"Oh Pft. You were just talking about hijacking my car, I think you can swallow the entire five minutes it would take to re-braid your hair, Narcissus." He joked, more amused than anything by Malaya's expression.
"We'll pay up front, with the people at the cash registers. They check us out and we pay there. It's computerized, it helps them keep track of the inventory so they know what needs to be re-stocked. It's easier and faster than if they did it by hand because there's so much stuff." He explained. Actually it was kind of interesting to think about, because otherwise you never really did. "I guess it's a little different, huh?"
It didn't occur to him either how serious Malaya might be about his own hair, since he almost barely thought about his own save to keep it comparatively free from tangles and clean. He was almost indifferent to it, save that he knew others seemed to like it long.
"Anyway...you look kinda cute with the frizzly thing going on." He pointed out with an impish wink, starting to move away, and fumbling in his pocket to see if he had any notes. Did they need anything else? Damn, he hated doing food shopping. It always seemed as though inevitably he got home and realized he'd forgotten something he wanted.

How dare---

He pouted even more, cheeks puffed and eyes slitted at the brown haired human as he shook a bit trying to find some way to avenge his somewhat wounded vanity.

Childishly, the engkanto raised his hands to his face and did a raspberry, making the necessary noises for it. Then he pulled down at his lower eye and stuck out his tongue. After he was done with his little revenge, Malaya turned around with a soft humph and strutted off to the cashiers.

Cute?! He was still pouting as he made his way there with a hand on occasion moving to the crown of his head to smoothen out the frizzle. When Muse finally caught up with him, Malaya looked at him and replied, "Just because you're taller than me you call me short... I'll buy heels and you'll start seeing me eye to eye! I SWEAR IT!" Then he poked him in the chest.

"Or better yet... I'll be TALLER than you."

The tree dweller would have finished it with some malicious snicker when he realized how TALL those heels would have to be and sadly, no matter how graceful he was---it was a sure bet he'd topple over.

Clearing his throat, Malaya shook his head, "Maybe... just a wee bit tall then. Just enough to see eye to eye. I don't want to be a higante on stilts..."

He raised a hand to his hair and looked at his bangs, going a little cross eyed and sighed, "Speaking of hair... I need my monthly coconut oil treatment already. Pshaw."
___

Higante - Spanish for Giant.

We have a celebration here where people made of paper mache are made and paraded about called the Higantes, we often have them during our celebrations such as the upcoming festival for the Child Jesus. :3

"Wow, someone's a little ruffled." Muse noted, actually a little surprised to the degree Malaya was puffed up and angry. It actually reminded him of a picture of a very angry looking bluebird someone had taken once, you saw it in a number of magazines...but then he wasn't exactly going to point that out to the infuriated Engkanto.
"You know I don't think heels are the way to go." He noted, lengthening his stride a little to try and keep up with Malaya's fast walk. "But that could just me me. I can't help how tall I am, it's not like there's shoes that make you shorter." He pointed out, pausing to grab a bottle of orange soda out of one of the cold cases near the registers.
"What the heck is a Higante?"
---
((Muse demonstrates his failure at Spanish class. XD <3))
((That must be really cool to watch. I've seen photos and such but we never really do anything like that.))

"A giant," the spirit replied hands folded across his chest. "They're festival creatures made of colored paper and paint that are paraded down the streets. They were brought in and popularized during the colonial rule by the Spanish. They would be used for plays portraying the triumph of Christianity over the native barbarians or Muslims."
He shrugged, feeling uncomfortable over the discrimination but at the same time could not help himself but be at awe with the art and craft of building the said 'giants'. They were beautiful in a way.

"But in the modern times have been used to make mascots---say of political figures and satirical characters to portray something. Sky's the limit on the matter really."

Unaware of the little blue bird comparison, Malaya sighed. Goodness, if the mortal only knew how he felt right now. It was a feeling of irritation and fondness all rolled into one that was just so hard to translate into words or actions. It was one he often felt when he was particularly close to someone or just feeling familiar. The spirit would find himself playfully biting them on the shoulder with a whine, play nibbling or just plain tackling them with random jabs of tickles on the ribs.

But it would be so awkward to go up to Muse and say, 'Can I bite you? If not so---can I just tickle you, like right now?'

Instead he let out a soft little whine akin to an disgruntled piglet and let out a deep breath.

"I bet you have a hard time fitting through door frames at times..." Malaya then patted him on the back, "It's okay, Muse... You can always duck. Besides, when you're in bed height doesn't matter anymore. You're both equal."

Then the slightly tousled up young man nodded and paid attention to his braid, wanting to see what could be done to save it. Or if he had to repeat from square one.

"OK now you're fighting dirty. I'm not that big." He protested, now embarrassed himself as he put items onto the check out, face reddening at the comment about being in bed. "Well the Higante sound cool anyway. I'm pretty sure I saw photographs somewhere, but I'll be damned if I can remember where."
That was something else to look up, he supposed. Along with that book. God, a time machine. It was kinda funny really. "Did you want a drink or something while we're here?" He offered, pointing to the cooler with his thumb, then immediately hoping the Engkanto didn't alight on one of the highly caffeinated energy drinks. He was already something else at -this- level of energy, let alone the probably hyperactivity one of those might instill. Actually, that was a good question. Would they even affect him the same way? What did caffine do to someone who wasn't technically human but a tree?
"Anyway, I get through the doors at my own house just fine thank you. Only time I've had serious trouble was the time we went to see the Mayflower. I hit my head so many times I'm surprised I didn't get a concussion." He joked, remembering their trip to the historic ship. If you ever needed proof that the human race had gained a few inches, visiting one of those old ships sure drilled it into your skull. Mostly with crossbeams and door frames.
He shot the cashier an awkward smile, in silent apology for the conversation he was having with the Engkanto, which had made her eyes widen and her practiced smile falter a little.
If she'd been considering flirting with one or both of them, she looked a lot less sure about it now.

"So if you're not THAT big," Malaya said right after, with emphasis on the word 'that', "You're implying that you are big but just not THAT big. Define big for me would you?"
Might as well ask then be sorry having assumed the wrong things now!

The engkanto let out a sigh of relief, his braid would not need much changing after all. The human had been right after all. He would live after all.

"No. I'll pass on the colorful looking fizzy things in the cooler... Though I wouldn't mind wanting to try maaa-maarsssh---Those things that were floating in my cacao earlier. I wonder how they taste without the chocolate messing it up."

Colorful and tempting to the eye as they were, he had no idea what they were and they reminded him of potions and such that he would read about from those strange science fiction novels he had before sleeping. Once again too much H. G. Wells---Malaya couldn't help but wonder what those things did to the system them. Not today... he'd know. Though he was quite sure they wouldn't do anything like reanimate the dead for sure. But...

Mayflower? The engkanto looked up at him and blinked, the look he often gave Muse whenever the brunet came up with something totally new and interesting. The braided youth was practically purring at the information and seemed suddenly excited. His mind didn't take in the joke on concussions but rather the idea of being inside a historic ship did. "Really?," he asked like a child, "Interesting!"

Though simple words like that made it difficult---just what was interesting? The fact Muse bumped his head into many things or that the ship was still intact?

"I would like to see that then!"

"Being seven something foot tall like one of those stretched out professional Basketball players...thats big." He noted defensively as the conveyor inched their food along, still under the gaze of the Cashier, who was trying to look disinterested. "Man, I should have asked you a minute ago, those are in the candy aisle. They don't really taste like much, they're pretty much air and sugar really.
"I don't think you can go on the actual Mayflower anymore, but they have a reconstruction called the Mayflower 2 that you can. It's Supposedly pretty much just like the original. Be an big trip though. Might want to get a hotel and stay out."
How would Malaya react to a hotel anyway? If he disliked the amount of chemicals in a supermarket, he didn't now how he'd react to the chemical cleaners used in Hotels, or the otherwise dubiously clean rooms. He tended to bring his own pillow at a minimum.
"So what exactly are you so eager to see? The ship or me with an big old crown of black and blue marks?"

The idea of someone taller even than Muse sent a chill down the youth's spine. He looked up trying to imagine someone taller and just shook his head at the idea. To Malaya's memory, the last time he met someone that tall, that certain someone was just not... pleasing to the eyes at all. Mere remembrance of that 'higante' had made him shudder right then and there.

Said someone---was just around the height that the human described. Only the engkanto hoped that they were not as frightening though.

He grabbed at Muse's arm, half clinging and half just wanting the other's warmth, "Do they live in trees and smoke thick cigars? I've met a few in my lifetime---they're frightening things. People that tall---when you piss them off by saying no when they court you, they leave all sorts of dirt on your house. Idiots." Then he buried his face on the brunet's arm, mumbling about bitterness.

Malaya nodded, the further talk about travel and seeing some other place soothing his nerves to an extent from having to remember all that. Such pesky suitors they could be---to think he simply intervened to help some humans the engkanto was feeling attached to only to end up being the said higante properly called a kapre's swooning and attention.

"A hotel's a bit like an inn right?," the braided spirit asked, taking in the context clues of what Muse said, "A trip---Why? Is it just THAT far we have to stay overnight... Interesting. I hope the hotel...inn place is also nice. I've never been in any of those since the place I lived near by don't have one. But some people who profess to have been to such did mention they look wonderful."

Feeling better he released the human's arm and then stuck out his tongue, "All of the above I'd say if I can help it. He he he!"

Muse tilted his head in puzzlement at Malaya's expression as the Engkanto wrapped his arms around Muse's. Live in trees? Like Malaya?
"Well they might live in a city penthouse or a mansion, but I've never heard of a professional athlete that lived in a tree. A few of them smoke Cigars though I think... Are you alright?"
The shudder was worrisome, as he tried to figure out what about the idea of someone that tall might have disturbed Malaya so profoundly.
"Well...part of it's distance, I mean it's a really long haul, and I'd be worried about staying awake behind the steering wheel if I had to try and drive back at night...and I'd rather not end up with my car in the ditch, or worse, the car totaled and in the hospital.
I dunno. I don't like hotels that much, and yeah they're...kinda like an inn. They're just kind of...really impersonal."

Lord knew he stayed in enough on the few times he'd had to go tour around for a book signing. The very idea of a continental breakfast still made him want to gag a little. Stale cereal, milk that tasted just off enough to be disturbing...and nauseating. Muffins and bagels that a goat wouldn't eat...
Eating fast food most mornings probably wasn't much healthier, but it decidedly tasted better.

Seeing the woman behind the register was starting to give them rather funny looks, he sighed and looked at Joseph. "I'll tell you on our way back---in the car. It's a long story. Or if you like on our way back." It didn't sit well with the youth to be sharing something so ridiculous and at the same time so creepy while some stranger lady was eavesdropping upon them. Malaya was just starting to getting to know the human and was very open already, but this one?

Fat chance.

The engkanto cast his eyes downward, focusing on the conveyor and the process of punching the items with awe, finding it a rather strange yet easy thing. How convenient. You simply encoded in the data and then it was all automatic. Marvelous. It saved a lot of time on the part of the cashier and the customer. The he found himself starring at the other's hands and let out a thoughtful sound. What a difference...

He raised his hand slightly above the brunet's, hovering a little and compared as he listened to him speak of hotels in distasted. It was clear as day that they didn't seem rather hospitable to the author at all. How unkind when they were ought to be a home away from home--- "Maybe you've been going to the kinds that really don't give good service after all, Joseph," replied Malaya as he cooed over how pale and otherworldly his skin tone was compared to the man's more human like tones. Unlike humans that had brownish, reddish undertones, he possessed a strange soft pink undertone. It was as if he has perpetually pale... or sick. Humans were so exotic indeed... "Or you go lodge in such places on your own thus making it seem so lonely and boring---ever tried going with someone say a friend or any relative in particular?"

He looked up at him, trying to imagine the taller being's forehead with blue and black then chuckled softly. "A crown of black and blue..."

"Ha, I knew I shouldn't have told you that story." He chuckled, handing over money as the cashier bagged up their groceries, and he picked up the paper bag, tucking it into the crook of his arm. "You're going to laugh about that forever aren't you?"
He nodded faintly toward the doors to indicate he was ready.
"...I dunno. I've never really been to a really -horrible- hotel, but they kind of feel the same after a while. If I'm out, I'm using out on a signing tour, so I travel on my own. It's really hard on people to be in and out of a hotel that much...so I never really...you know...ask anyone to come with me." He noted, awkwardly, shrugging slightly. Maybe that explained part of it?

He watched Malaya for a moment or so, watching him compare their skin tones in idle curiosity. You might not notice in passing, but there was a definite difference there. Subtle. Like someone had taken the idea of a normal skin tone palate and stepped one step to either side. Just that close. That was what made Malaya so easy to think of as 'normal' and human, the fact that he brushed shoulders with normalcy.
In book terms, he probably would have referred to Malaya's kind as "Low" fantasy, because they were magical, exotic, but not as surreal, as difficult to picture as dragons or wizards that leveled cities with a wave of their hand. He never liked the term because it seemed to belittle that particular aspect of the genre, especially when he preferred it to the flashier side of things.
"Yeah, anyway. Lets hear about whats eating you on the way."

Malaya weaved his fingers in and out, feeling a little awkward. Now that he thought about it, this little anecdote would be like a trade for the 'funny story' that the human shared with him.

"Well there had been a time that the town was pretty rural and there were more trees in the place I come from," he started as he looked up feeling unsure about the whole story telling. Here goes nothing... "So I could easily just lodge at any other engkanto's home and even stay there for a while. Back then I could even stay as close as within a human home because it was just so filled with trees. There was no yard then that did not have at least one tree. It was so long ago, Joseph---everything was simpler."

The youth painted a picture of a colonial town set in the late 1800s that was under a strict Spanish rule and even stricter religious practices. But despite that, the people were still very traditional and held onto to their ethnic roots---mixing in their so called pagan ways with the Catholic faith. Thus his kind, the engkanto and the second mentioned creature called the kapre were still feared and revered altogether.

"There was a time that I was friends with a young woman with a strong sixth sense named Katerina, so strong that I didn't have to make myself tangible for her to see me. She was a pretty girl with a kind heart who was sent by her parents to live with her aunt to pay their debts and to be educated as a proper lady... Since they thought her sixth sense was insanity."

He paused to take a deep breath and continued, feeling his cheeks darken at what was about to be said, "Well we became friend and even traded things with one another like books and small trinkets. I would follow her around and play tricks on her aunt to amuse her and help her get by. Then one day I had to go home and do some tutoring since my leave of absence from work was over. When I did get back to check on her she looked like a mess. Katerina hid in her room and would not let anyone in. Apparently she had caught the fancy of another enchanted creature that did not leave her alone... She said that 'he' knew I was about her and waited for me to go so he could get to her. I guess he was intimidated by me."

Malaya chuckled to himself at the memory when he used to change the position of things and mess up the order in the house knowing that her aunt was an undiagnosed obsessive compulsive sort of woman. He would do this when the girl would definitely not be blame, scaring her in the process. It was his 'punishment' for making his young friend's life such a difficult one to live.

"It was a kapre, Muse. A large over six feet tall man perhaps towering at seven feet covered in hair with skin so dark that it was difficult to see especially in the dark. He would dress in animal skin loincloth and was constantly smoking large tobacco cigars. Then they had no manners to speak of either. Although they were kind and to some extent generous even to those they favored... Bathala only knew how much they stank...So imagine. A woman being courted by something so---I don't know. I feel rude if I'd say the word. I simply had to intervene..."

"Jeeze, sounds like a really nasty character. I guess I always associated stalkers as being a recent sort of thing, but they really aren't are they?" He frowned slightly as they made their way out, glancing behind him to make sure the Engkanto was safe. "Watch out for cars, I try and keep my eyes open in parking lots because there are people walking around, but there are plenty of distractions, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on them too."
He paused, falling silent for a moment as they walked back to the car, shifting things to get his keys back out again. "You know have you ever considered writing some of this stuff down? True, most people would probably assume it was fiction but... I think it would really be something." He glanced back at Malaya, his expression serious as he tilted his head, which made him look at the Engkanto with one eye partially obscured by a cascade of unkempt wavy brown hair. "Poor girl, she must've been a real wreck... I mean the smell aside, being chased by someone who won't take no for an answer?"

"If I did that, I would be violating my vows with her---we promised never to divulge these to the public. We could about it in private as she said she would warn her children and instruct them to warn their children's children too. Such a gift would not remain in her, Muse... It was said that her mother also had that but shunned and ignored it."

The engkanto nodded, taking the brunet's advice by looking left and right to avoid the cars. It wouldn't do them good if he suddenly displayed his supernatural longevity. It would put Muse in a position to do a lot of convincing that Malaya was fine and dandy, that he could heal on his own since plants had speedier regenerative skills than humans.

"Oh please... Stalkers had always existed. People have simply become bolder and are speaking up about their cases nowadays. That's how come you now know about them." He gave him a look and smiled as he asked if he could help him unload the groceries into the car as well. "I usually veiled myself in mist to hide my power and myself only letting Katerina see me. I didn't want to court trouble and I had a feeling if I flaunted myself at full, it might be too much for her... I have tried and a human fell down, shaking terribly saying he felt something strong and terrible past him by."

Malaya watched him open the door, observing how he did it and after the characteristic click, opened the passenger side and shuddered sitting down.

"I'm a little nervous riding this thing again. I guess I should just keep my hands to myself..." The spirit chuckled slightly as he sat down slowly and then fastened his safety belt, "I went to the kapre and tried to reason with him. I went at my full display and he was frightened by me. But when he saw my face, he said he'd rather have me than Katerina and no, it didn't matter I was a man. I seriously regretted not wearing a veil when I went up to him. I was screaming all sorts of courtly insults and he was---swooning."

At that point he hung his head low, blushing in anger and embarrassment at the memory of having helped his friend by switching the problem to him. Now he was the one being stalked. Not that it was a frightening psychological horror come to life, but rather---very awkward and funny, damaging even to his own reputation. Malaya fell quiet, not really knowing if he should tell the brunet that once the kapre declared his devotion in the middle of a wedding party.

That ...and so much more.

"It's pretty obvious thats not the only story you've got, Malaya." Muse noted, as he slipped into the drivers seat, reaching behind to shove the groceries onto the back seat. He felt a little foolish for not remembering to put them in the back seat the easy way, through the side door, but he was getting a little distracted again. Malaya had that effect on him. "I mean listen to yourself. You've had this incredible life. Even if you leave out parts.
...Wow thats wild. I can't imagine going through life and being able to see these things no one else can see. No...thats not true. It's my job to try and imagine things like that but knowing they really happen? That makes me wonder if I've even got it right." He paused, resting his hands on the wheel as he considered this profound shift to his world view.
He wrote fantasy, and he was sitting here talking to someone who -was- by definition, technically fantasy.
"If you want to still get clothes today...by the way, we should go back long enough to put the cream in the fridge. I'd rather it not go, you know....funky, while we're trying to figure out what you can wear. I mean thats assuming you're still up for being around town that much more." He didn't turn on the vehicle just yet, leaning his arm on the Dashboard and waiting to hear what the Engkanto wanted to do.
"You do kind of have to admit, it's sort of an "Taming of the Shrew" Moment there. You yelling and him fawning all over..."

Malaya turned to the driver's seat and pouted again, "Well---I don't know if you find it so amusing but it was terrible! Do you realize how insulting it is to receive badly written poetry about melons and other... I mean." Joseph was a big guy. He could figure the meanings and such. Seriously that thing was one of the most vulgar creatures he had ever met. No etiquette or sense of proper at all!

He paused and let out a frustrated yelp the continued, "Or how he follows you AROUND. I swear I couldn't go back to Katerina and check on her because they said the kapre was being too visible and that's just not really feasible."

The engkanto gave him the 'angry little blue bird' look again before he stuck out his tongue and looked out the window with arms folded across his chest. He was sulking again.

"It was annoying... I was being courted someone of a lower rank than me and he didn't care," he whined. "I wouldn't mind that he wasn't good looking but his manners and rank did it---or lack thereof."

Sighing he nodded, "I guess it would be nice to have some clothes...But if that's the case, some other time then. We wouldn't want your precious ice cream to go to waste. I know how expensive and difficult the process was."

...He didn't know that ice cream was now something so regular that even a 24/7 had it. Then again, the fair skinned spirit's concept of ice cream was like early 1900s or so when ice cream had to be imported and shipped very delicately.

"Speaking of ice cream... I've read of countries, the Persians... They have this dish called sherbet? It looks positively delicious and the ingredients are snow? Have you tried?"

Joseph gave a wry, somewhat sympathetic chuckle at Malaya's upset, shaking his head as the Engkanto stuck out his tounge. "I know, It's a pretty serious deal, especially when you're in the middle of it. I know a few other writers I've met who've come up with stalkers. Like one girl who decided this author was writing her love letters by way of the characters interacting. That was scary but kind of sad too, because you know there's something really wrong there." He sighed, leaning back and stretched, careful of where his arms went so as not to hit the frazzled tree spirit. "So far I've lucked out overall. Nothing quite that scary. Well, the guy at the Con was pretty alarming, but there wasn't the complication of trying to protect someone else."

He admitted, putting the key in the ignition and turning the car on, still thoughtful as he peered around, watching for other cars as they pulled out.
"The rank thing...that bothers you that much?"
Maybe he was really quintessentially American, you got it pounded into your head about the equality of mankind from the get go, with the exception of movie stars of course, though their teflon lifestyle served as much for entertainment as anything else.
That put him...where in Malaya's eyes? Probably somewhere around the general area of Servant and driver.

"The icecream isn't that expensive, but I don't want to waste the couple bucks as is." He admitted. "Sherbert? They sell it there. And Gelatto. And Frozen Yogurt. Did you want to try some sometime?" He offered, shrugging in indication he didn't find it a particularly big deal." He should have bought an cold bag, but he could do that later. Ye old Batchelor Habits.

"Con? What's...a con?," he asked not meeting with the man's eyes and still looking outside. Now that he had actually entered and left the grocery in one piece, Malaya felt---mightier. He has braved in and out and survived. If he could, the long haired spirit would have given himself a pat on the back for having made such an achievement. Writing things? Hmm... Perhaps he should take Muse's advise and write. It would be nice to look back and giggle over how silly he had been here. The thought really sounded very good... If he wasn't mistaken there was some writing supplies in his tree. Just a matter of finding them.

"Not...really. But---," the engkanto frowned, biting on his lower lip and sighed, "I just didn't feel comfortable being caught sight with his sort. I think I was being too elitist by putting my foot down and saying we were just too different. I didn't want to outright say I didn't like him since he was just too hideous so I said that often to him." He turned to Muse and stopped pouting already, unfolding his arms and then continued, "Though now I look back at it, even if he had been good looking and still be his ill mannered and goofy self, I still wouldn't consider him. I got the feeling he would have been completely devoted and would never cheat on me but I find it a little too creepy when you're just too...much into something. I even find myself creepy when I'm too passionate too."

Ranks in the hierarchy and looks never really bothered him that much hence his own twin sister was very surprised when Malaya told the love sick suitor that they were just too different. It had been quite a mean comment considering his kind nature. He just needed a reason to really get rid of the other... Even if it lead to that.

"...I sound like a hypocrite don't I? After all we've established that I'm a passionately involved person but really---it's not like I interrupt a wedding celebration and shout out my love for someone right then and there. That's just plain rude."

At the mention of ice cream, sherbet and all those lovely frozen food, Malaya instantly forgot how upset he was and had his attention on the brunet. "Ooh. Yes please!"

Now he was giving the human a 'eager kitten' look with a slight purr with it.

"Con, it's short for convention. It's one of the stops I sometimes do for book signings. They do all kinds, this one was a Fantasy con, basically all sorts of fantasy genre things going on, like my book signing." He offered by way of explanation, relaxing slightly as Malaya explained himself as well.
"...Well, there's ...passionate and then there's 'stalker'. And Your chain smoking friend sounds like the later." He offered. "Besides it doesn't really sound like love if he just, flipped because of how you look."

He shrugged slightly as they drove, wondering what was going through the now evasive Engkanto's thoughts. "Who's to say he wouldn't have found someone else to be 'totally devoted' to?"

He laughed a little at Malaya's enthusiasm over the icecream. "I'll make a note to get some, but I'd like to to pick what you want to try."

((bugger: Double post! Darn you browser!))

"You have to take me to one soon then!," he replied to the definition having been pointed out for him, "I'd like to see this Mayflower 2...And then go to your con. Then perhaps I'll try to spice up your hotel stay so you're not too bored out of your mind. Plus... I want to know what a hotel is like. Though... Say, how many days would that take and how far? I'd have to know in advance since I can't be too long from my tree or that far. I could but---it would be embarrassing to just invade a random plant or tree for shelter and squeeze my self in their homes... Given they are shelters at my going in that is."

And no, he didn't even feel an ounce of guilt of somewhat imposing on the human. Rather hearing Muse tell him things about the world at the moment and his life got him interested into seeing things for himself. The engkanto was born naturally inquisitive sometimes to the point of hurting himself in the process. Besides, the brunet did pose a good point---last time he saw humans, they were not as tall as the writer at all. Just how far has human civilization gone anyway?

Not to mention, it was enthusiasm and excitement, akin to a curious child than a bratty imposing mood that the tree dweller exuded at the moment.

Malaya smiled, more like smirked at the comment, "He even went so far to ask everybody I knew about what I liked and such. Some not trusting or understanding his intentions tricked him into giving me flowers that would harm me---or the wrong shade of colors that I liked. It was awkward really. I think it went for both of us... Him trying too hard to please me and me only feeling more and more revolted by the thought of being with him."

Someone else... It never did cross his mind, but it had---the engkanto felt almost sorry for whoever he decided to pick on then. The kapre was just too intense for him in the first place.

"And...What's so funny?!," The little blue bird look again, "Well don't you have some at the back? A spoonful would be good enough---why? It comes in different flavors?"

"I have just plain ice cream in the back, I got Coffee ice-cream with pieces of chocolate and cookie in it. It comes in lots of different flavors actually." One of his favorites, the other being maple nut, but only if it wasn't peanuts. Peanuts, in his mind, only belonged in peanut butter. "How long can you stay away? And how far? That would make a pretty big difference in things like the Hotel..." He considered this as they drove. "I mean...some of my cons are half way across the country. I've even been out of the country once or twice. If you really can't stay away from your tree that long, I don't know what you'd end up doing. Usually it's only a few days, though if I'm out of the country I usually take a week or two. Then I can deal with Jet lag and -maybe- enjoy myself for at least one day while I'm there."
He'd enjoy the company. He would...but... "That and I don't know how much fun you'd have. I'd barely be at the hotel except to sleep and change clothing. They're really not as much fun from my end as they are from the end of the people who visit them. Eh. I don't know. I think we need to figure this out more." He cleared his throat, looking around as they drove.
"Anyway, I guess by the fact you're here in one piece the thing with this Kapre guy worked out alright? How did you finally deal with him?"

He exhibited the look of a curious child, somewhat licking his lips and with the imaginings of the said treats that the other was sharing with him. For short, Malaya was getting hungry and even more interested at the idea of being fed with ice cream.

"Well. I don't know how long I can stay out. I'm still fine at the moment though. But I'm older now. I suppose a week would be the longest. I have actually heard of people of my kin traveling cross country and surviving." The engkanto then wracked his brain trying to remember to where and how long it took, "It only took a few hours and if I'm not wrong it was half across the world. I'm around that age already me thinks so I should be fine. If I don't do well, I'll just...Bah, don't worry." He looked at him, smiling and feeling at ease with the promise of food in his mind. "I'll be well. I'm not as fragile as you think."

Since he had no human documents and records, he would have to travel in his original form: without a tangible flesh and blood body. It would be a little strange for Muse perhaps to have a mist of his familiar scent but he didn't want to be such a bother for the man. Malaya liked him a lot and wanted to stay in his company for as long he could. It would be sad if their friendship ended abruptly.
Then when they got to the hotel, he'd take on his real form. Though... Hmm, he'd have to talk it out first when the event came.

Feeling lazy, he stopped braiding his hair and simply made a quick, messy ponytail. He bit on the clip as he gathered his long thick hair at the crown of his head and smiled. Malaya held his hair with one hand while the other reached to tie it with the elastic band.

"Are you really curious and wanting to know? Well...I'll tell you. But for a price. Don't worry it won't be much. Still curious, Joseph?"

Then he gave him a rather mischievous look.
__

Tis annoying.

My original reply for this got eaten. My OC reset twice while I was writing. Yup. TWICE.

My third/this one ought to be spazz. D<

Though me thinks this is fine anyhoo. The original was...angrier.

He raised an eyebrow, looking curiously at the Engkanto as they drove, considering the impish tone in which the offer was given. "Well..." He added after a pause for debate. "I guess that depends on the price." He answered, tone thoughtful. It was hard to know if his idea of a 'little' price matched Malaya's.

"You know we could also test that tree theory at home, with your tree in easy reach. Or it seems that maybe we could." He considered, tapping a finger on the steering wheel. "Is the tree thing a proximity issue or actually...you know...being back inside it?"

It was an odd conversation to be sure, and a little embarrassing since the fact he'd fainted was still fresh and stinging in his mind. He was a grown man. Grown men didn't faint, or at least not and readily live it down...

"Well. I decided I want more than a spoonful of ice cream after all now that you've weaved such an interesting picture of the said treat. Can I have a cupful of it instead?"

The engkanto finished tying his hair up and then looked up at him, grinning as he batted his eyelashes and tried to make himself as convincingly worth it to give more than a spoonful of ice cream.

"It must be really good if you like it so much, Muse. I'd like to have some if you don't mind."

Malaya just hoped he didn't like it too much or else he might end up competing with him on eating it. They might fight over it too. Oh dear.

"How do you propose we test it then if that's the case? I'm curious and truly all ears of what you have in mind..."

But despite that, the ponytailed spirit found himself looking over his shoulder and wondering how come the ice cream hadn't melted yet.

Amazing human technology. He would have to ask why that hadn't happened yet. Not now though. If the brunet caught on his obvious enthusiasm for the said treat, it might cause suspicion.