Jer says that he was a decent human being and Samual can’t help but brighten up a bit. Yeah that’s true. “J’s got good taste in people, I feel like.” At least so far as he can tell. Jer’s good people. J’s good people. He could say some very mean things about Marco, but that’s not his place and he gets the feeling that J’s just about done with him anyway.
Sam couldn’t help but laugh. “They’re just good guys, y’know? I don’t know how I’d prove to them that it’s my cash, but. Maybe beat ‘em in a game of rock paper scissors or somethin’.” Sam’s smile was wide and amused. How could it not be? Jer was funny. And he didn’t look at Samual weird for making jokes about TMNT in the sewers of New York because he’d certainly got some less than pleasant looks for that in the past.
What’s the point of living in New York if you’re not going to make superhero jokes every other week? New York is notorious for being a place that superheroes live. Might as well make use of it, right?
He waved Jer’s admission off a little with a hand and a sheepish expression. “Yeah, I try to be up front as much as possible, but y’know owning your own business means doin’ a lot more paperwork than I thought I would be.” Sucks because he’d love to be doing front desk work or more tattooing but he gets saddled with bills and then trying to juggle everything is difficult.
DNA strand. That’s cool. Sam wished he had a cool first tattoo but then he was a stupid kid. Jer seems like he’s got a good head on his shoulders. That’s a good thing, if he’s hanging around J. Might help get him sorted. Sam’s trying his best but he’s one guy and he’s J’s boss as much as he is his friend and confidant.
“Hell yeah, man! I’ll make sure we get something on the books fro you and J. First ones are always the most important ‘cause you decide if you’re into it and then you can’t stop, or you decide they’re not for you and you’ve got one nice piece on yah for the rest of your life and that’s plenty. ‘s a real good idea.” Something small and simple that he cares about. “Well– -” Samual wipes his hands on his napkin and holds out a hand for a firm shake. “I’m gonna get outta here, shop’s calling and everything, but you’ve got J’s number and his card and stuff, right?” Sam can’t help but feel like he’ll be seeing more of Jer and that’s perfectly okay. Especially since he’s just proven himself to be a decent person and soothed Sam’s anxiety about rent and bills and paychecks just a little by giving him back his money.
Questionable, Jer thinks but doesn’t say when it comes to Jordan’s choice of friends and taste in people. Some of J’s friends are great, it’s true, but some of the lot he hangs around with are people Jer would rather stay far, far away from. Even if he’s only heard stories. “I mean, if you and I are the comparison sample, I’d say you’re right.” He manages with a cheerful smile.
Jer loves pop culture references – the nerdier, the better. He’s sure he can bounce them off of Sam if they ever see each other again – a future he hopes will come to be. He likes the tattoo shop, likes the people. “Do you think it’d be easy to beat all of them?” He teases.
“It’s still got to be really nice, though! Paperwork aside – owning your own business? Was it something you always wanted?” There is no lack of tattoo parlors in New York, with the city boasting the first of them in the country. Jer wonders if the demand meets the supply; if that makes it difficult to meet the bills and the payroll. But that’s none of his business.
Jer brightens as Sam speaks. He’s been in the business for a long time now, he should know what the hell he’s talking about, and Jer would do well to listen to what the man has to say. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough which category I fit into? Can’t imagine myself with a whole lot of tattoos, though.” He says, stretching out his arms as if he can see the skin which is very well covered by the sleeves of his jacket. “Alright! I’m sorry I kept you so long, but I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!” He says, reaching forward to shake Sam’s hand back, trying to make it just as firm. “I do have all of that, yes! Thank you. I will be seeing you around.”
