~𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒃~ (Phantom Troupe)

2

 'A real, living friend'?

I mean, it doesn't sound like a bad idea...

Interesting, I guess- but there's something about this guy.

I don't know..

Our eyes are locked as we looks at me, waiting for my response to his blunt question.

Let's take a cautious approach on this.

He seems to not mind when I'm playful, so let's bring a joking energy to this.

"Well, see Mister Magician, the problem with this offer of yours is that I don't know exactly what you're implying."

He raises a brow, smirking at me as he raises himself and walks to my side, now leaning on the bar beside me.

★"Oh? Well, do go on. I'd like to hear about your confusions on the subject."☆

I smile smugly, readying myself to continue the banter.

"Well, I haven't had many experiences with living people. I mean, you saw how it went with these ones- and I technically had 6 opportunities."

He laughs lowly in his throat after my statement, waiting for me to get to the point.

"I guess my question for you is what this 'friendship' would entail- I don't know much about relationships with the living."

He's still smiling, now shifting again to lean on the bar with both of his elbows behind him, his shoulder blades pressing barely on the edge of the counter.

★"Well, friendships are much like Clownfish and Anemones in the ocean."☆

I shift, turning my body to face him as he explains.

I swing my blade to one hand, letting it rest behind me on the bar when I lean back on one hand, the other in my lap.

My face displays a confused, but curious expression at his metaphor.

★"I promise you, your intrigued expression will be softened once I explain. Have you ever heard of symbiotic relationships?"☆

I nod, providing a definition when he doesn't look convinced of my knowledge.

"It's two things feeding off of one another- like parasites, but going both ways instead of destroying one."

He laughs at my explanation, but drops back to a serious expression and nods before he continues.

★"Double parasites is a way to put it, sure. For my Clownfish analogy, I'm referring to the Anemone that provides protection and a house for the Clownfish- seeing as how no other creature may touch the Anemone without being injured."☆

Intrigued by his analogy, I nod, locking eyes with him as he continues.

★"The Clownfish in return offers nutrients to its protector, and of course, the company is an added plus."☆

I smile, readying myself for a reply before he begins speaking again.

★"This isn't the only symbiotic relationship in nature, of course. I just feel as though the Anemone and Clownfish were fitting. That, and I happen to be partial to the ocean."☆

I scoff, uncrossing my legs and letting one fall off the side of the bar.

"Well, I'm sorry to be so inquisitive, but if I'm allowed to ask another question, may I?"

He leans back, his eyes going half-lidded and looking me up and down before he responds.

★"Hm? Of course."☆