[Yep, this is how Mello starts a conversation - no pleasantries, no attempt at smalltalk, no phrasing it as a polite request, just straight to business, demanding information.]
[Poor Mello. You picked a terrible time to call, as Chris is on his way to Hope's Temple to stay for a bit on the fear that something happened to Ashley.
Still, he only sounds a bit terse and irritated rather than anything more when he responds.]
I think all sorts of things should have happened, like you thinking maybe it's not the super best idea to call me just to bitch. Do you have like, something actually useful to say, or...?
[Despite the snappishly worded response Chris is actually sounding more and more neutral, like he's distracted and replying on autopilot more than anything else.]
I don't call people just to - as you so charmingly put it - bitch, Chris. I wanted to know what's been done about it because it would be a pointless waste of time to duplicate efforts.
[Right. Okay. That's reasonable enough, even if Mello's previous response was a little condescending. Chris is silent for a short time, stepping into Hope's Temple and giving an apprehensive look around, but it's quiet and empty. Okay.]
I can't tell you what's been done or not because I don't know. My friend's working on it and I need to check with her.
[The only problem is that said friend--who is actually his girlfriend--is currently missing.]
[Chris is really pretty used to ignoring people being entitled, but for some reason with Mello it just really annoys him. It's even worse considering the current situation.]
[Mello actually stares at his phone for a few seconds in disbelief of the fact that he just got hung up on, because that actually happens a lot less often than you might think. Once the shock of it wears off, he dials Chris back, sounding remarkably calm, all things considered.]
And why is it going to take you three days to check with your friend?
[Chris considers not picking up, and he really regrets not going with his initial feelings after he hears Mello's question. Even though his answer is flippant it has an almost forced quality to it.]
S-Some people, you know, have lives.
[And some might not, and he's trying really hard not to think about that possibility despite that he's decided to spend the night in Hope's temple just in case.]
[On the having a life thing. Chris does have stuff to do, but he's definitely not busy enough to not be able to call someone; otherwise he would've hung up again already, which is seriously tempting.]
[Chris is not the only one fighting the temptation to hang up; Mello's patience for the direction this conversation is taking is running remarkably thin.]
Then what, Chris? Your friend is too busy to answer a simple question for the next three days? I know you don't like me, but I'm trying to offer my help on a project that's been stalled for months, one that's of benefit to everyone who ends up here. Are you really so petty you'd rather let it sit unfinished?
[Chris has a million things he could say to that, some more pointed and biting than others, but why bother? He's not hurt by Mello's comment personally--Mello might think he's petty, oh no--and although he's a little insulted on Ashley's behalf that is so not the most important thing right now. He already has enough to be stressed out about, and this conversation and guide for people that won't arrive for another month are not making the list.]
If you're that worried about the time, then start from scratch.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
voice; approximately now-ish.
[Yep, this is how Mello starts a conversation - no pleasantries, no attempt at smalltalk, no phrasing it as a polite request, just straight to business, demanding information.]
voice;
Still, he only sounds a bit terse and irritated rather than anything more when he responds.]
Nonexistent. Why?
permavoice;
Don't you think it should exist by now?
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[Despite the snappishly worded response Chris is actually sounding more and more neutral, like he's distracted and replying on autopilot more than anything else.]
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I don't call people just to - as you so charmingly put it - bitch, Chris. I wanted to know what's been done about it because it would be a pointless waste of time to duplicate efforts.
[By which he means that he wants to work on it.]
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I can't tell you what's been done or not because I don't know. My friend's working on it and I need to check with her.
[The only problem is that said friend--who is actually his girlfriend--is currently missing.]
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Fine. Talk to you in like three days.
[And end of call.]
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And why is it going to take you three days to check with your friend?
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S-Some people, you know, have lives.
[And some might not, and he's trying really hard not to think about that possibility despite that he's decided to spend the night in Hope's temple just in case.]
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[Obvious solution is obvious, though Mello can't really imagine what could be so pressing that would require a three-day delay.]
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[On the having a life thing. Chris does have stuff to do, but he's definitely not busy enough to not be able to call someone; otherwise he would've hung up again already, which is seriously tempting.]
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Then what, Chris? Your friend is too busy to answer a simple question for the next three days? I know you don't like me, but I'm trying to offer my help on a project that's been stalled for months, one that's of benefit to everyone who ends up here. Are you really so petty you'd rather let it sit unfinished?
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If you're that worried about the time, then start from scratch.
[And he hangs up again.]
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even though one probably should tbh. Mello dials him back immediately.]What exactly is wrong with you?
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Stop calling me.
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[Duh.]
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[It's about as dry as he can manage before he goes ahead and hangs up again. It's almost cathartic at this point.]
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