This was Freddie's favourite time of day. As he sat in the library, hidden from the world somewhere within the Final Fantasy HQ, he could watch the dust dance across the few shards of light that dared to make their way through the wooden blinds. All was quiet. The only noise that broke the silence was Blowed's slow breathing, each time he brought his cigarette to his lips. Freddie often sat here before the day begun. At this time of day, when the sun was rising and millions of Americans across the country rushed to get ready for yet another day of monotonous dream chasing, Freddie could ponder what the day ahead may have in store for him.

This was the first time Blowed had joined Freddie in the library. It was a mere coincidence and they hadn't yet spoken to one another. When Blowed had entered the room the two had merely tipped hats at one another, a polite acknowledgement that for now at least, the pair would prefer to sit in silence. In this line of work, silent moments were rare, but nonetheless Freddie was thankful for the company.

The two sat for some time, neither saying a word, when the silence was broken by the distant sound of two women moving through a door somewhere else in the HQ. Cleaners perhaps, a pair of bar girls Hull_Kogan had sneaked in the night before or maybe new scribes for Diego. They were too far off to really tell, but the noise made it clear that the day was beginning in earnest. Freddie sat up straight in his chair and gestured towards the packet of cigarettes Blowed had open on the arm of his chair.

"May I?"

Blowed picked up the packet and offered a cigarette to Freddie who duly obliged. He then removed a match from his jacket and lit the cigarette for Freddie who inhaled deeply.

"Ever get the feeling some days are going to be better than others my friend? Well, I believe today might just be one of those days."

"every day above ground, every day above ground" Blowed states in an agreeing gesture as he pulls the herbal from his breast pocket, and splits a spliff, "you see'em come and go..  thats the life.  you gotta just keep it koolaid.. "Blowed twist the cigar looks at his watch, "the hustle calls brother.   i will see you out there..  I will hit you if i need anything. " Blowed gets up lights his spliff, daps Freddy and heads to the door. 

As he passes through the arches he sees Tonberry from his peripheral and thinks to himself. (Did i drop my shot report this week?).......

Freddie chuckled to himself. Blowed always had a spliff in his hand. It was often a rare sight to see him without one. Yet somehow he still got stuff done. That had always puzzled Freddie, but somewhat amazed him too as he wasn't sure he could do the same. Freddie had his own vices, but when he was on a job, he had to remain as a sober as he could. Sobriety at a time of importance kept his mind clear. It kept him focused and besides he'd tried using his pistol after a few spliffs and it wasn't a pretty sight - for him or the target. 

Freddie stood up himself and straightened his jacket, taking another drag on the cigarette Blowed had given him. A street boy ran down the corridor in front of him as he approached the door, but luckily Freddie stepped back in time to stop an awkward collision. He had thought about tripping the swine but with Ghost just behind him, he thought better of it. The Left Hand Man wouldn't appreciate a member of his Upper Structure tripping the paper boy, especially at this hour. 

As Ghost walked past Freddie tipped his cap, "A wonderful day for it, wouldn't you say?"

Yeah, nothin' wrong far as I can see.  You have to watch out for the lil' flies that hang around though since they turn into tripping hazards eh?

Ghost made this joke with tongue in cheek given how he noticed that it took Freddie all of his willpower to not embarrass himself.  Ghost on the other hand, was happy to finally track down Freddie.  He was embroiled in his thoughts and responsibilities but he made a point to come out to see some of the family when he could.  He had heard that both Freddie and Blowed were in the library together reading through some notes about the family's history.  In particular, he wanted to talk to Freddie and Blowed about some work coming up.

Freddie, have you seen Blowed around?  I wanted to talk to you guys about this business deal I have been working on down by the docks.

Ghost had started negotiating with the local unions down by the river to prepare for a business venture and he thought he might need to borrow the business savvy of some of his associates to get his business off the ground.  In addition, this was going to serve as an information gathering detail for the family so they could track the imports and exports into the city which was going to be invaluable to the Final Fantasy family.  Ghost was looking for some of the more experienced members of the family to help him get the business started and setup the day-to-day operations of the business in order to allow for smooth operation.