( 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]

[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.