Train Man Page 5
‘Umm . . . how about dinner . . . could I take you out to dinner’
Can’t remember the exact words but it went something like this.
‘You don’t have to be so conscientious you know, it wasn’t a big deal’
what-can-I-do popped into my mind
‘Well . . . aaaaa . . .’
There may have been a few seconds of silence.
‘If you agree to split, then I’d be happy to’
‘What?’
I couldn’t help but react like a droopy dog
137 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 01:36
>>134
me like da way it sounds
138 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 01:36
>>134
da train is here------------!!!!
139 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 01:37
>>134
train’s here--
143 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 01:42
‘When you say split . . .’
I asked even though I knew what she was talking about
‘I’d feel bad if you had to pay so . . . what do you say?’
I was about to
Ahyeah-----!!!!
Wanted to scream out loud but I did my best to keep it down and typed with one hand to report back to the thread. I just wanted to let you guys know pronto
‘Are you sure?’
‘We’re splitting ok’
‘Thank you sofyueuyukj much’
I bowed and bowed holding myself together the best I could
‘When do you want to meet?’
‘Whenever is good with me’
My response would have come under ‘desperate’ had this been a 2-Ch exchange
168 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 02:02
‘So I guess we should shoot for Saturday or Sunday’ was Lady Hermes’ preferred schedule
‘That sounds ok with me’
I’d make time for it wheneva but still, had to say something.
‘Then where shall we have dinner?’
‘Ummmm . . .’
It was here that my mind went totally blank
I haven’t even decided where yet
I quickly turn to the thread and scroll through for any pointers and then send an SOS signal
‘Wherever is fine with me’
‘Aaa . . . um . . . oohh k then . . .’
I wanted to shake myself out of it.
‘Ask if she has any likes or dislikes, food-wise’ I read in the thread. So I just spoke without giving it much further thought.
‘Do you have any likes or dislikes?’
‘I can’t do really spicy . . .’
‘Umm . . . well . . .’
And time slipped away just like that . . .
174 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 02:13
That’s right. There was no need for me to decide everything right away. I was so nervous I couldn’t even work that out.
‘Well then, could I call you back when I work out where we should eat?’
‘Sure, no problem.’
‘I’ll look for a non-spicy place.’
‘All right.’
We laughed a bit, or at least I think we did.
‘If we’re talking Saturday/Sunday then how about next weekend?’
‘Sure.’
‘All right. I’ll call you again to confirm.’
‘I’ll wait to hear from you.’
And that’s how it ended. After which I was completely drained of all energy.
193 Name: Black Ship Post Date: 20/03/04 02:26
I got back late today and it took so much time just read through all the postings to catch up.
I see that things are definitely moving in the right direction for Train Man. Even if she made you promise to split the bill, I think you should excuse yourself to go to the bathroom and quickly pay the bill.
When Lady Hermes realises and says ‘you promised we’d split today’ answer that by saying ‘I was the one that asked you out’ to which she would reply ‘You’ll have to let me pay next time.’
That ‘next’ means that you could go to another place for drinks immediately after or maybe arrange for another date on another day.
213 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 02:33
>>198
I don’t know, dude. I mean she was the one who insisted on splitting and you agreed to the conditions so you paying for it may make her overthink the situation, create uneasiness? No?
Well it also depends on how much dinner is . . .
219 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 02:35
Even if you have talked over the phone, Train and Hermes are still strangers.
On top of that, Train saved her from a drunken pervert.
Regardless of the teacups, I think splitting is the standard way to go.
The Geeks go on for a while fired up over the splitting vs paying debate. Train Man leaves to go and say goodbye to his techie outfit and welcome in a new train.
233 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 02:40
She has class, this woman. She sent him a thank you gift. Said that she would rather pay for herself. If he pays, she’s going to feel weird about it.
306 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 03:19
Date Dialogue Forecast
Type 1
Train Man ‘I thought Hermes made bags but they make cups too?’
Hermes ‘There are a lot of other things as well.’
TM ‘Do they make clothes and accessories for men too?’
H ‘Sure they do. Would you like to see their catalogue?’
T ‘Sure. How about next week?’
Scored another date!
Type 2
TM ‘Thank you so much for the pretty cups. I almost feel like I shouldn’t use them.’
H giggles ‘I’m just glad that you liked them’
TM ‘Speaking of cups, do you usually drink tea or coffee?’
H ‘I like tea so yes, I drink tea usually.’
TM ‘Do you make tea yourself?’
H ‘Yes. There are delicious teas out there.’
TM ‘I usually make instant coffee. If you don’t mind, could you show me where I can get good tea leaves?’
H ‘Sure. When do you want to go?’
TM ‘How about next week?’
Scored another date!
Working with the info we have right now, we can guide him pretty well with these simulations.
307 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 03:21
>>306
you sound like you’re havin fun dude
361 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 13:04
I think that since Train Main invited her out to dinner because he thought that the teacups were expensive, he should pay.
If Hermes seems uncomfortable then she can pay for drinks.
If you mention ‘I rarely get the opportunity to go out with women’ as a reason for paying, then I would definitely pull back. I’d think about what you’d be like if you had the opportunity, you know. I think that since the teacups are the main event you shouldn’t mention the opportunity stuff.
435 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 18:23
When’s Train getting home?
443 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 21:12
Just got back . . .
Tired . . .
I’ve never spent so much money on clothes
First time using my credit card too
Was charged £30 for my haircut. What da hell is that about . . .
Though I look kinda hip
Clothes-wise I’m set because the assistant helped me choose
Did you know that you need your insurance card to get contact lenses made?
Let me go read the log. Laters.
464 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 21:48
I had so many bags that I had to come home to drop them off and headed out again. I’m exhausted . . . but I really do feel like
I’ve transformed.
From a long way off you probably couldn’t tell that I was a techie. These contacts are so thin
I also went to the restaurant we picked.
The Japanese creative cuisine place recommended in the thread. Major yum
I asked one of the in crowd at work to recommend a hair salon I was so embarrassed . . .
But my hairstyle would definitely not have been possible at the barbershop
First time I’ve ever had my hair cut this short
My head feels kinda floaty
To hell with the expense
465 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 22:49
>>464
Hey, have you ever worn contacts before?
I don’t know if you should be going on a date after only one week with the new contacts.
473 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 22:53
What kind of outfit did you buy?
Give us a link
475 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 22:54
>>465
You serious . . .
Push comes to shove, I’ll go without my glasses
>>461
I think I still look techie
I’m gonna stick to splitting the bill since we agreed on that already.
481 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 23:03
>>469
>>472
Decided to combine the opinions posted here and the assistant’s suggestions
Grey leather-like jacket
Long-sleeved black top (add a shirt and sweatshirt and divide by 2)
Pair of jeans and trousers to match the jacket
Black socks
Big and hard shoes
That be it
I asked the hairdresser to make me look cool
And off my hair went, supa short (´▪ω▪`)
I can’t describe it well
485 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 20/03/04 23:06
‘big and hard shoes’
that’s a strange description
details please
493 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 23:15
>>485
I guess they look like leather shoes
a little different looking
matches the outfit. Yep, I think so.
Didn’t know that you could buy shoes at clothes shops these days . . .
506 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 20/03/04 23:32
>>494
I got the jacket at Comme Ça Du Mode. This one was the priciest.
Other stuff from Uniqlo.
545 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 00:21
I commend you brave soldier for going out in the hail and pouring rain to get your shoes, clothes and a haircut to boot.
Finally, Train Man seals the deal with Hermes
604 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 22:01
Ready to seal deal. I’m gonna call her now.
605 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 22:02
>>604
You can do it dude!
610 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 22:05
His post is giving off a different aura. I can feel it.
There’s no wimpishness there and it looks like he got more confident by
changing the way he looks.
617 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 22:18
Ok. Just hung up.
Deal has been sealed huffpuff huffpuff huffpuffff
But I was still really nervous
622 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 22:29
Let me report while it’s still fresh in my memory
‘Hellowww, sorry for calling so late . . .’
‘Hi there, good evening.’
‘About dinner, what would you say to Japanese?’
‘Sure, of course.’
‘Great.’
‘Japanese cuisine suits your vibe.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m gonna get dressed up but I don’t want you to make fun of me . . .’
‘What? You’re dressing up?’
‘Yes, but I don’t want you to expect too much.’
‘Really? Well then I GUESS I’LL GET DRESSED UP TOO’
‘Sorry to make you feel that way on account of my . . .’
‘Don’t worry about it so much’
Something like that . . .
I may have messed up a bit . . .
623 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 22:30
>>622
No, it sounds real good. For real, Train Man rising.
624 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 22:30
Rising for Hermes
632 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 22:34
Sounds like your integrity or strength of character is what’s doing the business.
I mean Hermes is already convinced of it to begin with.
I’m getting excited about the date!
636 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 22:38
Really? You think I did ok?
I thought I dropped so many clangers.
Phew! Thanks, as always.
641 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 22:48
Thanks people. Really. Really. Thank you.
I’m gonna try my best.
651 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 22:58
Man oh man. It’s like
Train Man Mega-Rising
652 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 23:00
Honestly, I haven’t really thought about going out, you know, girlfriend-boyfriend like with Lady Miss Hermes or anything. Though it is true that I kind of think of it as a ‘gotta grab this or I’ll never get another chance at it’ type of thing
But I have these feelings for her already
When I heard her voice just now, I felt something that wasn’t nervousness
I’m pretty sure I’m gonna fall for her if I see her . . .
She could already have a boyfriend
In that case I could be asking for trouble if I fall for her
Kinda tough
660 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 23:06
Train Man, you are shinin
You are no longer a Geek. Don’t change what you are.
Don’t try too hard to be something you’re not and just have a fun night with Lady Miss Hermes.
Look at it this way. Meeting her gave you the chance to change.
And don’t ever come back here, you get me.
Good luck.
666 Name: Train Man ♦ nm4g8qV1Cg Post Date: 21/03/04 23:11
Thank you everybody. Reading your posts I end up feeling stronger and more confident, like things are going to work out just fine.
I gotta thank you guys and go suss out my feelings!
667 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 23:12
Train Man seems so sincere and is really . . . budding
Are you going to the place I suggested?
I’m really cheering you on so keep at it!
My instinct says that Lady Hermes already quite attracted to you
I don’t think she’s going out with you because she couldn’t say no on account of some unwritten social law
677 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 21/03/04 23:17
Watching Train Man, I realise that
it’s what’s on the inside that counts
not that Train’s ugly or anything
759 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 22/03/04 15:47
I think somebody mentioned this earlier but our Train does not need any of our run of the mill advice anymore.
He’s back on track.
Everyone’s being so overprotective. So kind.
893 Name: 731 aka Train Man Post Date: 24/03/04 22:36
Hiya. Been a while.
I’m ready to roll. I’m now deep in make-over land as I prepare for the day.
Some of you offered to put the info together for me but I’ve already been doin
g that myself, so thanks.
I wonder if I’ll get any sleep the day before.
987 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 26/03/04 14:03
ello-ello. I got a half day today.
I’m feeling jittery . . .
The cool guy at work gave me some guide he thought would come in handy on the date.
125 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 27/03/04 13:18
wonderin when Mr trainman is gonna pay us a visit . . .
a-wonderin’ a-wonderin’
126 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 27/03/04 14:16
just woke up. Will start preparing now
128 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 27/03/04 14:19
preparing must mean that it’s today?
129 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 27/03/04 14:21
Today. From now. Few more hours ghiuliliuhjy
150 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 27/03/04 17:53
I’m ready to go.
I wanted to thank everybody for being there for me, the doomed Geek.
I owe it to you guys. Your words of encouragement and support are what gave me the strength to go for it. Seems like I’ve only been here for a flash in time but it also feels like a long, long time.
I will report back when I return.
Laters.
Our techie, age = years without a girlfriend, virgin is ready to go. Will God smile down on him?
Mission
2
I’ll Just Hold on Tightly to You
Unable to contain their nervous energy as they waited for Train Man’s return, the Geeks’ imaginations run amok and just when they are ready to explode, Train Man returns. And slowly but surely he starts dropping the bombs.
168 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 27/03/04 19:52
Train ‘How is it? Is it good?’
Hermes ‘Yes. It’s got great ambience too. Do you Mr Trainman always eat at places like this?’
Train ‘I guess so’
Hermes (blushing) ‘How nice’
169 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 27/03/04 19:53
A Geek Mind Trip
Hermes ‘Thanks for today. I had a great time.’
Train Man ‘The pleasure was all mine. I had a great time too.’