James Grayson
Reptilia2
European Adder Vipera berus[P:0]
Posts: 19
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Post by James Grayson on May 8, 2012 13:24:11 GMT -5
"Yes, Mr. Smith, and I'm sure that the rich wankers who are most of those who can afford the fees this firm charges notice your diligence on their behalf, and treat you as a highly-regarded and skilled professional should be treated."
Grayson knew that was... unlikely. Those people tended to view everyone as the Hired Help, and little better than maidservants at that. Grayson had learned long ago that treating others as people always made for better results in every regard. Besides, he rather liked this diminutive semi-relative with too many lighters and a habit for tapping out a cadence with his fingertips - and a habit of blushing cutely when Grayson turned on the charm.
"I don't doubt that if I bit you, you'd probably consider it a joke. Even so, your sense of humour appears to be fully functional from over here, which means I'm unlikely to feel inclined to do so. And thank you, Mr. Smith, for not being inclined towards killing me. It's a rare and pleasurable surprise."
The offer made Grayson's eyebrows lift. "If you're willing to do such a thing, Mr. Smith, that would be most kind of you - I've spotted one or two, but without local knowledge I'm a little adrift." He turned a more direct gaze on Fidget, one perhaps a little too knowing. "I find them entertaining places to recruit a night's amusement, but I personally believe that actual henchmen are better found elsewhere. Would you agree, or is that not the case in Miami?"
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Pryderi 'Fidget' Smith
Reptilia2
Komodo Dragon Varanus komodoensis[P:0]
Think or I will set you on fire.
Posts: 15
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Post by Pryderi 'Fidget' Smith on May 8, 2012 13:45:22 GMT -5
The accountant gave the taller man a look so flat you could use it for a level.
"Oh yes Mr. Grayson. They treat me as a highly-regarded and skilled professional in the same fashion a logger might treat a tree as a glorious monument of nature's majesty. That is to say, not at all."
There was, after all, a reason he had a very sincere desire to set them all on fire.
One two three one two three one two three.
The steady rhythm brought him back from happy fantasies involving gasoline and manic laughter.
"That depends entirely on where you bit me." He really couldn't help the amused little smirk at that.
It vanished a moment later, replaced by a very pink blush and an increase in the tempo of his tapping.
"Of course. I can provide you with the addresses of some of the more reputable establishments. And some of the less reputable ones, if that's what you prefer."
He broke the gaze that made him feel... he wasn't even sure of the words. Open perhaps. His mask pulled away to leave what was underneath bear to the world.
Considering what was under that mask, it wasn't necessarily a good feeling.
He fished out a pad of paper and a pen and turned his attention to it, writing down names and addresses.
And then... rather abruptly stopped, looking up again, red staining his cheekbones and his hand reaching up automatically to push up his glasses.
Because his mind had rather abruptly caught up.
"I wouldn't know on the first count. The places introducing in a night's entertainment tend to have no desire to spend said night with an accountant. As for henchmen, I would almost guarantee that reliable ones are found elsewhere. Unfortunately I am unaware of the location of the local Minons R' Us."
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James Grayson
Reptilia2
European Adder Vipera berus[P:0]
Posts: 19
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Post by James Grayson on May 9, 2012 12:10:40 GMT -5
Grayson's smile softened, losing the edge that made it both devilish and devious, and becoming perhaps even understanding. "Mr. Smith, while I do rather revel in unsettling the ordinary types and making them question their preconceived notions, I believe I may have gone a little too far. Please, accept my apologies - and my assurance that if those fools at the clubs aren't interested in an accountant, then I believe they're missing out."
Fidget had managed to make Grayson feel a little guilty about the way he was carrying on. It was quite the achievement, but it came with redoubled interest in just how the accountant had managed it.
"I've no desire to humiliate a fellow sufferer, Mr. Smith. I'll happily humiliate more than half of the world, but I suspect you've gone through enough that even I would be taken aback. I offer a truce, instead, and the assurance that you've nothing to fear from me unless you specifically ask for it." The smile softened further; gentle warmth looked odd on Grayson's sharp features, but that seemed to be where his expression was trying to go. "Would it make you uncomfortable if I offered my hand to shake?"
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Pryderi 'Fidget' Smith
Reptilia2
Komodo Dragon Varanus komodoensis[P:0]
Think or I will set you on fire.
Posts: 15
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Post by Pryderi 'Fidget' Smith on May 9, 2012 23:23:44 GMT -5
The softening of the other man's smile and his rather gentle words soothed the anxiousness.
No one really had had any interest in going home with him, for... slightly varied reasons.
Either they thought he was stuffy, with his glasses and his posture and his careful outfits which were generally out of place... and the tapping.
Or, if he tried to... be himself, they saw the flames in his eyes, the madness that lurked, the lighter in his fingers. No one wanted to go home with someone they thought might kill them.
And then... The flush returned, although lighter then before.
"It's alright. I'm just not used to having such discussions with people. In general I'm not someone who people enjoy spending time with." Let's not mention everything else. He didn't need pity.
Rather then answer, pushed the list (...The rather extensive list) and then he offered his hand.
He didn't often touch people. Or rather, they didn't often touch him. A combination of his aura of 'I am a stuffy accountant who will bore you to death', Versi and the general knowledge around the office that he had OCD (despite the fact that he'd never had a fixaction with germs...)...
"I'll be happy to take your account Mr. Grayson. Please feel free to take one of my cards. I'm happy assist you with whatever you need."
Half a moment later he realized how that sounded.
Another moment later he realized he wouldn't actually mind.
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James Grayson
Reptilia2
European Adder Vipera berus[P:0]
Posts: 19
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Post by James Grayson on May 10, 2012 8:04:35 GMT -5
"I can assure you, Mr. Smith, that I'm not most people." Grayson's voice was quiet but firm. He looked down at the list, and the smile redoubled as he took Fidget's hand and shook it; his grip was firm and solid, without being either test or challenge.
"Thank you, Mr. Smith. My friends call me 'James'." He reached with his free hand to take something from his pocket, then reached out with the same hand to take one of Fidget's cards; when his hand moved away, one of Fidget's cards had turned matte black with gloss black lines on it. Closer examination would reveal name and cellphone number, and a black lineart serpent of the same pattern as the one on Grayson's T-shirt. The switched card was tucked away, and Grayson nodded as he rose to his feet and took the list.
"Thank you most kindly, Mr. Smith. You've been most helpful - and if there's anything you'd like assistance with in turn, don't hesitate to call me."
Those pale blue eyes met Fidget's again, calm and confident; his voice held that gentleness again, though, and was kept down to a murmur. "And that includes a damned good seeing-to, if you're feeling lonely."
Grayson winked. "Don't worry, I'll see myself out."
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