Masa con Papas: Proxy's Memory

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

EXHAUSTION
[Third Resurrection]
CW: Discussion of Abuse Trauma, Fear

 You make your way out of the safehouse and into the streets nearby, the bus parked as Opera and Geezer exchange a bit of playful banter you’re too tired to make out. You give a tired little wave at the two, Geezer gesturing for you to come on over.

Geezer: You both okay? Kept us waiting a bit.

Opera: It’s fine, we’ve been busy.

Geezer: Pretty much done with maintenance on the tour bus, scoot right in yeah?

You give a little nod, looking over at Manzana who eagerly climbs in.

You follow behind, two of you flopping into seats with audible sounds of exhaustion smoking out.

Opera gives you both a quick look and whispers something over to Geezer. He only gives a shrug in return.

She proceeds to slide into the seat next to you, face with a tinge of concern but giving the two of you a warmth you appreciate quite a bit right now.

Opera: You two wanna talk about it?

Manzana: We had a bit of a discussion.

Charon: Manzana had concerns and my response wasn’t the most appropriate.

Manzana: It was well intentioned, don’t give yourself too much shit.

Manzana: Fact that you can stand me after that’s a miracle frankly.

Charon: I should’ve handled it better regardless.

Manzana: I’m just embarrassed Platino got caught up in it, hates emotional blending…

Charon: Is.. he okay?

Manzana: Course he is,

Charon: I’m sorry…

Opera: Did you two argue-?

Manzana: It’ll be fine.

Charon: We did in a way but-

Manzana: Not really. More just…

Manzana lets out a deep sigh.

Manzana: I’ve got nerves about this job, I’ll leave it at that. Don’t want to say more.

Opera: You sure? Maybe I can help you-

Manzana: No. You’re really sweet and that’s the last thing I need right now.

Manzana: A pep talk on the way to the liquor store isn’t going to make me suddenly open up, no offense.

You don’t take particularly well to her tone.

Charon: She’s just trying to hel–

You’re immediately shushed, first a finger directly toward you, then a gentle hand on your head.

You instinctively rest on her shoulder, you spot the tiniest smirk on her face.

Why the fuck is she so good at this?
 
Opera: That’s fair. We don’t have to talk.

Opera: Not going to tolerate infighting though. Got way too much on our hands for that.

The rabbit’s ears pull back.

Manzana: I just wanted to go on a date..

Manzana: Wanted to do my shift, have a nice night, and tell Platino about it in the morning.

Manzana: Instead I’m seeing ghosts and talking about stealing corpses and worried my mom’s going to find out about this-

Opera: Your mom?

Geezer: Ali. She’s a bit of a walking disaster.

Geezer gives a little wave to everyone.

Geezer: Sorry to interrupt but, think I wanna handle it from here.

Geezer: No offense but… you know.

Opera: Sorry…

He looks over at Manzana, nothing but kindness in his tone.

Geezer: Is she here?

Manzana: Don’t think so, not yet.

Geezer: Can’t count on that to stick though.

Manzana: Never…

Manzana: If she is, I don’t want you to engage with her at all.

Geezer: I know…

Manzana: Last time you two met…

Geezer: Yeah… got way too close.

Manzana: Didn’t have to stand up for me.

Geezer: Didn’t like seeing her scream at you, what can I say?

Manzana: That’s all she would’ve done.

Geezer: Don’t deserve any of that.

Manzana: You both almost killed each other…

Geezer: We’re both walking just fine after that.

Manzana:  I don’t… want either of you hurt.

Manzana: You’re too good to be dragged into this. That’s why I don’t like having you around, hate the idea of something happening.

Manzana: And… as fucked up as it is…

Manzana: I just want my mom to get help. She’s been hurting for so long, you’ve seen her.

Geezer: Doesn’t mean she’s allowed to take it out on you.

Manzana: I know, I just…

Manzana: I’m sorry, it’s a bit too much right now.

Geezer: Yeah.

Geezer: Tell you this. After we see Zinnia? We can leave it at that, pretend nothing ever happened.

Geezer: You go home, play dumb if she asks. We handle our own job, try to stay out of her way.

Geezer: Not gonna force you to do anything.

Manzana: I… I have to think about it.

Geezer: I got a lot of favors in Plaza, home field advantage.

Geezer: If she shows up, we’ll be out and hiding til things cool down.

Manzana: That helps a little…

Manzana: Can we get going soon? Platino’s waiting on us.

Manzana: Plus an associate of mine is coming over, you remember Needle?

Geezer: Yeah, she’s chill. We’ll head out soon then.

Manzana: Good, I just want to get this over with.

Geezer scoots over to get situated at the wheel.

Geezer: That case, we’ll be heading out in just a sec.

The engine rumbles.

Geezer: Seatbelts on, ya’ll behave. ETA, about 12 minutes.