Log:Lies Aside

2021/02/23 Radical|Connor Mari 1

The Library bar is warmly lit as usual, the fireplace going full blast. The lighting fixtures give the impression of gaslamp lights in their design. There's a smoke-infused whiskey cocktail special on the menu. Connor is the first to arrive.

Connor goes ahead and tries the special cocktail for the day, and he finds a seat near the fireplace.

It's a smokey old fashioned, infused with applewood smoke and walnut and fig bitters. It's a high caliber whiskey and drinks smooth. It's not long after he finds good seating that Mari enters, wearing a wine-red dress that mixes body-hugging fabric and lace over the shoulders, with quarter-length sleeves. It's both gothic and classy. Mari likes her costumes and has been feeling out this Justine persona. She orders the special as well and slips her card to start a tab, then strides over slowly to Connor, smiling warmly. Her lipstick is a brigther red, and her eyeshadow consists of shimmering rosegold on the lids, smoked out with brown and black with dark eyeshadow. "Sorry I'm late. I had to attend court at the Baron's," she says softly to keep the words between them. She smiles warmly. "I can't tell you how happy getting your text made me."

Connor smiles. "No need to apologize. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you a note sooner. I'm glad to see you...and I'm happy to say..that things went well."

Mari smiles and sits with him. "I'll admit I was crushed when I didn't hear from you when you said you'd be back. You know, if everything went well. I waited a day or two before crying my eyes out. It made a mess of my favorite white dress," she grins at her admission before sipping her drink. It's amusing now that she's alive and well. "I almost thought I felt my heart beating when I got your text."

Connor smiles sadly. "I'm sorry that I made you think that things went badly. Things...took longer than I expected they would. Space travel is slower than I'd like, honestly."

"You didn't make me do anything," Mari reassures him sweetly and reaches to place a hand on his knee to console him. "And don't be sad. This is a happy occasion. You're back. Things are good. You saved the day," she smiles in admiration at him. The noise in the bar prevents anyone from overhearing as she keeps her volume for them alone. "Quite a feat for a professor," she teases, leaning in to say these words more quietly.

Connor puts a hand on hers. "Thank you." He smiles and says quietly. "It went...oddly. We were going to fight that gladitorial combat for all the marbles. And...an assassin tried to kill the would-be conqueror. One of the other heroes saved him. As a boon, he called off attacking us. It gets more complicated after that...like the assassin tried to kill him again. But the end result didnt' change for us."

Mari listens in rapt amazement, drinking in the details like a story. She's so entranced by the tale that she forgets to make a show of breathing. Or drinking. "That sounds fantastically unreal. Except that I believe every word of it. That's...incredible." Her hand doesn't move from his. She looks briefly toward the crowd. "And none of them know what happened. Not yet, anyway. And not a thing about you," she muses before turning her gaze back to him. "This may not be the place for it, but perhaps you can tell me all the intrigue and details later. Maybe at my place or yours over tea or coffee?"

Connor smiles. "I'd be happy to." He takes a sip of his drink, and then says, "How have things been here?"

"The city's been its usual. Blind to the battle, but there was some speculation on the news about Starguard and the ship arrival to take you," Mari explains, sipping from her drink lightly. "But the night life has been...odd. The Baron called a gathering of many of us to discuss a troubling matter."

Connor nods. "Everything okay? Or is it not something you can talk about?"

Mari smiles apologetically. "I can talk about it." She eyes the people around them. Still safe to talk, she looks back to him, her smile fading away. "One of our kind was found the other night, completely drained of all their blood. The Baron wants to find the killer."

Connor looks surprised. "That sounds...difficult? Like it would require another of your kind to actually do it. Or a demon."

Mari nods slowly. "The Baron is deciding on who to appoint to investigate this. The crime scene hasn't been discovered by the living, so it's our turf. He doesn't want the local police involved."

Connor nods slowly. "Well, if you get appointed, let me know. I can give you a hand again."

Mari bites a little on her lower up as she considers that. "You'd really be willing to help again after the last time?"

Connor nods. "Absolutely. I help my friends." He smiles and sips his drink again.

Mari smiles back. "I can't so no to the help of a hero," she says in flattering tones. "Let's just hope you get a chance to relax and recover from your wild voyage." She leans in a little as she says softly, "Thank you for helping the last time. And especially thank you for saving the world from some galactic conqueror, Hero." She lifts her glass in salute before taking a sip.

Connor raises his glass in return and takes a sip as well.

Connor chuckles. "I wish I could say I had more personal impact on what happened to save the Earth. But I won't complain about the results."

Mari lowers her glass and smiles. "I wouldn't sell yourself short. You went. Maybe if you didn't, things wouldn't have turned out the way they did," she suggests. "So what does one of the world's savior plan to do next? Go to Disneyland?" she asks playfully.

Connor grins. "Right now? Have a drink with a lovely lady." He takes another sip of his drink.

Mari's smile grows at that. "And a lucky lady," she adds, admiring him for a few moments. "Is your life always so...hmm. Wild?" she asks with interest. "Going to clubs, writing your interesting journals, helping the city's most useless vampire, saving the world?" she grins.

Connor chuckles. "My life is...not always this wild, no. But there's always been an undertone of this kind of thing going on." He pauses and then adds, "You think you're useless? I think you're being harsh on yourself."

Mari chuckles. "Good. I think it'd be hard to keep up with all if it was nonstop, or if I was adding to your pile of things to deal with." Her smile grows as he tries to console her, though she doesn't seem upset. "Well. Maybe. I'm not very powerful. I'm pretty low in the ranks in this city. I liked it that way. It meant I didn't have to be too involved with...well...undead politics. I'm starting to worry they think I'm competent after the campus investigation."

Connor chuckles again. "Ah, I see. So...do you not want help if this investigation falls to you?"

Mari thinks about it and appears...faintly troubled. "If it does, I think...it may be worse if I fail."

Connor nods. "Well, don't be afraid to ask for some help, then. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble."

Mari smiles in gratitude. "I really do appreciate that, Connor," she says meaningfully. "I'll try not to drag you into too much of all this...drama." She sips her drink and looks thoughtful. "Hmmm...what are your thoughts on Electro Swing?" she asks out of the blue.

Connor chuckles. "Electro Swing? I Don't even know what that is."

"Mmmm, there's a new take on an old party I used to attend back in the late 10's. They're calling it the Edwardian Ball Revival. Edwardian attire, and electro-swing. It's a modernized take on old Swing music." Mari grins. "Though maybe you've actually been to the Edwardian period, so this may be a bore for you," she says in a lowered voice.

Connor shakes his head, "I...don't think I've been to that time period. If you're asking if I'm interested in going...sure. I'm willing to give it a shot." He smiles.

"I was half expecting you had authentic clothing for the time period," Mari laughs warmly. Her eyes light up as he says yes before she asks. "Mmmm, I was getting around to asking, yes," she grins. "You'll have a few weeks to figure out your attire. You're supposed to dress in Edwardian attire."

Connor laughs, "I'll definitely need some time for that, I'm afraid."

Mari smiles. "That vest you wore last time may be a good start. Don't worry about it. Throw in a top hat and coat tails and that'd be enough to pass. Even if you don't vibe with the event, I think you'll find it an experience," she promises with a hint of mischievous excitement.

Connor smiles and sips his drink again, "I'm sure I will. Thank you for inviting me."

"Of course. It might be a nice way to relax and be someone else for an evening," Mari grins and finishes her drink.

Connor laughs again. "Being two people isn't enough, I guess?"

That makes Mari laugh. "I figured you could use an escape from both for a night," she comments as she leans a little closer. "Away from responsibility for a night, maybe? You deserve some fun and relaxation. I get the feeling you don't get as much much opportunity for those as you should."

Connor smiles at that and nods. "That...is a fair assessment. I...well, run experiments and the like for relaxation. And that falls into the 'responsibility' category, really.

Mari looks intrigued by that. "Well...if it's relaxing for you, what does it matter?" she says in support of his choice of relaxation, smiling warmly at him. "What sort of experiments are you getting into?"

Connor smiles. "Some is related to magic. Some was related to the gemstone the conqueror wanted back."

"Relaxing? That sounds exciting!" Mari says in an equally excitable whisper.

Connor smiles. "Well...it's a bit of both."

Mari studies Connor with a smile and a bit of wonder. "Exciting relaxation. Relaxing excitement?" Her smile grows. "Well, after that long trip and all involved, I suppose you've earned a bit of experimentation." She says experimentation like it has a double meaning.

Connor chuckles. "I think...I need more of the relaxation, given how things went. At least...for a few days."

Mari gives a knowing nod. "Well, if there's anything I can do to help with that, you let me know. Maybe some quiet time drinking tea and reading?" She leans back and drapes her arm over her chair's backrest, flashing a smile. "Though maybe you'd prefer some alone time instead. Some time in the mundane world would probably be better."

Connor waves his hand around lazily. "This is helping quite a bit, actually. This just feels...normal. Like comfort food, so to speak."

Mari smiles genuinely at that. "But for the soul? That's a very real thing. I get it. Really, I do. It's nice, isn't it?" She looks out to the milling of people. "I try to be more social than most of my kind. Stay connected with the living. Try to keep with the times as best I can."

Connor nods. "I'm impressed you're able to do that. I'd think that it would be easy to...well, get jaded over a long period of time. Or bored."

Mari turns her head to him and smiles, but there's worry hidden in her eyes. "Most of the Elders are more...removed. Especially when everyone and everything you once knew dies. Even love." She regrets saying too much and quickly tries to divert. "They stop seeing people as people. The older they get, the more jaded and bored, the more they need something else to excite them and help them feel alive again. But it's all fleeting except for one thing."

Connor raises a brow and takes a sip of his drink. "What's the one thing? Dare I ask?"

Mari purses her lips but looks amused. "I think you're a smart enough man to know."

Connor thinks about it. "Feeding? I mean...wouldn't that be fleeting, too? Like when I eat a snicker doodle? I mean, I love them, but I want to eat like...seven. And then when they're gone, I want to get more. Or bake more."

Mari chuckles and says, "Mmm, a little like that, except imagine eating that snicker doodle induced physical bliss. Though...you're right. When it's gone, you want more. You want that feeling of being alive back. That raw physical sensation you can't get from anything else anymore." She raises her empty glass and swirls the melting ice within. "I can drink and eat if I exert myself, but it tastes like...a memory. A distant echo. It's not like I remembered it. Some of my kind make fun of me for bothering, but it's more about how it makes me -feel- doing something so normal. Like eating snicker doodles. I really liked those, but I won't ever really get to truly taste them again." She sighs at the loss of that.

Connor puts his hand on hers. "I'm sorry if I ended up bringing up a sore spot for you." He pauses and thinks about it. "Are there differences between...well, how people taste?"

Mari smiles at his touch. "It's okay. It's something I've had to deal with for a while." She's caught off guard by his question and debates answering it. "Yes. Sort of like how wine tastes different. Some are sweeter...some a bit more dry. What they eat, what meds they're on, their age, it all can alter the flavor. Everyone tastes unique." She studies to see if he's disturbed by this.

Connor nods slowly. "I'm assuming you can get drunk if you feed on someone who's been drinking. What about like...other medications in their bloodstream?"

"Yes. Same for hard drugs. Other medications have different effects. I'm not exactly a connoisseur on how all the different prescriptions affect people, but there's some who have preferences," Mari says, impressed he's not disturbed. Maybe it's the scientific curiosity in him. She smiles apologetically. "I'm sorry, I wanted to help you relax and feel normal. I'm sure this isn't helping."

Connor waves her off. "It's all relative. This is remarkable 'down to earth', compared to galactic conquerors and gems that can control time." He smiles, "Seriously, it's fine. The questions are helping me better understand you...and how you think. And what you feel."

Mari laughs gently. "You're...remarkable," she says in appreciation. She turns more bodily towards him. "Well then, Mr. Scientist...ask away."

Connor thinks about it. "How about a metahuman? I don't mean someone like me. I use...magic. And science. What about someone who has real powers of their own?"

"I've never tasted a metahuman or a wizard myself," Mari says. "Though one claims to have tried one once, and said it was the most alive they ever felt. And that it was too dangerous a risk to try again."

Connor takes a deep breath. "Well...if you're curious, I'm willing to let you try on me. Though I'm sure it wouldn't be like someone like Titan. Assuming you could actually get blood from that guy."

Mari is genuine surprised by his offer and left speechless for a moment. "You are? I...wow." She takes a moment to collect her thoughts. "I actually never considered that with you. I...can't say I'm not curious. And I couldn't even begin to imagine what someone like Titan would taste like." She smiles to herself at a thought. "I imagine with him, I could drink myself completely full and sated and not have to worry about accidentally going too far. He's got literally gallons to spare."

Connor chuckles. "I'm a normal human...mostly. So, that wouldn't be true for me. But yeah, I'm curious as well."

"I'd be careful. I've had practice. And I think you're more than capable of handling things if I lost control," Mari says, though she says in so casually that she must not think her losing control is a high risk. She studies him with a look that could be hunger, lust, or both as she smiles. "I think you'll find it'll be quite enjoyable for you, too. If you're sure you're up for it, we could go back to my place for drinks." She looks around to see if it's dark and obscure enough to be safe to try here.

Connor thinks about it...and finishes the rest of his drink. Surely that will make the decisions better. "I...think I'm sure."

Mari sets her glass down and places her hand atop his. "It's okay if you change your mind. I don't want to hurt you, Connor," she says with feeling.

Connor nods, "I appreciate that. I do. Tell you what...let's walk, and if I change my mind before we get there...then we'll deal with it then."

Mari nods and gives his hand a squeeze. "Sounds good to me. You can ask any questions you want while we walk. The streets won't be too crowded on our way."

Connor nods. "Sounds good. I'm not sure if I'll actually have other questions or not, anyway. You already answered the ones that came to mind."

Mari nods softly and smiles. "Well, if they do come to mind, I want to be open with you," she says honestly. "Do you want another round of drinks first?"

Connor chuckles. "That might make me more likely to go through with it."

Mari chuckles. "Well, I was thinking it'd make you more comfortable with the idea." She keeps her voice quiet and soothing as she reaches to rest a hand on his knee. "It doesn't actually hurt. The opposite, actually. It feels very good. Euphoric. Ecstatic. When I said I didn't want to hurt you, I meant I didn't want to take too much from you."

Connor nods. "I figured what you meant. We saw some of the consequences of someone with a lack of control."

Mari nods. "She was young, and freshly changed, left without someone to guide her or be there for her. She...wasn't herself." She's very sympathetic toward the student who would've tried to drink them dry. It also sounds personal.

Connor nods. "I realize that." He smiles, "One more drink for me, I think."

Mari smiles at his understanding on the matter. "Sounds good. I'll treat this round. You can put it on my tab." Or more likely, Justine's tab.

Connor smiles. "Fair enough. Ddi you want another?"

"Sure. Hmmm. A late harvest Riesling?" Mari asks.

Connor nods. "Sounds good. That's the really sweet one, right?" He smiles and gets up to go get the drinks.

Mari nods. "Yeah, it's really nice. You should try some. You can always have a sip of mine," she says before he goes.

The Bartender is busy slinging drinks, but after getting through a few orders, Connor is finally up. "What can I get you?"

Connor says, "A late harvest Reisling. And...a Gewurztraminer. And it's on Justine's tab." He motions over to where Mari is.

The Bartender nods and reaches for some wine glasses and bottles. He pours a small amount of the Gewurztraminer and slides it to Connor to try before pouring the rest. He also gets Mari's glass ready. Since she's not there to try it, he fills the glass normally.

Connor sips it and smiles. "Perfect. Thank you."

Nodding, the Bartender gives him a full pour. "Enjoy," he smiles, then puts the bottles away and adds the drinks to the tab. The place is moderately full, plenty of couples, along with gatherings of friends catching up and laughing. It all seems like an rare (for Connor) taste of normalcy beyond his professorial job.

Connor takes a moment to just...enjoy the feeling. He then walks back over to Mari, and offers her drink to her before he sits back down.

Back to the weirdness. Which is still relatively normal given his heroic exploits. "Thank you," she says, sitting up to accept the drink before leaning back. "Did you give it a try?" she asks.

Connor smiles. "Your drink? No. But I did get a sweet wine for myself. Sweeter than what you got, I think. Gewurztraminer."

"Sweeter even than this? That sounds good," Mari smiles and sips her wine. "Do you ever get some time off from...all the crazy stuff you deal with? You seem to handle it all so well."

Connor nods. "I do. Once in a while. My time off is usually spent reading. Or drinking tea. Or both..." He makes a mock gasp. "...at the same time."

Mari chuckles and holds up a hand. "Whoa there, wild man...at the same time?"

Connor nods sagely. "At the same time. Indeed. The kind of thing that only a true professional should do."

Mari smiles. "Sounds...dangerous," she plays along. "How -do- you do it?" she asks rhetorically in an impressed tone.

Connor chuckles. "It's a talent."

"Mmm. Raw, unbridled talent," Mari nods oh so understandingly, fanning herself for effect.

Connor laughs, "See, that's the kind of sedate part of my life I was afraid you'd find out about initially."

Mari leans closer and lightly brushes her fingers over his knee. "Afraid? Really? I know I like to experience interesting and anachronistic events, but you didn't have to lie to me about that part of you," she says softly. "Do you really think I don't enjoy putting on a record and or reading?"

Connor shrugs and laughs again. "I usually assume everyone is cooler than me. And would find me dorky."

Mari smiles at that. "I can definitely assure you that no one here is cooler than you. I'm sure there are people who would think I'm dorky for wanting to dress up in Edwardian attire for a party." She shrugs. "Just own it. Embrace it. I was impressed you went with me on that other themed dress up date. And you definitely did when we first met at that show. So what if that's not you 24/7?"

Connor nods. "Oh...I know. I just sometimes feel self-conscious anyway? I realize it doesn't make any sense. I mean...when I'm in my element, I'm full of confidence. Get me outside my comfort zone, though...and it's a different story."

Mari leans closer. "So...fighting evil alien overlords off-world is in your element, but you were afraid to tell me the truth from the start because you were afraid?" she asks with a smile, teasing with that statement. "That's...actually charming in a strange way," she changes to a genuine tone. "And now I understand why you couldn't tell me about all the other stuff. Thank you for letting me know the truth."

Connor shrugs and smiles before taking a sip of this drink. "I won't say that fighting off-world is really my element, but...it had to be done. I felt awkward, but I was forced to cope."

Mari smiles reassuringly. "When the pressure was on, it sounds like you rose to the occasion. That's a thing real heroes do, isn't it?" she says with certainty before sipping her wine. "I promise I'm not nearly as intimidating. At least I hope," she grins.

Connor smiles. "You're not. I can guarantee that."

Mari chuckles. "I think based on what little I know of your latest...adventure...I believe you."

Connor smiles and sips his wine. "I'm sure you can be plenty intimidating when you want to be, though."

Mari drinks to that with a smile. "To some, maybe. Just normal people if they were trying something."

Connor says, "Well, I'm sure if you surprise someone, that helps too.""

Mari chuckles. "Anyone can pull off a jump scare. I've definitely scared off several muggers or handsy people."

Connor chuckles. "I suppose that's true. I dont' know if I've ever tried it. I try to go with straight intimidation, like I did with those guys on campus."

"But that was you with your alter ego. What about as Connor?" Mari asks.

Connor nods. "I have had to fight as my normal self a couple of times. Rarely, though." He grins. "I know a martial art, which I don't use that often, but it comes in handy once in a while. I don't tihnk I've tried to intimidate anyone as my normal self, though. Well...except students at the university."

Mari laughs at that. "I didn't realize you knew martial arts, too. You really are something." She sips and regards him over the glass rim. "So do you strike terror in the hearts of your students? What's your trick with them?"

Connor laughs. "I teach math. That's usually enough." He smiles, and then thinks about it. "I try to actually make it interesting. But undergrads require a certain level of just...being firm?" He then adds, "The martial art I know is kind of esoteric. It's tied to my mystic research. It's called 'Kampfringen', and it's basically a grappling art from Germany."

"Gesundheit," Mari says in jest after he says Kampfringen. "Interesting that it's tied to mystic arts. I didn't know the two things were connected."

Connor nods. "Are you familiar with the Kabbalah? Kampfringen is related to that...as well as the German nobility."

"I...know Madonna was really into that," Mari comments, not sure if Connor even knows who that is.

Connor raises a brow. "The singer?"

Mari nods while sipping.

Connor blinks, clearly surprised. "Huh. Well...you learn something new every day."

"At least you've heard of her," Mari chuckles.

Connor chuckles. "One of the biggest pop stars of all time. In the same category as...Elvis. Michael Jackson. And a more recent one: Frankie Chase."

"Can you believe there's some who don't know Elvis? I've heard people say that. To my -face-," Mari says in disbelief. "Frankie Chase? Maybe I'm not as current on the times as I try to be..."

Connor nods. "Well, she's not quite as big a name as Madonna, but her career is still going strong at the moment."

"I'll have to check her out," Mari says. "Maybe we could listen together back at my place."

Connor smiles. "Sure, sounds good to me. Her albums tend to change styles. Kind of morphing a bit. Like Bowie used to. Or Madonna, for that matter."

Mari looks intrigued by that. "Hmmm. I don't know that there'll ever be another Bowie, but I'm hoping for that."

Connor chuckles. "She's not another Bowie. But you might like her music, at least."

"I guess we'll have to see," Mari smiles.

Connor smiles and nods. "Speaking of such...I had a theory, at least for humans. Taht the music they like the best is from when they were...say...19 to 28. Wathever was out at that time. Does that hold true for you, too?"

Mari thinks on that for several long seconds. She looks puzzled and ponders as she sips. Her eyes flit like she's trying to recall a number of songs. "Hmm. That's interesting. I...never thought of that, but...yes. I think that holds. Most of my favorite music was from around that time. There are some newer stuff I like, but I think it's because it reminds me of stuff from that time?" She grins at him. "I'm not sure how you came to that theory, but I think I'm another data point that holds."

Connor smiles and shrugs, "Just something I've noticed. I'm generally fond of the stuff I heard in college or shortly thereafter. Later music, I tend to find...less interesting? Every so often there's something which hits the right button, but it's rare."

"Mmmm. So which music were you most fond of? I've seen you at two rock shows, but...I wonder. Was that a lie, too?" Mari asks, though her voice lacks judgement on the matter.

Connor laughs, "Hey! It doesn't mean I don't LIKE rock music. It just isn't my normal style that I listen to. If I had to pick just one type of music to listen to? It would be kind of the blue-inspired rock that had bit of a comeback about...10 years ago?"

His protest makes Mari laugh. "Glad to see you're still flexible. So if the theory holds, you were about 19 ten years ago. My, you're young. Should I feel guilty?" Mari teases.

Connor grins. "I was 19 to 28 ten years ago. But yes...I was in the lower end of that bracket. I'm 30 now."

Mari sips her wine, still smiling. "Wow. Yes, young. But I refuse to feel guilty and am fine with being scandalous in that regard."

Connor laughs again. "I know it's considred bad form...and you might have told me before...but how old are you?"

Connor says, "If you don't mind my asking."

Mari smiles. "I don't mind, because you're you. Let's see. Counting from when I was actually born, I'm 109 years old. I'll be turning 110 in April." She sips her wine and gauges his reaction.

Connor thinks about it...."That...puts you in my great-grandparent's generation, I think. Do you find it hard to...well, keep up with modern day, as things move on?"

Mari looks surprised when it's put in generational terms. "The more things progress, the harder it is, yeah. You have no idea how long it took me to understand the cloud when it first came out. I still don't think I completely grasp it. But I could at least use it. These days, there's so many devices, and accounts, and new platforms. It's difficult." She thinks a moment. "It was especially difficult after the people I knew from my generation passed on. I...don't have as many connections in the world as I used to. And often I need someone to help me with all of that. One of these days, I'll truly be an antique. There are some of my kind in the Baron's court that don't touch technology."

Connor grins, "Well, I can help you as you need it. At least...well, until my days are over. But until then..." He raises his glass and takes another sip.

Mari smiles gratefully, but there's a hint of sadness to her smile. "I'd appreciate that. Don't laugh, but I still haven't gotten the hang of making my dwellings...smart? I think that's what they call it."

Connor furrows hsi brow. "Smart? You mean...like automated with some kind of electronic assistant? Saying something, and having your lights go on, and whatnot?"

Mari gestures vaguely with her free hand. "Yes, that. I bought one of those things and tell it to turn on the lights, and nothing happens."

Connor nods. "I...don't have one set up, but the university uses that kind of thing in a few of their labs. My home is...well, old. And I didn't want to wire everything up. But I can try to give you a hand with it, if you like.

Mari smiles at that. "Well, if someone your age hasn't set up their home to be smart, maybe I don't seem so old-fashioned to be without out."

Connor chuckles. "That's true. But if you bought it...you might want to use it? So we can still get it set up."

Mari chuckles. "I don't think I could say no to the offer. I feel a little bad if you end up being my IT person. Is that what they still call it? You're much more than that to me."

Connor chuckles. "I realize that. But if I have the skills to help my friends, why shouldn't I do that?"

"Makes sense," Mari agrees with a moment of consideration. "I may have to ask you to keep me current on the latest common tech so I can keep up." She finishes her wine. "Mmmm. That was quite enjoyable." She looks to him and leans back comfortably. "Is there anything I can do for you in exchange?"

Connor thinks about it. "Continue answering questions when I come up with them?" He smiles and finishes his drink.

"The deal is struck, then," Mari says as she does a playful take of trying to make this deal sound dire.

Connor blinks and then laughs. "O...kay?"

Mari snickers at Connor's response and snaps her fingers. "Darn, that's Crossroad demons, isn't it?" she teases. She rests her hand on her knee and looks to him. "I am curious about something myself. If you knew what I was, from the very beginning...would you still have said yes when I asked you out on a date? Would you have kept the truth about you secret?"

Connor rubs his chin as he thinks about it. "Maybe? And...maybe? I was actually feeling pretty unsure of myself at the time. It didn't show, as you've said, but I was nervous as hell. I might have retreated a bit. I'll be honest."

Mari manages to hide most of her disappointment. "Ah...so what I am would've scared you off."

Connor holds up a finger. "Yes...and no. Initially, yes. But I suspect I'd have continued trying to get to know you anyway."

"Really?" Mari is surprised by his exception, some of the disappointment fading. "I suppose we both were being dishonest with each other about who we were. For...obvious reasons. Necessary reasons." Of course things couldn't work out when one side was lying. Even more true when both sides were.

Connor nods. "I really think I would have. Once I worked up the necessary...chutzpah? Confidence?"

Connor smiles. "You ARE intimidating, in your own way."

"Really? I wasn't ever trying to intimidate you," Mari sounds amused, but also reflects on herself at this revelation. "But it's nice to you wouldn't have been completely scared off by the truth."

Connor nods. "And if we flip that around...I'm afraid that if I came out and told you my...abilities from the outset, then it might have seemed like...bragging, I guess?"

"It...might have, yes," Mari concedes on that. "Or I may have thought you'd be out to hunt my kind and that I'd be in danger, I suppose." She thinks for a few moments, realizing at the time, things worked out as only they could. She hesitates before asking, "Now that we've gotten to know more about the truth about each other...would you ever consider giving it another try?"

Connor nods. "I...would. But at the moment, I'm...taken. I've started a relationship with a woman from...another time? It's complicated. But it's Elizabeth Moriarty. Related to THE Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes. She's apparently from the past...but also part of some kind of Time Police in the future." He smiles, "If I wasn't in a relationship now...I would say yes. Immediately."

Mari looks rather surprised. "I suppose with time travelers, a lot can change in a little amount of time," she smiles. "That sounds very complicated."

Connor takes her hand, "Are you okay with just being good friends?"

"Of course," Mari answers with little thought, but she's a little down about it. She recovers quickly. "I'm not going to stop being friends with you just because you're taken. But...I suggest we cancel our little experiment indefinitely."

Connor thinks about it. "It's that kind of experience? Ecstatic?"

Mari smiles at that. "It's the sort of experience probably not appropriate given I know you're taken."

Connor smiles and nods while still holding her hand, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It was more for your curiosity than mine," Mari smiles gently. She doesn't pull her hand away.

Connor nods. "But...I also saw that you looked...a little down about it." He pauses and says, "Tell you what. Let me give it some thought. I'm still curious, but I also understand why you think we shouldn't do it."

Mari shakes her head and smiles. "It wasn't that that had me down. Don't worry about it."

Connor looks at her for a long moment. "Of course I'm worried about it." He smiles.

Mari chuckles. "You're sweet. I'll be a little more direct and honest. I'm not down that I won't get to find out what you taste like. I'm a little down that a do-over after all the lies were set aside isn't in the cards."

Connor smiles, "Not immediately, no. But...never say never." He nods again, "I feel sorry about that as well, though."

Mari shrugs. "Don't be sorry for moving ahead. It's what the living do," she smiles. She's definitely feeling behind the times when things move so fast. She gently withdraws her hand from his. "It's getting late. I better get going so I can still have a chance for a snack before it's too late."

Connor nods slowly, looking a little sheepish, knowing that once again, he's the source of discomfort. "Um...should I contact you about helping out with your IT issues?"

"Sure. Relax and enjoy some time off from all your latest adventures first. There's plenty of time," Mari smiles and stands up.

Connor stands up as well. It's a reflex. "Good luck tonight."

Mari chuckles gently. "Such a gentleman. That's rare these nights. I'm sure I'll manage. Goodnight, Connor. Thank you again for all you've done for me and everyone. Your gal is a lucky lady." She turns and heads for the bar to close out her tab. Being close to a regular at this point, the bartender processes it quickly, especially since she leaves generous tips. With a flourish of a pen to sign the bill, she's done and out the door, stepping out into the night.

Connor watches until she leaves...and he sits back down heavily, sighing to himself.