001 | audio

[doubleoohbaby]

[The sounds of outside filter through the network, distant with little to be heard beyond the faint rustle of the wind, but there nonetheless. A distinctive clink-fwoosh of a lighter disrupts anything further, followed by the slow crackle of burning paper and tobacco and a satisfied inhale and steady exhale. When he finally speaks, it's with a tone that lacks interest.]

Well, isn't this quaint. Doubt I would have believed it were I not seeing it with my own eyes. At least the woman greeting me was persuasive enough. [You can practically hear the dirty little smirk.]

Even so, I'm not quite sure how I feel out of my home and sent on my merry way towards college kid dorm rooms. Or rather, I'm perfectly aware of how I feel about it, just the words I'm looking for aren't for public ears.

Still. Judging by the archives on this thing, there's plenty of you about who know this world, so come on, share your wisdom with an outsider, would you? One can never know too much.

[A pause as he inhales another lungful of smoke, eventually adding with a thoughtful exhale:] Oh, and don't patronise me with the basics. I'm curious, not stupid.

Comments

[doubleoohbaby]

Company.

[boughtabookstore]

Bold. You're new, a question mark.

[doubleoohbaby]

I am, exclamation mark.

[boughtabookstore]

If you can pick me out of a crowd, I'll be at the [ bar name here ].

[doubleoohbaby]

Am I just to approach every person in that bar?

[boughtabookstore]

That would be cheating.

My name is Roslyn.

[doubleoohbaby]

James.

What if I look up all your previous posts?

[boughtabookstore]

Better. Perhaps you'll last.

[ Her face is on the network a grand total of once for a very brief bit, but it is there, and on her most recent post even. ]

[doubleoohbaby]

Does that mean we get to go out now and celebrate?

[He's totally already looking, and likes what he sees, thank you very much.]

[boughtabookstore]

I suppose it does. Come say hi.

[doubleoohbaby]

Another of your little tests?

[boughtabookstore]

Same one. I don't drink with just anyone.

[doubleoohbaby]

Right. Well why not give me a day or two and I'll see what I can work out, hm?

[boughtabookstore]

Just let me know.

[doubleoohbaby]

Oh, I will, don't you worry. Maybe I'll come find you.

[boughtabookstore]

By all means.

[doubleoohbaby]

Do I get a reward?

[boughtabookstore]

I'll buy you a drink.

[doubleoohbaby]

Nothing more? Hm.

[boughtabookstore]

The invitation is rescinded if you're going to hit on me.

[doubleoohbaby]

That's not fair!

[boughtabookstore]

What about that isn't fair?

[doubleoohbaby]

All of it.

[boughtabookstore]

I don't enjoy it. Therefore, don't.

[doubleoohbaby]

But I do enjoy it.