softlyfalling | mistletoe 2020;

[ she is envisioning such a different meaning to "scarlet letter." ]

Ah, another reference I'm going to have to look up, I see.

S'posed to be a badge of shame. But you could always just read the book.

Well, I'll gladly take the reading recommendation.

It's a classic back home.

Well, all the more reason, then. But I know I like your taste in books, anyway.

Thanks.

I always got more if you need 'em.

[not really caring if "likes romance literature" doesn't fit with his tough guy exterior.]

See, I can't dislike someone that bookish.

Sure you could. You're just not turned off by my brand of asshole.

Which, a mystery, really.

High bar to clear for asshole with me, I'm afraid.

[he gestures]

We are in hell. There's an abundance here.

And yet they'd still all have to beat out a lot of people I knew before all of this.