contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

Comments

[bouchonne]

No one will believe that last one.

[altusimperius]

I believe it.

[bouchonne]

Still, even if you believe something, you must take care not to spread rumors that won't be believed by others. Even gossip-mongers can lose credibility.

[altusimperius]

...fine.

[This feels like a life lesson disguised as a joke, and he makes a mental note accordingly.]

Terrible taste in company.

[bouchonne]

Case in point.

[ A nod to Benedict. ]

[altusimperius]

Case in point.

[bouchonne]

[ A cluck of his tongue. ]

No, no. You can't be rude to yourself. That takes the joy out of it for me.

[altusimperius]

You like that sandcastle to be built before you kick it down.

[bouchonne]

Just so. It's no fun to wreck something if it's not beautiful.

[altusimperius]

You think I'm beautiful?

[bouchonne]

Do you think you aren't?

[bouchonne]

[ Hm. ]

It's not uncommon for people to go missing from the alienage. Of course, our esteemed City Watch would never decide that such cases aren't worth investigating and make up an easy story so they could absolve themselves of any guilt [ the sarcasm is palpable ] but perhaps there's nothing sinister to their refusal to investigate.

[altusimperius]

...no,

[bouchonne]

Oooh, how confident you are!

[ A grin - not of a hungry predator. But perhaps of a well-fed predator. ]

Do other people know how egotistical you are?

[altusimperius]

[This got turned back on him in a way he wasn’t prepared for.
And really should have been, by now.]

Well—

I mean— I think so, some of them?

[bouchonne]

Like who?

[altusimperius]

...Colin. Athessa. Edgard.

[He quirks his lips to one side.]

I don’t hide it, really.

[tender]

Did you want us to leave? The ones who dreamed themselves onto the wrong side?

[bouchonne]

Is that where you dreamed yourself? That wasn't my recollection.

[bouchonne]

Edgard?

[altusimperius]

We’re roommates.

[And because Edgard is on his shit list at the moment,]

...and he’s nosy.

[bouchonne]

You're not angry with him?

[altusimperius]

Well. Yes, a little bit.

[Byerly's meaning is, at present, eclipsed by petty disagreements.]

I wish he'd mind his own business.

[bouchonne]

You don't like having someone pay attention to you?

[altusimperius]

[That question, phrased as it is, is briefly enough to break Benedict's brain, if his silence is any indication.

After a few moments:]

...depends?