Michelle found herself pushed backwards into the booth, her newfound companion activating the privacy screens that every single booth in the Velvet Glove came equipped with.  Part of her wanted to protest but she found no reason to.  Though be warned, Akiko: Michelle is dangerous.  The only reason she hasn't blown you off or tried to leave is because she hasn't a single idea of what you are - to her, you're just a beautiful SURGE victim.  The<em>moment</em>she finds out you are Awakened, you are hosed.<br/><br/>"Actually, I...kind of was," she admitted with an embarrassed blush.  "I was reading other stuff, too, news articles about stuff going on because it's New Year's, but I was reading a book."  She had plenty of books, she loved reading - the pile of datasofts she had at home (Dracula was merely the one currently plugged into her commlink at the current moment) were evidence enough of that.  Michelle sniffed as the bottle of alcohol was delivered to their table.  "That smells...real," amongst other things she could smell.<br/><br/>"Thinking about?"  Michelle replied.  "Well, I mean...there<em>were</em>things I was thinking about, but I suppose<em>right now</em>?  I'd be thinking about you: why'd you come over here, anyways?  You could probably have anyone you wanted here, and there are people plenty more important than me...so why me?"