Damien looked at him and raised his eyebrows. “A bit of a personal question to be asking me… and to call me young man, when you dont look much older…”
“What? Really? You don’t appear as old as I am… I’m thirty-five myself.” Carlos knew the greying hair at his temples did make him look distinguished, but come on… with that, the slight bags under his eyes, and his body type? He wasn’t surprised when people mistook him for older, really.
Was this gentleman his own age? Because he looked younger than that, Carlos had thought.
“I’m thirty.” Damien said furrowing his brows. “You always go around asking mayors how old they are?” Damien asked
Carlos didn’t hide his own shock at that. “You… well, I mean, no, I don’t. I just… I noticed how you held yourself and I thought that it was impressive and I assumed… I’m sorry, but otherwise you appeared younger than thirty. I guess I was at least right in thinking you were younger than me, but… huh. Okay. I hadn’t meant to offend you, really, I was just curious.”
He cleared his throat. “Sorry, Mayor – You don’t even know who I am. I’m Carlos.” He gingerly offered his hand for the other to shake.
Damien continued to frown at the other as the other stumbled over his words.
“Its still a bit… weird randomly asking strangers for their age. No matter how young you think they are.” He noted looking at Carlos’ hand.
He took it and shook it warmly. “Damien Iplier.”
“Iplier,” Carlos repeated, making sure he got it. “Kinda like Master Ip – but with a bit more to it. Okay.” He then looked a little sheepish. I… yeah, I’m sorry. I just… the question popped into my head and for some reason I decided to voice it… absolutely my bad.”
The Perfect Scientist 