It seemed that August, after all, was okay with diving into the Bible and even...possibly church. That earned a genuine small smile from Rex, which vanished quickly even as he offered up a silent prayer. Thank you, God, for small miracles, for allowing me to be a vessel through which another might come to find You.

The fireman wasn't going to expect too much or getting overly excited, but even a small step was progress. Rex would do what he could, without any expectations. Even if August seemed to be putting a lot of faith in him all of a sudden.

Well, he'd simply have to be up to the task.

"I'll do what I can," Rex said a bit awkwardly. He wasn't an expert himself most days on where to steer his own life. This could very well end up being the blind leading the blind. At the very least, Rex expected to do a lot more praying in the future.

Then he sighed. "Of course," he said inflectionlessly, so it wasn't too obvious if he was referring to the chicken man's habits or August's ability to make a bit of a mess out of the situation. Rex noticed the scratches and such too, but he didn't say anything about them. Pointedly so. It was a shame there were consequences for escalating the fight, even though there ended up being no fighting after all. Such a terrible shame.

"After you," Rex said, gesturing to the fire escape.

He had smiled a rare smile, and that was wholesome. And then he’d fumbled a bit awkwardly and said he’d do what He could. August had nodded at Rex. Then he’d turned his attention to escape.

Rex sighed.

August led, down the fire escape.

It was late, so He did not bother Rex with a lot of planning. In the coming days, he could call. They could talk when and where. Get a Bible. Maybe take over a coffee shop for discussing, or spend time at their library hideout. Book talk. Perhaps they’d go to church. A ride-along. He’d text him later.

After another thank you, as well as an “I’ll text you,” Rex and Elliot parted.

Ooc ended