♣ 019 || [ video ]

[haring_to_go]

If I remember correctly, resolutions were the thing at this time last year. [ he's sounding a little green around the collar ] I think I need to resolve against drinking so much coffee.

... if anyone has a cure for these headaches, I'd be in your debt.

[ double espressos, while a life saver, were obviously not meant to be drunk multiple times a day. After almost a full year of this, Liam, at last, is finally learning to repent. ]

Comments

[oceantrauma]

I've never had to deal with chronic headaches, so I'm no help, I'm afraid.

Are you sure giving up coffee will work with your job?

[haring_to_go]

[ he has a smile for Ken ] I'll manage. Coffee was something I'd never had until I arrived here. If I return to tea, that should suffice. [ and willpower. He'll have to remember how to make good use of it again. ]

[oceantrauma]

Of course. What kind of tea do you prefer?

[haring_to_go]

Most tea will do. Black when there's work to do, something more fragrant when there isn't. A white tea can be quite delicate you know.

[oceantrauma]

I'm not that knowledgeable on tea, so I'll have to try a few white teas for myself.

[haring_to_go]

[ off handed ] I could send you a few of my favorites. [ and the tea set as well, perhaps. ]

[oceantrauma]

Oh, you don't need to do that. You could just give me the names, and I'm sure I could find them. [Liam, really, was way too nice. It still took Ken by surprise sometimes.]

[haring_to_go]

[ and then suddenly, he coughed into his hand, hiding his blush as he entered awkward turtle mode. ] Please, need isn't a necessity when one is considering a gift. I've enjoyed our conversations.

[oceantrauma]

[A gift? Liam isn't the only one awkwardly blushing. Ken looks a little to the side.]

That's very generous of you. And I'll accept it graciously, because I've enjoyed talking with you, too.

[haring_to_go]

[ triumph! ]

Then I'll send it immediately. [ he paused ] Where are you living at the moment?

[oceantrauma]

[Ken gives the address to Merlin and Charlie's place.] Hopefully this is the last time I move, too.

[haring_to_go]

[ he looked over the info with curiosity and nodded ] You were looking for new roommates? [ if he had known... ]

[oceantrauma]

No, I wasn't. But Charlie-san wanted me to move in with her. As I didn't have any housemates, I agreed to it. [That, and it was nice to have home-cooked meals regularly.]

[haring_to_go]

[ he feels a sudden sense of relief ]

I see... Charlie works at the Jasmine Dragon, doesn't she? [ he's meet her a few times before. The one being her attempt to rob him. ]

[oceantrauma]

[He nods his head.] Yes. And I've known her for a long time. She was one of the first people I met after I came to the City.

[haring_to_go]

[ he nodded ] Then you'll make a good home with her. [ although he's suddenly entertaining doubts in his tea choosing abilities. The teahouse was well known. ]

[oceantrauma]

Thank you. I really hope so. I don't know Arthur-san or Merlin-san very welll, but I haven't seemed to cause any issue. [And Ken, on the other hand, was looking forward to it, believing the choices would taste wonderful.]

[haring_to_go]

[ he will live up to that faith! Through copious amounts of research and dedicated sampling. ]

I'm well acquainted with Merlin. He has a good heart. [ and a far better ability to adapt then Liam's own. Ken could do far worse then Merlin. ]

[oceantrauma]

Well, everything has gone well so far. I only hope it continues.

For now, Liam-san, I have to go.

[haring_to_go]

[ he nods ]

Have a good day then; I'll let you know when to expect the package. [ and at least now he has something to focus on beside just his head. ]

[oceantrauma]

Thank you, Liam-san.

I hope you have a good day, as well. [And now he'll have to think of something to send in return.]

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

I'm no doctor, but sleep and herbal tea. Lavender especially.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ he appreciates the help, really, but... ] I'm sorry, there's no time for sleep. I have far to much work to do to waste on sleep.

[ he pauses ] Does Lavender really work?

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

It does produce quite a soothing effect, yes.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

...

I always did like the smell. A sachet of lavender is perfect for keeping your summer clothes fresh through the long winter.

[ ahem ]

I don't believe we've met. I am Liam Lunettes. [ and keeping the pleasantries is automatic, calming, soothing. It's far better then keeping to his own thoughts and that damnable ticking. ]

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

It is quite pleasant.

I am Nobori. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Have you been here long, Sir Lunettes?

[Nobori is wrapped up in so many layers of formality and pleasantries that this should be a very easily sustained distraction.]

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

Oh, please. Just Mister will suffice for the moment. I'm afraid I'm only a minor Earl back in my world.

[ and hardly was he considered one of it's knights, but it's been so long since he's been able to enjoy the pleasantries. This will be a welcome distraction, indeed. ]

And, although my stay here was interrupted, it's been a year by the current calendar. Are you a new arrival yourself or...

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

Your status will not lessen my respect, Lunettes-sama. [If he switches to Japanese honorifics, will that formality be more bearable?

Enjoy the distraction, this one is always exceptionally polite.]

Yes, I've only been here for less than a month.

Interrupted? [Now, this is interesting. Perhaps he's someone else who's been back to his world?]