socialcapital | [ JACKSON HEART ]

"I think so...? They don't like, pull weapons or anything probably?"

He thinks he could. But he couldn't.

No.

[Perhaps he could...? A rock star would certainly have had experience turning people down in small ways. Perhaps this would be no different. And he's a member of the Cirrus Network now. That could also be a shield.]

If you are able to, then I think it would be fine.

"But I probably won't be putting it to the test any time soon. I'm still pretty nocturnal."

So long as you're attending to all you need to do, there's nothing wrong with that.

... I hope your journey takes you to a place where you're happy, too.

He hesitates a moment.

"Well, I'm not aiming for anything that big. I'm content with being normal and boring."

I find those to be very positive ambitions, myself.

Those are destinations, though. In my own experience, happiness is a state -- it's found in travelling the journey, not at the end of it.

"The journey to the grocery store?"

He says it lightly, jokingly.

[He looks away before his eyes can go too soft.]

There have been occasions where even that small domesticity has been so, yes.

"That does sound nice. I'm glad you've got that."

For now. But even if that changes, I will treasure having been through it.

... keep walking, Mr. Umbra. You'll get there.

"Is that your professional advice?"

No. It's personal.

[He sets his cup on the coffee table, and opens his hands toward the cookies.]

May I take one of these for the road?

"Go for it. You need fuel to get wherever you're going, I bet."

Just as you need time to get through the studies of this long night.

[He takes a single cookie, wrapping it in a clean handkerchief before slipping it into his jacket pocket.]

Still. Thank you for allowing me to share this cup of coffee with you.

"Well, thank you for visiting."

[He shakes his head.]

It was my pleasure.

I look forward to our paths crossing again. No matter how far from now that point will be.

Edited 2026-03-17 01:20 (UTC)

I... realize this is a particularly Sun Sign impulse, and not a practice those of your Family are known for. I would like to hug you goodbye.

Would you be comfortable with that? It is perfectly acceptable to say no.

"A hug...?"

He rolls it over in his head, then shrugs and nods.

"Sure, I don't mind."

[He leans over, wrapping his arms around Umbra's shoulders. There's an odd sense of relief in the movement -- as if it's something he'd been holding back from for too long.]

Take care of yourself. No matter how it feels now, you'll figure this out.

He was braced for it, so he doesn't tense - in fact, the relief seems to be a bit contagious, since he relaxes into the hug a little.

"Of course. I'm gonna get this accountant thing locked in."

"Mr. Jackson Umbra, CPA."

It will be a professional designation to be proud of.

"I'm Jackson Umbra, an accountant with the Cirrus Network~... it still sounds silly right now, but I'll make it work for me."

It will become more natural with time.

[A light squeeze, and he pulls back.]

You have time. And that time is yours, now, and no one else's.

I'm sure you'll use it well.

"At the very least I'll do my best."

He gives Satin a little shoulder pat.

"Try not to let the old ladies bully you out there."

[There is a tiny moment of relief where he considers how unlikely it is that he will face such challenges here.

And then he thinks of Ms. Harmonious Song.

And then he thinks of the unknown amount of danger there is in classifying Ms. Harmonious Song in such a way.]

I will... do my best.

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