Page 36 of Dark Shaman: Eternal Hope
"I didn't know those kinds of robots were for real." Magnus's expression didn't change, which Tim appreciated.
"They are, and I even saved up for one," Tim continued. "I had the money set aside and everything. Then this happened." He gestured vaguely at himself. "Now I'm this, whatever this is, living with an incredible female who treats me like a pleasant but sexless houseguest."
"You've never been much of a ladies' man," Magnus said. It wasn't a question.
"That's the understatement of the century. Several centuries, in your case."
Magnus was quiet for a moment, seeming to consider something. "Have you heard of Perfect Match?"
"The dating service?"
"It's more than that. They offer romantic fantasy adventures, immersive experiences that can teach you about romance andhelp you build confidence. Think of it as practicing in a safe environment."
Tim frowned. "I wanted to try that, but not as a learning experience. More out of necessity and frustration. Your angle is interesting, though."
Magnus lifted his jug in a sort of salute. "Just think about it. You can learn how to read social cues, practice conversations, and even experience different types of romantic situations. Several of those, and you will become a Don Juan."
"It's expensive."
"It's free for clan members," Magnus said. "The downside is the waiting list. We only have four machines, and everyone wants a turn."
Tim couldn't imagine the flawless immortals needing practice in romantic situations, but Perfect Match offered much more than just romantic encounters.
He would probably be the only one requesting that sort of thing.
"It seems kind of pathetic, doesn't it? How am I even going to explain what I want?"
Magnus shrugged. "I never went on a virtual adventure, but I heard that there is an extensive online questionnaire. Do you really care what the artificial intelligence thinks about you?"
"No. That makes things easier, sort of. What am I going to tell Hildegard?"
"Here's a thought," Magnus said. "Hildegard is an adventurous sort. She likes trying new things."
"Your point?"
"Maybe she'd be interested in going with you. She could be your romantic instructor without knowing that's what she's doing. You could frame it as an adventure, something fun and different to try together. If she says yes, you'll have your answer about whether she's interested. If she says no, at least you'll know where you stand."
"And if she laughs at me?"
"She won't. I've known Hildegard for a long time, and that's not the kind of woman she is."
Tim took a long drink from his beer, thinking it over. The idea terrified him, but so did the thought of spending the next few decades or even centuries living in limbo.
"What would I say to her? 'Hey, want to go on a romantic fantasy adventure with me?' sounds like a pickup line from someone who doesn't know how pickup lines work."
Magnus chuckled. "Fair point. Has she mentioned anything she wants to do? Places she wants to see?"
Tim thought about their conversations during their walks. "She mentioned wanting to see the Northern Lights someday. And she's curious about wine tasting in France, but now that Gertrude is mated, Hildegard has no one to go with. She said she'd feel awkward going alone because she doesn't know anything about wine."
Magnus gave him a knowing look. "That sounds to me like a big fat hint that you've missed completely."
"You think she wanted me to offer to go with her? I can't leave the village yet, so that doesn't make sense."
"She might have been testing you, but don't worry. You can still salvage the situation. As far as I know, Perfect Match offers a Paris vacation. You can suggest that."
"That's...actually not terrible advice."
"I have my moments." Magnus finished his mead, stood, and headed toward the door, then paused. "You are no longer the same person you were a month ago, and I don't mean just physically. Take a look in the mirror and have a serious talk with the new Tim. You need a new script for your self-talk."
