❀ IC INBOX

[intoningly]

[ To the tune of a programmed animatronic voice ]

"This user's voicemail inbox is full. Thank you, goodbye."

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Comments

[courtmagic]

They were...pretty clear on their reasons.

[even if he sang the sweetest ballad, they would likely just avoid him. but hey, it had been worth a shot at the beginning.]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, though.

[intoningly]

Nothing gained is right.

[ She looks over her shoulder, frowning at his nearly naked form. ]

But you should find some clothes or figure out some way to dry your ass off. Wouldn't want to be the only person who's still sick when the rest of us are healthy, able-bodied and ready for your on land adventures.

[ I mean, that's some basic concern, right? ]

Would offer to help but as you can see I don't have anything to offer you– and whatever power I'm packing right now isn't good for much except throwing you back into the water.

[courtmagic]

[his first thought is that maybe that wouldn't be so bad, swimming was nice. the second and third thoughts aren't suitable for the public to know. instead, he laughs a little.]

Don't worry, I'll head back before long. If you're awaiting my shoreside affairs, well, it'd be quite rude to keep you waiting, wouldn't it?

[there's an edge to his smile that's more than likely a little familiar.]

Especially if you have an interest.

[intoningly]

[ Tell the public his thoughts don't be a coward Mira. She sort of makes a face at that comment before realizing she'd walked right into that.

She stares at him for a moment, oddly thoughtful. ]

If I get bored enough– sure.

[ Her answer is delivered with a very blase casualness. ]

But for the record? I just got done being sick– so if you're coughing up snot in a few hours I'll give it a pass.

[courtmagic]

Sounds fair.

[and that's an answer he's very pleased with. he pulls his hair over his shoulder to wring out some of the water, as if this was the most normal thing in the world. god, it'll take eternity to dry, but good thing he has nowhere to be in a hurry. just him, Zero, and the unbangable fish.]

Of course, if I get sick, it'll be time to see if those mixtures I made do anything.

[intoningly]

You're some kind of optimist. It kind of pisses me off honestly.

[ Despite the nature of her words they come out more flat than actually annoyed or aggressive. The act of watching him wring his hair out does seem to force an inkling of sympathy out of her, because she unhooks her cape and offers it to him. ]

Here– for your hair. Just remember that you owe me for keeping your ass from getting the flu.

[courtmagic]

[...she's a nicer person than she wants to let on, he thinks, but he takes it with a nod of gratitude.]

Don't worry. I don't forget my debts that easily. Cash it in any time.

[the cape will definitely help dry off his hair. honestly any sane person would cut it off at this point, but he's neither sane nor smart.]

[intoningly]

Oh don't worry, I will. Other people here might be okay with doing shit for free, but that's not my style.

[ ... ]

I can't tell if they're all just collectively idiots or not.

[ or actually nice ]

[courtmagic]

They could just like doing things for people.

[which is. not the way to live your life in his view but hey! why not take advantage.]

[intoningly]

No one likes doing things for people just for the hell of it.

[ Let it be known that she punctuates that statement with a look that just screams "Duh!!" ]

Everyone has an endgame, and people who pretend like they don't are the worst kind.

[courtmagic]

But do you care about their endgame, when they're doing things for you? You're getting something out of it, and if they neglect to ask for something in exchange, then you're getting the better deal of it.

[see: him mooching for free food. they get the self satisfaction of doing good, he gets to eat, and no one loses.]

[intoningly]

No one forgets to cash in on favors, no matter how nice or insecure they are. Everyone collects their dues, everyone.

[ See: this cape towel situation ]

That's why you don't take more than you need if you have to ask for a favor at all. If you're smart– like I said, you won't ask at all.

[courtmagic]

Or you just distract them until they forget.

[disappear from their view. confuse them with something new. beguile and lie and trick until you come out on top. and then continue floating through life where the breeze takes you.]

How can they collect if they've forgotten what they did in the first place?

[intoningly]

Yeah, subterfuge isn't really my thing.

[ She waves a dismissive hand. ]

You're making this too complicated– all I'm saying is that I don't like owing people shit and I don't like doing things for free.

[ She starts walking, pausing briefly to look at him over her shoulder and nod in the direction of their Circle assigned housing. ]

– so, I think I'll collect on what you owe me. Since you're already dressed for the occasion.