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"S-So..." Mei started. She fidgeted her thumb nervously, as she looked at the ground. She wanted to hold eye contact to see how he reacts, but she's too nervous to do so. She inhales, then exhales, mustering the courage to at least ask.
"Uh, Samuel?" She says. From the corner of her eye, she saw Samuel nod with a hum, signaling to continue. "What's... it's like out in the B-Backstreets? I've only ever been in a nest."
Hearing him shift, she glances at him. Enough to see that he leaned back into the couch, crossing his arms, letting out a hum in contemplation.
"Hmm, the backstreets... It depends on which district you're from. Different cultures and all. For me and Asuka... we were from district 5? So right nearby." He explained, "It's basically almost lawless. Kill, eat, whoever if you're desperate. Even if you keep to yourself, you might get murdered one day. It’s all about luck and strength, 'cause if you're eventually able to fight your way up the system, you better hope you don't choose the wrong options."
"Th-That sounds awful..." Mei shuddered. At this point, she was used to the many recurring deaths within the facility. But when it comes to the above, where people had the choice rather than instinct, she can't help but feel saddened by those whose lives were taken unjustly.
Samuel shrugs. "It's just how it is. While this facility is a shithole, it at least has decent food."
Mei finally turns to look at Samuel's neutral expression, who was gazing somewhere else. "You and... Asuka, w-were homeless before joining L Corp, right?" She briefly recalled that fact when she passed by the Information Department and heard it during a conversation between Juliet and Asuka. Though, she didn’t mean to eavesdrop… It didn't look like it was all that secretive, so hopefully it's fine...?
He nods. "Yep. Have been since I was a kid. It was a miracle we both survived this long." He answered, turning to look at Mei. "Being out in the open almost all the time in the backstreets exposes us to many things."
"I... see." Mei looks back down at her hands. Just how much has she missed? Maybe it was in her gut-feeling to not leave as well.
"I'm curious as well... What's it like in a nest?" Samuel asks, breaking Mei out of her thoughts.
"T-The nest? Er... How do I explain this..." Mei sighs, tilting her head to the side and tapping her cheek. "I w-was a... shut in. Going outside was too much pressure, after the tales I heard. So I stayed in my r-room all day and night."
She clasps her hands together. "My brother, Loki, kept me company at least. Speaking through the door, even though I had difficulty responding because of my guilt." She shakes her head. "Sorry, I... can't say much on what a Nest is like. I don't really remember, as I-I didn't… uh... go outside."
Samuel nods. "I understand."
Silence followed, as Mei stew in her thoughts. Samuel seemed to be sitting still, with his arms still crossed and his eye closed. She gets the feeling Samuel is simplifying things for her sake, or he's too used to it. Either way, she may want some others who were from the backstreets. but she also feels bad for not being able to tell Samuel the same about nests. hmm...
Mei lets out a small gasp, "Oh, I h-had an idea!"
Samuel opened his eye, drawing his gaze to her, "Oh?"
"Once we leave this facility, h-how about we explore the backstreets together? Since you probably know your way around p-places... and if something catches your eye, I can buy it for you!"
Samuel furrowed his eyebrow. "Are- are you sure? I mean- I don't doubt that once we get paid, but are you-"
She waves her hands dismissively, “I saved quite a lot, and if I’m not g-gonna spend it on myself, I might as well for someone else.”She said, a bright smile on her face.
He stared at Mei for a long minute, then sighs, “If you’re so sure.