[FIN] Charmed, to be Sure [Essence]

[Lucca]

"Well, of course, I'm sure it's always nice to have willing Guinea pigs," Colin said with a chuckle and a dismissive motion of his wing. He was very relieved to hear it right from her own mouth, and although he noted the little, almost expectant cough in some corner of his mind, he filed it under 'unimportant' for the moment. Instead, he cocked his head to the side and listened attentively as Aima further expounded upon why on Earth someone would want to have all their blood removed.

He nodded, eyes bright, though of course a few objections immediately sprung to mind. And though he was no scientist, he still thought he knew something about such a subject as blood and why it was necessary. He raised an eyebrow as he sifted through his responses to find one that he would feel it polite to bring up.

"So you would become more...solar powered? Like a plant, almost? Or would you perhaps replace all the blood vessels in your body with mechanical or artificial substitutes, like those?" he pointed a wing at the tubes poking out of her back. The question on the tip of his beak, of course, was still why? This he refrained from asking, though, as he found Corvies often thought 'because I can' was a good reason for doing anything.

It would be at this moment, perhaps while Aima was replying to the Cardinal, that their food would be served by the harried-looking waitress. It was with dismay that Colin noted he only had about half of his break left in which to eat it.

[Esfiel]

Willing guinea pigs! Aima laughed at the thought. Quite a thing to call them. She always referred to them as victims, subjects, or volunteers. There were a few other names, but those were ones she didn't say out loud... "More anything, really, as long as I didn't run on blood. I have been looking at chlorophyll as a possible substitute for my blood, but that may turn me green." She paused, seeming to consider it. "Not that that would stop me, it's just making me consider other things before I actually do it." Another thing it might do is turn her a turquoise color or a combination of blue, green, and black, all of which she thought would be considerably fascinating to watch as time went on.

"I'm actually not running on artificial substitutes at this moment, just 50% less blood than normal, so the mechanical is closer to the truth. The tubes just allow the blood to travel faster so I need less." She ended there because then the food showed. It smelled amazing, and suddenly she was starving. How long ago since she last ate? Well, it didn't matter now because she actually had food. Aima thanked the waitress before she left and smiled at Colin.

"Haven't you ever wanted to dabble in something other than music?" she asked. She may have been specific and said science, but she didn't want to make him feel like he had to say yes. "But then again, maybe that's a silly question. You must have had natural talent for music. Why need something else?"

She wanted to wait to start eating. Soup tended to be hot when you first got it, and in the past she had burnt her mouth more than once.

[Lucca]

"Ah, I see," was all Colin could think to say. The whole thing still seemed...strange to him. Why was she so fascinated and eager to rid her body of blood? But he thought he understood what she was saying, well, as much as he really could since he'd never tried to learn beyond the basics of science or how his own body worked. He took a bit of time to eat before answering, not wanting the food to get cold. Apparently his 'usual' was some sort of roast with cranberries and sesame seeds. A bit fancier than one might expect the fare at such a place to be, but Colin found working her had its perks.

After washing down a bite with his ice cold glass of cider, Colin answered the question. "Actually...I have. I considered--don't laugh, now--acting, at one point. I know that sounds a bit silly, but I've always enjoyed going to the theater. Of course, one attempt at an audition put that silly notion out of my head. I was horrible." He chuckled, poking at a berry with his fork. "Besides, I could never give up music which, as you said...I've always felt was my born talent. What I was meant to do." And now he was here, the dream slowly blossoming into a wonderful reality around him. The thought brought a smile to his beak.

[Esfiel]

Aima watched Colin eat for a moment before looking at her own food. She touched the bowl lightly with her paw not wanting to burn herself it if was extremely hot. It wasn't. It seemed safe to eat and she ate a bit while waiting for Colin to reply.

What a surprise that was. She smiled as he told her acting, refusing to allow herself to laugh. He did ask her not to, after all. Even if she had laughed it wouldn't be at him, it was just the idea that she found humorous. She'd find it amusing no matter who told her they wanted to be an actor.

What was this about going to the theater, though? Well he was from Midori Beach, they probably had lots of those. She couldn't think of a single theater in Corvistowne, but who knows, maybe there was one... somewhere. She'd have to ask around when she moved back, whenever that was.

"I've actually never been to a theater," she confessed. It didn't seem that strange to her, but she had a feeling it would be to him.

[Lucca]

Colin, in fact, nearly choked on a bite of chicken at the confession, but he managed to swallow, and then stared at Aima for a few seconds. She'd never been to a theater? Really? Clearing his throat, Colin attempted to regain his composure while he thought about this. Maybe it wasn't such an odd thing...after all, could anyone not from the Villa really -act-? It was simply yet another proof that the majority of Cards just didn't understand or appreciate art forms. But if there weren't theaters in Corvistowne, well, that was hardly Aima's fault, now was it?

"Sorry," he apologized, after taking a long drink of cider. "That was a bit of an overreaction. I guess I just took it for granted that most decently educated Cards had at least seen one play but...I guess that isn't really the case." He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. "You should, you know? I think you'd enjoy it, sometime when you need a break from your research. I know there are several theaters here in the Capital."

[Esfiel]

Watching him almost choke on his chicken at her confession was hilarious to her, though she made sure not to laugh. Aima knew she should be embarassed rather than amused, but she never reacted correctly to things, so why start now? Well, I can always act like I'm a bit embarassed.

She smiled slightly, as though unsure, and spoke. "Well, there.. there might be a theatre in Corvistowne, but I've never actually checked. Most people there usually have other things they need to do.. and I don't know which play to see anyway."

Well, she was going to do it eventually, might as start it now! A long drawn out sigh escaped her. "And all my income tends to go to my research and food." Well, not so much food, but she did get around to it for health and survival purposes. "I've been looking for a real job instead of just doing multiple odd and quick ones, but it's hard business. You're so lucky you work multiple places! And I'm sure they're all just as nice as this one." As wistful smile appeared. "How lucky these waitresses must be to work here, where they so often get to hear you play!"

[Lucca]

Colin smiled back, though his was far more confident. He was, after all, trying to be encouraging. "Of course, sometimes life is just a little busy...but it's always good to take time to appreciate art. At least, that's what I think," he said, chewing thoughtfully on another bite, which he of course swallowed before continuing. Talking with your beak full was horrible manners. "And generally, there's only one play showing at a time...they'll show one play several nights a week for around a month, and then the next month they'll have a new play. Unless it's a very large theater, in which case they might be running more than one at once." He was gesturing with his fork as he spoke, which hit the chair beside him a few times.

Most people with Colin's social experience would have seen right through the transparent attempt by Aima to seek employment, but she'd once again employed Colin's not-so-secret weakness: flattery. He flushed slightly, but tried to be gracious about the compliment. "Oh, haha, I'm sure they probably get bored of hearing me play, night after night, though that's very sweet of you to say!" He waved a wing, and then his eyes lit up. "Oh, hey! I actually think they might be hiring right now...would you like to ask? I could put in a good word for you after my shift if you want!" Yes, the Cardinal very obviously had no idea she had been fishing for this, and thought he'd come up with his own original idea.

"Speaking of which..." He frowned slightly. "I actually need to go play a few more songs now...see you if you're still here after!" He smiled, standing up and bowing slightly to her, before rushing back towards the stage.

[Esfiel]

Everything had worked out so well! She had thought she was going to need to wait until that night, but already he was telling her they had an opening! How perfect! And he would put in a good word for her! She had to try very very hard to not smile all victorious like, but she couldn't stop herself from beaming at him altogether.

"Oh! Really?" She exclaimed with rather false surprise. Aima pushed forward hoping he wouldn't notice. "That would be wonderful!" Of course she would ask. "That'd be such a great help, and then I'd also be able to see a play some time!" She really was grateful, even if it had been a bit easy. It was tempting to invite Colin to the play with her when she went to show her thanks, but that might be a bit awkward. She would find another way to thank him.. other than endless praise and flattery.

Then her time was up, and he was suddenly going back to the piano. Well, that was okay. Things were going smoothly, and she didn't want to seem obsessive. "Good luck!" she exclaimed. She sat there a bit longer afterwards, finishing up her soup and listening to him play. Maybe she should listen to music more often. She'd never thought to listen to it on a daily basis. Everyday was tests, experiments, research, jobs, and questions. It would be nice to take time out to do "normal" things.

At least, she thought it was normal.

It occurred to her then that she wasn't sure if she should ask now or wait until after his shift to go ask. She could always ask the waitress when she came by to get the bowls and plates about where to go, and if that didn't work out there was no harm in waiting after the shift. It wasn't often she got to sit back and relax, why not enjoy it?

[Lucca]

Colin merely smiled at her in return when she showed what he assumed to be grateful surprise (she seemed a bit overwhelmed, almost, poor thing!). "Don't mention it," he said graciously, before hastily crossing over to the piano, thought already buzzing with what he could play for the rest of the evening. He found himself mentally sorting through the list of his own compositions, trying to figure what Aima might like...ah, well, there was always 'For Raina', a song he'd written for a girl he'd met once before and...okay, maybe had a slight crush on. Sadly he hadn't seen her since, but he assumed if he were to go to the Court of Spades again, he would run into her and then he could ask how she'd liked the concert and...and other things. Of course, he had a girlfriend now so why was he thinking about that? He shook his head and got into his customary position over the piano.

The first notes of the song started, and it was somehow soft and yet strong all at once, just as she had been. His eyes were closed as he played, just letting the music flow out. He knew this one well enough to not have to check.

Meanwhile, Aima wouldn't have to wait long before the waitress would return to collect the dishes. She'd smile at the Pine Martin. "Somethin' on your mind, Sugar?" Her eyes would drift over to Colin, playing his heart and soul out. "I nevah get tired of hearin' him play..."

[Esfiel]

The song sounded beautiful, yet Aima would be incapable of describing exactly what it sounded like. She just didn't have the words. Then suddenly the waitress showed up again, causing Aima to jump. She wasn't sure if she'd been surprised because she had been paying attention to the music, if the waitress was just quiet, or if her hearing just failed for a moment. It could be a mix of them.

How ironic! Aima was glad that while she may have used flattery to get what she wanted, it certainly wasn't empty and it certainly wasn't just her! It was almost amazing how unused to it he seemed. Well, things could change in time. Eventually he'd be getting more compliments than he know what to do with.

"I've been told that there was an opening here, and I was wondering where or who I might ask about it. A stable job would be quite nice compared to the random, odd jobs I've been finding. I was hoping I might be able to apply."