[private text to (big) Loki]

[animator]

So.

New Year's Eve.

Congratulations, you're a "winner."

Comments

[you_have_heart]

Oh my, was everyone else dreadful?

[animator]

Each in their own way. I mean, most of them were nice enough, but... eh?

None of them had your charm.

[you_have_heart]

I am honored. What shall we be doing?

[animator]

I was hoping you could help me plan with that. Obviously, I don't want to do anything that would be torturous for you. Dinner, of course, is still a sound idea, but I have a question for you.

How do you feel about helping me make someone insane with jealousy that night?

[you_have_heart]

I am unsure what normally takes place on one of these 'dates' so I believe it would be best for you to come up with ideas and then share them with me.

Would the person happen to be Sirius?

[animator]

Dinner and a movie is generally the standard, but I'm not even sure if we have a movie theater. Even if we did, whatever they showed there would probably be lousy. I've always been more partial to dinner and a walk around town. You're supposed to get to know the other person while on a date, movies aren't very conducive to talking.

Indeed it would. He hates that I picked you.

[you_have_heart]

I believe a walk around town sounds nice.

And all the easier to make him jealous. He should have thought of this scenario before he posted the ad for you.

[animator]

There we go. Simple enough, not terribly intrusive, but easy to make look romantic if certain eyes are watching.

My thoughts exactly. Seeing as I never asked him to do any of that, I thought I should choose the person he least approves of. It just so happens that you're also the one I most approve of. Largely because you're not a stranger and possess the capacity for intelligent conversation. Lots of points in your favor.

[you_have_heart]

You flatter me.

I assume physical contact would be sufficient, but what more could be done to rile him?

[animator]

If he ends up watching us for any length of time, think you could bring yourself to kiss a mortal again?

[you_have_heart]

I believe I could several times depending on his reaction.

[animator]

Excellent. See. This is a good friendship we're developing.

I'll make us a reservation at The Four Saisons. It's pretty upscale. Teach him to try and play matchmaker.

[you_have_heart]

I suppose we are friends now, aren't we?

[animator]

Close enough, at least. I've found myself speaking in your defense once or twice already.

Is that okay with you?

[you_have_heart]

[The response comes with a bit of a delay]

I believe it is.

[animator]

I'm a believer in giving people chances.

The more people tell me I shouldn't give you one, the more I think you might really need me to.

[you_have_heart]

You are a unique individual, Anita Blake.

[animator]

I hear that a lot.

There are a lot of people out there who have done bad things. Awful things, even. I'm no different. Some of the people closest to me are people others might label as irredeemable. All of them have proven themselves to be a lot more than their past deeds to me.

Some of them still do things I don't like, but I know I can depend on them to have my back, and that's more important to me.

Maybe it's just that I don't see things in black and white anymore. Not the way I used to.

[you_have_heart]

That is a very good world view to have.

Though you must know, I do love causing mischief.

[animator]

I'm well-aware. I don't expect anyone to be a saint. Even those people I depend on? That trust isn't blind. Some of them, I know that as soon as the money is good enough, or I no longer interest them, they'll be willing to turn around and hunt me just like they hunt any other monster. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to value their friendship while I have it.

Besides.

I'm hoping there's a difference between "causing mischief" and "leading an extra-terrestrial army."

[you_have_heart]

That was a different matter. I have found nothing to be gained in taking control of this small island.

[animator]

Good. Then anything else you might see fit to do, I'd like to think I can handle.

Besides. I felt like there was something missing from other people's stories about you. Kind of in a glaring way.

I'd rather hear your side of things someday.

[you_have_heart]

Perhaps on our date?

[animator]

In fact, that would be the perfect time.

[you_have_heart]

I would prefer to when our chaperon is not within ear shot.

[animator]

I was thinking the same. Your business is just that. Yours. Eavesdropping will be discouraged.

[you_have_heart]

Wonderful. What time shall we meet?

[animator]

Eight P.M. on Monday night? Meet me at my apartment, South 305. We'll head over to the restaurant together. A girl shouldn't out at night without an escort.

Well. Most girls. But I can play doting and doe-eyed for the night, I think. It might even be fun.

[you_have_heart]

And will no doubt infuriate Sirius even more.

I will see you then.

[animator]

See you then, 'sweetheart.' Don't be late.