Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-26104528-20150928195402/@comment-26130256-20151220225012

"I can think of some similar examples," Azulius bowed his head, fully aware that she was talking about him. Her words stung more than a little, but she did have a point or two. Except for his purpose...

"Course, there's a big difference between solving a problem and erasing it.  I mean, if you drop a glass of milk on the floor and it breaks, you can always clean it up, but you ain't getting that glass or that milk back.  Same thing with a lot of problems.  It's been eight years since my grandmother was killed in a hit.  We solved the hell out of those bastards, but Rosa's still dead, and Grandpa Ochre still has a good thousand yard stare."

"And most of the people I know who 'want people to feel sorry' are just looking for someone to vent to.  My Dust Chemistry teacher back in Vacuo was downright brilliant.  But sometimes his formulae would hit a snag, like any scientist.  And since he was the best in the school by far, no one else was skilled enough to understand the problem, much less give advice.  So this is what he started doing:  He kept a rubber duck on his desk, the same kind you played with in the tub as a kid.  When he had problems, he'd grab the duck and explain what the problem was, line by line of the reaction.  And somehow, as he explained the problem, he would stumble on the answer.  By talkin' to a duck.  Sometimes just talking things out can help folks." The magician took a deep breath before continuing.

"Ya ever been gambling, and see the giant jackpots they have on the slots?  You know you don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning, but the payoff is just too good to not try?" Azzie shook his head, trying to change the subject. It had been too long since he had even tried speaking to a woman in such a way, never mind actually succeeding.

"B-But I didn't track ya down to talk philosophy.  I heard f-from a friend about some r-restaurant in town.  Supposedly, they m-make some chicken and waffles t-to die for.  But I've never t-tried the dish myself, so I figured I'd bring a c-connoiseur along to show me what to look for.  You interested?" he stammered, his heartbeat almost matching Roaring Moxie's rate of fire.

(seriously, check out those links.  They will change your life.)