[Video]

[burnwithawesome]

[Johnny starts up the video function and doesn’t waste much time before speaking.]

So I’m gonna be opening a combination Bakery and Ice Cream shop later this month called-

[He shoots a tiny stream of fire from his finger and into the air in front of the video. Most of it fades away but there are flaming letters that spell out “Tipsy Treats” that hangs in mid-air for a bit before vanishing..]

Tipsy Treats. If you like alcohol in your ice cream or baked goods, be sure to stop by. We’ll have non-alcoholic stuff too. You’ll be able to find us on level 3 once we’ve opened up.

That aside, the name’s Johnny Storm. Entrepreneur here, world famous superhero back home.

[A pause]

I guess sort of an entrepreneur there too. I had so many businesses paying me with many more lined up to get their logo on my costume. Paid appearances, commercials, the works. Man, it was a thing of beauty. It really pays to know how to market yourself.

[That’s probably one of the few things he misses about home.]

But that’s enough about me for now. This sort of serves as my introduction on this here since I haven’t made an entry before. Talk to me about you all. What’s your names, what do you do for non-sexual fun, suggestions for Tipsy Treat menu items, anything. I’m mostly all ears.

Comments

[gracile]

[A bit of awkwardness creeps into her voice, that she just can't quite entirely hide.] Mm, his problem was more that... for him, it was very important that I be a proper lady of high society.

[Read: A trophy he could offer as a bride later in life.] But yes, in the winter, we used it in the fireplace!

[burnwithawesome]

[He sort of stares for a moment as the gears start turning in his head.]

Wait..Did your Dad try to arrange a marriage for you? Or was planning to? [He knows those still happen, but he's never encountered anyone that had been subjective to it.]

So if I want to do a bonfire this winter, should I contact you?

[gracile]

[Well, that's awkward. Haru clears her throat to disguise her surprise that he'd gotten it so quickly.] Something like that, yes.

[She's not trying to hide it, but she's not going to volunteer more information on her own, unless he asks.] That would be wonderful, though! I've never been to a real bonfire before.

[burnwithawesome]

[He wants to ask for further detail on that but..] I won't press you on such a topic here, but you want to go out to lunch or brunch some time and talk more about it?

[If not and she'd rather not speak about it ever, he'd understand.] It could be a lot of fun, couldn't it? A nice cold night huddled around a fire with people, enjoying music, roasted marshmallows, smores and hot cocoa. With the firewood provided by the Haru the Hatchet Queen.

[gracile]

[She can't help but giggle at his mental image. It's certainly a nice one. She likes it! It sounds... normal.] "Haru the Hatchet Queen"? I'll have to tell my friends about that one! All of that sounds so wonderful though, so please let me know when you're going to do that.

[There's a short pause.] And perhaps once I've gotten to know you somewhat better-- I mean you no offense; you seem like a very kind man.

It's just... [Personal.] ...embarrassing?

[burnwithawesome]

I will be sure to. I should probably start scouting some potential locations for it. [Couldn't very well do it directly inside of the city.]

No offense taken. I know it could be a weird subject to talk about. [That's why he was giving her the option to do it somewhere else.] If you ever feel like you are comfortable enough with me to talk about it, then feel free to bring it up. If not, well, that's your choice. No hard feelings.

[gracile]

Thank you for understanding, Mr. Storm. I'm certain that if we get to know each other, I'll tell you the story before too long. [It's noncommittal, but polite and friendly.]

But please, let me know about your bonfire. I'll be happy to come!

[burnwithawesome]

Again, please call me Johnny. And there is no need to thank me. [He says with a small shake of his head. Hopefully they could become good friends even if it doesn't lead to the story.]

I will, I promise you.

[gracile]

--right, Johnny, I'm sorry. Old habits die hard, I'm afraid!

I'll talk to you later then, all right?

[burnwithawesome]

No problem. And yeah. You take care, Haru.