[ He supposes that's fair... Tatara thinks he's recovered well enough, but he's no doctor and he's not entirely sure. He still has a bandage on his neck. He just tilts his head. Fiiiiiine...
Malice seems to be in control, though. At least he was up front about it. Maybe Malice has been a vampire longer than Mika has been? ]
I see. I trust you.
[ It's true!
His smile widens a bit. ]
At least if it comes to it, everyone knows how to deal with a vampire now. I think everyone will want to help. [ Trial by fire... ] But if you ever need me, just shout, okay?
[It's a little weird? But maybe that's just his world.]
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're not huntin' Mika down or anythin', but it's kinda odd you aren't more... upset? I guess?
[...]
I do appreciate it, though. The offer, I mean. Though I guess I also appreciate the kindness toward Mika, I'm sure he's havin' a hard time 'bout it right now.
[ There's a little chuckle that comes at the odd comment. Tatara knows he comes off as weird to others, the way he treats things like this so casually. ]
Yeah... I should check in on him later.
[ Mental note to self!
Though he does shrug, perhaps a little too casually. ]
It just happens, I guess. Not that—I've ever met a vampire before either of you. [ lol ] He couldn't help it, so I can't really blame him. And I'm supposed to be helping him anyway, so.
[ It's almost dismissive, the way he waves his hand. ]
Nah, not really. I mean, I could understand someone gettin' angry at Mika for that, but I'm glad you aren't... I lost my point somewhere in there.
[rip, oh well.]
You just... seem like a pretty centered guy, like nothin' much ever really gets under your skin in general. Not that it's a bad thing - that kinda steadfastness seems pretty good in this situation, actually.
[ Tatara laughs lightly at that. He peers curiously at Malice, the smile on his face like that of a child that doesn't quite understand the way the world works yet. ]
I don't think I've ever been called centered or steadfast before. People'd usually call me heartless for not caring enough.
[ He says what he means, though. He really sees no reason to get mad at Mika, and he doesn't really see how that makes him weird. ]
[You are looking our for your little wizards, after all! And as far as Malice is aware, Tatara has always been eager to help them or answer their questions and help them get settled in, so that's simply that, as far as he's concerned.
The compliment throws him a bit, though. He loves praise, but kind? Him?]
I really don't think so. I mean, I'm workin' on bein' better to people, but I'm not sure I'll ever be kind. Thanks, though?
[ The purpose of his visit mostly finished, and sensing the conversation is coming to its natural end, Tatara stands from his chair and takes a step towards Malice. There's one last thing he needs to do before going. ]
Can you lean down for a sec?
[ He motions for Malice to do that. Why is he so tall!! ]
[This is the equivalent of managing to pet an angry feral kitten who has finally been taught to receive affection. Malice looks somewhere between genuinely pleased by the headpats and confused, but boy is he determined not to let Tatara down!!]
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[Gestures. The Mikaing.]
Worst case scenario, I'll ask someone else here. I'm not gonna hurt anyone.
[There are plenty of reasons why he doesn't want to, but the most practical is that he doesn't think he can come back from it as easily as Mika did.]
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Malice seems to be in control, though. At least he was up front about it. Maybe Malice has been a vampire longer than Mika has been? ]
I see. I trust you.
[ It's true!
His smile widens a bit. ]
At least if it comes to it, everyone knows how to deal with a vampire now. I think everyone will want to help. [ Trial by fire... ] But if you ever need me, just shout, okay?
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Y'all are pretty relaxed 'bout it, honestly.
[It's a little weird? But maybe that's just his world.]
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're not huntin' Mika down or anythin', but it's kinda odd you aren't more... upset? I guess?
[...]
I do appreciate it, though. The offer, I mean. Though I guess I also appreciate the kindness toward Mika, I'm sure he's havin' a hard time 'bout it right now.
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Yeah... I should check in on him later.
[ Mental note to self!
Though he does shrug, perhaps a little too casually. ]
It just happens, I guess. Not that—I've ever met a vampire before either of you. [ lol ] He couldn't help it, so I can't really blame him. And I'm supposed to be helping him anyway, so.
[ It's almost dismissive, the way he waves his hand. ]
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Well, yeah, but I don't think anyone'd be surprised if you were angry at him for losin' control like that. You don't really get angry 'bout much, huh?
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I don't really have anything to be angry about. [ He's hardcore vibing. ] Especially not with Mika. Should I be?
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[rip, oh well.]
You just... seem like a pretty centered guy, like nothin' much ever really gets under your skin in general. Not that it's a bad thing - that kinda steadfastness seems pretty good in this situation, actually.
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I don't think I've ever been called centered or steadfast before. People'd usually call me heartless for not caring enough.
[ He says what he means, though. He really sees no reason to get mad at Mika, and he doesn't really see how that makes him weird. ]
You're kind, Malice. Did you know that?
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[You are looking our for your little wizards, after all! And as far as Malice is aware, Tatara has always been eager to help them or answer their questions and help them get settled in, so that's simply that, as far as he's concerned.
The compliment throws him a bit, though. He loves praise, but kind? Him?]
I really don't think so. I mean, I'm workin' on bein' better to people, but I'm not sure I'll ever be kind. Thanks, though?
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[ Tatara nestles his chin in his palm and smiles. Malice was assigned North? He pretends he does not see it. ]
That you're worried about me and Mika and that you're seeing me as centered instead of soulless says a lot, I think.
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Thanks, then. I ain't gonna argue with that kinda logic, an' it really does mean a lot to me.
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[ The purpose of his visit mostly finished, and sensing the conversation is coming to its natural end, Tatara stands from his chair and takes a step towards Malice. There's one last thing he needs to do before going. ]
Can you lean down for a sec?
[ He motions for Malice to do that. Why is he so tall!! ]
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[Without questioning it, Malice leans down curiously.]
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...Which is just Tatara reaching out to gently pat Malice on the head. ]
Keep up the good work, Malice.
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Yeah, I will! I definitely will.
[This is the equivalent of managing to pet an angry feral kitten who has finally been taught to receive affection. Malice looks somewhere between genuinely pleased by the headpats and confused, but boy is he determined not to let Tatara down!!]
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When he's finished, he steps back and gives a firm nod. ]
You know where to find me if you need anything!
[ And with that, he whirls on his heel to go! Thanks for the hospitality, Malice! ]
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[And with a wave, he sees Tatara off. What a good sage...!]