JN   What Max.

JN   What do you want?

He shoots you a grin, despite the evident pissed-off expression you're wearing.

MN   ( FINALLY. YOU FOUND THE TIME TO STOP BY ]...

JN   I was busy!

MN   ( IGNORING ME? ]...

JN   ...

JN   Yes.

MN   ( WHAT CRUELTY, TO DO SO TO A DEAR FRIEND ]...

JN   Its also cruel to call your dear friend a -

MN   ( IT GOT YOU HERE, DIDN'T IT? ]...

MN   ( SO IT CANCELS OUT ]...

You think about leaving. What a wonderful thought.

JN   What do you want from me this t-

MN   ( ANYWAY. I WANT SOMETHING FROM YOU ]...

JN   I figured that out thanks.

JN   And? What is it.

He pauses. Not a meaningfully dramatic one, but a moment of genuine apprehension. It's enough to put you on guard.

MN   ( YOU'RE... SKILLED ]...

MN   ( IN AN EVIL, PSYCHOTIC WAY, BUT NONETHELESS ]...

You have a feeling this is going to be a long conversation.

MN   ( AND YOU UNDERSTAND THE SENSITIVE THINGS ]...

MN   ( MATTERS I WOULD HAVE NO NEED FOR, OF COURSE ]...

MN   ( AS DEATH'S LOYAL FERRYMAN, I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR - ]...

JN   For Spryns sake Max stop beating around the bush!

JN   Im actually busy you know.

He barks a laugh.

MN   ( MY WORD, WOMAN, HAVE YOU NOT A MINUTE? ]...

MN   ( ARE YOU PREOCCUPIED WITH BREAKING INTO PATENT OFFICES AGAIN? ]...

JN   If I was I could get it done faster than this conversation is going.

MN   ( FINE. I GET IT ]...

He clears his throat.

MN   ( I WANTED TO REQUEST YOUR SERVICES ]...

MN   ( IN REGARDS TO GAINING LOYALTY FROM MY MORE FRAIL PASSENGERS ]...

MN   ( THEY COWER FROM MY PRESENCE, AND I ]...

MN   ( I NEED A WAY TO COMMUNICATE TO THEM AMICABLY ]...

JN   ...

All you can do is stare at him.

MN   ( HAS MY AURA RENDERED YOU SPEECHLESS? ]...

MN   ( NOT UNEXPECTED, BUT ]...

MN   ( I’D LIKE A RESPONSE BEFORE I HAVE TO CALL SOMEONE ]...

JN   Im just...

The grin you're wearing is almost splitting your face.

JN   Relishing this.

JN   You finally realized that my people skills reign superior.

MN   ( HA! NO SUCH THING ]...

MN   ( IT’S MERELY… A SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE ]...

JN   I never thought the day would come.

JN   You called me all the way here just to admit defeat.

Laughter nips at your voice. He huffs.

MN   ( WHAT? DID YOU ONLY SEE ME AS A HEARTLESS BEAST? ]...

MN   ( I CARE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THOSE WHO RIDE THE RAILS ]...

MN   ( ITS ONLY NATURAL I SHOULD LOWER MYSELF TO EARN THEIR TRUST ]...

JN   Wow. How sweet.

JN   You dont need me. You could just use all this natural charm.

MN   ( FINE, THEN ]...

He turns and stalks away. You laugh again as you follow him.

JN   Wait! I never even said yes.

MN   ( I RETRACT MY REQUEST ]...

MN   ( YOU WOULD CLEARLY ONLY ANTAGONIZE MY PASSENGERS FURTHER ]...

JN   Max seriously. Ill help you.

JN   I just had to think about it.

He stops and gives you a look.

MN   ( WHAT REASON WOULD THERE BE TO REFUSE? ]...

You look right back.

JN   Spending prolonged time with you for one.

JN   But Ill bear through it if its for a good cause.

JN   And surprisingly - you managed to come up with one.

JN   So Ill do it.

JN   Even if its for you.

Now, it's his turn to laugh. As much fun as you have ribbing him, it is nice to see that stupid grin back on his face. Especially when it's soft and genuine, like it is now.

MN   ( I SEE. THAT WOULD BE AN ISSUE ]...

MN   ( THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH POWER AND MAGNIFICANCE YOU CAN HANDLE ]...

You roll your eyes.

JN   Uh huh. Sure.