[somewhat accidental video] -open

[scotch_egg]

[he is on a date. At a restaurant maybe, in a store, walking into or out of a theatre. It is an awkward date from any way you look at it. Either the person is loud, or awkward, or touchy-feely and Alec looks like a mad rabbit ready to bolt at any moment. Whatever moment the camera catches is bound to cause second hand embarrassment.

At some point though during the evening, Alec will find a way to squirrel away from his...other to hiss into the camera:]

Help me.

[though he meant to send it to Anthony, well, that's not how it turns out]

Comments

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[hardtoignore]

Don't you have some magic? Just snap your fingers and cause a sudden rainstorm and run away or something?

text

[scotch_egg]

Ah no... no I don't. And who runs away from rain? Like as not we'll run together and be in an even worse situation than I started.

[a pause]

Got anything else?

[hardtoignore]

Oh. Sorry. I mean if it's a sudden downpour you could prolly get lost easily.

Uh, you want ME to come make it rain for you? Or idk swarm some bees or something?

[scotch_egg]

Bees? Don't tempt me.

I don't suppose you have any emotional spells in your retinue.

[hardtoignore]

Oh, I'm willing to tempt!

But seriously, I don't think I've ever tried to affect another person with my magic. Even in my memories. At least, not in a way that wasn't me like... throwing lightning at them or whatever.

[scotch_egg]

.....

Can you try? I won't be angry if you fail.

[at least not at him]

[hardtoignore]

>Really? Um, sure, lemme run a test real quick.

[About seven minutes pass...]

>Sorry, no dice. Just tried to use magic to convince my guardian to switch from being tired to energetic but it didn’t work.

This is actually the first time I’ve tried something and not got a reaction, actually. I need to figure out what’s different here.

[scotch_egg]

Damn. Well there's no help for it. If I tell you where I am can you translocate a lightning bolt?

[hardtoignore]

Uhhh

Maybe? But I can’t really account for accuracy. If you’re too far, I’m pretty sure that lightning will do it’s own thing.

[scotch_egg]

Aye fine, fine.

Just...next time you see me, turn me into a newt.

[because newts didn't have to worry about dates first, last or otherwise]

[hardtoignore]

Sure thing. Sounds fun!

[scotch_egg]

In the meantime, any tips of extracting yourself from a date short of arson?

[hardtoignore]

Never really been on a date before. I know, lame for an 18yo but I haven’t had many prospects.

Call her ugly and leave? Won’t have to deal with her again after that.

[scotch_egg]

Don't rush into it, lad. Dating is not worth it. Go it alone and you'll never be disappointed.

I might just tell her I've got an emergency and leave. She won't buy it but this was definitely a mistake.

[hardtoignore]

... You know, I think I kinda needed to hear that. Thanks man.

Well, maybe she'll at least get the hint that it's not doing it for you.

[scotch_egg]

Hints and Americans don't seem to go. Oft times you need a bloody two by four. But I'll do my best.

And thank you for stopping in

[hardtoignore]

LOL

Yeah. Just figured I wouldn't want to be left alone when I was in an uncomfortable situation either.

[scotch_egg]

Hopefully this will be the end of it.

[It likely won't]

[hardtoignore]

I mean, you could also just keep texting people. That should send a "I would rather be doing something else" message if nothing else.

[scotch_egg]

I'd rather be done with the whole thing, but unfortunately apparently being with someone else is a good sign.

[hardtoignore]

... What? I think I'm missing some context. What's good about what?

[scotch_egg]

If you're with someone people think you're taking care of since there's this big cultural taboo against dying alone.

[hardtoignore]

Oh. That’s what you mean.

I dunno, if you don’t like the girl then it seems like it would be more of a pain having them around when you’re looking for a place to rest. Just drag a friend along with you instead.

[scotch_egg]

[there is either some very strange wires crossed or he doesn't want to know]

I'd rather go alone, all things considered. But family.

[hardtoignore]

[Hey! Dying surrounded by friends and found family is legit!]

Too bad you can’t choose when you die. It would make these things a lot easier to decide in my book.