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[localweirdo]

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[localweirdo]

And why you're going to have to try harder! I like to think I know all of your tricks by now.

[rainswords]

While your confidence is commendable do consider there are aspects of myself I never discuss with you. Perhaps I may still surprise you yet.

[localweirdo]

Is that so? What other surprises should I be worried about?

[rainswords]

If I tell you now then there would be no surprise.

[localweirdo]

Pretty please? With lots and lots of cherries on top?

[rainswords]

Okay. I'll tell you a secret. Just one. I never wore your bra.

[localweirdo]

As expected! Then I think I should tell you a secret too.

I might have ate some of the food you made.

[rainswords]

Well, then. My reaction will be contingent on the percentage you consumed.

[localweirdo]

Would you be upset if you knew that I ate 30% of it? Oh what a pity if it would be if you got upset over it.

[rainswords]

30%? Isn't that a reasonable amount? After all, typically I only make enough for just the two of us.

[localweirdo]

Are you suggesting that I should more? Be careful, I might end up getting your share by accident.

[rainswords]

Are you capable of eating more than your share? That's really what you should be asking yourself first.

[localweirdo]

Depends on how I'm feeling that day.

You'll be surprised at how much I can eat.

[rainswords]

...show me.

[localweirdo]

Are you at the apartment now? Perhaps I should eat the food in the refrigerator to show you.

[rainswords]

I'll be arriving soon. I just went to check out a few things. Give me about ten minutes?

[localweirdo]

Then I shall await your arrival. I will be on the couch until you do.

[With that, she was true to her word. Should he arrive, she'll find a certain young lady on said couch reading a book. What was she reading? That was up for him to find out!]

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[rainswords]

...That's my bed.

[ That is all he has to say about that subject because well... that is where he slept. On most nights anyway. He would arrive soon enough, not exactly within ten minutes but close enough that any tardiness wouldn't be noticeable unless she was running a stopwatch. He will enter their shared flat, and set a package down on the dining table before sitting beside her on the couch. ]

So... what do you have there?

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[localweirdo]

What a pity.

[Yes, that's all she is going to say about that. Although, it wasn't out of maliciousness. She just wanted to see what his reaction was. However, she would find out what it was the moment he entered into the room. With a smile on her face, she gave a chuckle or two.]

It's a story called Dracula! Such a tragic tale of a creature who turns into a vampire and now seek the blood of the living! It's a good story to read at night.

[rainswords]

Sure. At night. By candlelight.

[ A short little laugh follows, of course, he doesn't expect her to get the humor behind the comment but he once spoke of the atmosphere created by the soft glow of a candle's burning wick. He also spoke of damaging eyesight. No, it isn't something to engage in often, the artificial light created by some lamplight found within this city made for much better use in reading before bedtime.

Although, that book title does spark some recognition in his gaze. He may have read something similar at some point but he wonders what the tragic part of the tale is, perhaps the vampiric creature's malevolence leaving a trail of horror and death in its wake? The ending, that ending, however, there is hope in it. ]

How far along are you?

[localweirdo]

Only in the beginning, sadly. I have yet to read much as it was a book I recently picked up. I must say, whoever written this has quite a unique take to story writing!

[Or rather, it was a little unusual for her to read stories that there outside of Liyue. With a sigh, she leaned back against the couch before stretching out her arms before standing up. That said, she made her way toward him before gesturing said book to him.]

Although, I suppose this kind of story isn't anything new to you.

[rainswords]

[ There is a nod of agreement from Xingqiu which would be indicative that he is acquainted with the tale of the vampiric creature, however, it's not so much the setting that causes him to align his thoughts with that of his friend's rather the presentation of the story. The epistolary style of the novel is most unusual to him; the letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles through which the story is conveyed is not often something he has gotten a chance to experience. Changing protagonists also give the tale a unique feels.

However, he is well read and a successful novelist even if his friend is unaware so even before setting foot within this city he has read stories that take place in far off lands and other worlds even. Flowers for Fischl one such example, derived from one of his favorite works. Even as an author his own novel takes place far away amid a sea of stars that spin in reverse.

He follows her with his gaze alone as she stands, then settles to looking at the book's cover. ]

In a manner of speaking. It's the composition that I find unique.

[localweirdo]

Is that so? Could you elaborate?

[While she might have read many books, she barely had much time for it. Between trying to run her funeral parlor and with her various other hobbies, who had time to sit down and read? Granted, as she leaned in closer to hear his response, she figured that he would have more insight into novel writing compared to poetry.

With a sigh, she stared at the cover before looking right back at him.]

Because based on the cover, it doesn't seem anything different.

[rainswords]

Hm? So then you've been fibbing? If you had commenced the novel then you would not need my explanation. The first chapter alone would reveal an astounding difference in the narrative. It's Jonathan Harker's journal, in shorthand. That character is the protagonist of the first few chapters since the story is told from the perspective of his journal entries. From then I believe a news article follows, then we changed protagonists as the story is told through Mina Murray's recollection. If I am remembering correctly that is.

There is a movie.

If you would prefer. Although I can't verify how close to the original author's work it remains. These things sometimes deviate from their source.

[ His own gaze is on the cover of the book, it would appear she got a copy of her own. That's fine. Although he really wouldn't mind sharing his personal collection with her. ]

You know, you are allowed to read from my collection.

[localweirdo]

Oh no, I was curious to see how much you have read! I only read the first few chapters and I merely wanted to know what you know about the story. That said, I was not aware there was a movie based on it.

Perhaps I should watch that instead of reading the book.

[Although, she had to admit, it would ruin the enjoyment of comparing what the movie had compared to the story. That said, she raised an eyebrow at him.]

I could but it would be terrible to grab one without your permission. You are fairly protective of your books!