sexyspace | TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

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!test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

Introduction

The same siren that had sounded a couple weeks prior to signify the arrival of the portals that ripped through the island fills the air again. While Zenith had seemed to have taken care of these strange space-time anomalies, it appears that they didn't quite contain them all.

"Hello again, volunteers," R.Y.U.O. addresses the public again, thoroughly unimpressed. "It seems we have a second breach to be concerned about. Just as before: mind the edges and you should be fine." He doesn't say much more than that but anyone looking out the nearest window will see what he's referring to.

No matter where volunteers are, the giant triangular portal (approximately 1.75 miles tall and 1 mile wide) that suddenly splits reality off in the jungle faces them. No matter where they walk or what other angles they try to see it from, it faces them. That's only slightly unnerving.

It doesn't take long before the multiversal visitors start to pour through. While current volunteers can't leave, it seems that other people are able to come in through this portal that has converged from multiple access points in the multiverse on this tiny island. Say hello, volunteers, there are quite a few new unexpected faces to greet!

WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS

Professor Quintalian - who the newly displaced might have been informed already is the head of the volunteer program here on Zhautas - is quick to turn this potential PR nightmare into a daydream. People may be spilling through the portal and bringing forth any number of issues without the proper clearance but that's not their fault.

And it isn't Zenith's either, they're quick to say. It's actually because of a deranged space pirate named Hoshiko - here, have a picture for reference! - and you can blame her for your displacement in the multiverse. Please do. Of course, if anyone questions how one person is causing all this trouble Zenith representatives will be quick to say they need to go back to whatever task they had at hand and drop the topic.

Basically, it's not your fault and it's not their fault but you're still here now. So, why not be made to feel at home during your temporary stay? The professor is of the mind that showing these newcomers some good old-fashioned Zenith Corporation hospitality would be more beneficial in the long-term than trying to turn them all away immediately. You can't buy publicity like this! He wouldn't be in charge if he didn't know how to turn things to his corporation's advantage.

TEMPORARY LODGING

It's for this reason that the professor makes the call for the west wing, usually utilized primarily for research, to be turned into temporary lodging for their company. While the makeshift cots laid out aren't as private as the pods of the east wing or bungalows out on the beach, that's alright! It's still a nice, comfortable place to sleep until they figure the best way to get you back home.

They even got everyone who shows up a complementary gift basket. It's filled with cliche "aphrodisiac" foods such as chocolate, strawberries, but thankfully no oysters. They do have those if you're interested, of course, but you'd have to go to the food court for that request. The basket also contains lube (of random, assorted flavors and added effects!) as well as a cheap, plastic bullet vibrator that has the Zenith logo printed on it.

Unfortunately, due to the quality, it's a little finicky. Once you turn it on, you might not be able to turn it off. Don't worry! There's plenty of people around to help. Plenty of people to witness you fumbling with this bouncing, buzzing object and certainly plenty of embarrassment to be had by all. What a good bonding opportunity!

SEXATORIUM

Whatever research that was going on before people started arriving has been suspended for now. One wouldn't know though from how quickly the changed everything around from perhaps what veteran volunteers are used to. One minute there's regular, mundane scribbling onto clipboards and contemplative hums and nods. The next, there's sex on display in no shortage of ways.

The lab spaces have instead been converted to serve a different purpose. The lights are dimmed and tinted a hopefully soothing blue, music plays lightly, and there's the strong scent of sweat and salt permeating the place. The west wing has, for now, been converted into a sexatorium to showcase Zenith's finest attempts at curing this disease and enticing fresh faces to join their cause.

Volunteers and newcomers alike are welcome to peruse this section of the facility until everything gets sorted. Whether it be to watch or demonstrate themselves, Zenith staff is encouraging everyone to take part. They might be a little overly encouraging, honestly. It probably isn't surprising they're under quite a bit of pressure these days from HQ. Show all the multiversal visitors a good time the Zenith way, volunteers!

The glass walls of the research sector have become an exhibitionists' dream. Or perhaps a voyeur's, depending on perspective! Maybe you're taking time to walk through or scurrying to the other side and averting your eyes. If anyone was looking for the head of the program, they can find him here. Of course they can. If you're not into tentacles, that's your loss (according to him), but he's more than happy to talk about the program as well!

They also have plenty of other "experiments" that they'll be running that anyone is free to participate in. They are, but not limited to:

Sex Toy Demonstrations - Ever wondered what state of the art sexual technology is like? Check it out for yourself! If you want it, they likely have it. Not to worry if you don't exactly want to have everything on display, there are rooms that are more private with a black-out option on the glass. It can be toggled on and off or opacity may be changed and filters applied for those who might want the thrill of potentially being seen but not entirely.

Natural Aphrodisiacs - Stepping into one of these rooms will be like taking a step outside. They're full to the brim with plants both familiar and alien as a taste of the larger gardens that Zenith touts. Of note are the coitendrils; they're a pretty touchy-feely species! It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.
Strip Trivia - How much do you know about sex? Maybe less than you think! Especially when you start throwing xenobiology into the mix. These rooms are staged like a game show (that outsiders can also view, if you so choose!) and with each wrong answer, you'll find yourself losing a piece of clothing. It could be as minor as a sock, your bracelet, or something as obvious as your entire shirt. Don't worry, your clothes are held in a containment unit just outside the room and it's all in good fun!
Cultural Exchange - It's no secret that many of the cultures and species on Zhautas are sex-positive. Most recently, volunteers visited the country of Nevrione whose specialty is leather BDSM gear with amazing hand craftsmanship. While there don't appear to be any natives to that country (which people are free to find suspicious) there is a sampling of what they have to offer for use. Also, just look at those cute feathers decorating some of the gear... What a nice touch!

AROUND THE FACILITY

The Gym
There is now a large gym after frequent volunteer requests for one. They've dedicated a lot more room recently to get a good work-out in. One of the best ways to relieve stress is exercise! Not that volunteers have any particular reason to be stressed. Everything is perfectly fine. It has a plethora of machines now rather than just a handful. In fact, it even features a rock wall, pool, and track now to suit almost every need imaginable.

A couple of the machines have an emphasis on vibrations. Not to worry, however, as there are plenty more options available that they're easily avoidable.

If the gym pool isn't your speed, you're always welcome to go for a nice swim out at the beach. The local mermaids have since returned back to their home waters, so there's no immediate threat to your well-being. At least, not anything obvious. Let them know if you find anything!
The Holo-Deck
The holo-deck is now up and fully operational. It's the size of a small gymnasium and quite sturdy! Don't worry if you do break anything, they'll fix it in a jiffy! They like to see the limits of their technology tested, after all.

The holo-deck can simulate basically anything your mind can come up with... if you have an implant. So, better make friends with someone who does if you want to experience this feature! Its main function is a relaxation mode that projects soothing landscapes and scenery. They look, smell, and sound so real you almost wouldn't believe that you aren't hiking through the mountains. And despite its limited size, the holo-deck does manipulate perception to make the space seem a lot larger than it really is.

Additionally, it has a combat mode to help keep the senses sharp of volunteers who might be more battle-inclined. They don't want you to lose your edge, after all, and especially not with Hoshiko still at large with no idea when she'll strike next. It's better to be prepared and it also gives the more restless volunteers a good way to work out all that excess energy.
Arcade
Attached to the holo-deck, there's another large room. This one is dimly lit and comes with the archaic colors and sounds that belong to a retro arcade. While the holo-deck can simulate games, there's nothing quite like the feeling of pinball beneath your fingers. Or maybe you just want to whack some moles in order to vent your frustration.

While you can win tickets here, they can't be exchanged for anything but minor trinkets. Most of the prizes to be gathered are sexual in nature (because of course, they are) like boxes of condoms or fancy flavored lubes. There's also the standard plush toys and inflatable contraptions.
Food Court & Vending Machines
This is a pristine, updated section of the facility that serves only the finest of meals thanks to the new cyborg chef in charge. He's a friendly older guy who uses his mechanical enhancements to make food faster than you can blink and, of course, it tastes incredible to boot.

Additionally, the vending area has been expanded and the machines have been fixed to no longer shoot out drinks at supersonic speeds. Of course, they still can if you so wish. Some people seemed to have fun making a game out of it so the feature is an option but only if someone selects it from the menu.

The Beach
The bungalows for more permanent residents of Zhautas are lined up along the island's south shore. It's only a short walk from the main facility, no more than five or ten minutes. If you'd rather stay out here instead of using the temporary lodging, that's also an option! They have tents available for use. Don't mind the way you may feel -- no, will feel more inclined to snuggle up - or more - with someone. That's just a standard 'light aphro' feature added to help prompt new volunteers to ease into the atmosphere of the facility.

At night, the beach lights up in beautiful blue luminescence where sand meets sea. Unfamiliar stars and constellations dot the sky as far as the eye can see. It's really rather peaceful. Well, it is if you ignore the giant foreboding portal off in the distance.

The Lounge
This is a begrudingly new addition to the main Zenith research facility, volunteers may have noticed supplies being gathered over the last week or heard whispers of the activity before the building popped up seemingly overnight near the outskirts of the jungle. While approved by the head of the program, it certainly doesn't look like anything that Zenith had a hand in constructing. (They didn't.) It sticks out from the sleek, smooth chrome surfaces by seemingly pulling together more natural elements reminiscent of the buildings in Nevrione, built from mostly wood with a stone foundation. The furniture inside is also crafted from wood, leather, and so on to create a... unique atmosphere full of tables, benches, a bar and stools. In fact, some of the decor seems to be decorated and reinforced with dragon scales.

While alcohol is served here, that's only if someone brings something that can be converted into alcohol via alchemy by resident volunteer Edward Elric. The lounge is advertised as being a place to hang out and get a break from the more modern and high tech setting that the facility has to offer, it is requested that sex does not happen within these walls.

While it touts a calm, unassuming front, with entertainment available such as darts, a pool table, card games and other typical bar games, it's quickly becoming an escape from Zenith's prying eyes and ever alert ears. This might be the place to go if you want to speak a little more freely about your suspicions regarding Zenith.

For volunteers that offer to help with construction or around the lounge once it's built - keeping order among others, cleaning, gathering supplies or various other tasks around the building - drinks will be free (unless another agreement is arranged) as means of payment for their time.

(For any questions about the lounge, please contact Remedy. Thanks for this idea goes to Amy, as it was Garrett's brainchild.)

THE UNDERBELLY

For as much as Zenith is pulling out all the stops, there's no denying that there is a faint sense of unrest teeming beneath the surface. While some veteran volunteers are friendly, there is still an undeniable undercurrent of dissatisfaction that Zenith can't quite completely overshadow. For all the fanfare and attentiveness of the staff, it probably won't be long before you run into at least a few people who aren't exactly shy about their dislike of the corporation.

Things that one might overhear and want to investigate are as follows:

Out in the jungle at night, you might have noticed- No, not the portal, everyone's noticed that. There are red eyes that light up the jungle at night. While they aren't exactly menacing, they are extremely unnerving. Ask anyone and they'll tell you those are demons and they're a product of Professor Quintalian's "personal research" apparently approved by Zenith. While they aren't actively aggressive, trying to infringe on their territory is ill-advised.

Being demon-touched is a terrible thing to experience. They're formless, tarry parasitic creatures that try to consume someone. There's even apparently a chance that you might turn into one. Being demon-touched comes with a host of negative side effects such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a desire to be "complete," fever, and more. And unfortunately for you, the process to expel any demon essence from the body is just as terrible.

Unfortunately, demons aren't the only concern you'll have if you traverse the jungle. This tiny island hosts a range of creatures both docile and deadly. It also seems like with the portal opening, even more are making their way and finding a space here at the Zenith Research Facility.
Despite initially volunteering, people's requests to leave are met with vague excuses as to why it isn't possible immediately. But then the professor will turn around and say Zenith sent someone home overnight without a word to anyone. While this appears to be highly suspicious, none of the staff seem to want to expound upon how Zenith operates with regards to terminating volunteer participation and, of course, Quintalian is nowhere to be found for any real serious discussion. Call him though! He'll be glad to talk to you over dinner and a nice bottle of wine.

Maybe talk to a resident volunteer about this since it should be worrying to someone who might want to sign-up.

Despite the way that the helperbot R.O.S.I.E. is described to watch the facility at all times, she's known to get distracted or glitch out from time to time. And with her trying to entertain all these new guests where she can as well as Zenith re-routing efforts to the sexatorium, there's a distinct lack of physical security present. Huh.

Recently, there's been a lot of thumping and bumping up in the ventilation shafts throughout the main facility. If you're foolhardy enough to find the cause, you'll actually be met with one of the resident defensive AIs that goes by the name R.Y.U.O. He's glad you're here, actually. Things were starting to get boring. If you wander too far through the vents into a restricted area (since the barriers in place won't stop those without an implant!), he'll be quick to throw something else to deter your exploration.

This might electric shocks, extreme heat, of even the classic of a swarm of spiders. It's nothing personal, of course, he just has a job to make sure people trying to snoop don't get too far.

EXTRA NOTES

Welcome to the Zhautas fourth wall event! We've added some extra links down below that might be helpful for newcomers.
As a reminder, the timeline is:

Fourth wall begins on Fromb 24th (March 24th).
The portal will close and the event will end on Fromb 39th (April 8th).
The arrival ship will land as scheduled on Fromb 40th (April 9th).
The intro log including this and theft of the arrival ship will be on Fromb 41st (April 10th).
The next OOC Event Announcement for April's event will be on April 15th.

In the case of an unfortunate run-in with R.Y.U.O.'s defense of the air vents, established volunteers, let us know here!
If you have any extra questions about anything in the game, please direct them to the FAQ!
If you have in character questions, those can be directed to R.O.S.I.E. here!

NAVIGATION ♦ FAQ ♦ TAKEN ♦ RESERVES ♦ APPLICATIONS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

John looks over his shoulder as if he's worried about someone following or listening in on them or something. He'd happily give a fake name but he's not in trouble here and- well, not that he was in trouble back home. He just, maybe. Didn't need to hide.

"John," he says quietly once he's facing forward again with his head lowered while scratching the side of his nose. There must be a dozen Johns around, he doesn't mind parting with his first name.

"And I'm old enough to drink. Anything else you needa know?"

John? Suddenly, the little bits of this guy that seem familiar are all rushing out at him. He looks back over his shoulder, brows furrowing.

He's smart enough to know he shouldn't ask if his last name happens to be Constantine when the guy's cagey enough, but... he can't help but wonder it.

"... Uh, no. And I wasn't really gonna ask you if you were old enough anyway." He probably isn't where Billy's from... even Billy's still a year and some months away, but here? It doesn't seem to matter much.

"So, John, before you got pulled in here... what were you doing? Looks like you might've been on the move a bit. You also look like you listen to the Sex Pistols incessantly... thinking of running away and starting a band off your own?"

He wasn't, really. But he's a confident enough liar that he thinks he can get away with it. They beamed him here out of nowhere, they can't expect him to have brought ID with him.

Tempting as it was to snap at Billy that it was none of his business, talk of his favourite band makes him a little more willing to engage in conversation.

"I was. Just slumming it." He's not at the stage yet where he can actually leave permanently. He can't leave Cheryl behind, and he doesn't have any money. He just doesn't go home for a few days until he absolutely has to. All that's going to change though, once he gets his break with his bandmates. They'll be the biggest fucking wankers around. Everyone will know their names. He'll have enough money to take Cheryl and go anywhere they want, away from that useless fat fuck. Somewhere safe where they can make a home.

"I'm a punk rocker, through and through," he declares. "We'll be the talk of the whole town, just like the Pistols. Bigger than the fucking Beatles." And then-... and then they wouldn't have to live like this anymore.

"We've got gigs lined up, in Newcastle. I'm never going back to Liverpool."

"You've got that look about you, I'm not surprised." Not surprised and feeling a little-- he can't quite put his finger on it. Like he's looking at a disaster right before it happens and he's not sure he can stop it really.

"What's your band? Maybe I'll want to brag that I cooked a meal for one of the guys in it one day."

Okay, yeah... this is way too weird.

...really? Most people would have just laughed and told him he's fucking dreaming. He doesn't quite know what to do with this positive affirmation and encouragement. He's fully expecting to get shot down now that he's namedropping his band.

"Mucous Membrane. I'm the lead singer." He's going to be getting all the hot chicks and the hot dudes. Die a legend in his late 20s and go out in a blaze of glory. Or lots of sex and drugs.

"This it?" he asks when they get to a bungalow. Looks real posh. He feels a little out of place but he quells his uneasiness with an indifferent face firmly affixed.

Well-- he's had plenty of people do that to him. He'd rather not be that guy if he can help it. Even if Mucous Membrane is... yeah. Wow. Maybe not the name he'd have chosen for a band, but to each their own. He looks back at him, giving a nod.

"Alright, I'm gonna remember that name, John."

He nods at the question absently. "Yeah, this would be it. Come on in. What do you like to eat anyway? Steak, burgers, pasta... I feel like I should offer you more than cheap ramen or something."

Billy can probably wing it, especially since adult John's never that picky. The younger one probably isn't either.

Another nervous look gets cast over his shoulder before John steps out of his shoes and goes inside. His hands work quickly to tie his shoelaces to his backpack instead of leaving his shoes there as if anyone would want to take those old sneakers.

The offer of any sort of decent hot food has his stomach churning.

"Whatever you've got. Do you even have steak?" he asks while he looks around. Closed doors. Nice decor. Would anyone notice if those candleholders went missing?

"This place yours? What are you, some trust fund wankbag?"

When you're a witch who can make almost anything he wants appears, steak is really not a huge deal to summon up, honestly, so he gives a shrug of his shoulders. "Well, it'd be dumb to offer something I don't have, right?"

He pulls a face and looks over his shoulder. "What? I wish. We're given these places to stay in while we volunteer, and it's four people to each bungalow, so it's not like anyone gets actual private housing."

"It's how the world fucking works, you plonker. People promising shite they can't give you, make you buy into it while they suck you dry. Fuck them. And fuck all the people in charge. They don't give a toss about the people they're stomping on." Yeah. Someone's angry. Angry in the way fifteen year old know-it-alls get angry about the world.

He studies the couch for a moment before stepping into the kitchen, his shoulders rising a bit as he pulls his bag in a little closer. Four doors. They've all got rooms.

"Think I could stay here?"

Wow, someone is full of teenage rage all of a sudden. "Yeah, well-- that's why you have to take matters into your own hands sometimes. Just because someone's in charge doesn't mean anything. They're not inherently right or good or on your side. Keep that in mind around here especially."

But Billy's learned that lesson lot both here and back home.

Billy moves around the kitchen to gather what he needs -- and use a bit of discreet magic here and there to call up anything else he needs. Maybe John hasn't discovered it yet, maybe he has... but it doesn't settle well to encourage it either way.

The question has him pausing though, a bit surprised honestly. Considering John just earlier was trying to fight him and throwing every name in the book his way. "Not too big on the provided sleeping arrangements, huh? Resist calling me a pussy or cunt at least once and we'll talk about a sleepover."

He doesn't need the life lessons, thanks. But. He hasn't really been getting life lessons from other people either. Just learning and dealing with whatever life throws at him right now, taking things one day at a time.

His lips part to throw another insult Billy's way, but he glances back over at the couch again and weighs up all his other options. This is looking about as good as it can get.

"I don't wanna wake up in the middle of the night with a hand down my pants, that's all," John says quietly with a sniffle. He's seen some of the weird shit people are doing around here. He might be a hormonal teenager who's generally interested in sex but there's a lot of creepy old dudes around. He can bite his tongue for a while if that's what gets him a couch in a less public place to spend the night on.

"I don't remember that being an issue when I was in the temporary arrangements, but-- I spent a lot of time sleeping down on the beach or on couches around the facility, so probably not the best source." Less because of any molestation worries and more because Billy's stubborn and he had issues sharing close space with a total stranger.

"But sure. I can pretty much guarantee no surprise hands anywhere unexpected."

"Okay." What's he going to do if he wakes up with someone's hand down his pants anyway? Just put on a brave face and wait for it to be over, most likely. It's not like he can do anything to Billy for lying to him or whatever. He can only hope Billy doesn't have weirdos for housemates.

"For whatever it's worth I'll remember this, when we make it big." He has to believe in that because there's nothing else to believe in. Nowhere else to go. Nothing else he could do. Maybe Billy won't ever go to England but he'll do what he can if they ever cross paths again.

He's kind of glad he's got an excuse to not look at John directly as he talks, bus prepping the food. Because shit-- this feels bad. He'd been tempted to knock him out flat earlier and now he's just... kind of wishing he could change how things end up for him.

Talk about gaining a new perspective on John Constantine.

"Yeah? Thanks, John..." He manages another smile as he looks back over his shoulder. "I want a shout out at the very least."

And before he can feel too guilty going along with something that's not happening-- "After you eat, you wanna go grab a shower or anything? I'll see if I can grab us a bottle of something while you're at it since I promised you that drink too."

It probably means he's going to have to bribe someone or pull a few favors from friends, but he'll get it.

"Yeah. I can do that." Past the surly exterior he's actually just another kid with stupid dreams and hopeful smiles.

"I uh- yeah. I haven't been back to the house in a while." It's not a home for him. Even if he was that attached to the place, it's more like a slum. "It'd be nice." Not to have to clean up in a public bathroom or pretend to be a shopper using the mall toilet and try not to get thrown out by security.

"Can I leave my bag here at least? It's everything I got." If he's not getting the couch he doesn't want to have to worry about his stuff getting swiped while he's making his own hammock on the beach and lying in it.

"Oh-- well, if you want a change, you can help yourself to anything of mine. I don't care. It'll work until you've washed what you've got at least." And it's not all tight skinny jeans and hipster shirts... just mostly. He's not sure how well it'll fit him, but what John's wearing now doesn't seem to fit all that well either.

"Sure. You can stay with it though."

"Yeah?" He's not sure about some of the fashion choices but clean clothes are clean clothes. He'll definitely find something a little better fitting.

"Okay, um. After this." The food he means. That was the deal, right?

"Thanks." If Billy's going to make it weird there's no guarantee John won't snap at him again.

Hey, come on. He knows John doesn't like it when he makes it weird, so he'll just give a nod and a quick, "No problem."

Billy's pretty sure he never makes situations better, much as he might want to. He doesn't think he'll be able to stop John from whatever path he's on back home-- but he can at least maybe be kind for a little bit.

"So, have you done any other sightseeing besides the arcade?"

"A wee bit." He walked up and down the facility, checked out the gym, the sex expo thing. Got thrown out of the food court. Mostly he was just scoping out a place to stay for the night before he got distracted by the allure of the lights and blips in the arcade.

"Does it matter? They'll throw me back out where I came from, like garbage." John turns his head away and grits his teeth, keeping his arms crossed. Yeah, he knows he's trash. Doesn't need everyone to remind him as much. Not like they'll let him stay long enough to enjoy any of their amenities anyway.

"Don't you want to go back? Thought you had a band and some gigs..." Billy can't really endorse John volunteering for this mess, not in good conscience. Sometimes it's not so bad, and he appreciates the people he's met here, but then there's stuff like scavenger hunts for blood and deities and every other not so pretty thing they've gone through.

"I don't know-- that's up to you, I guess. Nothing wrong with taking advantage of things while you've got them."

"Does it look like I have a choice? I have a sister I need to take out of that shambles of a house before she gets killed. The band needs me. I need a job so I can drop out already. Who would be stupid enough to turn a fucking beach holiday down if they didn't have anything better to do?" So far so tranquil and beachy. It's not like John knows the other side of this place. All he's seeing is that he's been dropped somewhere real nice and he knows he can't have any of this.

Well. The rules were he couldn't call Billy a pussy or a cunt, right? He might be losing his shit but he hasn't done that yet, at least.

Well, this John seems a lot more open to spilling his guts... in the angriest teenage way possible, but it wasn't that long ago that Billy was just an angry, bitter teenager. At least he can handle it -- or try at least.

"That's a lot of responsibility on you..." And Billy knows that sort of responsibility never gets easier. It'll probably get worse actually. "You can always ask them if you can stay and volunteer, but it sounds like you've made up your mind... siblings complicate things like that especially. Just means you'll really have to hit it big so you can get your own house on the beach, I guess."

He busies himself plating up the food once it's done and moves to put the plate in front of him.

He can't stay. He can't stay. He wants to, but... but he still wants to be the hero in his own life story. That's more important to him and he can see far enough into the future to know that following his impulses to stay now isn't going to work out for people counting on him.

"We don't need-... all this," John insists. He has no conception of how much money he'd actually need to get a place like this. How inconsequential a place like this would be if his band really takes off. Would he need a million quid? What's a million quid even look like? If he had a million pounds would it even make sense to buy a house on a beach or should he just try and split it all up so they wouldn't have to work to get by?

"We just need- some space to ourselves. Where nobody's going to hurt us." He wipes his nose with the back of his hand and curls his fingers around his fork like he's about to stab his steak. Which he does. He grips the steak knife uncertainly and turns his wrist a bit before getting it at a good enough angle to cut a strip off. God it smells amazing.

He might have even made an approving noise when he put the first piece in his mouth. Blissful silence during meals is usually a good sign.

"Rough family life, huh?" Understatement, probably.

At least it sounds like John's enjoying the meal. But while he eats, Billy busies himself cleaning up his mess before he gives a look back over at him.

"You finish up, I'm gonna go get you those clothes."

"It's nothing," John tries to brush it off, but as he sits and eats he occupies as little of the seat as possible and he keeps his head down, looking like he's physically incapable of relaxing.

He'll struggle to finish the meal, but he'll make himself do it anyway, if nothing else out of habit, not knowing when the next time he'll have something to eat might be. Occasionally his head will track a few unfamiliar noises around but he doesn't make a lot of eye contact with Billy as he wanders in and out of the kitchen.

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