A Zoo in the Fog (PersonaxZoophobia)

A Talk Between Old Enemies

            Time would come and go, with Jackson gaining a couple of bruises from his training with Kayla. None of them were caused from sparring, but it all came from the punching bag apparently choosing Jackson as it's target to finally hit back. Though today Jackson walked with Zechariah to Cameron's office, Jackson standing a bit awkward after having been brought out of class for this. "I hope I'm not taking up your time. I-I'm sure you have more important things to do than escort me around the school." Jackson finally stutters out to break the silence.

Zechariah kept his neutral, calm expression and looked to Jackson. "It is somewhat my job to make sure you're all safe, even with what you're doing now." He says simply. "And I believe resolving any animosities between you and Ruben will have the team act more effectively and be at less risk." Jackson thought on that, and it seemed to make sense, but there was something lingering in Zechariah's eye. For a split second, the vice principal's calm demeanor gave way to one of worry. It's not often Jackson saw something like that, but it was understandable. Zechariah must feel like he shouldn't be throwing students in harms way, even if it is the most effective thing he could be doing. Though Jackson couldn't ask to bring Zechariah along. Even with all he has done, it would be putting him at risk. Who knows what Zechariah's Shadow hides, and how powerful it may be. It didn't exactly work out well with bringing Zill along into the TV to save Kayla.

Though Jackson's curiosity and own worry got the better of him, and he would ask "Is everything ok sir?"

"Yes, I'm fine Jackson. Just... still trying to wrap my head around what clues we have on the case. That's all." Zechariah tried to reassure Jackson, but it was clear that wasn't all. Though before Jackson could ponder on it any more, the two arrive at Cameron's office. "Ruben is already inside. Good luck Jackson." And with that, Zechariah went off to return to his duties.

Jackson nervously peeked into the office, and sure enough he found Cameron and Rusty talking to each other, only to be stopped by his appearance. "Oh, Jackson. Please, come in. We were just waiting for you." Cameron said, gesturing for Jackson to take a seat next to Rusty on one of her beanbag chairs. Jackson carefully sat down, Rusty looking on at him.

"Uh, hey Jack. You... doing good?" Rusty said a bit awkwardly. He was trying to get himself to be better, but it was odd addressing Jackson completely by name.

"Yeah. I'm fine. How are the tutoring sessions with Autumn?" Jackson asks, trying to keep his own nerves down. The first step would probably be just having a normal discussion with Rusty without flinching.

"Doe boy knows his stuff, but damn if I can't understand a bit of it." Rusty sighs, but then gives a small chuckle. "It's... nice just talking with him." A smile appeared on Rusty's face, seemingly implying something but Jackson couldn't really understand what.

"Now, you two, often when we're in situations like this, it's often best if we tried clearing the air." Cameron stated, now looking to Jackson. "Jackson, can you tell us why you're afraid of Rub...Rusty?" Rusty seemed to give a little nod at that correction.

"I just, I guess it's more instinctive now?" Jackson rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. "I mean, I've seen him since grade school, and often when I saw him, it never meant any good to me." Jackson really didn't know how to phrase this. How can you phrase something that just sort of came as second nature when needed? "I guess... I just never understood why he did it."

"Sometimes, I didn't even know myself." Rusty would look down, guilt written all over his face. As much as Jackson felt fear for Rusty, he couldn't help but not resent him. Even after all he has done. That was an issue he'd have to deal with for Kayla and Zill, but resentment just wasn't in him. "I suppose I was looking for some kind of... control I guess?"

"And what do you mean by that, Rusty?" Cameron asks, mostly going to let the boys converse and only give input when needed.

"Well, dad was a drunk, mom left... everything was just kinda spiraling out of control. I lashed out at anything and anyone." Rusty sighs a bit. "This probably sounds really stupid. I ain't someone who talks about their feelings."

"Your feelings aren't stupid, Rusty." Cameron said simply. "Just... say what's on your mind."

"Yeah well, he knows this part." Rusty says with a sigh. "Every time I saw you getting hit with your luck, I thought you had it as bad as me. But you kept... smiling. I never understood that. How you could have happiness despite all the freaky... stuff that happens to you."

"I'm not against you swearing Rusty." Jackson lightly chuckles at the idea of Rusty censoring himself, but then he let his face give way to a more solemn expression. "But... I wasn't always happy. I'm not. There are times where..." Jackson shakes his head, stopping himself from continuing that thought. "I sometimes ran away because of how hopeless everything felt. That's how I even met Zill."

"But in the end, you met your best friend. Someone who is still your friend today." Rusty leaned back into his chair. "I didn't really have friends until I got here."

"Well... I guess now we're giving you a chance." Jackson gave a little smile.

"You're giving me a chance." Rusty corrected him. "I just hope I ain't gonna be a roadblock to the things you guys do."

"Trust me, you won't. It doesn't hurt to have a second heavy hitter." Jackson gave a small smile.

Rusty stayed silent for a bit. "... But what about you?" He asked. "You're afraid I'm going to hurt you, right?"

Jackson would slowly give a nod. "I'm not going to lie Rusty. I'm afraid that you'll just turn around and just punch me out. But this is a team, and I've got to try for my team."

Rusty sighs a bit. "... You win. You're the more mature person out of both of us."

Jackson shakes his head. "If you're trying to make yourself better, I gotta take that chance. Maybe... we try talking a few times? Casually outside of school and try to see where it goes from there?"

"I mean, when I'm not in tutoring or detention." Rusty gives a little shrug. "But... yeah. We could try that."

Jackson gives a light smile and nods. Cameron smiled at the two boys. "Well, maybe we can schedule something later? Help Jackson with you two being in contact with each other?"

Rusty nods a bit, slowly getting up. "Yeah. I think that's a good idea." There was still tension within the air, mostly from how there was still some unsolved problems and just a bit of fear residing in Jackson still.

He slightly flinched as the other walked past but did eventually say "I'll see you at our next meet up Rusty."

Rusty looked back, giving a little thumbs up and walking out. "Sure thing... Jackson."