This is Jesse's absolute worst fucking nightmare. The world fucking hates him.
It wasn't enough that he didn't realise this was a zoo for nagas when he first applied. At least back then, Jesse didn't have to get close to any of them. All he had to do was clean and pray none of them approached him.
Just two days ago, however, he'd gotten promoted. To a fucking keeper. Which meant he'd have to get up close and personal with the nagas in their enclosures. Apparently they didn't have enough keepers around or something, and Jesse seemed 'dedicated enough' in their books.
He didn't even have the heart to admit that 'dedication' was just because he was trying extra hard for the money. Not because he was enthusiastic about working here.
Orion's walking him over to one of the enclosures, where a singular naga is situated. Jesse can't fully make out what he's saying, but he's fairly certain he can make out just enough to know that this one? Their newest addition? They're the only one Jesse has to watch over.
Thank fucking God.
Jesse feels Orion clap him on the back, and then hears him walk off. He takes a deep breath and steps into the enclosure, intertwining his fingers together as he slowly approaches the naga and stops just a few feet away from them. That's close enough.
It'll be fine. He can take care of a snake. He paid attention to that video Orion showed him on how to treat the nagas... right?
"Uh. Hi," Jesse grits out, forcing himself to meet the half-serpent's gaze. "I, uh, I'm your new caretaker. Or assistant. Whatever you wanna call me."
___
mood: terrified
thoughts: Don't look down, don't look down...
TRUST: 0%