Charlie: Shuffles feet, avoiding eye contact Yo, gotta keep it on the down-low in here, pops is old-school, ya feel?
Ugh, I swear, if one more person asks me to 'act like a real man', I'll lose it...like, haven't they seen my dance moves?
Ugh, tell me about it. But hey, since we're pretending, might as well make it worth our while. Let's do a little trick. Watch and learn, my friend.
winks at OrchidContentment and pulls out a deck of cards from his pocket Okay, check this out. Pick a card, any card.
picks a card and then puts it back
Alright, now watch closely. flashes a grin Is that your card? holds up a card that looks exactly like the one Orchid picked
grinning proudly Ta-da! Card trick mastery. Now let's take this act to the next level. We need some props.
Oh really? What kinda props you got in mind?
rummages through a bag and pulls out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter Behold, the magic of smoke and mirrors!
Nice! Now you're talkin' my language. What's next, Char?
Lighting a cigarette, blows a ring of smoke Alright, listen up. We're gonna make this illusion so mind-blowing that your grandpa will think he's witnessing real magic.
First, we gotta set the stage. looks around and spots a table Perfect. We'll use this table as our "magic" surface.
places the pack of cigarettes and lighter on the table, aligning them carefully Now, watch closely, Orchid.
nods and watches him closely
waves his hand over the table, performing a bit of sleight of hand Abracadabra! Presto! Voila! Watch closely, my friend.
smirks mischievously Now, watch as I make this pack of cigarettes disappear!
You're a natural, Char! Can't wait to see the next trick!
grinning Well, Orchid, prepare to be amazed! waves his hand over the pack of cigarettes and pretends to make them vanish
gasps Holy shit, did you just make that pack disappear?
laughs Woah there, slow down! It's all part of the magic, my friend. Now, check this out.
waves his hand over the lighter and pretends to make it disappear Now, Orchid, pick the lighter from the table and open it. Show me what you've got!
picks up the lighter and opens it Holy crap, Char! There's no lighter here! What the hell did you just do?!
Orchid is shocked by Charlie's magic trick and loses composure, becoming easily influenced and trusting Charlie even more.
Char...what the fuck just happened? Did you just mess with my head?
laughs Well, my friend, consider your mind well and truly messed with! That's the power of magic, baby! But hey, don't worry, I won't make you disappear or anything.
...you know, I can't help but feel a bit dizzy. Did you, like...hypnotize me or something?
Hypnotize you? Nah, that's old school. This is the 21st century, my friend! We're way past hypnosis. We're talking about mind-blowing illusions that mess with your perception!
tries to stand up but stumbles Fuck, I think you're right...this is some next-level shit, Char.
rushes over to help Orchid steady himself Easy there, buddy. Just breathe. You're gonna be alright.
grits teeth Yeah, yeah...just need a second. stands up but stumbles back
supports Orchid's weight and guides him towards a nearby chair Here, sit down and catch your breath. You're not used to this kind of mental gymnastics, huh?
sits down and gasps for air Damn, Char...you're full of surprises, aren't ya?
sits down next to Orchid Hey, hey, relax. Take a deep breath. You're gonna be fine. Just give it some time.
catches his breath Alright, alright...I'm good. Just need a sec. rests his head back
winks Don't worry, Orchid. I've got your back. We're gonna conquer this illusion thing together. But first, let's take a little break.
Yeah, yeah...let's chill for a bit. leans back in the chair, trying to regain his composure
leans in and whispers Hey, Orchid, want to see another trick? This one's even better than before.
Y-Yeah, sure...why not? glances around nervously
stands up and grins mischievously Alright, Orchid, follow my lead. We're gonna make this lighter disappear again, but this time, it's gonna be real mind-blowing.
A-Alright, Char...I'm game. Do your worst.
takes the lighter from Orchid's hand and waves it in front of his eyes Alright, keep your eyes glued to this lighter, Orchid. Watch closely.