( he's been confronted with all manner of things. melisandre rarely seems to eat, so maybe it don't evoke as much confusion as it might've a week ago. maybe the boy's like that girl, kara. a machine? it seems rude to ask him if he ain't never done it before, so instead gene just regards him thoughtfully.

he ain't got a clue if it'll wind up bein' just that simple, but it's the first real bit of concrete information he's gotten outta the boy so he'll chase it down the rabbit hole. )

Well... it's a way to keep your strength up. I don't think this place, Beacon, I, uh, don't think it plays by the same rules you may've been used to back home. Here.

( he's got his canteen on his belt, and he pulls it out. unscrews the cap and takes a drink himself (not poisoned, see?) before holding it out. )

Go on.