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[paperpusher]

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nanami

[paperpusher]

[from here]

Sometimes it's better to name something yourself. Also, my last film had a rather ominous parrot named Enju as a plot point, and I think they're a little similar.

Haha, I'd trade regular karaoke parties for wrap parties, I think. I haven't ever worked in an office environment, so I guess I don't know!

Is it just the nostalgia or can you not find similar food here?

[dullknife]

[He doesn't exactly agree, but it's not important enough to keep talking about.]

I did for several years. I quit.

The atmosphere of the place and the memories associated with it.

[paperpusher]

Couldn't be me! And I suppose not you either, based on that.

Haha, that's nice! I hope you're able to go back again soon, though I won't hold my breath based on everything else I've heard about this place.

I'll do another truth.

[dullknife]

[He won't ever be able to go back, but the reason for that is about as far from lighthearted as it gets and they've only just met so he keeps it to himself.]

What's a place or an object that has sentimental value to you?

[paperpusher]

If it's okay for it to be a category of place? I like public transportation! I have my license but I still prefer to take a train or a bus, even when it's a less direct route. It reminds me of being back in school.

[dullknife]

So you enjoyed your school days?

[paperpusher]

Hmm. I would say so. I wouldn't go back if I had the option, but it's nostalgic. Also, I was the sort of student who got good grades without too much studying, so that's always a bonus!

[dullknife]

Also the type to brag about it?

[paperpusher]

Haha, not at all. Your classmates already don't like it when you're both good-looking and get good grades, so why rub it in? ✨

[also: brag to whomst]

But what about you? Either truth or dare, or just what you were like in high school. Your pick.

[dullknife]

Truth, preferably not about high school.

[paperpusher]

Haha. I'd ask if you didn't have a good time in high school, but there's no need to waste my question on that.

Instead my question for you is: what's something that you like about this place? I'm new here and like to hear people's bright sides.

[dullknife]

I like very little about the place itself. Good food, I suppose. But you have to be wary of contaminated sources.

[paperpusher]

I can guess what "contaminated" means in this context. Any hints for what to look for in advance? I can do some wards but I don't know if they'd impact the food.

[dullknife]

There's no obvious tell in appearance, smell, or taste. My best advice is to stick with restaurants and shops that are transparent about what they serve. If the origins of the food are unknown or questionable, keep an eye on how others react.

What kind of wards?

[paperpusher]

Sensible enough. It's a shame that there's no obvious difference, but I guess that would be too easy.

Protective wards against ayakashi, curses, etc. I don't think the hotel's little "bonuses" would count as a curse, though it'd be nice if they did.

[dullknife]

No, I'm afraid not. You said before that acting was your day job - does that make this type of thing your night job?

[paperpusher]

Haha, that's it exactly! I'm an exorcist. Though maybe "public" and "private" jobs are a little more accurate, since of course I do plenty of exorcism jobs during the day as well. As well as shooting at night when it's required, I suppose.

[dullknife]

What a busy schedule. One job is enough for me.

But it turns out we're in related fields after all.

[paperpusher]

Well, you know what they say. When you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life ✨

Ah, don't tell me you left your office job for the exorcist community? That's a new one for me!

[dullknife]

[Well, he hates what he does, so...]

Worse. I left sorcery for an office job and later went back.

[paperpusher]

Hahaha. Family business?

[dullknife]

No, I'm the only one in my family. Is that what it is for you?

[paperpusher]

Ha, yes and no. The Natori are an old exorcist clan, but the ability to see ayakashi died out generations ago. Until me, that is. So I'm currently a clan of one, but I'm using the traditional Natori family techniques from the tools left in my family storehouse. I just assumed... to leave and come back, it sounded like it could be family dynamics.

[dullknife]

Ah, no. It just turned out to be what I'm better suited for. Was there anyone to help you make sense of things, or did you have to figure it all out for yourself?

[paperpusher]

Oh, I had plenty of mentors once I showed up to my first spellcasters assembly, though they could only help with the general-- even then I knew better than to give away the family techniques. What about you, if you're also an independent practitioner?