some advice tendered...

Shikai: There's someone else that smokes around here? Hale: Looks that way.

Shikai: ...

Hale: Are you gonna sit, or just hover there?

Shikai: ... a smart ass. Noted.

Hale: And no, you can't bum a cigarette. Shikai: I've got my own.

Hale: Word of advice. Don't smoke in the house. Loki, or Kitori or someone will kick you out on your arse and then all your cigarettes will mysteriously dissapear. And most likely your pants too, because you'll be the next victim of her attempts at fashion.

Shikai: ... Okaaaay then... Though being victim to fashion desiners is nothing new, at least.

Shikai: Any other words of wisdom? Hale: Yeah sure. Aiden's got the shits with you, so I'd just stay away from him. Shikai: Suits me just fine. He's not the only one that has issues with me.

Hale: Well that takes care of that then. Except that I don't think it'll stop him from talking to you, even if it doesn't make much sense. A lot of Aiden never makes much sense.

Hale: Oh yeah, one more thing. Don't fuck with Kitori, or you'll just piss everyone off. And I'd take it as a favour if you left Darnell alone too. Because we like to keep away from Drama when we can. Shikai: I have nothing against them, therefore no reason to fuck with them. Besides, lack of drama has my full endorsement anyway.

Shikai: So, fine, good. What about the flaming trollop? Hale: *snorts* Sass? Say whatever you want to him - I'm sure he couldn't give a rats arse, and it won't make a difference anyway. He's not easily deterred. Shikai: Fabulous... He's lucky a certain other flaming redhead is across the globe right now, as he tends to get violent when he's jealous. Hale: Well then, lets hope he never gets his own World Tour, hmm?

Shikai: Is it always so... political here? Hale: Sometimes. There are the days I want to shoot somebody just to make them all shut up. So I guess it's good Sass hid my gun. But most of the time we find some sort of balance. And as I udnerstand it you don't get on with everyone in your little 'family' either. Shikai: Congratulations, you've just made the Understatement of the Year.

Shikai: But even so... It's obvious all of you seem to know how to make it work pretty well, which is more than I can say. You should feel lucky. Hale: I don't know that 'make it work' is the right term. It's more like I try to stay the hell out of it and eventually things seem to settle, eventually. No one is in pieces yet anyway. Shikai: We'll keep it that way then.

Hale: Glad we understand each other.