exsilium | 1st Mistake; video

[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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Are you anywhere near the housing?

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

Which number is that?

--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!

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

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

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

[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.]

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. ]

[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.

[ 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.

[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.

[ 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?

Edited (OKAY THERE NO LONGER AM I IMAGINING THIS WRONG) 2012-09-03 20:29 (UTC)

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.

[ 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. ]

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

A rogue, that is... well, a member of a guild, in my world. They're known for underhanded ways.

[ frownin a little, and sort of under his breath: ] How did you manage this?

I was in a hurry on my way to work, so I just kind of threw it on and started tying... last time I did this they had to use scissors to cut me out, and I had to pay for the apron. [He titters apologetically.]

I think I can manage it without resorting to scissors...

[ but man dis ain't easy. priest hands were not meant for sailor knots! ]

Thanks. I'd just try pulling it over my head and fixing it myself, but the last time I tried that then I got my hair stuck in it...

Then it's a good thing I was near by.

[ Just a few seconds more, and... got it. He smiles, and begins pulling the strings loose. ]

There. Only a moment more.

You're really good at this! [He claps a little, then remembers he's trying to remain still and sort of freezes like that.]

It only needed another pair of hands.

[ He successfully parts the strings, and lays a hand briefly on Mahdi's shoulder to signify that moving is pretty much okay again. ]

Is there anything else I might help with?

[Mahdi pulls off his apron, folding it and placing it on the table. He untucks his polo.] Whew! Much better! Thank you!

[And it's time for a sudden hug! Do you roll to dodge?]

[ Well, he'll definitely look startled for a second! But he doesn't move, only smiles, amused, and returns the hug again. ]

You're welcome. I only wish everyone were so easy to please.

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