1st Mistake; video

[moralperil]

[Two lavender eyes stare deeply into the camera, leaning in too close.]

Testing, 1, 2, 3! Um, hi? Oh good, it's working...

[Mahdi slides backward. He's in the dining area of one of the assigned apartments. The guy looks about fifteen, and was clearly plucked right from his job: he's wearing a clean but old and stained black apron over khakis and a polo that have seen better days. There's a hairnet crumpled up on one side of the table, next to a glittery purple flashlight.]

Is there any way for me to contact my boss on this thing? You'd think a simple inter-realm transmission wouldn't be that hard considering how much other crazy stuff they have out here. [More to himself than to the netbook:] I really just want to tell her I won't be coming in. I'm supposed to be there for the breakfast crowd and she's gonna be up a creek without me. Probably can't get out of getting fired for not showing up... even if technically I was there. Early, even!

[He seems to remember himself, and addresses the camera once again.] Anyway, hi! I'm Mahdi. I'm new. They set me up with a place to stay, so I guess I'm gonna be a prisoner for awhile here, huh? [He doesn't exactly seem upset about it, though at least it's clear he's not enthusiastic.] I hope we can makes friends! That's what people do on the internet, right?

Comments

[moralperil]

Tell me about it! Maybe I can make something similar if I know the name and ingredients.

[healplz]

That might take some consideration. [ because he is so totally not a cook WHAT ARE INGREDIENTS ] But... thank you. That's a very kind offer to make, especially to a new acquaintance.

[moralperil]

Nonsense! You need to keep your strength up so you can heal people and stay on the top of your game. Cooking a little for you is the least I can do!

[healplz]

If I didn't know any better, I would say that ought to be my role, as the veteran to a strange new world. Is there anything that I might get you to ease your adjustment, Mahdi?

[moralperil]

Honestly, I'm doing fine. Except, maybe...

I could really use a hug. Heh, I guess I'm being silly!

[healplz]

[ oh. uh. that's kind of awkward. is he supposed to hug someone he's just met?? ]

I... am sure you will be making friends in no time at all here. That doesn't seem so unlikely a wish.

[moralperil]

Ah... sorry, I was being weird, wasn't I? I'm so sorry. You wouldn't believe how often I do something stupid like that, getting way too personal with people...! I didn't mean to weird you out. Please don't be mad.

[healplz]

[ oh no he's made someone feel bad GUILT. a brief pause for hesitation, and then he smiles. ]

My apologies— you haven't made me mad, I only think a hug would be difficult for a pair speaking over this network. Perhaps if we met face to face?

[moralperil]

[YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY YOU'VE MADE HIM.] Sure! Um, where should we meet?

[healplz]

Are you anywhere near the housing?

[moralperil]

[A thoughtful look.] Yes! I'm in my new apartment.

[healplz]

Which number is that?

[moralperil]

--Hold on a sec!

[And you're treated to a view of his kitchen while he runs out the door to check.] It's 401!

[healplz]

Only a floor above my own room, then. I can be there shortly.

[moralperil]

Awesome, we're neighbors! I'll see you soon.

[healplz]

[ and in like 5 minutes HEY GUESS WHO'S KNOCKIN' ]

[moralperil]

[Guess who's throwin' open the door?]

Ashraf! Hi! [Oh he almost hugs you right out the gate. He does manage to restrain himself, at least.]

[healplz]

Hello, Mahdi.

[ oh he's so... small.... awww. And don't think he doesn't see that almost-hug. It gets a smile, and he holds out his arms quietly. Kinda weird, hugging someone he's known for like 20 minutes, but he can roll with this. ]

[moralperil]

[Mahdi eagerly throws his arms around Ashraf. He's kinda... tall and shouldery. But it's been a long time since he's gotten a hug. His voice is tremulous - he remains with his face pressed against Ashraf's chest a moment.]

...Thank you.

[healplz]

[ One arm wraps around Mahdi's shoulders, the other rests a hand at the back of his head. All the good cheer of earlier doesn't quite match up to that tremor in his thanks, which is justification enough for him for the hug. ]

It is my pleasure.

[moralperil]

[Mahdi remains still like this, calming his breathing until the urge to burst into childish tears goes away. He does feel better. He can feel strength from Ashraf, very different than the lesser mortals he's met in the Middle Realm. There's a purity to him too, which is a relief. After a moment, he pulls away.]

I really needed that. [He's a little flustered.] C-can I ask you just one more thing? It's not as weird as a hug, I promise.

[healplz]

[ He's content to wait until Mahdi is happy with it, and drops his arms again only after they've parted. ]

Of course. [ But even as he says it he's sort of glancing around, and this... nice hallway here... ] Is it something you want asked in the hallway?

[moralperil]

Oh, um! Please come in. I guess this apartment is my home now after all...

[Mahdi waves Ashraf into the kitchen, flitting over to close his netbook. Then he turns around, showing the back of his apron, which is knotted so badly a bit of his shirt's pinched into it.]

Help? I can't get out.

[healplz]

[ oh. uh. He blinks, looking a little surprised... but nods. ]

You would have done better to ask a rogue, but I'll do my best. [ Right, getting to work on this thing, CONCENTRATING. ]

[moralperil]

A rogue? [Mahdi's heard the word before, but doesn't quite understand its context. He tries to stand still while Ashraf works.]