Crankshaft Rafflesian: We're Past the Tutorial Thank God!

[A_Mi_Manera]

Dotty has made her way into the hallway by the time you step out, she's waiting for you. You tug lightly on her ponytail to get her attention.

Dotty: You ready to talk? 

Jam: Yep, got some important stuff I need to get by you if that's alrighty. 

Dotty: Ah, things didn't go according to plan?

Jam: Personally I'd say things went pretty good all considered but Geezer might need some convincing it's all alright.

Dotty: Yeah he went off about you not being you? What the fuck's that about? 

Jam: He's not wrong, your friend is alright by the way she'll be back shortly.

Dotty looks at you with suspicion. 

Jam: I know what you're thinking, demonic possession right? Nope! Lex messed with magic she shouldn't have touched in high school and now I'm here.

Dotty: That sounds demonic.

Jam: A little, promise you it's not though.

Dotty: So are you uh... the other person in her head she was talking about? Because I thought that was a metaphor.

Jam: Nope, entirely literal. Kind of, I'm her proxy! The manifestation of her inner confidence in this particular case. The part of her that has life a little more figured out.

Dotty: Oh... 

You play around with her hair. The ponytail maw makes a face at you.



Jam: I'm made of all the thoughts and ideas she isn't brave enough to say on her own. You know she always thought the whole ponytail from hell thing was cute. I mean I do too, it's big and fluffy and it's naturally super vibrant. She has to dye her hair every week to keep her color going.  

Dotty: She's... never actually said that.

Jam: She wants to! I'll say it for her until she does it herself. She's always worried things might be too much for you. Know how it is right?

Dotty: I mean I want to hear it! Just uh... from her mouth. I mean.. not that like... have you always been here or..?

You smirk at her.

Jam: You don't gotta be shy about admitting she's your favorite. You've known her for years and we meet like once a blue moon. Usually without either of you noticing. Sometimes she's so tired she doesn't realize she's not her. I try to keep her safe when I can... and now I need you to keep me safe a bit.

Dotty: I can talk to Geezer, I can hold the duel hostage if he doesn't play ball but... Lex is completely safe right? For sure?

Jam: If she goes I go, I'd never do anything to her and frankly I wanna help her out more than anything.

Dotty: Praying this doesn't become a screaming match, too late for that shit.

Jam: Doubt he wants to wake anyone up. He's got a standing to protect with that fancy knight's title behind him.

Dotty: You know, you got a good point there. You're smart... and I'm surprised Lex is shy enough about stuff to need someone like you around.

Jam: Everyone's got nerves and insecurities. Even rabbits with too much bravado. 

Dotty: Yeah but... she seems to brave sometimes you know? Too brave for her own good even. 

Jam: She likes you a lot, so the idea of screwing things up scares her. Scares me too, I know you don't know me much but I wanna spend time with you too.

Dotty: .....

Jam: You don't have to of course. I'd get it.

Dotty: No I mean, I'd like that... just a lot to take in. 

Jam: Don't take any offense. Just wanted you not to be out of the loop on what's up. Lex trusts you a ton, she really does.

She looks lost in thought for a moment.

Jam: You okay?

Dotty: Yeah. You got a name?

Jam: You can call me Jam. 

Dotty: Like... like her casual email?

Jam: NuggetsWithJam, yep. 

Dotty: That's goofy but I kinda like it. You're cool Jam. I wanna get to know you proper some time.

You can't help feel a little warm and fuzzy.

Jam: We're glad you're taking this well, all things. I'll give you Lex back shortly just uh... talk to Geezer for us please? We really don't want this to escalate. 

She nods at you.

Dotty: Just give me a few minutes, I'm gonna talk to him one on one about this and see how that goes.

Jam: Gotcha.