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

[cozen]

He could have tried.

[ As if Bastien had been an incorruptible child. Obviously he wasn't. There's a short trail of bodies to prove it.

But for the joke. ]

Alright, Monsieur le Corrupteur. I am sure you have nothing to do but put your feet up and flirt— [ also extremely and obviously untrue ] —but I have work to do.

[bouchonne]

Hm. I could always order you to keep talking to me.

[cozen]

You think so?

[ Not affronted. A little entertained, and mostly musing, like he’s proposing an experiment with an unpredictable outcome. ]

You should try it and see what happens.

[bouchonne]

Hm-hm.

[ Experimentally: ]

Keep talking to me, Bastien.

[cozen]

[ The very predictable ensuing silence is not quite total. He doesn’t disconnect. But the only sounds are rustling papers, a scratching pen, and a few seconds here and there of Bastien’s usual unfocused, meandering tune-humming. ]

[bouchonne]

[ A pleased cackle. ]

I should have you flogged for insubordination. Happy working, until you're dragged away to the whipping-post.

[cozen]

[ Sing-song: ]

Ohhh noooo.

[ And in a lower whisper, like it’s innuendo, which it isn’t actually: ]

Have lunch with me later and I’ll talk you senseless.

[ Then he disconnects. ]