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]

Then it's a good job I showed up, don't you think?

[implying]

I do think! Terribly pleased to have you, of course.

I'm Vanadi, by the way.

[doubleoohbaby]

James.

Will you be picking me up as well as paying for me, Vanadi?

[implying]

If you don't mind walking. I'm afraid I've left my vehicles in another world.

[doubleoohbaby]

Pity. I suppose walking will have to do us.

[implying]

And such a good sport about it! Now, tell me— do you prefer the steady flow of people of a bar, or something a little more private?

[doubleoohbaby]

Hn, with you? Steady flow. More to watch. Need to observe this place a little better.

[implying]

[ DISAPPOINTED. but he'll get over it. ]

A bar it is, then! I've just the place in mind. Have you found yourself at the housing yet?

[doubleoohbaby]

I've managed that much, yes.

[implying]

Then shall I meet you outside in, oh, an hour?

[doubleoohbaby]

Give me two, I need to look my best.

[implying]

Oh, naturally. And how will I know you when I see you?

[ please turn on video, please be hot ]

encrypted; video

[doubleoohbaby]

[Ugh fine. Have a suave spy in a suit and tie with a cig dangling from his lips.]

Hello.

encrypted; voice

[implying]

[ awwwww yes. his instafriendliness has paid off yet again. gosh he loves attractive people. ]

Why hello. You look quite as if this dimension hopping business has caught you in the middle of something important! Or do you simply dress so nicely by habit?

encrypted; STRAIGHT BACK TO VOICE

[doubleoohbaby]

[That video feed didn't last long. Maybe he's shy. Pffthahaha!]

It's a habit. One must look their best at all times. You never quite know when you'll be sucked into another dimension and made to make a good first impression.

[implying]

Even better. As it just so happens, I couldn't agree more!

Well then, I'll see you in two hours, shall I?

[doubleoohbaby]

I look forward to it.

[And he kind of means it.]

[implying]

Oh, trust me, as do I.

[ AND HEY IN TWO HOURS, he'll be chillaxing just outside the housing, leaned up against a wall with that lovely red mask in place, scoping out the people that walk past. No hot guys in suits yet, but he's holding out hope. ]

[doubleoohbaby]

[And James isn't much later, showing up in that fancy suit and tie combo, although sporting a bit of bruising just under his eye and around his cheek. It doesn't take too much away from the face, at least, it just shows how rugged he is, obviously.]

Hiding your face in public? Should I be concerned?

[implying]

[ Awww yiss, breaking into an immediate grin up at him. ]

It's a service I provide! You see, I'm so astoundingly beautiful under here, that anyone seeing me would be consumed by immediate and violent jealousy. [ And without missing a beat he leans forward, one gloved hand rising with the intent of lightly touching the side of his face and that bruising. ] That's new. Have you really had so much fun already?

[doubleoohbaby]

[He almost immediately jerks away from the hand the second he sees it coming, grunting out his response in the most macho way he can manage.]

Just been enjoying the welcoming party. [He doesn't sound too concerned about it either way.]

You going to be taking that off at some point?

[implying]

[ He doesn't seem too offended to be jerked away from (hard to tell with that mask for sure, though), only drops his hand again. That response gives him a good deal of information about tonight's hot date, though. ]

Oh, anything is possible. Why, would you like me to?

[doubleoohbaby]

[Yup, he can have mild flirting and conversation, but getting touchy feely is off limits unless he has tits.]

I'd rather see your face, yes.

[implying]

[ Flirty straight guys are the most cruel things ever. He'll try not to die of disappointment, here. ]

Well, with enough drinks in me, perhaps I'll oblige! But for now, admire the fashion, my friend. It's the finest Aluthsa has to offer!

[doubleoohbaby]

[Well, at least he's got the company of a buff spy. And Bond has the company of someone who knows the place... he hopes.]

Aluthsa? That's where you're from, I take it?