noreasonneeded | IC/Overflow Post

“Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself, I am large and I contain multitudes.”

[It seems a fitting quote to bring up right then.]

Being yourself is more than enough, you know. I wouldn’t be having you over to trade poetry books otherwise if your company wasn’t wanted. And at least you can rest assured that I’m not using you for any beguiling powers.

You do.

[And a very appropriate time for Walt.]

I'd happily beguile you. Get you writing some love poetry for the crows.

It doesn't sound as though it was meant for just me.

I think they would be very suspicious and perturbed if I gave them love poetry. How about we simply talk and enjoy one another's company, without you having to do anything else for me? Giving me a room to shack up for the night is plenty, trust me.

Possibly. But I would be very entertained watching Jesper read your love poem to him.

My inspiration isn't doing something for you, that makes it sound laborious. It just happens.

Any good friend would have offered you a place to stay. Mine is just perfect for being sneaky.

I normally just let him wax on about our relationship.

[Life is so much easier when, after fighting, Jesper takes it upon himself to tell Kaz the fight is over and they're still brothers, so all Kaz has to do is say 'agreed' and move on with his life.]

Oh. I thought it was actively given on your part. I guess I don't really know how it works. I suppose I just wouldn't want you to think I'm spending time with you because you can do something for me.

[Kaz especially wants the women in his life to know that they can freely come and freely go, and that they owe him nothing for his time and attention.]

It is a very nice apartment. The shower was like a back and neck massage all in one.

Someone ought to.

[She would probably get along great with Jesper and his flirtatious nature.]

It can be sometimes. I can make it stronger with focus, but it's always there. Here I was thinking all your relationships were based on some level of mutual benefit.

[She chuckles.]

You're welcome to borrow my shower any time you are very sore. Shame to just hoard it away for myself.

In regards to work dynamics, there's certainly mutual benefits. If you do a job with me, you'll get paid your fair share. In regards to just using someone's skills and only giving them my companionship in return - that's not the sort of deals I'm interested in making.

So, are showers your favorite relatively modern invention, then?

That is very fair. Companionship in exchange for companionship. Skills for payment.

[She nods.]

Showers and phones. That way I can pester people at all hours.

Indeed. I don't swindle everyone.

They're both good answers. Better than what I can think of right now.

What came to mind then? I need to know.

I was trying to think of something that's been improved or invented while I've been alive. So, the last two decades and change. It's harder than anticipated. [Or he's more tired than he thought, one or the other.] Mapping systems have certainly improved over time. That's a pretty boring, if practical, answer though. Virtual libraries have also improved, but you'd expect that answer from me, anyway.

It's easy for me to forget how comparatively young you are. You've got a maturity about you.

[It's the trauma, almost certainly.]

Virtual libraries are wonderful. They really help keep bookshelves reserved for the books you couldn't imagine not owning.

I don’t feel young most of the time. [It’s definitely the trauma. On the bright side though, his loved ones do at times help shed some of those ancient layers. Even with Stella he’s not above making jokes he might otherwise not. Like right now he cracks a little grin.] I’ve been legal in every sense of the word for a few years now, if that helps. And you’ve never once tried to borrow my cane to get me off your lawn.

[She will make jokes right back.]

I think you need to tell me you're legal and then wink. To really seal the deal.

I don't have a lawn, otherwise, you'd be running.

I suppose you wisely wouldn't trust that I haven't got a doctored license to show as proof.

[Not that Kaz has to lie about his age, he's genuinely in his mid-twenties, but he certainly has many false identities to use for other reasons.]

A good thing then, as running with a drink in hand is no easy feat. [He takes another drink from his glass.] Do you think some experience can figuratively take off years, like some can add them on?

I am positive you probably have a collection of doctored id's for various things. But I do believe you.

[He is no teenager, but he is still quite young.]

Much worse when it's a hot drink.

Maybe? I've never really thought about it. They say things like working out keep you young longer.

[But she's never had to worry about it.]

I do indeed, they come in handy.

[Even though he can legally get into most places, that doesn't mean his name and reputation aren't a different barrier, or if not a barrier, then worth protecting.]

True enough, though coffee is worth the risk.

I more meant figurative than literal. Some experiences making one feel older than their years, and then other experiences or being around certain people making you feel younger. [He gives a small shrug.] It doesn't matter.

[And if one is doing nefarious things in a place, it's best to give a fake name.]

No, I can see that. I know many experiences add. But I do find that keeping young people as my friends keeps me from feeling so ancient.

I suppose the first step in feeling young at heart would be to have a heart. Maybe I'll have to steal one sometime to check, I spent mine a long time ago on something more prudent.

[There's a glibness to his tone, an awareness that his dramatic talk is teasing as much as it is truth. While he can have most people believing his blood is pumped by greed and spite alone, those that know him well know that isn't entirely the case.]

Will you keep it in a jar in your office? A little reminder?

[She knows he has a heart, he wouldn't look after the Crows the way he does if he didn't have a heart.

She finishes off the last of her wine at sets the glass down.]

I have been told on more than one occasion that my office needs more decorations. It would serve them right, really.

I know a medical illustrator, I could maybe procure you a heart if you really want.

I'll keep that in mind. I think I'll hold off on office decorating, but it never hurts to have a contact on hand.

Maybe I'll sneak in a slip a little decoration in there. Spice the place up.

I knew I was right when I called you schemestress. Is this break in to be random or spooky themed for the season?

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