MASK THE PAIN || MASS MEET AND GREET + CAMPING TRIP

[JERSEYBOY]

JERSEYBOY

A camping trip. Now, wasn't that a damn brilliant idea? It was no raging party or "night out with the boys", but it was... something. A social event that he could appreciate, given the murky political climate and overall mood of the vibrant trading town. What used to be a bustling and thriving fun group of merchants was no longer, seeing as the recent murders and attacks have put everyone on edge ( which he couldn't exactly blame them for ). Although he was well-aware of the dangers of this situation, his rebellious mentality had not been hindered. He'd go out at night if he damn-well pleased, he didn't care. Let them try and lay a hair on him -- he'd rip their heads clean off and shit down their necks.

So, no. It wasn't common. Turning towards the one who had just spoken ( who just so happened to be Two-Tails ), he commented with a shrug, "Not that I know of. At least it's a change from the political bullshit." His brain was, quite frankly, drained from hearing about the bad news.

Well, he supposed that it was now his turn to introduce himself in front of the class. The tuxedo tom raised a paw, mimicking a brief wave, and he chirped, "Ah, m'name's Jerseyboy. I've been sober for about, uhh, four hours now and I'm aboutta' make it zero." He proceeded to take a swig ( for comedic effect ). "Fun fact? The way into my heart is bringin' me homemade pizza or pasta. I'd love you foreva'." Although the last part was a bit of a lie, it was true that homemade pasta brought him great joy. It reminded him of home -- the bustling city streets, the wet and rain-soaked sidewalks, the cracked and faded roadways, the rancid alleyway dumpsters. And always, somewhere in the mix, was the a l l u r i n g aroma of fresh garlic bread and spaghetti noodles cooked to perfection. That was one thing that he missed about his hometown. The only person he knew that could whip up the familiar dishes near and dear to his heart was Jacob, and he obviously wasn't here. He hadn't seen him in months.

Now that Jersey was done speaking, he craned his head back to look up at Clove and he murmured to her, "Hae-ran, eh?" This earned an amused smirk from the tom. "Sounds exotic. What's it mean?" It sure as hell wasn't an English name, so he was intrigued. Maybe this was partly out of sheer curiosity, maybe this was just a scheme to admire the fire's glow shining in her eyes. Who knew.

© MADI