[There's no real point in trying to deny it, though he momentarily debates it. The slight smile that comes to his face after a pause has no humor in it, eyes moving away from Dante over their shoulder.]
It seems this time of year has become difficult for me. [Speaking of "home."] This world claims it's January now. The fourth of the month was the last day I was in my own.
[Right... He'd appeared with blood on him, hadn't he?]
< I see... >
[Well, he helped them out. They might as well see what they can do to return the favor.]
< Hey, I've got a few other places I still need to go to. Want to come with? I could use some advice from someone who actually knows what he's doing business-wise--and I can help you carry anything you need me to for your own errands, if you want. >
[It's not much, but at least they can make sure he's not alone]
[The blood from the someone in his care who he immediately got abducted away from, even! It's fine, he's fine... It should be fine... Why he's even so bothered in the first place is something he's having trouble considering.
He takes a moment to consider the offer, a tired sense to him.]
That's kind of you, Dante. [But rather than force his acquaintance (colleague? ally?) to deal with any significant amount of sincerity immediately, he moves on, casting a glance at the wilted, discolored produce.] Certainly, I'll come along. Where are you headed?
< I'm looking for produce, so I've got two more grocers to try. The last one usually has the best prices for the quality on their normal stuff, but I'm seeing if I can't get better quality for either cheaper or the same amount with the deals going. That way I can save money on acquiring what the client needs without sacrificing quality. >
[It's something Altius probably knows more than his fair share about, but they spent long enough researching the different businesses and coming up with a system of getting through their deliveries efficiently that they can't help the note of pride that seeps into their "voice" as they explain themselves.
...Only to turn a bit sheepish as they realize that that's way too deep of an explanation for the question he asked.]
[Dante explains their process, and Altius listens; it's only when they have that reaction that he thinks anything's unusual about it, but he's always looking for problems to solve and asking for details. Having them freely offered only seemed natural.
He lets out a single hum that's halfway to a laugh to reassure them.]
There's nothing wrong with being dedicated.
[says man dedicated to very worrisome things,]
Perhaps along the way I can find some groceries for myself. We may have to dig a bit to find anything worthwhile, judging by this display.
[There's nothing wrong with being dedicated, but usually they try and keep their overthinking/planning on the inside rather than put it all out there like that. He's not bothered by it, though, so they'll try not to let it bother them too much either.]
< Through the groceries and the snow... >
[They'll add snowboots to the list when Altius isn't with them, they think as they start to make their way out the door and back into the cold.]
< I wonder if it's just groceries that are like this... I've been seeing advertisements everywhere since I got back. >
[Altius, meanwhile, very obviously turns up his coat's collar against the cold as he eyes the snow. Miserable weather, in his opinion.]
If I had to guess, I'd say it's all similar quality, [he says, somewhat resigned as he shoves his hands into his pockets.] The locals seem to be... very consistent, amongst themselves.
[Which is to say they're all following the same programming, or however else they'd like to think of it.]
I suppose it's an improvement from their behavior before. There might be a chance at something decent somewhere, even if just by accident.
[His eyes flick to the flames on Dante's head as he walks alongside them. If only they gave off more heat... What's the point of having such an effect if you can't even get the benefits...?]
< For the most part, yeah. I wondered if this was some kind of passive-aggressive move on their part since they still don't seem to like us very much, but if they're offering the same thing to eachother... >
[Or maybe the other locals just haven't been taking the deals? They didn't think to pay much attention to it before now.
They pull out their PDA as they walk, navigating to their notes app to tap something in before returning it to their pocket]
< But hey, maybe you're right. Maybe they are warming up to us again. >
[Hopefully Dante won't mind if Altius glances down at that PDA as they type, only somewhat subtle. Do they have anything of use, or is it simply their attempt at keeping their business in order? He always finds more questions with this one...]
It wouldn't be unwelcome.
[There's enough uncertainty to his tone to say he's not holding his breath for anything significant, though. Ah, but Dante said something important a moment ago... He really is distracted, to not fixate on that immediately. Time to amend that.]
You said you returned home? [If Dante hadn't said so, he would have assumed nothing had changed at all. Their attitude doesn't seem to have changed much.] What was that like?
[The notes in question are only on the quality and prices of the goods in that particular store for the moment, but after Dante saves their work and before they shut the PDA off, a dropdown list of several terms and places can be listed. The Aldrip one is open, but above it an unfamiliar term can be seen: "Abnormalities."]
< Yeah, just for a day or two. A... busy day or two, but just a day or two. >
[They tick softly in an approximation of a thoughtful hum.]
< I can't remember whether or not I remembered anything of this place while I was there. I didn't really have much time to explore all that. >
[Abnormalities... a curious term, that, especially given everything he's come to know about Dante and this world alike. What would even count as abnormal, to a person like them? Though he keeps what he saw to himself, that train of thought ends up being relevant in his response, a faint furrow in his brow:]
You must be accustomed to a number of unusual things, if considering your presence in a separate world so unlike your own wouldn't have even occurred to you.
[He's a little astonished, honestly, and that comes through his tone. He doesn't disbelieve Dante about it, but he's so particular about his own mind and situation that there's no way he'd have the same reaction.]
I hope it wasn't overly unpleasant. [He doesn't feel the need to ask whether their busy was a good or a bad thing.]
< You could say that. You never know what you're going to find next. >
[They keep their gaze straight ahead as they respond. Not that they have a face to give anything away, but better to be careful, just in case.]
< ...A little worse than what we have to deal with here. > [That much is safe to admit.] < But better in other ways too. Almost got impaled, but it didn't hit me in the end. And hey, didn't get shot by any weird doppelgangers of myself either. >
[It's disconcerting, how few details Dante seems willing to share. Not in the sense that he detects any level of distrust in the other—he takes it more as the way that they must have to cope with whatever constant disasters they've had to deal with, both in this world and their own. Plus, with the lack of their memory... it must be difficult.
He lets out a breath through his nose in what's almost a frustrated sigh.]
Avoiding violence and injury is always preferable, [he remarks with some helpless exasperation. His normal guise isn't the sort to make jokes about being harmed, even if that might be the inclination of others around him. He might have to get used to it, though.]
Is that why you're so eager to get back into simple errands? Sorting through expired groceries is certainly less dire...
[And once again, their attempts to lighten the mood fall flat on their face. How did Rodya make it look so easy back home?
They look back at him in confusion, head tiling ever so slightly.]
< Not really. I mean I don't mind how calm things are right now--it's a nice change of pace--but this is still part of my job here. > [They gesture to their lack of mouth] < None of these are going to me, after all. And keeping track of who has what will save me time on future trips. >
[Jumping right back into it, just because it's their "job"... is that really all there is to it?
Look. Altius is very much a workaholic himself, who largely doesn't know what to do with free time. But on one hand, he recognizes that this is not exactly "healthy" for a typical person, and on the other hand, his typical day to day stressors are things like profit projections! Or flight cancellations! Not... being impaled??]
I can't argue with your logic, but... [His brow is tilted with a bit of his own confusion.] I would think most people would take a bit of time off to—enjoy the lack of immediate danger, perhaps...?
[They've tried to give the Sinners time off on occasion, when they felt they were able to. But that was mainly on the Great Lake, where there wasn't that much to do besides wait to get back to shore. And even then, those attempts at a break tended to be interrupted by something or another.]
< I guess it's just easier for me to keep going. Something else will come up eventually, so I might as well be ready for it. >
[Is the amnesia and only having a yearish of life experience the problem here, or is it more of a personality thing? Altius has to wonder.]
Easier for now, perhaps, but no one can 'keep going' forever. Being prepared isn't the same as never resting.
[His "scolding" is only mild; neither of them are currently injured or in danger, so it's easier to word it as life advice rather than a lecture. And speaking of taking time off:]
It's a shame you just missed the holiday season here. Especially with these questionable sales being the only aspect remaining...
[He lets out an ambivalent-leaning-positive hum, followed by:]
It wasn't without its challenges, but the locals did inform us of how to avoid the some of the trouble, this time.
[So unlike some people, he followed instructions! Mostly. It's not like he couldn't immediately go indoors after sating his curiosity.]
Perhaps I was lucky to avoid being briefly stuck to someone by the odd animals that appeared during the month? But that all sounded barely more than irritating, and the solstice feast was enjoyable.
[Altius doesn't hide the look he turns towards them, the light of an idea in his eyes—but his gaze turns forward once more as he examines that idea with more scrutiny. It simply seems unfair that Dante was unable to enjoy that brief reprieve, and instead was thrown back into who-knows-what horrid nonsense they deal with regularly, then right back here.]
I'd share some of it with you if I could. [Even with the thought of treating them to something of a mini-holiday, he can't invite them out for dinner, he can't invite them out for drinks... how does one even celebrate without these things??] What do you do to enjoy yourself, Dante?
[They stare at him for a moment in surprise, then look away, ticking softly as they think.]
< Uh, well... Vincent and I play Queen's Blood--a card game--together from time to time, and I've been trying to get more cards for my collection. And given how many books are in the library, I should probably try and read more than just the ones I need for research... >
[There's a brief rise of his brow as if to say yes, you.]
A card game? [Not a standard deck, if they're talking about getting more of them. He's taught himself a few of the usual, just for purposes of socializing, but he's not disdainful of the idea of—trading cards, he supposes they must be?] And they sell them here... interesting.
[Well, if it can integrate diseases and horrible powers from other worlds, why not card games? Unless it originates here, which he somehow doubts. Back to Dante's potential hobbies, though:]
My own choice in literature tends to be rather dense, but... my ward is fond of detective novels, if you're looking for somewhere to start.
< Not just sell it. I'm pretty sure it's the main game played in the casino in town... somehow. >
[They aren't sure what that has to do with gambling, and they've yet to step foot in the casino themselves, but it's there!]
< But detective novels, huh? It's a place to start. >
[And for what it's worth, they do sound curious. It helps that they've had the chance to play detective themselves, even if they were mostly there to supervise. It leaves them to wonder how a professional (or a fictional professional) might do things.]
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[But what a while it was...]
< Everything all right? You seem a bit... out of it. >
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It seems this time of year has become difficult for me. [Speaking of "home."] This world claims it's January now. The fourth of the month was the last day I was in my own.
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< I see... >
[Well, he helped them out. They might as well see what they can do to return the favor.]
< Hey, I've got a few other places I still need to go to. Want to come with? I could use some advice from someone who actually knows what he's doing business-wise--and I can help you carry anything you need me to for your own errands, if you want. >
[It's not much, but at least they can make sure he's not alone]
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He takes a moment to consider the offer, a tired sense to him.]
That's kind of you, Dante. [But rather than force his acquaintance (colleague? ally?) to deal with any significant amount of sincerity immediately, he moves on, casting a glance at the wilted, discolored produce.] Certainly, I'll come along. Where are you headed?
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[It's something Altius probably knows more than his fair share about, but they spent long enough researching the different businesses and coming up with a system of getting through their deliveries efficiently that they can't help the note of pride that seeps into their "voice" as they explain themselves.
...Only to turn a bit sheepish as they realize that that's way too deep of an explanation for the question he asked.]
< Oh, uh. Don't mind me. >
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He lets out a single hum that's halfway to a laugh to reassure them.]
There's nothing wrong with being dedicated.
[says man dedicated to very worrisome things,]
Perhaps along the way I can find some groceries for myself. We may have to dig a bit to find anything worthwhile, judging by this display.
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< Through the groceries and the snow... >
[They'll add snowboots to the list when Altius isn't with them, they think as they start to make their way out the door and back into the cold.]
< I wonder if it's just groceries that are like this... I've been seeing advertisements everywhere since I got back. >
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If I had to guess, I'd say it's all similar quality, [he says, somewhat resigned as he shoves his hands into his pockets.] The locals seem to be... very consistent, amongst themselves.
[Which is to say they're all following the same programming, or however else they'd like to think of it.]
I suppose it's an improvement from their behavior before. There might be a chance at something decent somewhere, even if just by accident.
[His eyes flick to the flames on Dante's head as he walks alongside them. If only they gave off more heat... What's the point of having such an effect if you can't even get the benefits...?]
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[Or maybe the other locals just haven't been taking the deals? They didn't think to pay much attention to it before now.
They pull out their PDA as they walk, navigating to their notes app to tap something in before returning it to their pocket]
< But hey, maybe you're right. Maybe they are warming up to us again. >
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It wouldn't be unwelcome.
[There's enough uncertainty to his tone to say he's not holding his breath for anything significant, though. Ah, but Dante said something important a moment ago... He really is distracted, to not fixate on that immediately. Time to amend that.]
You said you returned home? [If Dante hadn't said so, he would have assumed nothing had changed at all. Their attitude doesn't seem to have changed much.] What was that like?
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< Yeah, just for a day or two. A... busy day or two, but just a day or two. >
[They tick softly in an approximation of a thoughtful hum.]
< I can't remember whether or not I remembered anything of this place while I was there. I didn't really have much time to explore all that. >
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You must be accustomed to a number of unusual things, if considering your presence in a separate world so unlike your own wouldn't have even occurred to you.
[He's a little astonished, honestly, and that comes through his tone. He doesn't disbelieve Dante about it, but he's so particular about his own mind and situation that there's no way he'd have the same reaction.]
I hope it wasn't overly unpleasant. [He doesn't feel the need to ask whether their busy was a good or a bad thing.]
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[They keep their gaze straight ahead as they respond. Not that they have a face to give anything away, but better to be careful, just in case.]
< ...A little worse than what we have to deal with here. > [That much is safe to admit.] < But better in other ways too. Almost got impaled, but it didn't hit me in the end. And hey, didn't get shot by any weird doppelgangers of myself either. >
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He lets out a breath through his nose in what's almost a frustrated sigh.]
Avoiding violence and injury is always preferable, [he remarks with some helpless exasperation. His normal guise isn't the sort to make jokes about being harmed, even if that might be the inclination of others around him. He might have to get used to it, though.]
Is that why you're so eager to get back into simple errands? Sorting through expired groceries is certainly less dire...
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They look back at him in confusion, head tiling ever so slightly.]
< Not really. I mean I don't mind how calm things are right now--it's a nice change of pace--but this is still part of my job here. > [They gesture to their lack of mouth] < None of these are going to me, after all. And keeping track of who has what will save me time on future trips. >
[In other words... they're just a workaholic]
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Look. Altius is very much a workaholic himself, who largely doesn't know what to do with free time. But on one hand, he recognizes that this is not exactly "healthy" for a typical person, and on the other hand, his typical day to day stressors are things like profit projections! Or flight cancellations! Not... being impaled??]
I can't argue with your logic, but... [His brow is tilted with a bit of his own confusion.] I would think most people would take a bit of time off to—enjoy the lack of immediate danger, perhaps...?
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[They've tried to give the Sinners time off on occasion, when they felt they were able to. But that was mainly on the Great Lake, where there wasn't that much to do besides wait to get back to shore. And even then, those attempts at a break tended to be interrupted by something or another.]
< I guess it's just easier for me to keep going. Something else will come up eventually, so I might as well be ready for it. >
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Easier for now, perhaps, but no one can 'keep going' forever. Being prepared isn't the same as never resting.
[His "scolding" is only mild; neither of them are currently injured or in danger, so it's easier to word it as life advice rather than a lecture. And speaking of taking time off:]
It's a shame you just missed the holiday season here. Especially with these questionable sales being the only aspect remaining...
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[They sound genuinely surprised.]
< Hm... Though that fall festival wasn't too bad either, was it? Well. Aside from the funhouse. But everything else was actually pretty fun. >
[A pause]
< ...There wasn't anything like the funhouse this time around, was there? >
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It wasn't without its challenges, but the locals did inform us of how to avoid the some of the trouble, this time.
[So unlike some people, he followed instructions! Mostly. It's not like he couldn't immediately go indoors after sating his curiosity.]
Perhaps I was lucky to avoid being briefly stuck to someone by the odd animals that appeared during the month? But that all sounded barely more than irritating, and the solstice feast was enjoyable.
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< Wouldn't be this place without something strange thrown into the mix. And it's good to hear the rougher parts were mostly avoidable. >
[There's a certain lightness to their "voice," slightly affected, but with some sincerity there as well.]
< I'm glad you guys managed to have a good time, stranger moments aside. After the past few months we've had, it had to have been appreciated. >
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I'd share some of it with you if I could. [Even with the thought of treating them to something of a mini-holiday, he can't invite them out for dinner, he can't invite them out for drinks... how does one even celebrate without these things??] What do you do to enjoy yourself, Dante?
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[They stare at him for a moment in surprise, then look away, ticking softly as they think.]
< Uh, well... Vincent and I play Queen's Blood--a card game--together from time to time, and I've been trying to get more cards for my collection. And given how many books are in the library, I should probably try and read more than just the ones I need for research... >
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A card game? [Not a standard deck, if they're talking about getting more of them. He's taught himself a few of the usual, just for purposes of socializing, but he's not disdainful of the idea of—trading cards, he supposes they must be?] And they sell them here... interesting.
[Well, if it can integrate diseases and horrible powers from other worlds, why not card games? Unless it originates here, which he somehow doubts. Back to Dante's potential hobbies, though:]
My own choice in literature tends to be rather dense, but... my ward is fond of detective novels, if you're looking for somewhere to start.
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[They aren't sure what that has to do with gambling, and they've yet to step foot in the casino themselves, but it's there!]
< But detective novels, huh? It's a place to start. >
[And for what it's worth, they do sound curious. It helps that they've had the chance to play detective themselves, even if they were mostly there to supervise. It leaves them to wonder how a professional (or a fictional professional) might do things.]
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