#fenixtj

Jessica watches his phone blow up with an eyebrow raised; volumes in any other language.

"Sorry about that, Countess. I have ...friends" Apologetic

"Jess or Jessica is fine. And... that's a good thing, I think?"

"not sure I deserve them" He admits "I have a habit of failing people I get close to"

"Seems like there's a lot of that feeling going around."

"Yeah, well, Adam's gone because I.. didn't.. I was''t watching right. Your dad is.. I think he's quitting Mountaining, but I don't know, becausse I fucked up. My parents barely seem to knnow what to do with me. I'm... I'm everyone's way"

"Well. I''ve only heard about Adam third hand, really. I think my dad will talk to everyone more publicly, soonish. I don't know your folks either, really, but it seems like wilders often baffle parents. I know I did. Do, maybe."

"You're still a wilder Jess. Just.. uber trollish about it" he nods

"I meant 'did' as in, while I was at Rivervale. And maybe after I left."

"Oh" A surprised look "Okay. What.. what do YOU think of your dad? Besides the fact you love him, of course"

"or is.. that too rude a question?"

"No, not too rude."

Jessica thinks for a minute. "Like you said, I love him. I admire him. It's hard, you know? He wasn't around when I was growing up; I heard a lot about how awful he was, how he ran away when I was born because he couldn't handle the responsibility." her lips quirk "Ironic, huh?"

"I know better now, of course."

"Once mom and Richard got married, that all kind of went away. Until I found him and had my Dream Dance and we have to figure out our stories and plan pretty quick. Now she kind of looks at me the way she looked at him." Jess shrugs.

"I'm sorry about your mortal mom, that has to be rough..." He admits "I got lucky. Dad and mom in the know. him a kithain she a kinnian" A nod "It is ironic. Your dad is like.. SUPER Responsible"

"Exactly."

"I know he hated being away but I also know why he had to be. ANYway...."

"He ... he's made some hard choices. I'm glad you and he are patched up" A nod "I respect the hell out of the Mountain."

She nods. "I respect him too." she adds unnecessarily.

"Sorry I'm rambling. I just feel bad for how I.. stung him. Would give annything to undo it. You ever have anything you wish you could undo? Or unsay?"

"Every day, feels like." Jess nods.

"So.. yeah, with my hoof in mouth I'm doomed" A nod "Gotcha. "

"Hey, I didn't say that. But it's likely we all have things we wish we could undo or unsay, Zane."

"The real question, maybe, is what you do afterwards."

"Yeah, well, I tried to leave Rivervale... but apparently the others are threateninnng to dragg me back, though atl east I'm here for a few nights. "

"the others being my fellow wilders and friends" A sigh

Jess chuffs. "I see. Well. Running away doesn't really work, does it?"

"Rub it in why don't you?" But he smiles weakly "I just.. don't want to hurt any of them? You know? I don't want folks counting on me to end up dissappointed they did"

She nods. "No, I get it. Completely."

"I guess the stakes are bigger for you" A nod "But you can hanndle it. One thing I respect about trolls. You guys just handle it all so smoothly"

"Zane, you're dreaming." dryly "Each kith has it's advantages and frailties, but I'm telling you -people- are all the same."

"Well, yes, I gguess but... " Unsure "I mean... trolls... unshakeable is what you guys look like"

"-Look- like." she points out.

"Okay, then can I say I envy your poker face?"

"That, you can say." she nods "And I don't even have a beard."

That gets a laugh out of him

"They're over rated I hear, but I'll probably get one for the proper wizard effect"

"It'll look good on you; satyr's are built for them."

"Yeah? thanks. I'll tell Piper.. really rub it in"

"Not sure Piper could pull it off, though don't tell her that."

"Oh I probably will, I'm mean like that" But he smiles "Thanks Jessica, I feel better. " And he means it

"I'm glad, Zane." she claps a hand gently on his shoulder "You're a good guy."

"Worse things to be, thank you" A smile and a look around "Speaking of nice, your hold is always so soothing. I love it. No matter how bad things are in the world this place tries to make you realize there's always a chance to recover"

Jess tilts her head, thinking, and nods. "Yes. It is." she looks back at Zane "And, hey, you're welcome here anytime."

"I appreicate it. I'll try not to chase Nancy around the halls when the kids are watching"

She rubs the back of her neck awkwardly "Yes. Thank you."

A chuckle at something , then realization "Oh. I brouht you something to ..ah, well, make peace if you were mad at me." He reaches into his backpack "Not sure if you like it or hate it, but. it was an idea"

He pulls out a book

"Why would I be mad at you?" she takes the book.