[Sometime during AU week]

[the_ex_in_xp]

[meanwhile at the dorms, a half-pirate and some girl who managed a +3 lockpicking skill in her bag of tricks are trying to break in to "their" room]

This lock is way more sophisticated than the others. You'd think they were worried about unsavory people trying to break in...

Comments

[the_ex_in_xp]

Maybe it's just your rabbits. He seems really taken with you.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Huh? You mean this one?

[pointing down at Mr. Miyagi]

Because she's a girl.

[the_ex_in_xp]

How can you even tell--wait, I'm not sure I want to know.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

It's just a sixth sense kind of thing, don't worry.

[the_ex_in_xp]

I'm not worried, I'm just...you have a spot check for rabbit sex. I can understand why you don't put it on your resume, but it's still a weird thing about you I didn't know.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

It sort of comes with all the Animal Empathy skill points. Like how every time we ran into a dog they couldn't get enough of me and all.

[the_ex_in_xp]

And it's not like you encouraged that attention with cooing noises or whatever.

[finally managing to get into a proper petting groove with Rene]

I guess you're just irresistible.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[Rene is very pleased about this and is in full-on contented lounging mode

Roxanne, meanwhile, is rubbing the back of her neck]

I mean, I don't think I'd say that...

[the_ex_in_xp]

That's because you'd have to say it in that cooing voice for it to work.

But, seriously, even my cat adored you. And he's apathetic about everything, including food, shelter and laser pointers.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Yeah, but I didn't really coo at him! I mean, not until he was cool with me being there. You have to play it cooler with cats.

[the_ex_in_xp]

[smiling in amusement]

But are you really playing it cool when you're just hiding your dorky behavior until you can't anymore?

[the_ex_in_excessive]

I thought that was pretty much what that meant?

[the_ex_in_xp]

Maybe. But let's just say your enthusiasm is too much to properly conceal.

Besides, I think Graves liked it. It made him seem relatively impassive when he gave you a warmer than lukewarm response.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Well, that's what I'm here for, making cats feel better about themselves.

[the_ex_in_xp]

And rabbits, and probably any other stray that comes along.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

And I guess greeting card recipients too?

[the_ex_in_xp]

Pssh, they pay for that. Or someone does so they feel it, whichever.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Yeah, but they still chose my art for that purpose and paid for it, so -- nevermind, this is lame, I'm being lame.

[the_ex_in_xp]

I'm not saying they don't get what they pay for. Okay? Maybe I forgot how much you really love your job, like it's part of your identity rather than just a thing you're good at that pays the bills...

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Is that a bad thing?

[the_ex_in_xp]

No, Rox, it's the opposite of a bad thing. Unless your job was something terrible like used car salesman or a high school mascot...

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Okay. Sorry, I just... I got defensive, sorry.

[the_ex_in_xp]

Dude, quit saying sorry. You didn't do anything, I just sounded like an asshole. You know, like normal.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[smiling and shaking her head]

More like you're too-cool-to-care than like the other thing, but point taken.

[the_ex_in_xp]

No, it's the asshole thing.

And I'm not too-cool-to-care, I just don't have anything to care about. ...job-wise.