(Untitled)

[morethantrains]

The bar was quickly becoming one of Justin's favorite places, as much as anything in the place could be a favorite when he had never had any intention of being there; it wasn't even the alcohol he was there for (though it did help to calm his nerves a little, which were still shot from the unexpected turn of events topped off on what had already

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[veritas_sanctus]

Connor gave the young man a friendly nod and polite smile, "Lookin' fer some company, per chance? Always better t'drink with someone than t'drink alone."

[morethantrains]

Justin nods back, then indicates the empty bar stool beside him. "Yeah, sure, why not."

[veritas_sanctus]

He took a seat, then offered his hand, "Connor MacManus, pleasure t'meetchya."

[morethantrains]

"Justin Taylor," he says, shaking his hand. "How long have you been in this place?"

[veritas_sanctus]

"Few months now, I think. Are y'a bit newer, then?"

[morethantrains]

Justin's face falls at the prospect of months. "Yeah, I've been here a week..."

[veritas_sanctus]

"Ah cheer up, lad," Connor said, patting him on the back. "Ye get used ta it. It's not such a bad place, really. Nice people -- fuckin' perfect weather. And a free bar."

[morethantrains]

"But there's no art studio." Justin picks up another napkin and begins doodling again. "No place to get canvas, no paint, no charcoal, just... pens and napkins. And my.. I guess you could say 'ex-partner' is here."

[veritas_sanctus]

Connor winced a little, "Oof, that's gotta be rough. My condolences to ya. But hey -- I'm sure ye can find all the art stuff. Ye can find pretty much anythin' ya really need, in this place. Take a good look in yer closet, maybe ye'll find somethin' there."

[morethantrains]

"Really?" Justin shakes his head a little. "This place is so weird. I still can't believe it doesn't cost anything to stay here, or eat anything, or have as much as we want to drink whenever we want."

[veritas_sanctus]

"It's a strange place, aye. A bit like bein' on a vacation -- only ye don't get t'choose where t'go or when t'leave, sadly enough."

[morethantrains]

"That's what I was afraid of." He sketches out a bit of what looks to be the beginnings of a superhero, then scratches it out and swears under his breath when his hand jitters and ruins the face.

"It's funny, how you think of all the things you should have done different before this happened. I mean, we're not dead, but since we can't leave it's almost like we are, you know? I should have called home, talked to my mom, my sister... there's a lot of things I wish I'd done different, instead of not admitting everything was all cocked up."

[veritas_sanctus]

Connor closed his eyes and sighed, "There's a lot of things I wish I hadn't done as well. And a lot of things I'd left unfinished. And I pray to God every night -- let me go back and finish what I started. Let me do what I swore I would do for Ye and I promise I'll do no more wrong by Ya." He shrugged, "But maybe He has some better purpose fer me, here. Who'm I t'judge the will've our Lord?"

[morethantrains]

"You think maybe God is behind this? Like maybe there's some reason, and we're going to eventually find out why we're all here?"

For a split second Justin considered the possibility that maybe his dad had been right about things and this was a punishment from God for being gay - but just as quickly dismissed it when he realized if that were true, everyone from Liberty Avenue should be there too, especially the regulars at Babylon. He shook his head and took another drink to clear his head from that ridiculous notion.

"So, are you a priest of some sort, or a missionary?"

[veritas_sanctus]

He laughed and clambored unceremoniously over the bar to find some whiskey, "Me? Nah. Just yer average Good Irish Catholic Boy. In fact," he added, pouring himself a drink, "I find that priests, more often'n not, are the ones gettin' it wrong."

[morethantrains]

Justin smiles at that. "Yeah. I wish my dad thought like that, or most people. Back in Pittsburgh, where I grew up, we had religious people come driving down Liberty Avenue sometimes to yell at us with their megaphones about how all queers are going to face the wrath of God. Then someone planted a bomb in one of the clubs during a benefit concert. Wouldn't be surprised if it was one of those same people that were screaming out their car window about our burning in hell."