For a moment, Tom stood still, still completely dumbfounded. Was this guy serious? Being rude? Etiquette training?

Tom quickly snapped out of it when he realized the man--who introduced himself as Malik Cole--was in no way joking. Despite himself, he couldn't help but smile. "Pleasure's all mine, Malik. It's been a while since I last met someone who doesn't want to shoot me dead at first sight. I don't know about you, but so long as you have no plans of shooting me with that bow of yours anytime soon, I say etiquettes be damned." he stated, giving Malik a friendly smile from beneath his gas mask. "The name's Thomas, Thomas Vaugrenard. You can call me Tom for short."

Looking the man up and down, Tom figured he wasn't much of a threat. With that still in mind, he gazed past Malik and at the dead buck that he's been dragging along. "Mighty fine kill, there. Looks very professional. Must've had much practice the past three years, huh?" Tom exclaimed, motioning at the dead buck, still trying to figure out whether or not he should hand the young man some help. Despite Malik's clear proficiency in using his bow, Tom doubted he'd fare well against a shotgun at close quarters, no matter how skilled. Besides, he seems like the trustworthy sort, definitely doesn't look or talk like someone who'd cut your throat open in your sleep.

"Hope you don't mind me saying so, but I gotta say that there's zero chance you'll make it through the night if you're planning on dragging that thing any longer. Sun's going down fast and I'd reckon you only got a few minutes left of daylight before shit hits the fan, so I'd suggest you find shelter as soon as possible." he stated matter-of-factly.

"Tell you what, how about you follow me inside? It's much better than spending more time to look around for another empty building that's safe enough to hole in." offered Tom. "Time's precious, after all."

"Besides, I can get a fire going and maybe help you out with butchering that thing. You can stay till mornin' and then we'll go our separate ways. I promise I won't do anything funny, so long as you do the same." he added, opening the door behind him wider with his left hand. "So whaddaya say?"

[@Drakeonis]