So what's yer name, kid? Real name, I mean--first an' last. I gotta keep accurate records or the city gets on me back, but I ain't gonna share 'em wit no one.

It’s William Naayer, though if you use it I prefer Liam, sir.

Ya gots a nickname? How'd ya get it?

Soda-pop, *gives a lopsided grin* when I first came to America I took a bit of a strong liking to the drink. Started saving up every bit I could find just to buy some. People just started calling me by it, most just call me Soda now though.

Know how old ya are? When's yer birthday? The boys all likes to chip in an' make ya feel special. By which I mean, they likes any excuse for a party.

I’ll let you know sir, for your records. It’s January 29th, I’m seventeen. But keep that between us…I’m not really good with large crowds and parties.

Now describe yer appearance for me. Try an' be detailed. My mem'ry ain't what it useta be, an' if I hears about a vicious killer on the loose, I wanna be able to check my records an' make the connection.

Well, I’ve got a mop of sandy blond hair. Grows to fast it’s a hassle to cut it all the time. I suppose I’m tall, I’m 6’2 but that’s pretty average back home. I’m fit, not really muscular but fit. Fair skinned, and my eyes are green. *rubs his chin thoughtfully* I’m scruffy, I’m too lazy to shave it all the time and it grows just as fast as my hair if not faster. That’s about it; don’t own a hat like the rest of the boys I see around here a lot.

Got any odder job 'sides sellin' papes? Legal or illegal, I ain't gonna squeal on ya.

Not really sir, I sell papes mornin’ and evenin’ every day, rain, shine, snow, sleet, hair, hurricanes, you name it. I know I’m lazy but if money’s involved I’ll do the job. If someone wants an odd job done I’ll do it.

All right, time for the big one. What kinda person are ya, kid? How d'you treat odders? How d'you treat yerself? We gets all kinds here, so be honest--I just wanna know what to expect.

Well I guess I’m laid back and easy-going. I haven’t too many cares in the world, just earning money and getting by. I’ll be straight up, I’m lazy; I am not ashamed to say my faults. If you’re expecting me to do chores around here it might be troublesome but if something’s payin’ money I’ll do it. Like I said before I am not much for crowds or parties, bit quiet I suppose. I mean if someone talks, my mother raised me to be polite, I’ll talk back, but I’m not going to strike up a conversation on my own ya know? I usually mind my own business. I’m not much a fighter either, I’m loyal through and through to my friends but I’m also not senseless enough to get beaten to a pulp. I suppose I’m a bit of a romantic and gentleman, ain’t that what the women like? Practical, I think that’s a good word to describe me too. As for how I treat myself? Well I take care of myself, except y’know, shavin’, time consuming stuff like that. I’m smart too, can read and write; arithmetic too.

Got any hobbies? Whaddaya do wit yer spare time?

Spare time? Ha, I’m selling papes nearly all day but I guess when I have spare time I’m sleeping. That’s the lazy side of me. I don’t mind going out to get a soda though.

How 'bout vices or bad habits? Smokin', drinkin', gamblin'? I want 'cha to promise to keep 'em outside the house.

Do you count drinkin’ soda? Money is too hard to come by to lose it gambling, cards are fine, I just prefer keeping my money in my pocket. I’m a pretty good kid sir, Mama raised me right.

Got any fam'ly or friends 'round here? Or enemies, for that matter? Tell me who ya knows in the area.

Don’t really know many people in the area, haven’t had time to make enemies that I know of. I’ve got an identical twin, so if you ever think you’re seeing me in two places at once that’s why. He’s looking at getting a bunk down in Brooklyn though.

An' maybe a special someone? I got a special set o' rules when it comes to that sorta t'ing.

No sir, girls are a lot of work.

Fin'ly, every boy's favorite question... *chuckles darkly* What can ya tell me 'bout yer past? Where'd ya grow up, what brought ya here, an' what happened in between?

You’re sure getting me to talk a lot, am I getting paid for this? Well I was born in de Netherlands and we stayed there till I was about 7. Then my bastard Uncle came in and caused a whole lot of family trouble with the family farm. Eventually my parents decided it would be better in America, better opportunities for us ya know. So we immigrated over here when I was 7, we didn’t have much when we came over. Pa got a job in a factory but he was injured. That led to an infection and he didn’t live to see my ninth birthday. Ma got herself odd jobs as a maid or seamstress but she couldn’t ever keep them long, my brother and I did our best to help out and sell papers but she didn’t want us on the streets. Just after our ninth birthday Ma died, they aren’t sure what she died of. I say it was a broken heart and exhaustion. Chain and I got placed in several different homes for boys but we were going through a phase, Chain more than me. Eventually we took off, I’m not sure where we all went, but we’ve traveled North and we’ve traveled South. We came back here, decided we liked it best here. So it’s been ten years, that’s why my accent’s gone but I can still speak my mother tongue. Now I’m just looking for a roof over my head so I can sleep easy before selling papers all day.

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Profile By: Air

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