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[atypical_echo]

You’ve reached Mark, for some reason. It’s 2022 apparently, last I checked - just text me. Or, you know, leave a message if you must.

Comments

[robintohood]

[Jason can appreciate that sentiment. In another life maybe he would've pursued something like writing]

That's pretty poetic. Besides, life isn't always meant to be cold data or numbers. Sometimes, some people are meant for the more creative side of things.

[atypical_echo]

[Maybe he doesn't have to make it 'another life'. People have written great things on the side.]

My father was less 'cold data', he's a historian. Like, dude, don't even get 'hard sciences are the best' on me. My sister got off easier, because she went into clinical psych.

[robintohood]

As long as you're happy and living all right, that's all it should matter.

[atypical_echo]

[Happy. Mark's expression falls for a moment, then he forces the smile back.]

I do my best, man. Don't we all? Let me get some shots in here. I don't know that it will come out as well without my reflectors, but we'll see.

[robintohood]

Want me to move anything or adjusting the lighting in this room?

[atypical_echo]

If you could fetch the lights, that would help. I need to think angles.

[He smiles and looks at Jason.]

I'm really going to be excited about this job.

[robintohood]

[Jason smiles back]

Glad you're liking this. I really appreciate the help so far.

[Jason steps away to grab a couple of the light]

[atypical_echo]

I can't help it. It looks great. And, if I'm honest, art of places is my favorite thing to do. You're giving me great energy.

[robintohood]

[Aww. Jason comes back with a couple of the lights. He carefully sets them down]

Thanks. I'm trying to make this place nice but not stuffy. Just comfortable, you know?

[atypical_echo]

[That level of care in bringing even those makes him very happy.]

It feels like it. I feel bad I can't be a customer too.

[robintohood]

I get it. You want to avoid the temptation. You're welcome to drop by whenever and get a non-alcoholic drink instead. We'll have those too. Wait until you see the reading room.

These lights are okay or you wanna move them over some more?

[atypical_echo]

Seriously, you're blowing my mind with the idea of a reading room in a karaoke bar. I can't imagine you'd keep it quiet enough for comfort.

[He adjusts the lights, gets it ready, and gets more shots.]

Too bad you're a businessman. You'd be a good assistant.

[robintohood]

[Chuckles]

Well if this place doesn't work out then I could use you as my backup plan then. And don't worry. The reading room further away from the karaoke.

[atypical_echo]

[Mark laughs.]

You're definitely not in my budget. Alright, I'm ready. Show me more.

[robintohood]

[Jason leads Mark to one of the most expensive karaoke rooms.]

What do you think?

[atypical_echo]

Holy fuck.

[Mark has to stop. In fact, he steps in and turns around to consider it in full.]

Seriously, if I win the lottery, give me your designer information, so I can hire them.

[robintohood]

[Jason lightly shorts in amusement]

Will do. And to be fair, a lot of the furniture here I got refurbished.

[atypical_echo]

That's a lot of work, man.

[Ah, but he should work.]

Sorry. Shouldn't get distracted. I won't charge you by the hour on this.

[robintohood]

Thanks. Just charge me whatever you think is appropriate. You're a professional after all.

[atypical_echo]

[Mark looks at him in shock and just process that.]

Dude, there's a difference between respecting the cost of a professional's work, and giving yourself a chance to be walked all over.

[robintohood]

I've met plenty of questionable professionals. You're not one of them.

[Mark seems to be nice but not full of hot air and seems to have real passion for his work]

[atypical_echo]

[Mark's just a guy passionate about this stuff. Doesn't change how shocked he looks.]

We exchanged some online talk, some texts, and now you've known me for all of twenty minutes and you have that much faith? Dude, you're just too good of a person.

[robintohood]

[Jason laughs, partially out of the irony of being called a good person]

Thanks. Guess I just have a lot of faith in people. Also, you wouldn't be saying something if you really were gonna overcharge me.

[atypical_echo]

[Faith in people. Man, Mark almost wants to laugh at that. Instead he looks to the man and shakes his head. What a guy.]

Let's move on to another room then.

[robintohood]

Sure. Let me show you the reading room.

[Jason leads again to a room further away from the karaoke areas. Given how this particular area is decorated, it probably feels like the reading room one of Jason's favorites in the building]