//001

[falsesmile]

[ The video flickers on to a teen girl in loose black robes. At a glance, it might look like she's offering the camera a cocky half-smile, but a closer inspection will show that the expression is an illusion, caused by a small scar at the corner of her mouth. ]

Would anyone like to meet at the malt shop before school starts again? I think some of us will need a lot of help catching up for this world’s history class.

Comments

[doneproperly]

Indeed. Such as your impending history homework?

[Okay, that one was definitely mildly sarcastic. But there's a smile to it, as well.]

[falsesmile]

Of course. I'm at a disadvantage, coming from such a different galaxy.

[ This comes with a face so wide-eyed and innocent that it's clearly an act. ]

How will I know what's important?

[doneproperly]

I have already agreed to help, you know. You don't need to be silly about it.

[falsesmile]

I was aiming for playful. Perhaps we have a cultural disconnect.

[doneproperly]

... Ah. I see. That's...

[Awkward.

There's a long list of things Mandrake is good at.

"Playful" is not on it.

He coughs delicately.]

Yes, well. I see that now. Obviously.

[falsesmile]

[ Haha what a dork. ]

In any case, I'll buy you dinner for your trouble.

[doneproperly]

Dinner with a beautiful woman, is it? Now that's an offer I can't refuse.

[Literally. Mandrake is totally broke.]

[falsesmile]

Don't flatter yourself. I'm inviting everyone enrolled in the school.

[doneproperly]

Then I shall just consider myself lucky, instead of flattered.

[falsesmile]

Good.

I've found imPorts who seem to have lived here long enough to know things that aren't in the library, as well.

[doneproperly]

Ah-- that's always useful. Well done.

[falsesmile]

[ She rolled her eyes at him. ]

I live to impress.