tushanshu | 002 Audio - The One Where Mike Tries To Barter

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002 Audio - The One Where Mike Tries To Barter

So...okay. Here's the thing. I can live frugal. I'm good at living frugal. There are fewer people out there who can dumpster dive as efficiently as I can. Trust me, my stone soup? Is amazing. I can make a Reclaimed Tuna Casserole Surprise that will knock your socks off.

As awesome as I am, even I can't make something from literally nothing, which is kind of what I've got at the moment. I say kind of because I have a whole bunch of little pots of home-made Floating Fruit preserves, jams, and jellies, and now that I'm officially out of money, I'm looking to trade them for...anything edible that isn't floating fruit. I've had my fill, thanks.

So, anyone out there interesting in jam for say...chocolate?
Or jam for bread?
Or jam for...seriously, anything.

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[Mike stands up just that much more at the scrutiny.]

Four eleven and three quarters, actually. And...it's not so much the people here as it is just...habit, by this point.

Sounds like a good habit to break, if you ask me.

[ He takes a sip of the juice. ]

Is that why you almost didn't invite me over?

[ Whoops, seems like Jack noticed that hesitation over the audio feed after all. ]

[Mike, who was just taking a sip from his water, nearly spit-takes. Still, in spite of that, he looks impressed even as he wipes at his mouth with the back of his free hand.]

That obvious, huh?

[ Jack has the grace to look apologetic for the ill-timed remark as Mike was taking a drink. ]

I've had a lot of experience watching and listening to people, that's all. Sometimes people say something even when they don't say it.

Stalker, therapist, or talk show host?

[He says with a grin as he gestures for Jack to take a seat on one of the couches.]

[ welp ]

... if I said the first one was the closest to the truth, are you going to take away my jam?

[ or at least let him explain ]

That all depends on what kind of stalker you are. The socially inept kind, the creeper kind, or the actually dangerous kind.

Umm... the "I was invisible to everyone in my world so holding a regular conversation was kind of a non-starter" sort?

Woah...no kidding?

Cross my heart. I'm a spirit, it's the way things work where I'm from.

Does that mean you're dead?

[ Jack falters for a moment at the question, hand falling away from his chest where he'd playfully made an X to grasp the hooked wooden staff. ]

Ghosts and spirits aren't always the same thing.

[ Which wasn't a denial outright, but... ]

[Mike notices the falter, figures it's a touchy subject, and winces.]

Sorry, I've...never met either before.

It's all right.

[ A flash of a smile, the awkwardness swept aside. ]

But yeah, invisible. Thankfully it works differently here on the tur-- [ he paused, not sure he could say that now in present company ] -- in Keeliai.

[It's Mike's turn to smile.]

Nice save. Slick, even.

[ a grin; Mike was easy to talk to ]

Thanks. So does this mean you'll try and get out more? It's no good to be shut up in your suite all the time.

[Mike's brow-ridges go up, and he shakes his head. The smile, however, never moves. It's an expression that says: That's Dirty Pool, you know.]

I'll try.
And for the record, I have been trying. I mean...you're in my house, that's a step forward, right? Letting strangers in to one's house.

[Let's just ignore the fact that Mike's house is as armed as a house can be without actual...arms.]

[ Jack's return expression says, Only if you lose, bro. ]

True, true. It's a good step forward too!

As step forwards go.

[Mike half shrugs.]

Keeping secret is just kind of like, well it's habit. How long did it take you to get comfy with the fact that everyone could see you?

[Because...it's kind of like that, sort of.
...

If you squint.]

[ But Jack still gives it due consideration, thinking on his answer before offering it. ]

A while, I guess... but mine was more disbelief. It seemed so weird after so long that not only kids could see me, but adults as well. Though there are still some people who can't, but in most cases they can at least hear me.

Still, getting used to it was worth it. If you're not sure about it, maybe I can help?

Help? Help how?

[Dubious Mike, is dubious.]

We can hang out and do something together, if you wanted.

You want to hang out with me?

Is that... okay?

I don't...I think so? I've never been asked this question before.

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