At the next daybreak, Feitan went to see how his gift had been received. And as usual, it was gone without a trace. This made him feel a bit... sad. Perhaps you didn't like his gifts at all. Maybe he was better off simply admiring you from afar.

Feitan trudged into the hideout and over to his little section. It was before midnight. He absently picked up a pair of pliers and wiped nonexistent dust off of them with his sleeve.

Phinks could sense his troupe member's mood and made a beeline for him. "Things not go well?"

Feitan sighed.

"Did you see your girl? You're back early"

"I no see her. She get rid of gift. "

"She mad at you for it?" Phinks offered Feitan his cigarette and the other took it, taking a deep drag.He didn't normally indulge, but any kind of pick-me-up would be appreciated.

"Dunno. Gift just gone."

"Well, tell me what you gave her. Maybe I can help." Phinks settled himself down against the wall. The smaller man dropped down beside him, tucking his feet up neatly.

"Dead body art."

"Yeah but was really nasty? Girls usually don't like gross stuff; no one knows why." Phinks said wisely.

"She not like that. Makes nasty art. Maybe she tired of gifts."

"Nah! That can't be true. She doesn't know you, how you put effort into them!" he snapped his fingers suddenly. "Do something for her! Steal her something!" Phinks said "Girls love expensive gifts!"

Feitan had no idea what to get for you. Machi liked pretty underthings-- not that he'd ever seen them on her-- but she talked about them a lot. The thought of underthings and you both embarrassed him and made him awkwardly hard... so those were out. Paku had liked jewelry but even Feitan knew that some jewelry held special significance that was unknown to him. Better play it safe and let that one go. What did one get an artist? Normally, you built sculptures out of junk, but he didn't want to give you junk. As he pondered the idea, Phinks came up with his own plan. If this woman wasn't going to notice the bodies that Feitan brought to her, Phinks would make Feitan be that body.

Not forever, of course, Feitan was too good of a troupe member for that. Just a good bonk on the noggin would do.

"I'm coming with you next time." Phinks declared.

"What?! NO!" He didn't want to share you with the tall, eyebrowless man. "My girl."

"She's certainly not if you've never talked to her!" Phinks laughed. "Here me out, what if you're the gift."

"You want die?" Feitan drew his sword and narrowed his eyes.

"No, no, not like that. But what if you lay there and wait for her?"

"Could never!" Feitan gasped.

"Could if I knocked your lights out." Phinks offered, arms open. "At the very least, you'd know what she's doing with the bodies."

Feitan thought on the plan for a moment. Then, he agreed.