David shook the woman's hand and beamed at her. He really was glad to meet her, although she didn't exactly jump up and down with joy when she heard him speak. Well, she wasn't shutting him out either, which was a nice change.
"Red can totally make you look fat... well me, at any rate," he said honestly. He gave her a critical once over with blue-green eyes. "I don't think anything will make you look fat."
Pakpao, as she introduced herself, had a figure most women he knew would kill for. She was perfectly proportioned; not too skinny, not too fat. She seemed to be blessed with the body of a twenty-something.
He hadn't said she looked like a man, but he ignored the misunderstanding. If it had been deliberate, well, maybe she was just in a bad mood. And if it had been an honest mistake there probably wasn't anything he could say to improve her outlook.
He did burst out laughing at her next statement. "Oh don't worry, I'm pretty sure the cut-off age for this thing was fifty, with a minimum of three teeth." David shook his head. "I can only guess about the personal hygiene though."
He himself never left the house unless immaculately groomed, but the much was evident in his dress. His hair was done stylishly and his nails were cleanly manicured. He wore a fragrance but it was incredibly light. David was a firm believer in avoiding tacky.
"So Pakpao," he said with a smile, "I know why I'm here." He gestured to himself and rolled his eyes. "How come you're here?"
You Gotta Shop Around?
Why... why was she doing this? It had been a fit of madness Pak was sure of that. At the same time though she almost wanted to do it. Almost. Part of her was lonely and it got hard to see all her friends paired off and happy and be the only single one. Occasionally she felt in the way and a bit awkward.
Of course, just right now she felt like some desperate bimbo, but it was a bit late wasn't it.
It had take a while to get dressed, work attire wasn't appropriate, but she didn't want to be too casual or look like a whore either. Finally she'd settled on a black pencil skirt with a high slit and a red jersey top. It might have been a bit over kill for the venue which was a mid to upper end hotel on the strip. Which left her feeling even more awkward.
The referee, host, whatever, explained the rules for the evening and Pak sat down at one of the tables for two and scanned the room wondering what she had gotten herself into. About the only thing that was making her feel any better was that all of these 'dates' would only last five minutes and no one would have her contact information.
Reminding herself not to make, or at least try not to make, any snap judgments as she waited for the organizer to ring the bell and her first date to show up hoping for the best.
Stranger
12 years ago
Pakpao
12 years ago
OK maybe this wasn't so bad, the flattery wasn't hurting her ego at all. Pak looked away modestly, flirtatiously. He was a good looking guy, and very well put together. It wasn't much of a surprise that some women might mistake him for playing for the other team as it was.
"Honestly I don't believe that. Good looking guy like you out flanked by a color?â€
She teased him, or hoped it came off that way, just a little. Maybe she was more rusty at this flirting thing than she thought.
That he got her joke and actually laughed bolstered her confidence a bit and she laughed in return at his.
"Well lets here for both meeting and exceeding those standards shall we?â€
Why was she here? Well she sure wasn't going to tell him that she was lonely and trying not to be the last vampire at the end of the line not paired off because the thought of eternity alone was daunting and depressing.
"Well I heard the crab cakes are to die for.†She grinned, "That and I seem to have trouble actually meeting guys believe it or not. I'm one of those career driven types, sad isn't it?â€
"Honestly I don't believe that. Good looking guy like you out flanked by a color?â€
She teased him, or hoped it came off that way, just a little. Maybe she was more rusty at this flirting thing than she thought.
That he got her joke and actually laughed bolstered her confidence a bit and she laughed in return at his.
"Well lets here for both meeting and exceeding those standards shall we?â€
Why was she here? Well she sure wasn't going to tell him that she was lonely and trying not to be the last vampire at the end of the line not paired off because the thought of eternity alone was daunting and depressing.
"Well I heard the crab cakes are to die for.†She grinned, "That and I seem to have trouble actually meeting guys believe it or not. I'm one of those career driven types, sad isn't it?â€
Stranger
12 years ago
David managed to bat his eyelashes at Pakpao a little. "Why thank you, darling," he said, the endearment coming naturally to him. "You keep talking to me like that and I could be convinced to try it for you."
He raised his glass at her informal toast and took a sip, still smiling. He usually got along well with people, so having some success here wasn't terribly unusual. Getting a second chance though, that was his downfall.
He shook his head at Pakpao. "I don't think it's sad," he said. "You could have my problem... how would you like it if every guy you met said 'Oh I love you, but just as a friend?'"
He got it all the damn time. It was depressing. He sighed and shook his head, not to be kept down for long. "So what career drives you? Let me guess. Runway model? No, they're all skinny bitches. Doctor? Artist?"
David leaned back, eyeballing her critically once more. Then he held up one finger in a moment of revelation. "Aha! You own a small but thriving restaurant."
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Any of them even close?"
He raised his glass at her informal toast and took a sip, still smiling. He usually got along well with people, so having some success here wasn't terribly unusual. Getting a second chance though, that was his downfall.
He shook his head at Pakpao. "I don't think it's sad," he said. "You could have my problem... how would you like it if every guy you met said 'Oh I love you, but just as a friend?'"
He got it all the damn time. It was depressing. He sighed and shook his head, not to be kept down for long. "So what career drives you? Let me guess. Runway model? No, they're all skinny bitches. Doctor? Artist?"
David leaned back, eyeballing her critically once more. Then he held up one finger in a moment of revelation. "Aha! You own a small but thriving restaurant."
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Any of them even close?"
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak giggled slightly at his playing. She didn't know many men that could get away with using 'darling' in regular conversation. Somehow this David made it work though.
So far he was open and friendly and Pak found herself rather cautiously optimistic. She might actually like him, it was certainly easier than things had been with Michael and less awkward than Jeff. Although, she didn't hate either of those two.
Pak cringed at the idea of that much rejection, that was just cruel.
"Ouch, that would get old very fast. All things considered I think I'll keep my problem.â€
The subtle flattery as he tried to guess her profession was rather charming. It really was hard to imagine this guy needed speed dating, he should have woman all over him.
"Computers. I'm sort of a jack of all trade with them everything from programing to networking and back. Let's see you...†Pak made a show of sizing him up before guessing. She'd probably be wrong, but it would be a fun game. "Something people oriented, educated so either marine biologist or you run an art gallery.â€
So far he was open and friendly and Pak found herself rather cautiously optimistic. She might actually like him, it was certainly easier than things had been with Michael and less awkward than Jeff. Although, she didn't hate either of those two.
Pak cringed at the idea of that much rejection, that was just cruel.
"Ouch, that would get old very fast. All things considered I think I'll keep my problem.â€
The subtle flattery as he tried to guess her profession was rather charming. It really was hard to imagine this guy needed speed dating, he should have woman all over him.
"Computers. I'm sort of a jack of all trade with them everything from programing to networking and back. Let's see you...†Pak made a show of sizing him up before guessing. She'd probably be wrong, but it would be a fun game. "Something people oriented, educated so either marine biologist or you run an art gallery.â€
Stranger
12 years ago
"Oh it gets old," David said, and then raised his eyebrows again. "I'm not going for sympathy, though. It probably came off all kinds of wrong. I like having friends but you know, someday it'd be nice to be the date instead of the moral support."
He really didn't mind most of the time, but always the bridesmaid never the bride was becoming his M.O. and that wasn't cool. David's mother and father were already dropping broad hints that they weren't getting any younger, and would like grandkids, et cetera, ad infinitum.
In the meantime he listened to Pakpao describe her job. He liked her; he liked everyone, really, but she seemed nice. It didn't hurt that she was hot as hell. He was trying very hard not to imagine her in bed... it would be inappropriate to do so, even though he knew most of the guys in here were probably doing that same thing. He liked to think he was above it.
"Oh, I can almost see it," he said when she told him she was a computer person. "It seems a little impersonal for you I guess, you seem so outgoing. But I imagine it must be a challenge, and that's always fun."
Pakpao decided to try to guess his profession and David smiled broadly. This was where most people fell short. He nodded his head at her; yes, he certainly did like people, and he was in an educational field.
"Oooh. I always wanted to be a marine biologist," he said a little excitedly. "Instead, though, I ended up with a PhD in aerospace engineering."
Yes, he built spaceships for a living. And he loved it. This was usually where he lost them; they started talking work and people's eyes glazed over; men and women alike. David didn't get to go into his job much on any date.
Suddenly, to his surprise and dismay, the bell rang. David looked up at the clock... that had been a fast three minutes! The next man in line was waiting, eyeballing Pakpao... or rather, Pakpao's chest. David stood, turned to the man, and smiled.
"Hey, you're going to have a great time." He shook the man's hand, turning and propelling him toward the woman he was supposed to move onto, himself. "With this nice lady right here."
There might have been an argument; it went against the rules, what he'd just done. But he smiled, and he charmed, and he made it into a joke, and somehow it worked in his favor and he took his seat across from Pakpao again, sipping his martini and giving her a sheepish grin and an unapologetic shrug.
"It was worth it."
He really didn't mind most of the time, but always the bridesmaid never the bride was becoming his M.O. and that wasn't cool. David's mother and father were already dropping broad hints that they weren't getting any younger, and would like grandkids, et cetera, ad infinitum.
In the meantime he listened to Pakpao describe her job. He liked her; he liked everyone, really, but she seemed nice. It didn't hurt that she was hot as hell. He was trying very hard not to imagine her in bed... it would be inappropriate to do so, even though he knew most of the guys in here were probably doing that same thing. He liked to think he was above it.
"Oh, I can almost see it," he said when she told him she was a computer person. "It seems a little impersonal for you I guess, you seem so outgoing. But I imagine it must be a challenge, and that's always fun."
Pakpao decided to try to guess his profession and David smiled broadly. This was where most people fell short. He nodded his head at her; yes, he certainly did like people, and he was in an educational field.
"Oooh. I always wanted to be a marine biologist," he said a little excitedly. "Instead, though, I ended up with a PhD in aerospace engineering."
Yes, he built spaceships for a living. And he loved it. This was usually where he lost them; they started talking work and people's eyes glazed over; men and women alike. David didn't get to go into his job much on any date.
Suddenly, to his surprise and dismay, the bell rang. David looked up at the clock... that had been a fast three minutes! The next man in line was waiting, eyeballing Pakpao... or rather, Pakpao's chest. David stood, turned to the man, and smiled.
"Hey, you're going to have a great time." He shook the man's hand, turning and propelling him toward the woman he was supposed to move onto, himself. "With this nice lady right here."
There might have been an argument; it went against the rules, what he'd just done. But he smiled, and he charmed, and he made it into a joke, and somehow it worked in his favor and he took his seat across from Pakpao again, sipping his martini and giving her a sheepish grin and an unapologetic shrug.
"It was worth it."
Pakpao
12 years ago
'Welcome to my world.' Was Pak's immediate thought, but she didn't say anything especially as her situation wasn't quite the same. At least he wasn't talking eternity though, just a date. As weird as this whole experience was for Pak she was almost comforted by the fact that there were so many people here tonight.
She liked his smile, it was open and honest. He also was easy to talk to so far. He wasn't making any overt passes but was clearly interested. It was a good mix.
"We have a good team. There is a lot more people work that you might think. Not that I'm perfect at that.â€
She admitted ruefully. No point in mentioning her T-Rex tenancies right away but a touch of warning might be appropriate.
"But it is a challenge and we do a lot of new things. Makes it worth getting out of bed in the morning.â€
Or at night whatever the case may be. Way too soon to even think about that.
Pak's eyebrows both rose, impressed. That was both challenging and fascinating. She had casually studied astronomy for years. Which, as it turned out Bao did as well, but she wasn't about to think about this whole 'daddy daughter' thing.
She muttered under her breath in Siamese when the bell went. So far David was the best she'd done and the next guy was half leering and she was trying to decide if she should be nervous or just irritated. Her three minute date's action surprised and pleased her. Pak had to smother laughter behind her hands. She cleared her throat and got herself under control quickly though.
"I think you might have saved me from that redneck too. Although he does seem to have all his teeth.â€
She said very quietly not wanting her ditched date to over hear.
"Aerospace? Really. So satellites and airplanes? Have you found a replacement for the shuttle yet?â€
There was undisguised enthusiasm in her voice as she asked. He had inadvertently hit on one of her interests.
She liked his smile, it was open and honest. He also was easy to talk to so far. He wasn't making any overt passes but was clearly interested. It was a good mix.
"We have a good team. There is a lot more people work that you might think. Not that I'm perfect at that.â€
She admitted ruefully. No point in mentioning her T-Rex tenancies right away but a touch of warning might be appropriate.
"But it is a challenge and we do a lot of new things. Makes it worth getting out of bed in the morning.â€
Or at night whatever the case may be. Way too soon to even think about that.
Pak's eyebrows both rose, impressed. That was both challenging and fascinating. She had casually studied astronomy for years. Which, as it turned out Bao did as well, but she wasn't about to think about this whole 'daddy daughter' thing.
She muttered under her breath in Siamese when the bell went. So far David was the best she'd done and the next guy was half leering and she was trying to decide if she should be nervous or just irritated. Her three minute date's action surprised and pleased her. Pak had to smother laughter behind her hands. She cleared her throat and got herself under control quickly though.
"I think you might have saved me from that redneck too. Although he does seem to have all his teeth.â€
She said very quietly not wanting her ditched date to over hear.
"Aerospace? Really. So satellites and airplanes? Have you found a replacement for the shuttle yet?â€
There was undisguised enthusiasm in her voice as she asked. He had inadvertently hit on one of her interests.
Stranger
12 years ago
Pakpao admitted some trouble with people skills and David just laughed. "Oh, honey, who is perfect at that? Take me for example. Three minutes with me and I manage to convince everyone I'd rather be on the side of the table facing the guys. I'm thrilled you haven't asked me to shop for dresses with you so you can cry about your last failed relationship."
He shook his head ruefully, taking any offending edge out of his tone with a dramatic sigh. It wasn't that he minded being a sounding board - or even shopping for dresses, for that matter. He'd gladly have done either or both with any friend, but it was disappointing to experience it again and again with a woman who you'd thought was interested in you romantically and then discover otherwise over coffee.
When she mentioned rednecks David sneaked a glance over to the other table, then leaned forward, craning his neck. "It's tough to say from here," he said. "It's not too red, but I would have done the same no matter how he looked."
He stood by 'it was worth it.' He was having fun talking to this woman, and she didn't really seem to be giving off a 'let's have a fun platonic relationship' vibe. In fact, she positively lit up when she heard about his profession. That was new, too, and he was slightly encouraged by it.
"Satellites and spaceships," he said. "I don't do airplanes. And not exactly a replacement for a shuttle but we're working on it."
He finished off his martini and ordered another from the waitress who was nearby. While he waited for it he elaborated, quickly detailing the specs of his latest project to Pakpao. Unfortunately, that part of the discussion ate up their second three minutes and David found himself forced to stand and move along this time; he didn't think he could pull off the switch twice in a row without bruising some feelings. He was tempted to ask Pakpao if she'd just like to leave with him and go someplace to continue their discussion, but that might be way too forward and clingy already. He didn't want to come off that way after six minutes.
So instead, he just smiled at her. "Thanks for what will probably be the best six minutes of my night," he said. "Let me know if any rednecks threaten you... I'll come running. Just, I don't know... make a sound like a rabid koala bear."
He grinned and moved on to the next date. David knew for sure he'd write Pakpao's name down at the end of he evening. If she wanted to pick up where they'd left off, so would she. He found himself surprisingly hopeful.
He shook his head ruefully, taking any offending edge out of his tone with a dramatic sigh. It wasn't that he minded being a sounding board - or even shopping for dresses, for that matter. He'd gladly have done either or both with any friend, but it was disappointing to experience it again and again with a woman who you'd thought was interested in you romantically and then discover otherwise over coffee.
When she mentioned rednecks David sneaked a glance over to the other table, then leaned forward, craning his neck. "It's tough to say from here," he said. "It's not too red, but I would have done the same no matter how he looked."
He stood by 'it was worth it.' He was having fun talking to this woman, and she didn't really seem to be giving off a 'let's have a fun platonic relationship' vibe. In fact, she positively lit up when she heard about his profession. That was new, too, and he was slightly encouraged by it.
"Satellites and spaceships," he said. "I don't do airplanes. And not exactly a replacement for a shuttle but we're working on it."
He finished off his martini and ordered another from the waitress who was nearby. While he waited for it he elaborated, quickly detailing the specs of his latest project to Pakpao. Unfortunately, that part of the discussion ate up their second three minutes and David found himself forced to stand and move along this time; he didn't think he could pull off the switch twice in a row without bruising some feelings. He was tempted to ask Pakpao if she'd just like to leave with him and go someplace to continue their discussion, but that might be way too forward and clingy already. He didn't want to come off that way after six minutes.
So instead, he just smiled at her. "Thanks for what will probably be the best six minutes of my night," he said. "Let me know if any rednecks threaten you... I'll come running. Just, I don't know... make a sound like a rabid koala bear."
He grinned and moved on to the next date. David knew for sure he'd write Pakpao's name down at the end of he evening. If she wanted to pick up where they'd left off, so would she. He found himself surprisingly hopeful.
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak grinned a little bit. Apparently this was a sticking point with David, but everyone had them and she wasn't going to dwell on this. At least he seemed to be able to laugh at himself. That was a good thing. After all, if you didn't laugh at yourself, some one else would.
"Awwwww... might knight in well pressed armor."
Huh, she had just flirted hadn't she? Funny old world.
The discussion of his latest project was fascinating she actually was interested and could follow it. And he was so enthusiastic about it that she was easily sucked in. It sure didn't feel like three minutes had passed.
Slightly disappointed she blushed faintly at his flattery and found herself laughing at the idea of a rabid koala bear.
"I'll see what I can do."
She promised. Having not expected anything to come of this evening David had been a pleasant surprise. It was entirely possible she'd find the chutzpa to actually write his name or number or whatever down and actually go out with him. She was oddly optimistic. It might only be one date but that would be something of a milestone for her.
Still smiling Pak offered her hand to the next guy, and the next, and the next. Her head was spinning and she shouldn't remember half the guys she had talked to. But, it seemed like Jeff was back around, and the clock was ticking down.
There couldn't be many left. Her smile feeling a little plastered on and insincere, she offered her hand yet again. This guy was tall, but being so skinny he looked even taller. Dark eyes and a rather hawkish nose made quite a statement. His clothes didn't -quite- match but you couldn't call them mismatched and he had obviously taken care with them. He had a good strong handshake though, that stood out.
"Pakpao, nice to meet you. Are you as dizzy as I am at this point?"
She wondered if Kem would mind her crashing with him for the day once all was said and done. It would be nice to be just Pak for a while and not -have- to smile at everyone. But she was still going to play nice for her last few 'dates'.
"Awwwww... might knight in well pressed armor."
Huh, she had just flirted hadn't she? Funny old world.
The discussion of his latest project was fascinating she actually was interested and could follow it. And he was so enthusiastic about it that she was easily sucked in. It sure didn't feel like three minutes had passed.
Slightly disappointed she blushed faintly at his flattery and found herself laughing at the idea of a rabid koala bear.
"I'll see what I can do."
She promised. Having not expected anything to come of this evening David had been a pleasant surprise. It was entirely possible she'd find the chutzpa to actually write his name or number or whatever down and actually go out with him. She was oddly optimistic. It might only be one date but that would be something of a milestone for her.
Still smiling Pak offered her hand to the next guy, and the next, and the next. Her head was spinning and she shouldn't remember half the guys she had talked to. But, it seemed like Jeff was back around, and the clock was ticking down.
There couldn't be many left. Her smile feeling a little plastered on and insincere, she offered her hand yet again. This guy was tall, but being so skinny he looked even taller. Dark eyes and a rather hawkish nose made quite a statement. His clothes didn't -quite- match but you couldn't call them mismatched and he had obviously taken care with them. He had a good strong handshake though, that stood out.
"Pakpao, nice to meet you. Are you as dizzy as I am at this point?"
She wondered if Kem would mind her crashing with him for the day once all was said and done. It would be nice to be just Pak for a while and not -have- to smile at everyone. But she was still going to play nice for her last few 'dates'.
Stranger
12 years ago
"Bill. Nice to meet you Pakpao."
He laughed softly, a little nervously. "Yeah, I'm a little dizzy."
This chick was the prettiest woman here by far. He wasn't necessarily looking for pretty, but it didn't hurt. He adjusted the hairpiece he wore as he scratched his head. He didn't want her to figure out who he was. Not right away, anyhow. It would just draw attention to him and ruin the night for everyone.
"So this your first time? It's mine. Never done this before."
Never had to, women usually threw themselves at him. God, this fake nose was itchy. A professional makeup artist had done it for him. He knew he couldn't scratch, or it would show up as an obvious fake. And then everything would be over.
"I kind of have trouble meeting nice women," he said, trying to relax a little and smile a bit more. She wasn't going to bite him.
He laughed softly, a little nervously. "Yeah, I'm a little dizzy."
This chick was the prettiest woman here by far. He wasn't necessarily looking for pretty, but it didn't hurt. He adjusted the hairpiece he wore as he scratched his head. He didn't want her to figure out who he was. Not right away, anyhow. It would just draw attention to him and ruin the night for everyone.
"So this your first time? It's mine. Never done this before."
Never had to, women usually threw themselves at him. God, this fake nose was itchy. A professional makeup artist had done it for him. He knew he couldn't scratch, or it would show up as an obvious fake. And then everything would be over.
"I kind of have trouble meeting nice women," he said, trying to relax a little and smile a bit more. She wasn't going to bite him.
Pakpao
12 years ago
"Yeah. I'm honestly not sure what possessed me to try this but it hasn't been bad, not my worst idea by far."
She smiled a little bit. The worst part of this evening, she decided, was trying to come up with new and witty conversation for each new conversation. There were only so many times and so many ways to say it.
"So you just meet the mean ones?"
Pak offered another little smile, she was after all making a joke.
He seemed a bit tense, and even she'd relaxed by now. Of course, she could be imagining that. Pak didn't dwell on it or even think too hard about it. She was just starting to wonder if you could even feel any sparks after meeting forty five guys in one night. Not that it had been literally forty five...
"Tell me a little abut your self."
And Pak prepared to hear the abbreviated life story she'd heard more than once tonight. Born, grew up, high school basketball star; was it bad she'd started making up her own stories for these guys?
She smiled a little bit. The worst part of this evening, she decided, was trying to come up with new and witty conversation for each new conversation. There were only so many times and so many ways to say it.
"So you just meet the mean ones?"
Pak offered another little smile, she was after all making a joke.
He seemed a bit tense, and even she'd relaxed by now. Of course, she could be imagining that. Pak didn't dwell on it or even think too hard about it. She was just starting to wonder if you could even feel any sparks after meeting forty five guys in one night. Not that it had been literally forty five...
"Tell me a little abut your self."
And Pak prepared to hear the abbreviated life story she'd heard more than once tonight. Born, grew up, high school basketball star; was it bad she'd started making up her own stories for these guys?
Stranger
12 years ago
Bill straightened, his brows rising in surprise. "Oh no," he said, "I usually meet the bat-shit crazy ones."
It was a moment of complete honesty. Perhaps he should have been more circumspect but the night was almost over and he was tired of playing the game, saying the same thing again and again, observing the niceties and never getting any further.
Pakpao cut right to the chase and Bill thought that maybe she was getting tired of the game too... so many people here were still going from date to date hoping that magic was going to happen. He guessed he still hoped, too, but he was a bit more of a cynic.
"Well first I was born," he drawled, "then I grew up."
After that things had gone a little crazy. "Now I work in retail. I know it's not very glamorous but I'm trying to work my way to a Master's degree in Business."
He was lying, of course, but she wouldn't believe him if he told her who he actually was, which was why he'd worn this strange makeup and these ridiculous clothes. Not to mention the papers would have a field day with it, and no one else here would get to really enjoy their on dates.
"What do you do? Or... even better... just tell me something random. Leave out the job, you're probably sick about it. What you do makes no difference as long as you like it, right?"
He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, smiling. "So surprise me."
It was a moment of complete honesty. Perhaps he should have been more circumspect but the night was almost over and he was tired of playing the game, saying the same thing again and again, observing the niceties and never getting any further.
Pakpao cut right to the chase and Bill thought that maybe she was getting tired of the game too... so many people here were still going from date to date hoping that magic was going to happen. He guessed he still hoped, too, but he was a bit more of a cynic.
"Well first I was born," he drawled, "then I grew up."
After that things had gone a little crazy. "Now I work in retail. I know it's not very glamorous but I'm trying to work my way to a Master's degree in Business."
He was lying, of course, but she wouldn't believe him if he told her who he actually was, which was why he'd worn this strange makeup and these ridiculous clothes. Not to mention the papers would have a field day with it, and no one else here would get to really enjoy their on dates.
"What do you do? Or... even better... just tell me something random. Leave out the job, you're probably sick about it. What you do makes no difference as long as you like it, right?"
He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, smiling. "So surprise me."
Pakpao
12 years ago
Pak half choked on her drink she hadn't expected him to be so honest. And she wondered exactly how he managed that. Bill, however, seemed normal enough so far so perhaps it wasn't a reflection on him.
Smart ass, she decided. That wasn't a strike against him, after all she was a smart ass, so was Kem, so were a lot of her favorite people. She wasn't a big fan of MBAs but he got props for trying to make something of himself.
"Good for you, on both counts."
As she opened her mouth to tell some one for the hundredth time that she was in IT he changed the rules. A little surprised Pak sat back, a little confused. It only lasted a second before she crossed her legs and grinned mischievously. If he wanted random she could do random.
It was a good strategy too, he had to be tired of hearing the same thing from women over and over tonight and it would make him stand out, more memorable. Pak gave him credit. After a moments hesitation she leaned forward, enjoying the game.
"Random? OK let's see... Including English I speak three languages, I've folded 863 paper cranes in the last two and a half years, I play a mean game of chess but have an odd fascination with tiddly winks, my passport expires in eight months and my best friend would laugh his ass off if he knew I was here... but I'll probably tell him any way."
Sitting back Pak grinned like the cat who stole the cream, obviously having enjoyed herself.
"Better than a list of turn on's and pet peeves don't you think? Your turn."
Smart ass, she decided. That wasn't a strike against him, after all she was a smart ass, so was Kem, so were a lot of her favorite people. She wasn't a big fan of MBAs but he got props for trying to make something of himself.
"Good for you, on both counts."
As she opened her mouth to tell some one for the hundredth time that she was in IT he changed the rules. A little surprised Pak sat back, a little confused. It only lasted a second before she crossed her legs and grinned mischievously. If he wanted random she could do random.
It was a good strategy too, he had to be tired of hearing the same thing from women over and over tonight and it would make him stand out, more memorable. Pak gave him credit. After a moments hesitation she leaned forward, enjoying the game.
"Random? OK let's see... Including English I speak three languages, I've folded 863 paper cranes in the last two and a half years, I play a mean game of chess but have an odd fascination with tiddly winks, my passport expires in eight months and my best friend would laugh his ass off if he knew I was here... but I'll probably tell him any way."
Sitting back Pak grinned like the cat who stole the cream, obviously having enjoyed herself.
"Better than a list of turn on's and pet peeves don't you think? Your turn."
Stranger
12 years ago
Bill laughed at Pakpao's list and gave some thought to his own.
"All right," he said. "I have a million friends but none of them know me. I hate the colors blue and yellow, especially together. I hate cameras but I get my picture taken on a constant basis."
He rolled his eyes up at the ceiling. "I collect Coke bottles. I rearrange my furniture twice a week because I get bored easily. I moved out of my childhood home years ago but I will admit I still love it when my mother comes over and folds my laundry."
He finished his list, which he didn't think was as much fun as Pakpao's, and then raised an eyebrow at her. "Tiddly winks? Why tiddly winks?"
He was surprised he even knew what tiddly winks was... and that as the extent of his knowledge. All he knew was what you did, make one little coin hop by flicking it with another.
"And what are the other two languages?"
"All right," he said. "I have a million friends but none of them know me. I hate the colors blue and yellow, especially together. I hate cameras but I get my picture taken on a constant basis."
He rolled his eyes up at the ceiling. "I collect Coke bottles. I rearrange my furniture twice a week because I get bored easily. I moved out of my childhood home years ago but I will admit I still love it when my mother comes over and folds my laundry."
He finished his list, which he didn't think was as much fun as Pakpao's, and then raised an eyebrow at her. "Tiddly winks? Why tiddly winks?"
He was surprised he even knew what tiddly winks was... and that as the extent of his knowledge. All he knew was what you did, make one little coin hop by flicking it with another.
"And what are the other two languages?"
Pakpao
12 years ago
Well that was interesting and Pak's smile grew as he matched like with like. It was a little sad though, the way he said he had a lot of friends who didn't know him. While she didn't have many friends at all the ones she did have knew her well. If you asked her, that was the way to go; but now wasn't the time to debate that.
She took a closer look at Bill. If he got his picture taken all the time she'd have expected him to be famous or well known and she didn't recognize him at all. But she didn't dwell on it. The end of his list was a bit sillier and she could giggle at it.
"Don't you trip over your furniture in the dark if you're all ways moving it about?†Taking a quick sip of her wine which was almost gone and had gone unpleasantly warm some time ago she raised an eyebrow, "And just how often -does- your mother come over to fold your clothes?"
It was a joke and she made sure to indicate as much with a quick grin.
Of all the things he could have latched on to it was the tiddly winks. Well she'd put it out there.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. It isn't like there is a lot of strategy in the game. I think I like the... purity of it. Just luck and skill and you can't get too mad about things if you lose."
And she never cheated at tiddly winks. They were so light that it would be easy and no one would ever be the wiser but Pak wanted to keep that purity and so altering the results never even crossed her mind.
"French and Thai. I'm afraid neither is too terribly practical. It should know Spanish and either Chinese or Japanese but..."
She shrugged with a little self effacing grin.
She took a closer look at Bill. If he got his picture taken all the time she'd have expected him to be famous or well known and she didn't recognize him at all. But she didn't dwell on it. The end of his list was a bit sillier and she could giggle at it.
"Don't you trip over your furniture in the dark if you're all ways moving it about?†Taking a quick sip of her wine which was almost gone and had gone unpleasantly warm some time ago she raised an eyebrow, "And just how often -does- your mother come over to fold your clothes?"
It was a joke and she made sure to indicate as much with a quick grin.
Of all the things he could have latched on to it was the tiddly winks. Well she'd put it out there.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. It isn't like there is a lot of strategy in the game. I think I like the... purity of it. Just luck and skill and you can't get too mad about things if you lose."
And she never cheated at tiddly winks. They were so light that it would be easy and no one would ever be the wiser but Pak wanted to keep that purity and so altering the results never even crossed her mind.
"French and Thai. I'm afraid neither is too terribly practical. It should know Spanish and either Chinese or Japanese but..."
She shrugged with a little self effacing grin.
Stranger
12 years ago
Bill blinked at Pakpao for a second. "I do have lights," he pointed out. He wasn't blind; he could move furniture around and then turn on a light to get around it. Seemed like sound logic to him.
He thought for a second. When was the last time mom had come over and folded clothes? "I don't know," he said, "maybe a couple times a month. I mean it's not like I don't fold it myself when she's not around, she just seems to like doing it and I like it when she does. Some moms cook, mine does laundry."
He shrugged. He liked having her around. She refused to move in with him since dad had died, even though his house was huge. They didn't even have to see each other each day. As it was, he'd repaired her home for her, put a small addition onto it, and upgraded every appliance he could find.
"Is there something wrong with strategy in games?" He was genuinely curious. "Do you not like sports? Or only certain ones?"
This, Bill was interested to know. It was sort of relevant. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the top of the table between them. The languages she spoke were interesting too... Thai, he could understand. Obviously she was Asian, she must be Thai herself. French though? He had never been very good at history. He didn't know if French was a popular language in Thailand.
"I only speak English. I keep meaning to learn something else but I don't ever seem to have the time."
He thought for a second. When was the last time mom had come over and folded clothes? "I don't know," he said, "maybe a couple times a month. I mean it's not like I don't fold it myself when she's not around, she just seems to like doing it and I like it when she does. Some moms cook, mine does laundry."
He shrugged. He liked having her around. She refused to move in with him since dad had died, even though his house was huge. They didn't even have to see each other each day. As it was, he'd repaired her home for her, put a small addition onto it, and upgraded every appliance he could find.
"Is there something wrong with strategy in games?" He was genuinely curious. "Do you not like sports? Or only certain ones?"
This, Bill was interested to know. It was sort of relevant. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the top of the table between them. The languages she spoke were interesting too... Thai, he could understand. Obviously she was Asian, she must be Thai herself. French though? He had never been very good at history. He didn't know if French was a popular language in Thailand.
"I only speak English. I keep meaning to learn something else but I don't ever seem to have the time."
Pakpao
12 years ago
"Yes but do you turn them on every time you get up in the middle of the night."
She didn't, during the day mostly but her apartment got very dark and Pak had a tenancy to just wander about with the lights out, it was easier somehow. But it didn't matter, it was more of a gentle tease, almost a flirt, not an argument.
Pak smiled softly oddly touched that he was somewhat close to his mother. Not too close, not unnaturally close but not estranged or distant. It would be nice to have had that relationship with her own mother, or children, but that apparently had not been in her cards. It didn't hurt to think about it as much as it once had either.
"Oh no... no no. I like them. I love chess and have more than a passing acquaintance with some others. I promise tiddly winks isn't the be all and end all of my gaming preferences."
She wrinkled her nose a bit. That had come out geekier than she had intended. Oh well, shame the top wasn't lower cut he might forgive that little laps or not notice it.
"It depends on the sport. I've been experimenting a bit trying everything from akido to fencing. I played beer pong once, does that count?"
Being undead did save Pak from having to work to keep her figure and so she might not have been as physically active as she should have been, but she did still try and do something athletic every day. It was just how she was. Bao was teaching her somethings, Eiryk taught her a bit here and their, Kem and Aishe helped, Reign had even taken her out to a baseball game once. Or had she been responsible for the beer pong...
"What keeps you so busy that you don't have time for a second language? Or since we're playing a bit different tonight what language did you want to learn?"
She didn't, during the day mostly but her apartment got very dark and Pak had a tenancy to just wander about with the lights out, it was easier somehow. But it didn't matter, it was more of a gentle tease, almost a flirt, not an argument.
Pak smiled softly oddly touched that he was somewhat close to his mother. Not too close, not unnaturally close but not estranged or distant. It would be nice to have had that relationship with her own mother, or children, but that apparently had not been in her cards. It didn't hurt to think about it as much as it once had either.
"Oh no... no no. I like them. I love chess and have more than a passing acquaintance with some others. I promise tiddly winks isn't the be all and end all of my gaming preferences."
She wrinkled her nose a bit. That had come out geekier than she had intended. Oh well, shame the top wasn't lower cut he might forgive that little laps or not notice it.
"It depends on the sport. I've been experimenting a bit trying everything from akido to fencing. I played beer pong once, does that count?"
Being undead did save Pak from having to work to keep her figure and so she might not have been as physically active as she should have been, but she did still try and do something athletic every day. It was just how she was. Bao was teaching her somethings, Eiryk taught her a bit here and their, Kem and Aishe helped, Reign had even taken her out to a baseball game once. Or had she been responsible for the beer pong...
"What keeps you so busy that you don't have time for a second language? Or since we're playing a bit different tonight what language did you want to learn?"
Stranger
12 years ago
Bill considered. "Well no, but I don't usually go traipsing through my house in the middle of the night. I'd probably stay in my sui... bedroom. It's kind of a big place. Gets a little lonely. So, no, I don't do a whole lot of running around in it."
The conversation went over to sports, and Bill smiled at Pakpao's assessment of strategy and sports. He, for one, liked strategy in sports. And found it necessary. He wasn't going to get into it though. He wasn't really here for that.
Her company was surprisingly pleasant, even though they hadn't exactly hit it off right out of the gate. Maybe that was because of the setting; this was like dating on steroids.
"I don't know what language I'd want to learn," he said, shrugging. "I guess Spanish would be the practical one but if I could pick anything at all, maybe French, or Italian."
Suddenly the bell rang and their three minutes were over... as was the night of speed dating. Bill stood and offered his hand to Pakpao.
"Pakpao, it was a pleasure," he said. "I enjoyed talking to you."
Maybe they would meet again, maybe not. She was nice, but the sparks hadn't exactly flown. He wasn't sure if he'd date her again. She didn't seem to have a lack of interest from the other men, though, judging from the looks she was getting from some of her suitors.
Well... at least he could take off this fake make up once he got home. Tomorrow was another day, and he had practice all week for a game on Friday night. He could keep looking for Mrs. Right next weekend.
((ooc: Bill out))
The conversation went over to sports, and Bill smiled at Pakpao's assessment of strategy and sports. He, for one, liked strategy in sports. And found it necessary. He wasn't going to get into it though. He wasn't really here for that.
Her company was surprisingly pleasant, even though they hadn't exactly hit it off right out of the gate. Maybe that was because of the setting; this was like dating on steroids.
"I don't know what language I'd want to learn," he said, shrugging. "I guess Spanish would be the practical one but if I could pick anything at all, maybe French, or Italian."
Suddenly the bell rang and their three minutes were over... as was the night of speed dating. Bill stood and offered his hand to Pakpao.
"Pakpao, it was a pleasure," he said. "I enjoyed talking to you."
Maybe they would meet again, maybe not. She was nice, but the sparks hadn't exactly flown. He wasn't sure if he'd date her again. She didn't seem to have a lack of interest from the other men, though, judging from the looks she was getting from some of her suitors.
Well... at least he could take off this fake make up once he got home. Tomorrow was another day, and he had practice all week for a game on Friday night. He could keep looking for Mrs. Right next weekend.
((ooc: Bill out))
Pakpao
12 years ago
Big place huh? Apparently Bill had money, well good for him; although he sure didn't look like it. Of course she could give him a run for his money, literally. Maybe she should invest in real estate, move out of the towers buy a big estate and flaunt her money. That would never happen, she liked living in the towers and being around her clan.
"You should look at an immersion experience. That really is the best way to learn."
That was how she'd learned every time.
The bell went and Pak blinked a bit surprised. Bill seemed nice enough, maybe if they had met earlier in the evening when she wasn't so warn out and jaded they could have done better. He must have been worn out too.
But Pak still stood and shook his hand, even if it did feel a bit more like a business meeting than a date right now. Maybe she should put his name down any way, give him a shot when they were both feeling more themselves. Maybe, she'd think about it.
"It was nice to meet you too Bill."
But it was probably time to hang up this experiment in being social and trying to find a date. She got points for trying right?
((OOC... Pak out too))
"You should look at an immersion experience. That really is the best way to learn."
That was how she'd learned every time.
The bell went and Pak blinked a bit surprised. Bill seemed nice enough, maybe if they had met earlier in the evening when she wasn't so warn out and jaded they could have done better. He must have been worn out too.
But Pak still stood and shook his hand, even if it did feel a bit more like a business meeting than a date right now. Maybe she should put his name down any way, give him a shot when they were both feeling more themselves. Maybe, she'd think about it.
"It was nice to meet you too Bill."
But it was probably time to hang up this experiment in being social and trying to find a date. She got points for trying right?
((OOC... Pak out too))