Mel leaned against the wall outside the small office he shared with his partner. His chipped nail still bugging him.

‘I’ll show them how it’s done.’ Mel thought. ‘And get my benefits back. Even if it kills me.’

Inside the office Trish and Kelly were working on their paperwork.

“Didn’t you find it a bit odd he has not even asked us about our finances?” Kelly whispered.

“I guess he just doesn’t want to pressure us too much.” Trish looked around answering in her own whispers. “I mean look around, they can obviously use a score or two.”

“I guess… Still, he hasn’t even asked us about how much we can afford. There is also nothing in these questionaries about price points.”

“Being the one who went through law, you would think I’d be the one worrying.” Trish nudged Kelly’s arm.

“Well, you seem to be taking this a bit too easy if you ask me. You are supposed to be on guard against shysters after all.”

“Honestly Kel, I don’t see the problem yet. It’s not like this will be a quick purchase like going to the mall for shoes… uhhh, never mind that takes you forever too.” Trish chuckled.

“Like your any better!” Kelly pretended to be aghast. “Ok, ok. If you’re not worried, I will put more into enjoying the process of buying our house together and leave you to sniff out any dangers. After all, I guess it does ask about education here.”

“That’s a girl.” Trish smiled.

The girls chatted quietly together more about what they were looking for in a house as they went over the last of the paperwork together. Filling out each area as best they could. Filling in all their hopes and dreams.

=====================================================================================

“Greetings Sir!” Wen greeted her customer with a beaming smile. “It would be my pleasure to help you locate a new home!” She continued as the man sat in the red plastic chair across from her. “My name is Wen.”

“Nice to meet ya Wen. I’m John.” John said wiggling to get comfortable in the chair.

“Well John, I hope we have just what you are looking for. Ummm, there are a few things we need to discuss before you take possession of your new home.” Then thinking about asking Mel what his angle was, “Though we will save that for last. After all, too many complications up front can lead to a negative experience. We will work through everything together one step at a time, making this process as easy as we can. I hope I can count on you to remain a valued customer with us here at House Hunters Inc. at that time.” She finished with her biggest and brightest smile.

John sat still and did not seem to react in any way through her spiel. Just giving a simple nod at the end.

Red flags went up for Wen. ‘He is too distant. What could he be up to? Does he work for the company?’ Wen’s thoughts raced a bit. But her smile never faded.

“Now then.” Wen coughed a bit. “Here are two forms for you to fill out. The first tells me about yourself to help get a feel for your desired house setting and style. The second form details your must haves and even a few of your desires in the new house you wish to purchase.”

Wen passed the same two forms that the girls were given, complete with a pen. John simply nodded once taking the offered items.

“I will just step outside and give you some privacy while you complete your questionnaires.”

Wen got up gracefully and walked to join her partner outside, her smile dropping like a ton of bricks.

Once outside, Wen turned to Mel who was scowling at his nail, as if it was blighted.

“Oh relax. Aestheticians on this world may not have access to magic, but I am sure they can fix your poor nail. Then when you get back it will be a simple matter to get it fixed properly. After all, we already have two potential buyers.”

Mel merely grumped.

“Fine. Anyway. Maybe let me in on your little idea for getting us more closures.”

Mel looked up at Wen. “You’ll see.” He said simply going back to petting his damaged nail.

“Ugg. You’re so impossible sometimes. It’s just a nail. It will grow back!”

Mel stared at her his mouth agape. “It’s not just a nail!” He blurted out too loud. “It’s a symbol of where I have worked my way up to! Unlike you damn Elves.” Mel caught himself suddenly and peered around. Clearing his throat, he began again. “Unlike you, I had to work my way up through the rough shit work of the mines. I wasn’t just frolicking about in a forest.”

“Hey! We don’t frolic! We have our issues too!”

“Whatever drama queen.” Mel waved her rebuke away.

“Who’s the drama queen!?” Wen retorted flicking Mel’s finger.

The two squared off in a staring contest. Both inches from the others throat.

After a moment of silent war they both took a a step back.

“Whatever!” Mel grumped again. “I am going to get this sale and they will have to give me my benefits back!”

“Those two? I doubt it. That guy who just came in. He’s weird. Too quiet, gives me the creeps. It’s like he’s just here to test us.”

Mel started at that. “Think he’s part of the company?”

“I’m not sure. If he’s not, he’s likely got major issues. All stone faced and no words. Reminds me of a golem.”

“Hmm. Well, it shouldn’t matter. I have this in the bag.”

“Well, maybe you can let me in on the bagged goods. So, if John is company, I can keep him from catching us doing something untoward.”

Mel shook his head. “Look. I am keeping everything on the up and up. You’ll see. We just need to find them the perfect properties. And they can’t say no.”

“That’s it?” Wen tossed up her hands. “We’ve been doing that from day one.”

Mel simply winked. “You’ll see.”