[That voice... he actually does remember her. And it's been a pretty tough couple of days, so he considers not answering, but he's not that kind of guy, right? Even if all she probably knows of him is that kind of guy.]
[And she certainly made an impression on him, which is probably why he's actually quite pleased there's no telling he's turned a bit pink while over the audio filter.]
Coupla weeks, right? Doin'... okay. [The pause there is just a little longer than normal.] How 'bout you?
[A moment of silence, and he has to really think about what Bela's saying. Is she suggesting a date? Is she just hoping they can talk? He's not quite so sure, and thus approaches with caution (especially considering the week he's been having).]
[Oh, she can read that awkwardness in his voice. Bela also notices the pauses and the silences. He seems incredibly different to the man she encountered back at the party.]
Is everything all right? You don't seem like yourself.
That's— [He chokes back a nervous laugh, but only just, so it comes out a little bit like a strangled sound.] Thanks, that's kind. Wasn't— See, was an event, an'— Well, was me but not me-me, y'know?
Just don't wanna be representin' myself as a guy I'm not, that's all...
In other words, the mansion decided to have a little fun with its residents and make them unlike their normal selves. [Now she's somewhat disappointed after hearing that revelation.]
Fair enough. I wouldn't want you to be someone you're not. As much fun as it was. [A pause.] Hope I'm not making you uncomfortable.
No, I— [Yes.] Really, just fine. Maybe— [There's a pause as he considers his options.] Maybe a cup of coffee some time? Get to know the real me. Might not like me like this. Never know.
Cup of coffee sounds fine to me. [Something light and informal. No alcohol involved.] I'd like to learn more about you without the influences of any events. In return, you can get to know me better too. Seems fair.
[Definitely no alcohol involved, nope. Blake's not much of a drinker, despite the occasional beer.]
Yeah, absolutely. Sounds like a good idea. [In fact, she might even be able to detect the tension easing out of his voice. He can handle that without too much trouble, right? As soon as life stops sucking.]
Brunch is a wonderful idea. Say around eleven in the morning?
[Well, this is good. They're still talking and things don't seem awkward at all. Hopefully it will continue into tomorrow morning when they actually meet up for that brunch.]
Sounds like a plan. Thanks for understandin'. [At least thus far, though he has a feeling that won't be changing any time soon. She seems practical enough. Besides, by the time brunch rolls around, the Inquisitor will have taken over.]
Of course. I look forward to meeting up with you tomorrow. [Without further ado, she ends the conversation on that note, glad that they've come to some form of mutual agreement.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
voice;
Yeah. Hi.
[Keep it simple, John.]
voice;
How are you doing? Been a little while since we spoke.
voice;
Coupla weeks, right? Doin'... okay. [The pause there is just a little longer than normal.] How 'bout you?
voice;
I've been doing well, thanks. No real complaints. [Bela isn't embarrassed in the slightest but if she knew how he was right now, she'd be smirking.]
It'd be nice to see you again. Provided you're free of course.
voice;
For lunch, or...?
[He's shamefully awkward, I hope you know.]
voice;
[Oh, she can read that awkwardness in his voice. Bela also notices the pauses and the silences. He seems incredibly different to the man she encountered back at the party.]
Is everything all right? You don't seem like yourself.
voice;
Ah, well... Bein' fair here, definitely not the guy you met, Bela. Sorry.
[Plus, it's been a rough couple of days.]
voice;
[She sounds a little dubious about it, considering what they did.]
Because you were pretty good if you don't mind me saying. I had hoped we'd pick up where we left off.
voice;
Just don't wanna be representin' myself as a guy I'm not, that's all...
voice;
Fair enough. I wouldn't want you to be someone you're not. As much fun as it was. [A pause.] Hope I'm not making you uncomfortable.
voice;
voice;
voice;
Yeah, absolutely. Sounds like a good idea. [In fact, she might even be able to detect the tension easing out of his voice. He can handle that without too much trouble, right? As soon as life stops sucking.]
Maybe brunch tomorrow?
voice;
[Well, this is good. They're still talking and things don't seem awkward at all. Hopefully it will continue into tomorrow morning when they actually meet up for that brunch.]
voice;
voice;