tint of betrayal he felt she gave him. And it won’t go away.

Abel’s response wasn’t… Fully reassuring but that simply means Vinzent will work towards it to be sure to respect his words. It… He…

“I promise I’ll stay with you until the end. No matter what happens.”

He wished there was something he could do to help Abel, really. But… He didn’t know what else to do. Except staying by his side and keeping his promises. And trying to not ruin things on accident anymore.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “I… I can’t of course get her to change her mind about you but… I’m surprised. Maybe that’s just me. I… well, I don’t know.”

The thing is that he Doesn’t want her to change her mind. He doesn’t want anyone who hates him to.

Except.

…

Vinzent Mayer “… I’m not really fond of her much anymore.”

…

He DOES want Viper to not hate him. He doesn’t think he deserves that- but he misses her. Somewhere deep. He always did. The way he’d wanted Cain to forgive him when he’d hurt him-

But he was also upset when Cain had forgiven him.

There’s no… Win. Not with Abel. Not really.

He can’t… Blame her for moving on. Picking someone else. That’s always been his life, hasn’t it? He has to work to not be someone expendable. He didn’t put in enough effort.

Regardless. He did. Put in enough effort for his Uncle at least. He clings to knowing that once he’s home… Someone will care if he’s dead or not. Even if he ruins everything here. Even with Vinzent.

Someone will.

Vinzent Mayer “I promise I’ll stay with you until the end. No matter what happens.”

Abel doesn’t fully believe this but he’ll take it. For now. It’s good enough until it can be reinforced.

“… Okay.” It’s all he says again but there’s Enough in it that it could be inferred he means it more sincerely than the first one. He can’t manage much else. He’s never been amazing at wording things has he? At least. When it’s not a report or anything. “… But If I… Do something terrible. You don’t have to stand by me.” He says it like it’s inevitable. Of course he might think so, though. With his host of complexes and all.

For now, though, his stomach is killing him after this long without sufficient food and Vinzent is a cop… So.

“… Do you. Mind getting me something from the food court?” He doesn’t… Expect Vinzent to be Happy to be asked this or anything. He’s just hit his point of ’I can’t do several more days of this without Something.' Technically stores in malls will keep candy in them- and he doesn’t feel as bad stealing like that because there’s no Person to make him feel bad about it- but candy isn’t a meal. It hardly tides him over.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

It’s so complicated here. Viper, Arty… Viper made it way more difficult than it should have, and Arty… Simply didn’t. But whatever happen between the girls and Abel… Well, that’s still outside of Vinzent’s abilities mainly. But if he can try to help somewhere, he will.

Perhaps… Perhaps Vinzent’s stubborness will be his downfall, but currently? He doesn’t care. He doesn’t have many people as close as Abel, as far as ‘the persons he talks to the most and still cares about’. Or perhaps simply… He didn’t want to be lonely either.

He appreciated the more sincere answer now. He can tell.

Abel Lazarus “… But If I… Do something terrible. You don’t have to stand by me.” He says it like it’s inevitable. Of course he might think so, though. With his host of complexes and all.

“… We’ll see. I think I’ll still stay by your side.” He doesn’t think Abel should say that but. It’s hard, isn’t it. To not think negatively after what poor actions you’ve done… So, he understands a little. But really. He genuinely refuses to let Abel by himself.

At the request of getting food for Abel though, Vinzent nodded without hesitation. How long has Abel gone to without eating…? Vinzent hated thinking that and he sincerely is ready to bend the rules to give Abel what he needs.

“Not a problem at all. Any food preferences, or are you good with anything? I will go grab the nearest meal as soon we will leave the store, alright?”

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer “… We’ll see. I think I’ll still stay by your side.”

He isn’t fully pleased with the answer- not when he knows Vinzent will likely regret saying it- but he’s going to let things lie for now.

Vinzent Mayer How long has Abel gone to without eating…? Vinzent hated thinking that and he sincerely is ready to bend the rules to give Abel what he needs.

Haha, wow! His mother didn’t even have to break any rules to meet his needs and still didn’t bother sometimes! What a Weird concept. Good thing this wasn’t voiced aloud for Abel to have a crisis over.

Vinzent Mayer “Not a problem at all. Any food preferences, or are you good with anything? I will go grab the nearest meal as soon we will leave the store, alright?”

Abel kind of thinks a moment. He… Will stray away from a Salad for… obvious reasons at the moment. Other than that… His usual food isn’t really mall fare. It’s… Kind of hard to think about it. Uh. Nera Loafs (Knock off Panera Bread) are in malls sometimes right? Soup…

“… Soup. Would be fine.” Soup is good! “I can… Come along but I figure you… Probably shouldn’t be seen with me in the open like that.” For the game and… Probably also to preserve relationships with other people.

“… You don’t need to get a lot or anything I just. Don’t really want to steal food.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus Good thing this wasn’t voiced aloud for Abel to have a crisis over.

Just help him!!!

Abel Lazarus “… Soup. Would be fine.” Soup is good! “I can… Come along but I figure you… Probably shouldn’t be seen with me in the open like that.” For the game and… Probably also to preserve relationships with other people.

“… You don’t need to get a lot or anything I just. Don’t really want to steal food.”

“I’ll get you a side with the soup maybe then! And uh, for the game, yes I’d advise to stay low unfortunately but stay near, okay? Just so I can spot you easily to give it to you.”

He nods.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I’ll get you a decent meal right now. Wait a moment, okay?”

Breaking rules time for his own benefit LET’S GO- Anyway, once Vinzent made sure Abel won’t be seen too close to him for both their sakes right now, he strolled around to find the place that served soups and additional sides.

He had no problem ordering two different meals, with how ridiculously easy it’s been made to him. (And the fact he get free stuff. Ball people Will Think He Will Keep the Second Meal Later but Haha You Fools!)

With the decent bulk order in his bag, Vinzent then looked around to spot Abel again, and tried to be as casual as possible without making it seems like he’s actively looking for Abel.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer and tried to be as casual as possible without making it seems like he’s actively looking for Abel.

You know that thing you do when you’re younger (usually) where you hide in racks of clothing? Turns out those are great hiding places! What a discovery for Abel. He certainly never could do this sort of thing as a kid but it seemed like something Cain would do, so. Made sense.

It’s mostly possible to spit him by seeing his Segway near the rack!

Also him poking his head out to get Vinzent’s attention! That too. Vinzent has legs where the balls don’t, so noticing him walking by wasn’t too hard or anything.

“Vinzent. Here.”

He doesn’t have to see the balls running away in fear from down here too! We’re not going to think about how that’s interacting with his particular issues! No sir.

He does glance around to make sure Plart won’t come and get mad at both of them for being bad at this game- but hey. Maybe if he stays in the rack no one else will know he’s here! Vinzent gets to just exist with that uniform. No one would really care if he stood around like they would about him.

“… thanks.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus You know that thing you do when you’re younger (usually) where you hide in racks of clothing? Turns out those are great hiding places!

That was something Vinzent definitely had done back in his younger years, when he was still a small kid.

Spotting the segway and hearing Abel before definitely helped Vinzent in spotting him as soon as he saw his face.

As quickly as possible, without rushing much, Vinzent took his own order out of the bag, then he gently placed the rest of the food in Abel’s hands, which was soup and some additional sides! Plenty to be filling, he hoped. It did look a bit much for himself so maybe it’ll be enough for Abel.

Then with a gentle smile, he whispered.

“Of course, have a good meal, okay? See you soon.”

He had to quickly pretend after that Abel was not here at all after he spoke by acting like he didn’t see anything suspicious while eating his own order just outside of the shop. But deep down, he was glad to have managed to help Abel regain his energy soon.

So what if they both suck at the game! The game itself sucks, Plart!

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer Plenty to be filling, he hoped. It did look a bit much for himself so maybe it’ll be enough for Abel.

Honestly all things about his eating habits since getting on here considered- it might be Too Much- but he’s not complaining about having extras

Vinzent Mayer “Of course, have a good meal, okay? See you soon.”

Abel nods on reflex. It seems he has to remind himself he’s supposed to Speak and most people don’t think of nods as ‘and you’.

“You too. See you.”

He ducks back under the rack and starts to eat. Yes he Is bad at this game. Thank you for noticing. While he has stolen quite a bit he’s also boycotting stealing food. So. Battles picked and chosen. Thank you Very much.

He… should talk to Vinzent again later. And finish this stupid game.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Abel could always give some back to Vinzent later on if possible at all! Sharing is caring, they say-

Vinzent was satisfied with Abel’s answer and off he went to eat and simmer a plan. Ideally with the same man. Mainly because this game is so fucking stupid and Vinzent is not a fan of using violence at all.

…

….. Maybe he could purposefully fuck up his own task so bad just to see what happens (including being jailed) and spare Abel of more nonsense later on. The question is how they should do it. And how smoothly it shall go.

He’d hate losing his new cool clothes… But Abel had enough of violence upon him… Eh, he could ask Abel to keep his stash! And Vinzent will have a second chance maybe to make it up for it! Hopefully!

Regardless, he waited for Abel to talk to him, but he definitely had a plan simmering in his mind.

Abel Lazarus

Another fun skip of time! Loverly.

Abel was wandering the obstacle course- looking for… the way to finish the game. Certainly it’s been risky to not… essentially save his progress every so often but he thinks he has everything he needs! He can be done stealing. He’s just. Supposed to play the cops and robbers part, right? Certainly. Plart probably wouldn’t count it if there was no cop near by considering his luck. Ugh. What to do-

Oh hey there’s a cop! Oh hey! It’s Vinzent! Oh good. A lot better it’s him compared to. Jack or Viper. He rolls up to him but keeps his distance since they’re out in the open. Vinzent probably doesn’t have any demerits- Abel has one at least so. He’s not looking to get in trouble here. He also just… is glad it’s someone less. Prone to violence.

“Vinzent?” He keeps doing this rocking move on the Segway- which. Probably looks cool to people who don’t know how to use the Segway very well. It’s. Not a very complex trick though. “Hey. Want to. Try and get this out of the way?” He means the game but. So very him to not be entirely clear.

Vinzent Mayer

Timeskip! Yay!

Vinzent hoped that it’ll work. Considering what he told Abel discreetly.

Play the part even if it’s stupid.

And Abel is right! Physical violence is not something Vinzent likes to do. The majority of the time.

Once he heard his name called, Vinzent looked at Abel and nodded with a small smile. This should work out! And he understood what Abel meant with the get it out of the way. Neither of them want this nonsense to last any longer.

“Yes, let’s try to finish this.”

He just hoped Abel’s Segway skills are better than his own, which by the looks of it seems to be the case!

Everything should be fine.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer He just hoped Abel’s Segway skills are better than his own, which by the looks of it seems to be the case!

Oh they absolutely are. This isn’t his first rodeo. Also he has a plus to this. Even then- a few days in gives someone a good handle on things! Especially since he hasn’t slept. He’s just rolled around.

“Do we. Want to just go for it?” He loves feeling awkward. Very fun. He hates this whole game. He just wants it over.

He has a bag full of supplies and a Deep desire to. Get out of this dumb outfit. That should be good enough, right? Once the dumb game isn’t in the way he can… talk to Vinzent.

He… is just. Keeping what Jack said in the back of his mind.

“I think. I’ve got everything I need. Either way I plan to pay for most of it later so.” So he can pay for Further items! Retroactively unsteal! Maybe God will appreciate that. Hopefully. “I just… want this to be. Hopefully over.”

“… you don’t have any demerits yet, right?”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Abel Lazarus “Do we. Want to just go for it?” He loves feeling awkward. Very fun. He hates this whole game. He just wants it over.

“Yes! The sooner this is done the sooner we can put this behind us.”

Vinzent might actually need a round two but it’s okay, Abel should get out of the stupid game first-

Abel Lazarus “I think. I’ve got everything I need. Either way I plan to pay for most of it later so.” So he can pay for Further items! Retroactively unsteal! Maybe God will appreciate that. Hopefully. “I just… want this to be. Hopefully over.”

“Good to know. And yeah… I get that! It will be, soon!”

Abel Lazarus “… you don’t have any demerits yet, right?”

He gave Abel a reassuring smile.

“Nope, so don’t worry about me, okay? Ready?”

Back to being serious, he has to play his part… Man, is he not thrilled. He’s just hoping it’ll get over really soon. Then he can try to wiggle himself out of the stupid outfit in another way.

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent Mayer Vinzent might actually need a round two but it’s okay, Abel should get out of the stupid game first-

Especially since getting caught will Jail Abel for Sure- really is better to let him go first.

But! Onto the game! Abel nods and.

Takes off. Like just Goes. Sorry Vinzent even if you guys were NOT throwing this game Abel is GONE. He has an exit to find and all but really- not Fully necessary to go this hard!

Could be he’s thinking of other times on a Segway- who knows.

Either way he’s avoiding Obstacles fairly well all things considered- easily slipping around the obstacles and not really waiting for Vinzent. Hope he can keep up!

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Oh He Will Let Him Go (on purpose). But not for the first part…

And off Abel goes! Damn, that’s fast- Vinzent wasted no time in “pursing” him, but uh…

Uh.

He might not have mastered the segway as much as he wished.

With a lot of little mishaps along the way, knocking things over included and an extra layer of cussing to himself (mostly for his lack of mastering this ridiculous way of transportation), Vinzent took a little bit in catching up to Abel. Spotting him at least wasn’t a problem. Now to get closer… He at least looked determined.

Determined to end this game for Abel’s sake.

Abel Lazarus

Abel had to slow down a little eventually- to look for the way out of course. Unfortunately looking ALSO made him not as good at maneuvering- so he ended up a little clumsy around some of the obstacles- nearly falling at least once-

But he’s still doing better than Vinzent! Makes this almost look real. Or at least. Plausibly real.

Regardless Abel manages to finally Spot the exit and shoot right for it. The end is in sight! It’s right there- it’s sooo close.

And he reaches it! Good job Abel you’ve won the race.

At the end he turns back to see how Vinzent is fairing in his approach- Curious how close he was to him.

Vinzent Mayer

Vinzent’s skill at the segway was highly debatable in this latter half of the chasing.

But it seemed, seemed, that he was getting this close to grab Abel…

Only for the other man to escape his grasp and go right at the goal.

Letting out another swear under his breath, he was actually relieved deep down that Abel won. But a little harmless competition was still fun. Still… He shouldn’t let their real plan be shown to Plart In Particular.

As for closeness… Well! Vinzent was relatively close enough but still quite some distance behind.

So, Plart. Do You Believe Him???? He tried to catch a criminal! He really tried!!! (Not Really But You Know, acting! It gotta be convincing enough.)

He slammed his fist on his segway’s handle in (fake) frustration at having “failed” to “catch a criminal.”

… Although if he could, without the cop witnessing, he’d slide a tiny smile at Abel, a congratulating one. Otherwise, Keep Acting the Part.

Narrator

Vinzent Mayer

Whatever sense Plart may have had for these things was a mystery (or maybe just related to security cameras), but he was here to witness Abel’s “mad dash” for freedom. But before he could even congratulate the robber for doing his job, he was treated to… a performance of a whole other caliber.

Abel Lazarus

“……”

Frankly it cast suspicion on the previous attempt as well, but he could give the benefit of the doubt. He’d been prepared to hand out the appropriate praise and demerit then, and he wouldn’t go back on it now.

“Mr. Lazarus, I believe? Well done… the first time.”

“But if you expect me to believe that is how a real robber would execute a second theft, you are very, very wrong. It doesn’t mean quite so much when you’ve already passed the test, but you’ll be receiving a demerit for not taking this seriously. You can’t train a mall cop well with that sorry a simulation, and I’m here to train mall cops well.”

He turned to Vinzent and let out an audible slow breath.

“You’ll be receiving a demerit for failing to stop the criminal, of course.”

But he didn’t stop there.

“And if your strategy for catching criminals is striking deals with them, they’ll eat you alive out there in the real mall. I couldn’t possibly pass a student like that in good conscience. You’ll be receiving a second demerit for that—perhaps this will give you the time you need to reflect on the seriousness of the job you’re shirking.”

No sooner had he finished talking than Vinzent poofed out of the area. Ah. Plart turned to nod at Abel.

“I appreciate your willingness to stay and help, but they’ll need more help than that. Let me know if you’d like any of your belongings back—though I’ll still consider you a volunteer for the rest of your time in my car, as far as your role in training.”