#((can't place the guy can't trust his brain it's triggering bad memories whoo boy it's just BAD all around))

[foxedthecards]

Jonas had come up beside him about to ask which kind of soft drink he might like since he'd be more than happy to buy it for him. " Oh hm? " he asked, inclining his head as Artair asked his questions. " Guy in a coat what...?" He glanced up at Artair's face, his gaze following where he was looking and for a hair-raising second he almost did make it obvious before common sense and instincts kicked in and he caught himself.

He turned himself around a bit and stood beside Artair, his entire body going still as stone but his eyes darting in the direction Artair indicated to get a better look at the man.

His good mood vanished in an instant.

A sick cold feeling welled up in the pit of his stomach. His heart started hammering in his chest and ice crept into his veins.

Jonas had been getting to know Artair better over these few months. While he felt considerably comfortable with him at this point there were still aspects of his life he hadn’t brought up around Artair. One of those being his dating experiences in general. But in particular, the more darker ones.

He hadn’t had ALL bad experiences, truth be told. With the majority of his exes, things simply hadn’t worked out for whatever reasons and some he actually remained on good terms with. But there'd been a few experiences that had left lasting damage, a vicious ex or two, narrow escapes. He was no stranger to creeps or stalkers.

This guy Artair had pointed out...it bothered Jonas that he in fact DID seem familiar. The little redhead racked his brain trying to remember exactly how or why that was the case but he just kept drawing a blank except for a very vague memory of this guy possibly asking him for a light for his cigarette?

" Maybe..." he mumbled, rubbing his arms which had started erupting in goosebumps. " I'm not...not sure? Probably just some creep or something. " He hated knowing his shit memory couldn't be relied on to tell him anything about this stranger. He could be a random stalker he'd never met before or an obsessive creep he'd made the mistake of hooking up with once, who knew?

On impulse he took Artair's hand, twining his fingers tightly with his. His hand was trembling and the deep shame and distaste at his own cowardice twisted his mouth briefly as he stared down at the floor. " Maybe...maybe if we j-just...ignore him...he'll go away..." he muttered under his breath. The sick icy fear continued to grow steadily and his mind had started filling up with ugly memories...

And Jonas of course...remained happily clueless about the entire situation. Artair was listening to his ramblings, chiming into the conversation at the appropriate times and at some point had even draped his arm over his shoulder and honestly at no point yet had Jonas felt even a inkling of unease or worry because why would he? Artair was there right alongside him, it felt great. His head even had a bit of a pleasant buzz to it, weird how close exhaustion and being a bit tipsy felt? He hadn't even had a second's thought or hesitation either about just bumping in close to Artair's side and run an arm comfortably around his back to hook a few fingers into the far left pocket of Artair's jacket and let his hand dangle there. Felt like the most natural thing in the world.

" I don' think it'll be much of a thingy...issue you know? " he rambled on, as Artair subtly guided them both into a different direction. Again not something Jonas took particular notice of. He gestured again with his free hand making idle little rolls in the air as he talked on. " I mean, Jim knew I came in there only on a temporary basis...he's Jim...the boss guy you know, he's pretty uh...something uh...chill, yeah that's the word. Chill about things! Even if he wasn't well fuck that. I'd think that, y'know? But pffft c'mon hey don't worry, you worry too much? It's good look hey, hey you know what I'll call him later tonight and just let him know an' take this time then ok? Pretty sure I got enough t'cover things until the actual gig starts..."

Behind them the neon-soaked street remained empty for a few minutes, save for a few tourists passing by. Then once again, the strange man came into view, continuing to keep his pace slow, casual and distant.

There was no doubt about it. He WAS following them. He was being savvy enough about it that someone ordinarily might not take much notice or pay it any heed. Certainly not if it had been Jonas all by himself.

This guy whatever his intentions though, certainly hadn't accounted for Artair.