sixwordstories | (no subject)

I don't think I'm entirely convinced there's such a thing.

Then what is abnormal?

What would convince you?

How about you figure that one out for me.

Not sure anything would, truthfully. What do you consider normal? It's so completely subjective.

What is strange or odd or 'not normal' to me, may differ wildly from your experiences.

Today? Anyone bitching about the weather. But as you said, it’s subjective.

So tell me something that is wildly different.

[A snort.] See, I don't mind the weather, but clearly that's just me.

Please don’t tell me your favourite moments included a cosy fire and a fine bottle of red.

My favorite moments include the first kiss I ever shared with my childhood sweetheart and the party following my graduation from Columbia. Nothing against cozy fires and, I mean, who doesn't enjoy a good bottle of red wine? They just don't come close to topping any list.

A simple no would have been enough.

Yes, but a simple "no" says so little.

What is normal for me and abnormal for most...

[A pause. Although outwardly calm, Egan is a little flustered and discomforted about what he is about to share. Throat clears, deciding.]

There is a person who believes that I enjoy being kidnapped, as in drugging my tea or throwing a bag over my head and removing me from my home or office. Upon such occasions, I wake to being the focus of certain...
[clears his throat again]
...classes, such as How To Properly Wield a Whip or a Crop. The situation is such that I am unable to remove myself from it.

This is a regular occurrence in my life. Abnormal. Yet by its definition, normal for me.

Saying so little is the point of small talk.

Have the police being notified about the matter?

That is...problematic. [moving on]

However, we can agree that not normal. Correct?

No, it is not.

Depends on the circles one runs in.

[laughs]
Yes, that is true.

However it seems that neither of us run in those circles, nor, in all likelihood does most of humanity.

What is normal for you now that was not normal before?

It seems so.

Now? I will go with snow storms.

[an eyebrow rises. invites,]

Explain.

I'll try to keep my answers a bit more straight-forward and to the point for you, then. For future reference.

Should I make an attempt at a fuller conversation?

I do more in them now then I once did.

[The redhead gives a nonchalant shrug.] Don't exert yourself on my behalf.

Instead of hiding away? What else would you do previously?

Congratulations, you’ve saved us both the trouble of hearing me blathering on.

Do I look the sort that hides away? You ask a lot of questions.

Sorry. Professional curiosity.

[Extends a hand]

Doctor Egan Adler. [Giving the easier to pronounce version of Aodhagán]

You don't exactly strike me as a talkative person.

We all have our faults.

[Athos returns a handshake, releasing the hand and stepping back.]

Doctor Adler, a pleasure to meet you.

[prompts]

And who might you be?

Athos.

Athos, a child of Gaia, who dislikes snow and whose life is not what he expects.

[grins]

Anything I missed?

It can be left at that.