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[Clarence stopped petting Cheddar, straightening up to watch Elliott's profile.]

What do you mean you applied?

[He drops his head, heart hammering in his chest. His shoulders hunch]

I uh, they have jobs openings, so I... I just think I might be able to help keep the peace or something this way.

[Clarence's jaw drops for a moment, brows scrunching together in confusion.]

What? A job with the Bureau? But what would you do?

[He stops and rubs at his face.] Keep the peace, huh?

Er, well I applied to the medical services division. I have some healing ability, so I figured I could help there. Maybe learn some stuff, too.

[He shifts his feet]

I know some people will think I'm- I don't know, a sellout or something- but it's not true. I just think the only representative from the Bureau most of us have seen isn't really interested in diplomacy, seems like?

[Clarence hummed, his hand resting against his cheek as he continued to regard his friend.]

I guess it makes sense to use the abilities you have, the ones you can't really use anywhere else publicly, in the one place that you can use it.

But basically you're saying, you want to take the place of Mister Martin. Instead of dealing with that jerk, we'll have you to kind of be the go-between.

[It... wasn't an awful idea. But Clarence did wonder...] You think people are going to take you seriously? You're still a kid, and even when you turn eighteen, you'll still only be eighteen in the eyes of a lot of people.

[Elliott hesitates]

Well, no. Not exactly like that- not officially, anyway. Just.. I'd.. be part of both, so maybe I could just.. help smooth things out a bit.

[It hadn't been a fully ironed out idea- just a concept]

I really just want to keep everyone from fighting. Like.. maybe me being there will reassure the Bureau that not all the Different are against them, and reassure everyone else by showing them that the Bureau isn't.. treating me terribly or something. That maybe we can cooperate.

[And maybe he would become a bridge in some way if it all worked out.]

A show of good faith, I guess.

[Perfect cinnamon roll. Too good, too pure for this world. Jeez, if only The Onion could have known...]

[Clarence sighs.]

You're always trying to do stuff to help other people. It's... [He struggled to find the right words.] ... Look. It's a good idea. A nice gesture. Great intentions. But El, don't get disappointed if things don't work out quite how you want it to.

[Elliott held his breath, then slowly released it]

..What do you think might happen?

[He shrugs, reaching down to release the lead from the harness. He expected Cheddar wouldn't go far, and there wasn't really anyone else around that his cat might bother right now.]

I dunno. Maybe they won't hire you. Or maybe you will end up getting shunned by a lot of the other Different. Or maybe the Bureau will use you as a scapegoat later on.

You just can't trust anyone in authority. I guess I just mean to say is... keep your eyes open.

[He thought it over for a moment, hoping Clarence's trust was misplaced]

I'll be careful. But, well if they don't hire me, I guess I won't have to worry too much. Just don't mention it to Mom. I'm not gonna tell her unless I get the job. Don't want to worry her over nothing if it doesn't happen. I wanted to tell someone, though.

I... I get that. [At least he could help in this way.]

[He was quiet for a moment, just watching Cheddar stalking something crawling along the beach, maybe a crab.]

... You know I got your back, right? However I can, I want to help you. I just, I don't think I'll be able to do anything if you get in too deep.

[Elliott smiled, heart lifting and voice going fond.]

Yeah, I know. Thanks.

[He already knew he wouldn't drag Clarence into anything he thinks might make him a target if things got that bad, but he wasn't going to think about that for now]

[One more thing to worry about. One more thing to consider now that he was starting to see things weren't as simple, and never would be, as they once were.]

[He took a deep breath then made kissing sounds, alerting Cheddar. The cat trilled back and trotted back over, allowing Clarence to tag him to the lead again]

C'mon. Let's go get something tasty. I can feed Cheddar at the bus stop before I head home.

Yeah, sounds good.

[He let Clarence lead the way, feeling better about everything even as his worries increased]

You're a really good friend, you know.

[Clarence's steps slowed ever so slightly at the comment. He glanced over at Elliott through the corner of his eye, but kept facing ahead. The urge to deny was great, but he didn't want his friend to get frustrated with his constant low confidence, and instead turned his gaze forward with a huff.]

Pff. Well one of us has to be the "good friend" in this relationship. Suppose it might as well be me. [A long-suffering sigh.]

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