[ sometimes when one tries to blend in by appearing as boring as possible will achieve the opposite effect of attracting nosy, curious people -- but luckily for sunday, shylock is not one to pry. rather, he's got all the time in the world to let people confide in him once they're ready.

for now though, it is apparent that this boy is not ready for... all of this, really. ]

Mm, that may be so. But it's going to take more than a stick of nicotine to turn me into stone. Though I will say that cigars aren't exactly to my taste...

[ he quietly bemoans. and yet, he whispers a single word and the cigar is lit in his hand as if by magic (because it is). ]

And while I do like mingling with people, new and old, I have to confess that I like the solitude in times like these. [ he smiles. ] You don't mind if I keep you company, do you? Don't worry, I'll keep this cigar well away from you somehow.