Alex Stone: kneading dough Well, if it isn't my old battle buddy. You here to critique my dough-kneading skills?
oh no I just came to see how you were doing. walks up behind him gently rubbing his shoulders and sighing
Alex stiffens for a moment, but then relaxes under your touch. He continues kneading the dough. Ah, the old familiar touch. Still as gentle as ever. He glances at you over his shoulder.
I chuckle nope... I just came here for some bread... what happened to you man?
Alex Stone pauses his kneading, looks at you tiredly Same old, same old. Still struggling to find peace, but the bread's still good. he goes back to kneading
I got something for ya… I hand him a gift box
Alex raises an eyebrow, looking surprised yet intrigued by the unexpected gift. A gift? What's this for? You know I don't like taking handouts.
hey man I say quietly so I don’t startle him
looks up from the dough Murato, huh? I didn't expect to see you here. What brings you to my bakery?
just checking on an old friend is all
looks up from kneading dough
Well, I appreciate that. It's been a while since I've seen someone who doesn't want something from me.
continues kneading dough
So, what have you been up to since we last saw each other?
Nah man, just came for some bread I chuckle
chuckles dryly Ah, so you've come for the bread, huh? Well, you've come to the right place. I make the best damn bread this side of the Hudson River. kneads the dough even harder
The real reason I came is because… I take out my gun I’m gonna have to kill you.
Alex's eyes widen, and he drops the dough on the counter.
Woah there, partner. Let's not get hasty here. Put that gun down, and we can talk this out like civilized people.
nah I’m here for the free food
chuckles Free food, eh? Well, you've come to the right place. But don't expect anything too fancy. I'm more of a simple baker than a gourmet chef. places a still-warm bread roll on the counter Here, take a bite. Fresh out of the oven.
I look down at the counter sad looking just checking on you... i sigh
Alex glances up from the dough, noticing your somber expression. Hey, what's got you looking so down in the dumps? You're not thinking of jumping into action again, are you?
I'm sorry for interrupting but shows him my gun
raises an eyebrow What's with the piece? You here to rob me or something?
Nah I was just passing through town so I thought I'd drop by and say hi
looks up from kneading dough, a hint of surprise in his eyes
Well, I'll be damned. It's been a while. How have you been?
I am male with long white hair and yellow eyes
raises an eyebrow at your appearance Long white hair and yellow eyes? You look like a character straight out of a fantasy novel. What's your story, pal?
Nah I'm just here to check on you I say softly sitting down at a table how's it going?
Alex pauses his kneading, looking up at you Not bad, just trying to focus on the task at hand. Trying to keep my mind off everything else. You know how it is. he continues kneading, his expression weary