Malcolm found himself relaxing in the other’s company. The other’s calm politeness put him at ease. Rich didn’t seem to expect anything of him (that he could sense) and nor was he obviously and actively disinterested in Malcolm. The secretary was so used to talking to people that were only listening to him because it was polite that he’d almost forgotten what it was like to take part in a real conversation.
The werewolf’s response to the vampire was lukewarm, by most standards, but his level of congeniality was quite warm by his own standards. As the conversation wound down, he found himself wondering if his new place would have a flower box or something else suitable for growing a plant. Having something to care after would be... nice.
When Rich mentioned he was going to buy the book, Malcolm paused, blinking, and then he grinned. It looked very strange on his face. He seemed younger. “Oh. Okay then.” That was sneaky--showing Malcolm a book, getting him all interested, and then snatching it out from under his nose. He had to admire the art of it, though. “I think I’ll pass this time. This is an interesting book, but not something I’d probably want to own.”
