Cheeky piece

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Its a video call of one Anthony J. Crowley stepping out of a posh building eating a vanilla and chocolate swirled cone. ]

When you think about it sixty-five million isn't really so much to ask for a place like this in the middle of New York. Especially with all those terraces. Parking space for two cars. Concierge. More bedroom space than I'll ever need. And... ha! This might be the best part!

[ He laughed and attached a quick image to the post. ]

They don't want to take that painting with them so it would come with the place! You're an art restorer, what do you think of it, Mr. Fell? Cheeky piece. It's a bit like that play we saw last week, the one where you got all annoyed with me for magically upgrading our seats. I didn't hear you complaining when we ended up with that private box though did I?

[ He paused for a thoughtful lick of chocolate before it ran down the cone. ]

I never even dreamed of owning a place like this one before so of course I signed. What is the point of magic if you can't indulge?

Comments

[chenqing_player]

You're not wrong with that point.

[He grins, clearly excited to see his power in action at some point. But then he remembers something and his expression falters just a little.]

I think..I'm getting or got some sort of ability but it's not quite as interesting as controlling ghosts like in that memory.

[serpentinthegarden]

Are you?

[ Even if it was a boring power Anthony leaned closer to the screen like he could hear all this better if he did. ]

What happened?

[chenqing_player]

Ahh..it's..not particularly useful. It took a few days to figure it out because all it did was give me a headache. But I can hear voices..lots of them. Even when there is no one in the room.

[He reaches up and runs his hand through his hair.]

I think I hear the dead...and this city is noisy with it.

[serpentinthegarden]

You hear... voices?

[ Long pause. ]

What do the voices say?

[chenqing_player]

For awhile it was just noise. But I've started to figure it out and narrow it down. A lot are just..angry. About their deaths mostly. The angrier they are, the worse the headache I get.

Seems I drew the short straw when it came to powers.

[serpentinthegarden]

Eh... It might come in handy. You could start up a new career as a medium.

Actually maybe I had better have you look around the new place. Make sure there aren't any angry spirits hanging around the place.

[chenqing_player]

Heh..might not be a bad idea. It's not that I can do anything about it yet but at least I'll know who I would be sharing a space with.

[serpentinthegarden]

It's always a good idea to know your roommates.

[ He exhaled slowly, feeling the pang of concern despite his best efforts to be glib about all this. ]

Are you ok? Must be unnerving when you think you are all alone and the shower starts talking to you.

[chenqing_player]

I'm dealing with it. I kind of knew something was coming..I just wasn't expecting this. But it's calmer then when it first started so I must be getting better at controlling it.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ He well remembered their conversation about the evil smoke. ]

It might actually be lucky you ended up with something simple like voices. It's creepy, but easier to deal with than some of those other powers you mentioned would have been.

[chenqing_player]

It's true..I wonder how far in the future that little trick is going to come to me. Maybe I'll get lucky and avoid that one.

I'd much rather have the powers of persuasion.

[serpentinthegarden]

Maybe. We don't actually know that we are going to end up getting all of our old magic back or not. We might only get a few of the less powerful ones.

[chenqing_player]

I really do hope that is the case. I don't think anyone wants me to be walking around with a little army of spirits floating behind me. Talk about a real buzz kill at parties.

[serpentinthegarden]

Depends on the party. That sort of act would fit right in with some of the ones I've been to.

[chenqing_player]

[He laughs.]

Well if I get that power, get ready to bring me to those parties.

[serpentinthegarden]

Maybe I'll throw one of those parties some time now that I have the space for it.

[chenqing_player]

I'm excited to check out the new place and see how the wealthy live. [And potentially his future home.]

[serpentinthegarden]

Nope you enjoy it. I'd like to have a neighbor around who actually likes me. The lady on the second floor is a real snob.

[chenqing_player]

I bet I could charm her. I can be irresistible when I want to be. I'll have to be if I expect them to accept me hanging around.

[serpentinthegarden]

I'll bet you can! You charm her and I'll be the annoying one, that will make you look even better by comparison.

[chenqing_player]

[He laughs with a nod.]It's a deal. I look forward to our shenanigans, neighbor.

[serpentinthegarden]

It'll be fun. Chow~

[ He waved at the screen once before hanging up but he would text later with the details. 421 Broome Street. He could have the third floor flat for a steal. ]

no response needed, he'll see you soon neighbor!

[chenqing_player]

I guess I better start packing!