TLV IC Inbox

[falkeditupagain]

[It seems someone has decided to change his voicemail following graduation. Hes trying so hard to sound professional, business like, but Hanna's usual enthusiasm bleeds through easily.]

You have reached the mailbox of Hanna Cross. If you don't have an appointment, my secretary will follow up with a return message shortly. [a short pause.] meaning me. I'll get back to you, don't worry.

And if this is an emergency what are you doing on the phone? Cardio is your friend. byyyye!

Comments

[artistinexile]

[a slight smile of his own]

My apologies.

Perhaps if you reconsidered your approach. What is your objective?

[falkeditupagain]

Naw, it's cool. That's what buddies do anyways, casually make fun of each other.

[He's sure he'd know if Thrawn was trying to insult him.]

Uh...be friends? Not make a fool of myself?

[artistinexile]

And you find this more difficult with women specifically?

[falkeditupagain]

Back home, definitely. I think the ladies here are a little more forgiving, more used to weird. That and I have been trying to not be so bad at it.

Especially since I'm pretty sure that one new lady could literally set me on fire if she wanted to, and Sokie has threatened to kick my ass and curse me to oblivion before... It's a little higher stakes than just getting slapped around here.

[artistinexile]

Would you welcome some advice and experience?

I have had the pleasure of working alongside and underneath a great many terrifying women.

[falkeditupagain]

I mean, if you think it'd help? Sure. Fire away.

Though I am a little curious what you would consider terrifying since you kind of fit that description yourself, just...Drop the wo.

[artistinexile]

Focus inward first. Ask yourself why they would wish to be friendly, and what you offer them. It will solidify your position and your self esteem, and remind you when you are feeling nervous that you are, for example, a powerful magic conduit and a loyal, clever person.

I think of people as assets. It helps.

[falkeditupagain]

[Well, that sure was a nice thing to say about him, but...]

Dude... You know you could be friends with some one just because, right? It's like, not against the rules or what ever.

[artistinexile]

I am aware.

[falkeditupagain]

Well...good. Just checking.

[...]

You have any of those kind of friends currently?

[artistinexile]

No. I believe friendship comes from a place of mutual benefit and respect.

[falkeditupagain]

I- [Well...There isn't anything wrong with that. He opens and closes his mouth a few times as he tries to figure out how to explain something he can't quite nail down.]

But like- [There is a soft sound of frustration, nope. He can't come up with words, or at least the right ones.] Man, when you say it like that it sounds like you're doing it wrong even though I completely agree with you. Maybe you're like...taking the benefit part too seriously. Or something. I don't fucking know.

[artistinexile]

[He tilts his head to one side, waiting in silence for Hanna to articulate his point]

[falkeditupagain]

[He's not getting anywhere. This is one of those 'go ask your mother' situations his dad always told him about, and said just as frequently as Hanna felt it.]

Okay, Okay, so friendship shouldn't just be built on those things. Like, maybe the reason why that sounds off to me is you just told me things people can give you that are like, concrete. Feels kinda cold.

What about like, emotional benefit? Does that factor in, or not really?

[artistinexile]

Perhaps. As a secondary or side benefit.

[falkeditupagain]

Hmm. Well, I mean...you're a pretty serious guy. So I guess that makes sense, but I think you should bump that up a little.

When I think of friends, I think of like...people that make me laugh, that want to be around me, don't mind that I talk too much. What comes to mind for you?

[artistinexile]

Those who provide a tangible benefit.

I understand this is a character flaw of mine, Hanna. I cannot remedy it: your usefulness will always supersede my enjoyment of your company.

[falkeditupagain]

Are people where you come all like that, or is it just you? [Maybe it's one of those alien things that he just doesn't get? Who knows.]

[artistinexile]

[With a tinge of nostalgic sadness, remembering another conversation with a friend about this same topic]

Just I. At least as far as I am aware.

[falkeditupagain]

Ah, well I'm sure someone on your planet is a little like you, though carbon copies are hard to come by. Experiences shape a person, right? Can't be Thrawn without the life you lived.

[artistinexile]

[a slight quirk of his brow]

Indeed.

Thank you, Hanna, for the enlightening conversation.

[falkeditupagain]

Eh, I didn't do shit, but you're welcome. [He'll give him a two finger salute.] By the way, I got a training saber for Christmas, so you better watch out, soon enough I'm going to be just as good as Skywalker.

[He won't be, but he can dream.] TTYL?

[artistinexile]

Perhaps. We shall have to see.

[a smile indicates that he doubts that very much]

Indeed. Warrior's fortune go with you.