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[AND OZ JUST ASSUMES that Jason says that in a "you're not in that shitty situation anymore" way... OOPS. But no, he's saving his megadeath for when he gets back home, probably.

For now, he just accepts the comforting gesture with a little more softness in his expression, clearly touched by it. Jason may be a stranger, but he's a stranger who's extending a hand and offering sympathy and commiseration. That's definitely more than enough to endear Oz, and it shows on his face when he turns it up to give Jason a sincere look.]

It means a lot, so— thank you. A situation like that doesn't really leave people with a perfect way to help. Someone ends up hurt no matter what, so even if you try your best, it's like - like you're saving with one hand and condemning with the other, right? [A little breathless, humorless laugh follows, and Oz's shoulders rise just a little. Not a shrug, but a somewhat tense gesture.

He doesn't talk about it much anymore and he thinks about it even less, but that weight is still with him.]

So even if this place isn't the best it could be, I'm still grateful that no one here has to make those difficult decisions.

[ The way he says it and that tense gesture pull at Jason's heart immediately, because even if he's not the smartest person and definitely has his glaring faults, there's also a big part of him that just has a warm, protective heart. He had forgotten it a little bit in Bon Temps, though he had been remembering the more danger Sookie and even Tara got into, and then going to that camp had forced him to mature. He wants to protect people, even strangers, and there's something deeply upsetting to him about the idea of a kid having to do what he did. It's hard enough for him to deal with the feelings that had come with it, and he mostly tried to ignore them or push them away, so he finds it deeply unfair that anyone else would have to, much less someone who looks half his age.

He's just met Oz, and he knows that might make it a little odd, but all the same, he feels it's important. He takes a step forward and gives Oz a tight, secure hug. It carries the meaning that Jason has trouble actually putting into words, because he's just not a very emotional guy, but this is the kind of hug that he would give family.

It says "I understand and I'm here for you," loud and clear. ]

[Oz, for all his easy attachment and love of the people around him, is not exactly a physical person. More often than not it's someone else initiating contact first; a hand to his forehead, or ruffling his hair - a tight hold, a reassuring pat on the shoulder or back. Other people may be able to express their feelings more accurately and freely this way, and even though Oz isn't very good at doing it himself, it's still a language that he can understand.

So the gesture and all the warmth and support behind it is a little surprising to him, because Jason is a stranger. Even sharing similar circumstances, he doesn't really expect anyone to react that way right off the bat. It's not really a poor reflection on the people around him so much as it is Oz just being aware of the natural distance between people (as much as it may seem he isn't attuned to those sorts of things normally.)

There are a few seconds where Oz stands there in his surprise, uncertain of what he's supposed to do. Offer reassurance right back? His arms rise, hesitate, hands hovering-]

[But eventually, his little beanpole nerd arms rise up to return that hug. There's not as much power or warmth behind it, but the tension has left his shoulders to a degree.

This reminds him of something.

It hurts a little to remember, now. He still hasn't stopped moving forward long enough to process the guilt and grief of losing the only parent he had really ever known, but he imagines that if it was Oscar instead of Jason here right now, nothing about the current situation would be any different. That's the kind of reassurance he feels here, momentarily hiding his face from the mess that is his kitchen.

It's funny how tired a person can be when they actually give themselves the time to feel it.]

[ At first, Jason almost pulls back, because he realizes he probably went too far, and it's a show of emotion he usually doesn't give. It's a little frightening and disarming for him too, since he always wants to hold himself to that ideal of the manly man, and this wasn't really a part of it. But still, when people are hurting around him, he wants to help, especially since he went to that camp. He's hesitating too, the grip lessening, until Oz hugs him back, and Jason is relieved despite himself. He's still worried, so he just decides to talk, or to try and explain. ]

Sorry if I made it weird, man. But— Well, I got a little sister, back at home. She's grown now too, so it ain't like we do this anymore, but, well, I been thinkin' since I got here maybe I should have.

[ At this point, he pulls back a little to put his hands on Oz's shoulders. ]

There ain't no one that should go through somethin' like that. And I dunno, I ain't the smartest crayon in the box, but... I know that much. And I know that even though I was prayin' for everyone there every night, it wasn't easy. So, shit, I don't know, guess what I'm tryin' to say is... You're not alone. I get it.

[The sudden deluge of an explanation actually makes Oz laugh a little, though it's not quite as spirited or energetic as it would usually be. Jason's really trying hard for him, isn't he...]

—Thanks. I mean it, really - thank you. And you aren't, either! [Even if he hadn't technically been alone wherever his game had played out, he'll try to provide the support of someone who has an immediate and complete understanding of the sort of pressures that role in particular came with. He may not have been the "detective", but he still understands exactly how Jason must have felt.]

You're a really good person. [A smile! Not beamish or energetic, but warm and soft all the same - one that's completely genuine.] I'm glad that you're here instead of there.

[ He gives Oz a pat on his shoulders, then pulls away fully with a warm, gentle smile of his own. That's the allotted amount of moements for a grown man, so he reverts to something a little more shy. ]

Well, I don't know about that. I just try to do what's right, that's all.

[ And in matters like this, Jason is at least humble. He rubs the back of his neck, then shrugs. ]

Either way, me too. This is weird on a whole 'nother level, but it's definitely better. Glad you mad it too.

[JASON AND HIS MOEMENTS. Oz will cherish this one... What a great first impression, honestly; there's no faster way to really endear yourself to Oz.]

It sounds like you've been doing a good job with that, at least. [Just from the very little he already knows. Every person has their flaws, after all, but as long as they keep trying and fight for what they believe is right with all of their will - well, isn't that about all that can be asked for?]

Mm, it's still better here! And I think that the problems we do have are ones that can be fixed.

Well, I'm at least hopin' so. Would kinda suck if we couldn't.

[ TO SAY THE LEAST, JASON... But he steps back, putting his hands on his hips, then nods as he looks at the mess. ]

Anyway, you think you got this under control now? I probably should head back to the station.

[DON'T BE SO CASUAL ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT POTENTIALLY BEING FULL OF FAILURES, JASON...

But Oz makes a little sound of acknowledgment at that, nodding once in return.]

Ah— yeah! I can finish cleaning on my own. Thanks again for helping.

Yeah, no problem. That's what I'm here for.

[ He gives Oz a pat on the shoulder, then tosses his towel onto the counter, since it's pretty full of extinguisher foam at this point. ]

You take care.

[ At which point he will just head out!! And that's the story of how Oz got yet another babysitter... ]

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