( o1 - AUDIO )

[halves]

[Deep breaths, Lou, deep breaths.

He's still practicing this exercise about a split second before the recording begins, shifting his focus to it immediately, superficially ready to laugh and quip at this silly challenge someone has proposed (forced) him to take part in.

It's nothing but pure nerves, he assures you.]

This is really fucked up. Just thought I should let you know.

[There's an exhale, not quite a laugh. See? Nothing but nerves.]

I guess I'm supposed to say hi now.

Hi. I'm the new guy.

I'd like to know what the fuck you've done to my cat.

Comments

[dignity_misery]

It's the only time I'm offering without expecting something in return.

[Your objections are denied.]

Come on, I'll take you to the Blue Light.

[halves]

[Truth be told, Lou doesn't really stick to an idea when it's not really his. It just takes him long enough to stare at her, lips parted before he looks off and nods.]

Fine. [Lou isn't gonna try to sound reluctant, either.] Okay.

[dignity_misery]

[Carla almost never goes into this place, she prefers the Raven, Underground, but she's not really sure that taking Lou into a vampire bar will end well. But she knows the managers of both, and she's sure that Princess Rosella will gladly give them a newcomers discount or something similarly invented. She's sure there will be someone for him to bum a cigarette off of too.

It's almost a tradition really, but since Carla didn't drink she'd gotten breakfast instead. Food was a good anxiety dampener.]

[halves]

[He just asks for beer - something cheap that hopefully will last, even if without much effect, which is probably for the best. The desire for a cigarette is postponed while that first gulp becomes a little too eager.]

[dignity_misery]

[She leaves him alone for a few minutes. Really, she doesn't need to say anything, everyone is used to the confused newcomers around here, people answer questions openly and easily, they offer jobs and apartments. This place would be hard to live in, for everyone, if the newcomers weren't acclimated quick, people came and left again entirely too often.]

Better?

[halves]

[There's a deep exhale before he answers. Which should be answer enough in itself.]

Yes; thanks.

[He doesn't really know what to say after that. He just wants someone to do the thinking and fetch more answers for him.]

[dignity_misery]

You're not going to like this place.

[A simple enough statement.]

[halves]

[He makes a face, arching his brows softly with pressed lips. That's obvious, isn't it.

This is the part where he asks,] Why not?

[dignity_misery]

That's how the city is. It's going to leave you humiliated, at some point.

[halves]

[A sharp, absurd exhale escapes from his throat.]

I don't exactly feel like I'm on top of the world right now.

[dignity_misery]

And it will let everyone know all about it.

[halves]

[Lou's expression changes, slowly, with a soft bite on the inside of his cheek.]

Is that what happened to you?

[dignity_misery]

[Her smile is cold.]

[halves]

[His brows arch briefly before he goes back to the drink.]

Can't wait.