Open mouth, insert foot

'Good morning, Isaiah.'

'Oh, you're finally back. What happened? I heard you had to go to the hospital.'

'I was attacked in my own home, believe it or not.'

'By who?'

'A vampire. It didn't do much to endear me to them. You agree, don't you? You're a werewolf, after all.'

'Just because I'm a werewolf it doesn't mean that I automatically dislike all vampires. I prefer not to judge people by race, thank you very much.'

'But there is a natural animosity between the two groups, is there not?'

'Yes. But it doesn't bother me personally. I'm more likely to get annoyed by another werewolf. Puppy-like behaviour is so very irritating.'

'Oh, I'm sure.'

'So who is this vampire then?'

'Someone I've known for a very long time. I upset him and he greatly overreacted. He beat the hell out of me then nearly drained all the blood in my body. You see, I didn't realise he'd turned into a vampire.'

'That... seems like a severe response to being upset by someone.'

'Severe indeed.'

'So what happened then?'

'I don't remember much, but fortunately Hazel came home and rescued me.'

'It sounds like you had a lucky escape.'

'I did! So that's why it's taken me all this time to recover. I wanted to come back sooner. I do have very important work to be doing, after all.'

'Don't we all.'

'Of course. So what about you? How are the plants?'

'I'm doing fine, although botany is a bit more complex than just looking at plants.'

'I didn't say otherwise. You're quite a simple man, aren't you, Isaiah? You keep yourself to yourself.'

'It's a rather peaceful way to live. Perhaps I'd rather not suffer the inane ramblings of others.'

'Ooh, was that a dig?'

'...No. Sorry.'

'None taken. You know, I'm very glad I don't have visible scars.  I'm lucky to have come out of my attack relatively unscathed. You weren't so fortunate...'

'Yes, I am well aware of that. I can see it every time I look in the mirror, in fact. So thank you for the reminder, Miles. It's just what I needed.'

'Wait! I'm sorry, that was insensitive!'

'I have work to do.'

'So I heard congratulations are in order?'

'Fuck yeah they are! Did Aria tell you?'

'Yes, she did. I'm honestly surprised she got there before you.'

'Well, I've been spendin' a lotta time with Nyla this past week...'

'I'm sure. It's okay, I don't want all the details.'

'Haha, okay.'

'Did your mother get over it in the end?'

'I think so. Had to do some grovellin' but eh, shit's sorted.'

'Does she know about you and Nyla yet?'

'Nah. I don't think she'll like her to be honest.'

'Why not? Nyla's lovely.'

'Damn right she is, but Ma... she wants me to be with a "nice Italian girl", y'know?'

'Oh dear.'

'I don't care, man. Ain't nothin' gonna kill my vibe now.'

'I'm glad to hear it! It's nice to see you happy.'

'Thanks. What about you? Is there anyone I haven't heard about?'

'Come on, Stanley. Be realistic.'

'I am! I'm tellin' you, you can easily get a girlfriend. You're a catch.'

'Thank you, although I don't really believe it.'

'Well, here's hopin' for the new year?'

'Okay then. I'll see how it goes...'