defies_reason | ⚔ i thought we might have a little chat.

Interesting seems the appropriate way to put it.

[There's a little hint of humour there, in his tone. There are worse curses, to be certain. Better ones as well, no doubt, but being more than secure in his masculinity he hadn't minded the experience terribly.]

I rather like the fact that there are so few automobiles here. Peaceful, [he says breezily, not judgmentally. After all an item few own is always a bit of a status buy, isn't it?] What sort of car?

Selfishly enough, I like the lack of automobiles as well.

[If he has one of the few cars around, he's happy about it. He'll be even happier once it runs reliably and doesn't look awful. He rummages for a cigarette, lights it, and then offers them to Isaak. It's the polite thing to do, even if he's found that relatively few people here smoke.]

A 1968 Pontiac GTO. I assume that sounds like an antique to you, but for someone from my time, it's unspeakably futuristic.

If it pleases you it shouldn't matter how old it is.

[He arches a brow, ever so slightly. He also waves aside the cigarette, rather idly.]

I quit. Years ago.

It'll please me more when it's fully functional, but I can't complain about it as is.

[With a nod, he puts his cigarette case away, shrugging slightly.]

People keep telling me I should quit. But the way I see it, everyone needs a bad habit or two.

One or two,

[he agrees, with a smile that shows more in his eyes than on his lips.]

You couldn't find one in need of less work? I imagine the selection must be rather limited.

I didn't want to buy one in better condition. To me, the fun of owning one is entirely in the work put into it.

[A tiny smile.]

... and the opportunity to drive too fast, of course.

A dangerous pastime.

[He doesn't sound the least bit disapproving.]

[A truly dangerous pastime is letting one of your severely drugged up coworkers drive your car too fast for you, but that particular adventure probably shouldn't be brought up here.]

Some of the more enjoyable pastimes are the dangerous ones, I've found.

I'm not inclined to disagree.

[Nor to elaborate, but he's pleased to let you use your imagination, Meyer.]

But you needed a break from your break, hmm?

Apparently so. With so many people telling me to relax, I'm starting to think they have a point.

[Well, he'll never truly relax, but a drink or two can never hurt.]

It's worth trying once, a least.

It seems to be going remarkably well so far. I should be careful, or I'll make a habit of it.

Dangerous habits can be quite enjoyable, [Isaak reminds, sipping his drink.]

I'm almost certain you know that from personal experience.

Anyone who claims he doesn't leads a dull life.

[Though really, danger is difficult to measure objectively. This-- being in this place-- would have been dangerous at home, but he finds it no less enjoyable here for the lack of controversy.]

But, I'm pleased you've chosen my bar to try it in.

Pleased for business reasons, personal reasons, or both?

[Is it flirtation? It's always hard to tell with this one.]

[He tilts his head a bit. There is (as there often is) something flirtatious in his gaze; perhaps it's only the openness of the way he meets others' eyes.]

Confiding what a selfish business this is, there's little difference.

I suppose that's true. It's the same with my business in the casino.

[Meeting other peoples' gazes is something he does exceedingly well, and even if he detects flirtation in Isaak, he's unlikely to be embarrassed by it unless it's overt.]

[A great many people can't; Isaak respects the ability.]

Not concerned about being seen?

[It's almost offhanded, light enough in tone not to carry any accusations. But here they are, in a certain sort of bar. After certain sorts of conversations. It begs some notice.]

My experience in the City has been that very few people seem particularly concerned about what one chooses to do for relaxation.

[At home, he wouldn't come within a hundred feet of a place like this, unless he had necessary business there. Here, he's started to accept that things are slightly different.]

Furthermore, I'm of the impression that, thanks to a recent curse, there are already assumptions being made about me.

[Isaak smiles, but then, he often does. All of that carries a tacit sort of admission, doesn't it? Not wholly necessary-- the elder man has pegged him as curious, at least, since their first conversation (as adults, at any rate)-- but it's noteworthy.]

The City does abhor a secret.

Maybe it's for the best, then, that the City is also remarkably comfortable with most secrets.

[Not all secrets. There are things about himself that he hopes the City never finds out. With curses the way they are, though, it's almost impossible to protect things as well as one might like to.]

With a great many, at least.

[Isaak has his share of things he does not speak about. The men he's killed. The life he's led. Viktor; although more than the rest, Viktor has come up, here and there. It could not be otherwise.]

Perhaps, then, I should be flattered you've come to visit.

Maybe you should be.

[He takes a drag on his cigarette and blows out a lazy smoke ring, simply for the sake of doing so.]

I don't necessarily intend to make a habit of visiting, but there's something to be said for expanding one's horizons.

I'd like to think making it a habit would hinge upon how much you enjoyed your visit.

[He leans in a bit, with the casual ease of one who has no respect for the concept of personal space.]

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