It's nice, honestly. Things at the Bureau were always so stressful, and he kept his concentration on his work, so any workplace flirtation that came his way went over his head. As such, he hasn't really done this sort of thing since grad school, maybe. Forced-casual conversations at parties while he bit back the urge to launch into a lecture about theoretical mathematics.

Besides which, Alan is intriguing. Darling is dying to know if he really is the powerful parautilitarian his files make him out to be. Or -- was, perhaps. He's not certain if those powers would extend to this place, or not. But he's not certain quite how to approach the subject. I read your file isn't the best ice breaker.

"The building where I worked was always freezing. Heated tiles sound luxurious, honestly. But, well -- you're from Washington, right? I guess that sort of thing is necessary, in the winter."