synflux | [closed] assorted march threads

[A brilliant plan.]

I'll expect to see more of you in the future then.

[No, wait, there should be a correction there.]

We both will. Isn't that right?

[A small bark from Creme Brulee seems to be agreeing with that.]

I haven't had him too long so I'm still getting used to it being we again.

[ It's an easy enough request to agree to, especially given the nature of their work here. The more he learns about his fellow Outsiders, the easier it'll be to work alongside them. Although all things considered, Makima's been very easy to get along with. ]

Sure. Things are always best experienced in good company.

[ One last sniff and then he's pushing himself back upright onto his feet. ]

Shall we get going?

I agree.

[She really does. Before here, it's not like she spent a lot of time in good company with anyone. But there were a few occasions and they really made an impression on her. And here, she's only gotten more and more opportunity to spend time with people under more pleasant circumstances.

...usually more pleasant anyways.]

And we should. Otherwise, he's liable to make us get going anyways.

[Said with a laugh as Creme Brulee scampers around on the leash clearly ready to go.]

I think I saw a shop selling some treats over that way, I was thinking we could head there first.

[She points over in the direction of it, starting to head that way.]

Or at least they look like they might be treats he could eat.

[Not entirely sure, she didn't look too closely on her way to their meeting place.]

[ Creme Brulee will get his adventure one way or another... ]

Lead the way.

[ He'll follow alongside at a leisurely pace, content to enjoy being outside and around the bustling crowds of Neo-Tokyo. It's not what he's used to, but it still manages to be interesting in its own way. ]

Is training dogs part of what helped you become such a good manager? I imagine there are similar principles between the two.

[ Being strict but not overbearing, using positive reinforcement rather than negative punishment to foster a good environment... ]

That's a good way to look at it. You're right in that they can be very similar.

[Leisurely pace is definitely the right speed here. Makima's not in a hurry. Creme Brulee is hustling along but at his size, it's easy to keep up with him, especially as he stops to look at or sniff the occasional passerby.]

And I do apply similar approaches to both. I don't think I'd be the person I am today if I wasn't good with dogs.

[ Too bad he's no longer in any sort of managerial position, maybe that really could have been another selling point for getting a dog. ]

How does it feel to be set back to being a regular employee here? Do you miss it?

There's things I miss and things I don't. There are times where I see something I would've done differently or think would be a better decision for us and it's a little frustrating that I'm not in a position to have a say in that.

[It's not a huge issue, like she said, it's all been minor. It's not like there's been anything she's found hugely disagreeable.]

But I don't miss having to make reports or coordinate with other departments. I never particularly enjoyed the former and the latter can take so much effort for something that's necessary for everyone.

You could always put in for a promotion, if you really did miss things that much.

[ Though she sounds content with where she is right now. And why not? They've gotten their first real paycheck, enough to let them afford an easy day out like this at the market. ]

Though I'd have to agree with you as far as coordination is concerned. Even without schedules to factor in, having to account for and guide multiple different viewpoints towards one acceptable compromise can be quite the draining task.

[ He glances over to where Creme Brulee is happily sniffing away. ]

It must be nice to be a dog, never having to worry about any of that.

It does seem like a carefree life.

[Said while smiling at Creme Brulee who’s continuing to sniff and scamper. A gentle pull on the leash just to keep him from going off in the wrong direction, taking them to who knows where.]

Still, we can’t all be dogs, tempting as it might seem.

[She can think of a few people the idea might appeal to, but ultimately there's somebody who has to hold the leash. Metaphorically or literally.]

[ True, they can't all be dogs….even having nothing more to worry about then when his next meal will be seems like a nice idyllic life. ]

I hope Creme Brulee understands just how lucky he is to have a comfortable life like this.

[ He probably doesn't, but that's okay. ]

Not many get to say they do, even in the realm of people.

You're right about that.

[She says as they get to their destination, which does have some pet things in the window. Both for the artificial ones and the real thing.]

People are quick to realize how unfortunate they are or when they're in a bad situation, but the opposite, sometimes they can remain blissfully unaware unless things change for better or worse.

[ There really are so many pet goods for sale….they don't have anything like this down in the Fortress or even up in the overworld, it's really quite fascinating. ]

You sound pretty aware yourself.

[ She gives off a relaxed friendly vibe but somehow he gets the feeling she's more shrewd than she lets on. ]

There's quite a selection here to choose from. Got any tips on where to start?

If you think this is a lot, you should see some of the bigger pet stores in my world. Now let's see...we probably want something that's going to be a little special.

[She's looking around, the artificial meat in things does raise some questions, but so far so good with the regular food she's picked up.]

A little on the sweet side? Or more savory? What do you think?

[ What a question. He cocks his head, eyes wide with curiosity. ]

I didn't realize dogs liked sweet things.

[ Truly every day he learns something new. He'll have to research more into this on his own time. ]

Hmm, but why not sweet in that case? I assume most foods and treats tend to lean towards the more savoury end of things.

Mmhmm. Not sweet like candy, but there's peanut butter. And things like carob as well. Sort of like chocolate, but it's something they can actually have.

[She'll list a couple other options, but those are the two she thinks they're likely to find.]

So the next question would be do you think something chewy or crunchy?

[ This may just be a treat for a good boy, but somehow it feels like a whole weight on his shoulders. ]

This sure is a lot of pressure being placed upon me. [ He's joking, mostly. ] If I pick wrong, perhaps I'll make a mortal enemy out of Creme Brulee.

You just might.

[A laugh here as Creme Brulee prances around a little looking at the two of them.]

He does seem the type to hold a grudge.

[ Damn. Looks like he better take this seriously. Wriothesley closes his eyes briefly, pretending to be deep in thought. ]

I'd better not mess this one up then.

[ HMMMMmmmMMMMMmmm...... ]

Let's go with crunchy. And if he ends up not liking it, then I will personally return here and buy him an apology gift.

As his representative, he agrees to those terms.

[It was very hard for her to keep a straight face while making that statement. So now that it's done, she smiles again about it.]

He'll like it, trust me.

[She hasn't seen him turn up his nose at a treat yet.]

[ At least someone's entertained by all of this. ]

It's a deal then.

[ This very serious deal about dog treats. But to be honest, it's nice to let loose like this every now and then, to be able to go out and just enjoy himself. ]

But what about you? We should get something for you too while we're out here.

For me? Is it also going to be a crunchy peanut butter treat?

[She'll laugh at that. Getting her something is a nice offer though, that was a bit of a surprise.]

If so, I think I'd prefer from a different shop. Thank you though, I wasn't expecting to get something too.

[ She could get a crunchy peanut butter treat if she really wanted….no species discrimination here.

But based on past observation of Sigewinne's meticulous gift-giving choosing when it came to Clorinde and Furina, he'd take a guess that crunchy peanut butter treats aren't the norm when it comes to gifts for women. ]

Consider it thanks for taking the time out of your day to meet this handsome man. [ Who's a good boy? Creme Brulee's a good boy. ] And for guiding me in the gift selection process.

You're quite welcome. It was nice getting to share some of my knowledge. And I'm sure he just loved being called handsome, didn't you?

[Leaning down a little to talk to Creme Brulee who seems pretty happy about the compliment. Or happy because everybody's happy. Either way he seems to be in a great mood, good boy indeed.]

[ Guess who else is leaning down to give Creme Brulee a headpat? Truly he is being showered with attention and affection. Though Wriothesley's glancing over at Makima as he does so. ]

You say that as though you don't get the opportunity to do so often. Surely you have other friends you can share all this knowledge with.

[So much attention.]

I don't actually. I do have friends, of course, but it's not something they're terribly interested in.

[A friend? Maybe? It's questionable.]

And here, no one's asked for my expertise, and while I'm happy to talk about my love of dogs, I don't want to badger them with unsolicited advice.

[closed] assorted march threads

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