“Yeah, xe was a collaborator on this thesis we’re working on. You know the one?”
DANIEL brightens. “Oh, that!” His mouth flattens in a puzzling sort of way. “Vlad’s talked my ear off about that thesis more times than I can count, but it’s neat stuff! It’s pretty cool to see people out in the field like you guys are.” He rolls his eyes flippantly. “I mean, we were all in the field, really, but you’ve got people watching! And believing it! It might not look it, but you’re really opening up supernatural studies to the broader-”
DANIEL stops himself, shaking his head, and extends his hand to shake.
“And now I’m talkin’ your ear off. Sorry, kid. Name’s Danny Fenton.” He smiles. “If I catch you callin’ me Daniel I’m gonna assume you’re the enemy.”
“Then you better call me Dipper Pines,” you offer in return. “So, uh, if I’m not being weird, how’d a guy like you end up with Vlad Masters over there?”
DANNY snickers harshly. “Family friend, if you can believe it. My parents were his old research buddies, the guy’s been trying to nab me as an apprentice since I was barely in high school. I kept telling him to fuck off, but-”
His smile dims somewhat.
“Well. Times change. People, too. It was a good offer, that’s all.”
He thumps at his chest with a hearty cough.
“Anyway! Enough of my tragic gamer backstory! What were you and Vlad on about before he got all pissy?”
>[“Trying to get a feel for the other guests. I kinda feel a little outta my depth, y’know?”]
>[“Did you notice anyone acting weird? There’s just so many people, it’s hard to tell.”]
>[“Don’t you think the guest list is a little… strange this year?”]