and then go back and do our time

[bedsidemanners]

[For once, it's too warm for a sports coat. Raphael's even omitted his customary tie, for once, and his appearance overall is only a little less polished than normal as he sits outside a cafe, a small plate of pastries and a cup of coffee in front of him.]

I'm starting to wonder if the curses this month adhere to a theme.

[Raphael takes a bite of a pastry, swallowing before he continues.]

Specifically, regret, out of season as that appears to be. Not that it's something I'm particularly familiar with.

[Another bite. Another sip of coffee.]

What I don't understand is almost everyone's animosity towards their other version. I didn't realize everyone's insecurities were quite so rampant. Especially when I'm certain they'll leave in a few days the same as the rest of the specters that show up around here. Otherwise this place would be even more banal.

[He looks like he's about to end the feed, but then he pauses.]

Does anyone happen to have any bar recommendations? I'm not particularly choosy.

Comments

voice; filtered to raphael

[greatcherubim]

I don't understand why someone who wants so badly to be different doesn't start behaving the way they would prefer to.

But there are probably many things stopping them that we can't see.

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

Like an utter lack of willpower.

Although, to be honest, I wouldn't want to be different, myself.

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

[She's briefly silent in surprise.] I'm surprised to hear you say that. You don't seem to like many of them.

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

Many of whom?

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

Anyone. Who wouldn't you want to change?

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

Michael.

[There's not even a pause for thought.]

Beyond him, I can't think of anyone.

[thermonuclear_birdbrain]

Insecurity, my butt, she won't leave me alone!

[bedsidemanners]

Then what's stopping you from leaving her?

[dignity_misery]

I'd fuck her.

[It's true, it's... also a statement of complete self-torture, but that's Carla for you. She's only opened her mouth for shock value though.]

[bedsidemanners]

Really. How do you feel about voyeurism?

[dignity_misery]

I don't care who watches.

[bedsidemanners]

Does she?

[dignity_misery]

She cares even less than I do.

[Because not caring is Carla's ideal.]

She'd even play with you.

[bedsidemanners]

Are her standards that much higher?

[dignity_misery]

They're non-existent.

[Although to call Carla's inhibitions in this instance 'standards' is not quite correct.]

[bedsidemanners]

Careful now, Carla. This is sounding promising.

[dignity_misery]

[She looks like she wants to be amused, but she doesn't quite get there, looking off tiredly.]

I'll send her over.

[brothertragedy]

Those who hate their doubles the most are those holding themselves to unattainable ideals.

[thermonuclear_birdbrain]

She follows me around, and she can win against all my cards, so I can't just beat her and make her leave...

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

Then you're in luck. I don't believe Michael will ever change.

[She doesn't sound unhappy with that.]

I meant to ask you, though, why you have been avoiding me.

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

I'm not as sure about that as I used to be.

I haven't been avoiding you.

[bedsidemanners]

You play cards, my dear?

[bedsidemanners]

How very astute-- oh, I don't think we've met. I'm Raphael.

[bedsidemanners]

[There's a flash of what's almost concern on his face.]

You'll pardon me if I like my acceptances to be a little more enthusiastic. What's the matter?

[thermonuclear_birdbrain]

Spell cards, yeah. [Point has gone so far over head...] We had a fight, and she kind of won. Only by a little! But she did.

[brothertragedy]

I am Nobori. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Raphael.

[He bows politely in greeting.

His Pokemon, Chandela, floats into view to give a more enthusiastic greeting in its own way.] Shandela-shan!

[dignity_misery]

[In her opinion, there is no point in explaining something he doesn't remember.]

Nothing. Just be prepared for a man-eater.

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

Oh?

Don't be silly. Of course you have. You leave the room when I walk in, Raphael.

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

You're being paranoid. It's... hardly intentional.

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

You're not nearly as good a liar as you believe you are.

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

It's been awkward.

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

I don't feel awkward.

I didn't anticipate you being willing to keep me company. I appreciated it.

voice; filtered

[bedsidemanners]

You thought I'd leave?

voice; filtered

[greatcherubim]

Yes.

At least, I was afraid of the possibility.

But you were a good friend.