Stories and hobbies and other ways to pass the time

[brave_heart_verity]

Verity's in her favorite seat in the forum, drinking coffee and trying to read a book that's frustrating her. It isn't long before she puts it down with a scowl aimed at the cover (or possibly the concept of books). "Does anyone understand Norse mythology? Is that a thing? Because I do not get it."

"Alternately, any suggestions for hobbies for someone with lots of time and few skills? Preferably things that aren't group activities."

((A note about Verity: she's got a magic spell stuck in her that lets her always know when someone is lying to her. Please respect this; if your character is trying to lie to her, please make that known so she can react appropriately.))

Comments

[sumarusfinest]

"Really." There it is, that look that can so easily be misinterpreted as judgement, as withdrawing in so many ways. But Katsuya nods thoughtfully a moment later and snorts. "Could have used your help a long time ago, Ms. Willis. That's a mighty powerful gift you've got there."

Everything he'd swore he never thought about others. How he felt about...ah, well. It would be a rather rough skill to have, too. To know how often people lie every day, even without meaning to.

"I can see why it would be burdensome."

[brave_heart_verity]

Overall, it's far from the worst reaction she's ever had, but she's not going to relax quite yet. With nerves worn as raw as hers, relaxing doesn't come easy, but there's a little smile again when he seems to understand.

"It is. I thought you should know before you decide if you're going to confide in me."

[sumarusfinest]

"I appreciate the warning." It's a good thing to keep in mind at least, and something to ponder. She's right, of course. If he did decide to open up to Ms. Willis now or in the future he would need to do so openly.

It's not a task he's up to for the moment, he suspects. But that doesn't mean the officer is wary of her.

"I'm pretty good at telling when people are lying too, but that comes with the job, not magic." Katsuya flips his badge dismissively as though it explains everything, and maybe it does.

[brave_heart_verity]

The badge explains enough. Cops are a peculiar lot, in her experience, self-righteous and self-assured and lying to themselves so they can sleep at night. He seems a lot nicer than the other cops she's known.

"Your job must give you a lot of practice. Do you enjoy it? They always make it look so exciting on tv, but I suspect there's a lot more paperwork involved and probably less shouting catchphrases."

[sumarusfinest]

"...Yes." No.

Katsuya clears his throat, wincing. "I mean...It's a job that needs doing, and I'm proud to do it." Truth. "But I can't say I enjoy..." Murder. Rape. Beaurocracy. Politics. Paperwork. "What I have to do."

[brave_heart_verity]

She's glad he didn't try to let the lie stand, because although she had managed to bite her tongue before she said anything about it, she couldn't stop her eyebrow. That painfully familiar expression just popped out.

"Thank you for doing it. You're a lot braver than I am."

[sumarusfinest]

"You shouldn't put yourself down so much." Always eager to change the subject away form himself. Katsuya repeats this advice quietly.

"Let me know how you like the recipes. There's more where they came from."

((Mun is too old to remember how to link things so if interested/curious i'd be happy to share the treat ideas he gives for nerd reasons))

[brave_heart_verity]

That's another tactic they have in common. But when she's called out on something directly she'll usually reply. "Maybe not. But I don't feel brave. I didn't even try to fight registration." And yes, she thinks there's something deeply wrong with that.

Talking about baking is much more interesting. "I will, thank you. Maybe next time I'll bring you some recipes too."

((This page'll show you. And I'd love to know the deets!))

Testing: feel free to delete

[sumarusfinest]

(( This playlist is my go-to for Japanese inspired desserts ))

[brave_heart_verity]

((Oh my. Definitely going to be trying some of those. That French toast looks really good! That matcha creme brulee is on my list too.))

[sumarusfinest]

(( The Matcha roll cake is really good, and probably the one Katsuya would recommend /nerd nerd))

[brave_heart_verity]

((Ooh. I love a good roll cake... with some homemade jelly.))