driftfleet | Dumpster World Mingle

I will keep it in mind for the future.

[And he just gives a little nod at that word of thanks.]

Are you finished with it, though? It looks like your... partner definitely thought so.

[Because whoever that was that threw Ben, they're gone now.]

[finished? He looks around for the guy he was egging on and who inevitably (predictably) threw him in the garbage, and he curses when he doesn't see him anywhere] Son of a—fuck, guess I am. Fuckin' jerk, walking off when I'm not done.

I suppose he thought you were done.

[Or he just couldn't be bothered with more after that.]

Is there any particular reason why you are goading strangers into a fight, or is it just another of those hobbies of yours?

I'm goading other assholes into fights, not just anyone. [there's an important distinction there, okay] I'm in a mood, so I'm working the mood out.

You are aware that they appear to have a place reserved so people can do just that, do you?

There are... ahem, assholes there as well, I assume, and you wouldn't not be making a mess... well more of a mess of the streets or risking involving innocent bystanders.

[he gives Lyall a look like he's the dumb one here]

Yeah, I'm aware. That's where I'm trying to get 'em - I'm not actually gonna fight 'em out here, just piss 'em off enough that they'll take the challenge and meet me there. If I get tossed around a little - [a shrug] I can take it. I try to avoid getting innocent folk involved. I'm stupid, not reckless.

Or you could end up dumped in a rubbish bin.

[So who is being dumb here, really.]

I will leave that last appreciation alone for now, but really, people who are willing to fight and might fit your definition of an opponent are plentiful around the arena. Duking it out there makes it look like you are trying to get pummeled on purpose. And that would beg the question of why.

[snort] Not the first time, dude.

[he gives Lyall a considering look before he shrugs again] Not so much looking to get pummeled on purpose, really. Just different types out here - personality-wise, not - y'know, bigger than me and can toss me twenty feet. I can find plenty of those.

Is that really something to be proud of?

[Tsk, tsk, young man.]

I assume your metallic parts are string enough to withstand it, but... why go look for a fight? To blow off steam?

[That at least he can understand, but he can't help having a feeling there's something more behind the pent up aggression.]

Just giving some perspective. Not a big deal in the grand scheme, y'know?

But yeah, the metal parts can take it. [a snort, and he shifts his weight to one leg as he crosses his arms] Pretty much. Can't drink my problems away, can't fuck 'em away, so that's the next best option.

... Have you tried the other two options first to be able to dismiss them so quickly?

[Now, the unfortunate side effect of being a werewolf is that you can't get drunk unless you drink something like formaldehyde, so Lyall doesn't often get the option of drinking his problems away either. But unless Ben is more... metallic than it initially appeared... Maybe he's too much of a machine now to be able to?]

In that case, I would still suggest the Arena rather than public streets.

[is the fancy werewolf telling him to go get laid, is that what's happening here]

Yes. [a little flatly] I don't sleep around and drinking too much just makes more problems for me. [he makes a half-assed gesture to himself] Lightweight.

[he huffs a sigh] I'm trying to get them to the arena. That's the whole point of all this. Pick a fight out here, get 'em to the arena, then whoop their ass.

[He might be. It works for some people. Of course the fancy werewolf is engaged and has a very active sex life himself, so.... you do you, Ben.]

Well, I'm sorry to hear that.

Might I suggest using a different approach then? Because clearly, you are goading them a bit too much if they decide to just deal with you then and there and indulge your need of diving into dumpsters.

[Ben's just dumb when it comes to a lot of things. Like sex. And . . . sex. Like, a lot of anything related to relationships in general]

Ugh, don't be. Doesn't stop me from drinking, just ain't an option for problem solving. 'Cuz y'know, people sit there and drink until they can't think, and that takes me like, three drinks instead of however many it takes people who can hold their liquor.

I guess you can suggest something, but half the fun is pissing them off, dude. And I don't have a - look, I don't like diving into dumpsters, I don't know why people keep thinking that. I don't.

.... You just said it was a hobby.

[Deadpan, because, yes, Lyall was very aware it was sarcasm earlier, but he's not above pretending he suddenly doesn't know just to make a point.]

And Maybe it is because you appear to be doing a lot of it lately? Honestly you should go and clean up. That smell is absolutely revolting.

[LYALL PLEASE]

It's - you know what, it's just a thing. A thing I do, because I'm an idiot with anger problems. There, I said it.

[he can be self aware when he wants to be. He pauses, though, and takes a sniff at his jacket - and makes a face and immediately takes it off] Okay yeah, that's - yeah. I should get this cleaned.

[SORRY NOT SORRY]

That would probably be for the best, yes. And if a drink is absolutely out of the question, might I invite you over for a strong cup of tea?

[He's British, Ben. Tea is the solution for everything ever. Including idiots with anger problems.]

[he makes a face, but at least there's some consideration in there, too]

. . . depends on the kind of tea. Maybe.

We have one that could reasonably pass for a Ceylon and different kinds of black teas for sure, but my Lord has started quite the collection on every planet we have visited. I am quite sure you could find something to your taste.

Your lord. [what the fuck, dude, your lord is here? Are you gonna make him play polite??] Black's not bad, I guess. I don't care, as long as it ain't, like - overly sweet.

[Yes, his Lord is here, and yes, he would appreciate if you were polite with him, because he hasn't done anything to warrant rudeness from you, Ben, but you know... you do you. It's not like either of them aren't use to people a bit rough around the edges.]

Lord Falmouth, yes. Although maybe you know him as Biffy? He is the communication officer of the Blameless and the owner of the salon. And also the Alpha of my werewolf pack.

And you're quite free to add as much or as little sugar in your tea as you would like.

I . . . no, I haven't met him. Seen him on the network talking about his salon, though. That's your lord? He's a - [he gestures, cuz it still sounds weird to say "werewolf" and even weirder to say "alpha"] - too? Never would've called that.

[media has lied to him about werewolves]

[Lyall is just going to... raise an eyebrow at your vague gesturing, Ben.]

Yes, he is also a werewolf.

[Be polite, please.]

And the leader of the pack I am a part of, and a peer of the realm of England. An Earl, to be precise.

[A lot of people have been lied to about werewolves as far as Lyall is concerned. he has heard so many horrific stories...]

He won't attack you anymore than I will.

[he IS being polite :(]

I don't think either of you will attack me. Thought never crossed my mind. [he's being honest about that, too, 'cuz really it'd be dumb of them to try. And also he tastes bad]

Just - you don't hear 'bout werewolves being Earls and shit where I'm from. They're usually like - . . . you know, not proper folk or whatever. It's strange. Uh - good strange.

[He probably does taste bad to be honest. Too much metal.]

Yes, I have heard those tales too. It seems many a world has rather barbaric notions of what a werewolf is and how they are made or live. It is strange for us as well, and not in a good way.

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