Danae
"...Yes."

*Diao became flushed once more as Horace questioned her, though it wasn't clear whether it was out of embarrassment or anger.*

"What's that supposed to mean huh? Can I not have feelings for a specimen like you? We don't even know what happened that night-for all we know you could have seduced me and led me into bed!"
Anna
*The kitsune shook his head, looking at Diao. He puts his chin in his hand, propping himself up against the armchair.*

"I'm just asking... Are you sure what you feel is love? Not just physical attraction?" 

*He sighs, gently wiping his face over his hand. Clearly he wasn't enjoying this.*
"We're practically strangers, Diao. One night together doesn't change that. Yeah, I probably seduced you. It's in my nature too..."

*He looked away, eyes tracing some of his items, landing on a throwing knife of different make than his own.*
"What I mean to say is, you shouldn't be getting attached to a guy like me... Y'know?"
Danae
"...I'm not very good at deciphering stuff like this. I'm not a machine I can take apart and understand. But, I do appreciate what you've done for me. It's not just the chassis I like."

*Diao looked away, as Arktos reported her vitals.*

A: "Heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure increasing."

"Shut up, Arktos. I can't control it! If there was a switch that I could just turn off, I would do it. It would make things easier. But people don't work like that, you know?"
Anna
*Horace blinked. It sounded as if she was repeating a script from her favorite play. Now that he thought about it, he was also spouting cheesy one liners like it was a soap opera. He groans lightly and shakes his head.*

"I'll say it, just so we're clear. Whatever feelings you have are misguided, and dangerous for yours and my well-being." 

*The kitsune pushed Diao to her feet coldly, standing up himself. He reaches for his shirt, dressing himself.*
"I appreciate the sentiment. You're cute, smart, and good hearted. Find yourself someone like you."
Danae
"I-I see."

*Upon Horace pushing her away, Diao stood up, facing the door. She couldn't bring herself to look at the kitsune; what was she thinking? For all her intelligence, she really was dumb when it came to social interaction, huh?*

*'You're cute too.'*

"This won't change anything between us, right? Everything just goes as normal?"
Anna
"As normal as can be, I suppose." 
*He finishes buttoning his shirt back up, looking back at Diao as she faces the door.*

"Don't take it personally Diao... I'm just trying to save you from heart break later down the road."
*He fumbled with something out of his pocket. A box containing more cigarettes and a handheld lighter. He pushes the bud to his lips, lighting the opposite end before he takes a drag.*
"Take the day off. However long you need, actually."
Danae
"Yeah."

*Diao walks to the door, opening it without looking back.*

"You know, you really should stop that bad habit of yours. It'll lead to long lasting issues one day.*

*The artificer didn't specify exactly what bad habit she was referring to as she stepped out the door. Horace couldn't see her face, but he could hear a tiny little sniffle and a sob.*

"Good night."

*A minute later, he would hear a loud, muffled scream, paired with what sounded like a hammer smashing into a plate of steel. Then silence.*
Anna
"Good night, Diao." 
*He watches her go, raising an eyebrow at the sudden freak out behind the door. He steps over to his bed, sitting down with a groan. The kitsune rubs the back of his neck tiredly, popping the cigarette out of his mouth for a moment. He plays with it in his hand, and glances at a nearby ashtray.*

"If it kills me, it kills me. If I die alone... So be it." 
*He says, bringing the smoke back to his mouth as he flops back into his bed.*
"Wonder if I'll see her tonight."