Tea tea tea [for Maine]

[Juen]

"A job is a job," Antony said, returning the smile with a slight one of his own. "And if it pays well then I see no need to complain about it." But there was a hint of play behind his words, if only slight. Meetings were a bother because he had to put on that mask of charisma...the constant smile and the start of every conversation. It was tiresome but it had to be done...it was a good job that he had and he did enjoy working hard and meeting challenges.

[flamingi]

Fern frowned slightly into his palm,

"Yes, I suppose. There are limits on what I would do for money, but I guess sitting in a pressed suit and looking trustworthy wouldn't be such a tough job. What is it exactly you do?"

[Juen]

"I'm in charge of Public Relations for the CAI," Antony said calmly, "I make sure we get good press, organize meetings, get to know people from across the world." He shrugged, "It's one of those supposed challenging jobs because you've got to get on people's good sides instantly...no time to get to know them. You meet and then you want them to see you as their best friend."

"I would ask about your job...but I believe it speaks for itself..."

[flamingi]

Fern stiffened at hearing what the other man did. Androids. Well, specifically, convincing people to buy androids. Something he was entirely against, unless it was selling to poor old women who needed extra help, or a family with too many children to deal with on her own. He didn't suppose that these were the sort of people this man sold them to. But.... he was willing to overlook this... Antony seemed like a nice person and wasn't actually involved with the creative process behind the androids. A job was a job... and this one probably payed rather nicely. Who wouldn't want such a job? No hard labour, easy money, you just had to be good with people.

He straightened up in his chair, leaning back and eyeing Antony carefully.

"Do you actually... own... any androids?"

[Juen]

"I don't exactly see the need..." Antony said truthfully, but he sensed something amiss with the other. Something that told him the other didn't like androids. That was strange...most people were a fan of the convenience and the intelligence of androids. "I own an apartment so there's not much to clean and I don't spend a lot of time at home...furthermore with all the charges that come with them...I'm not ready for that kind of commitment."

He shrugged, "Perhaps when I own an actual house...or require their services I'll purchase one but at the moment...I'm not exactly in need."

[flamingi]

Fern let out a small sigh of relief, relaxing a bit in his chair.

"That's good. I was scared for a moment you were one of those people who have many androids. For cleaning, for company, for sex. Personally, I'm against keeping androids unless you really need the help. If you are sick or injured, or have many children.... That sort of thing. I believe androids make you lazy... physically and socially. No need to go get a boyfriend, you can just buy one... I think that's disgusting."

[Juen]

"I see..." Antony said and that was all he said, with an understanding smile on his lips and a nod of his head. Everyone was entitled to their opinion, he had his own for goodness sake. He did not long for companionship, nor did he need someone to clean up after him...he did not need assistance so he did not purchase assistance. He was fine with living his life alone. While this young man was opinionated and beautiful...even then Antony was certain that the relationship would not get far. They never did. But for the moment he was interested...oh so interested in just letting the other speak. So he said no more...almost prompting the other to continue with how he felt.

[flamingi]

Fern decided to go on, finding he had an audience, albeit an audience he had to carefully guard his words around.

"Yes... All these technological advancements are the downfall of society. They breed a culture of laziness, all structure going to the dogs. Soon this world will be filled with androids. No more shopkeepers, instead, artificial humanity hidden behind 'lifelike' parts. I don't want to be part of such a world... Really, I shouldn't even---"

He stopped abruptly, realizing that he was just about to speak about how he was to die, but had been forcefully kept alive. He quelled the panic that was rising in his throat and forced himself to continue,

"---Shouldn't even be saying these things... considering who you are and your job..."

[Juen]

"Everyone is entitled to an opinion..." Antony said calmly, "It is part of the human spirit...to believe in something. And that believe becomes a reality. Personally I believe that everyone who owns an android...needs it. No matter what the case may be. If someone is lonely, so lonely that they cannot bear the thought of living...and an android gives them the companionship they need to keep on going. Then that need is just as vital as the need of someone who is old and sick."

"Who are we to say which needs are more important...someone who is lonely and has been broken by humans...and their needs twists their insides...then it is not wrong to provide for that need."

"That is my belief, and you have yours," he smiled.

[flamingi]

Fern attempted to smile back, but it was more like a grimace.

"If you put it that way, yes, that does justify the need for androids and the mass creation of them. I just hope that everyone who has one... truly needs one. But... a few months ago, I was in need of such companionship, but I could not afford an android. I overcame my hardship and without the use of an android. So maybe that says something, but maybe it doesn't."

He frowned,

"It is too complex to speak about such things. It delves too far into human nature and psychology. Too much deep thinking for my young brain. It is so frustrating... there are no answers."

[Juen]

"Doesn't sound like it..." Antony commented with the same light calmness that had carried him through the conversation thus far. After his little speech he had gone back to being strangely attentive...waiting for the other to speak, leading him on not with words...but with calculated silence that was so characteristic of him. "You sound like you know how you feel...what you believe...though sometimes it's difficult to explain it to outsiders."

"But change the subject if you want...whatever you would like."

[flamingi]

Fern nodded, "Yes... there is much I would like to say but just can't. In an era of freedom of speech, there is still a need to guard words. And yes, I will change the subject."

He bit his lip for a moment and then smiled,

"So, I can't help to be curious, but, are you gay? It's always nice to know what you're dealing with."

[Juen]

"Good question..." Antony smiled, "But I believe you would have figured enough out already with the fact that I'm interested in you. Is that answer enough?" He didn't know how to characterize himself, he didn't fantasize about genders...he fantasized about people. Real people, fictional people. But all people that he knew and understood to a certain extent. He was interested in Fern, interested enough to stay behind and entice him into a conversation.

[flamingi]

Fern pouted, feeling a bit redundant by asking that question. He had known what the other man meant, but was just making 100% sure.

"Well, you could have been... intrigued by my tea skills. Or my hair... It didn't have to mean you were interested in me, although that's what I assumed. So, now that we know where we stand. What are you going to do with this interest?"

Fern wasn't one for being subtle and beating around the bush.

[Juen]

"Well I was thinking of asking you out...but I was waiting to see what kind of place would be more to your liking..." Antony said, not flustered at all by this persistence. "But I didn't get that deep into your character yet so...dinner?" He relaxed his legs and moved, recrossing them in an opposite fashion that they had been crossed in moments before. He shifted his hands as well, with gentle and precise movements.

"What do you like to eat?" he asked.