tushanshu | video;

[Magic being flooey? Not a problem. Okay, it is, but she figures it'll right itself sooner or later, preferably sooner. The problem was it was draining her fast, and when she can't control her own magic, well...]

I don't suppose anyone knows where I can find an army of rabbits? [Because her room? Is kind of having a carrot bonanza behind her. Probably enough to last her a long time if she ate nothing but the darned things. Not that she can normally conjure then, but side-effects were a pain if they happened without her consent. At least it's stopped now, and she's thinking trying anything else that's magical is a big n o until this resolves itself.]

Alternatively, anyone needs more vitamin orange in their diet? I mean, I'm all for a healthy living, but I rather like being more flesh than yellow. I can trade them for whatever, it's cool. [And yes, she will be nibbling one of those carrots as if this was normal.] I bet they'd go well in your dinner plans.

I'll figure out how to transport it later.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, not bad luck so much as "Are you a hired hitman?" kind of paranoid, actually. Some places aren't exactly friendly.

Weird how that is, really. I mean, it's not like seeing my face makes it any less likely that I'm untrustworthy. Any assassin worth his salt on this animal would know about that.

It's a psychological thing, I figure. If they see your face, it gives a better sense of familiarity. You know this person, you know they are there, so if something happens, you got another person on your list. Can't do that with a text message or a voice, unless you're good at tracing it back to the source or listening.

Me? I just want to know who I would say hi to if I bump into you on the road.

That's very...friendly of you. [It's still a little weird, getting used to people being cheerful and friendly. He's not used to much more than a veneer of civility from most of his business associates. And Arthur doesn't exactly have many friends.]

It's a lifestyle. [It's okay Arthur, she'll shove sunshine towards you somehow.] Not used to that, huh?

I'm a businessman. [Which, in his opinion, should say all that needs to be said about his lifestyle.]

Shouldn't that mean you'd be more open to talking for business opportunities' sake?

I'm open to talking about business. [Small talk? Not so much.]

Nothing else? The weather? Golf? Maybe photos of a nephew?

The weather is boring, I don't play golf, and I don't have any nephews. [And when most of your acquaintances are criminals, you get into the habit of not revealing too much personal information.]

Okay, new question: What are things you enjoy doing except cooking?

Reading, and traveling. Is this an interrogation now?

Nah, I'm just curious. And look, two of my hobbies in a nutshell. See, we're finding a connection already.

I think those are pretty common interests. [And generic, which is kind of the point, for him.]

So you're saying you're just a generic guy with generic interests and a generic lifestyle? Heard that song one too many times.

Really? [That actually surprises him a little.] Don't some guys try to impress you with how awesome they are?

[Because when he's trying to get into someone's pants, he does try to make himself sound interesting.]

Kind of pointless if I'm already dating someone. Should I consider that a compliment?

You can if you want. [Arthur is kind of a flirt, even when he doesn't mean anything by it.]

Besides, I'm pretty sure most people can't tell just by looking at you whether you're seeing someone or not.

Well, thanks then.

Probably not, but given I've met enough guys here whose charm is their default state, I just assume that's how they normally talk to everyone.

Could be, though I'd think they'd still probably play themselves up if charming is what they're going for.

You sound more disappointed about this than I am. Is it such a bad thing?

I am very disappointed that I'm not the only person here trying to downplay myself to you, yes.

[That's a joke.]

[That earns a laugh.] You'll have your chance someday.