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Jan. 2nd, 2014 02:19 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
the_death_cardWho: Daniel, Henley, Jack, and Max
What: Another old friend of one of the Horsemen stops by to say hello.
three_ofwands: *the amount of patience he had shown over the last few months should have been enough to earn him a sainthood. he'd actually dropped his freshly purchased coffee when he'd caught the first images of the Horsemen on the tv right there in the coffee shop. it wasn't that he had never imagined running into Jack again, or that he hadn't thought the kid was destined for great things, but he certainly had never expected something like that. he had kept up with them after Vegas, to their show in New Orleans - and then the news had come about the car chase in Chinatown. it had taken much of his nearly impeccable self-control to not storm the FBI offices and demand to know how they could sleep at night knowing they had caused the death of a twenty-four-year-old kid, but. by that point, there had been something about it that made him wonder if there wasn't something else going on. it felt familiar, somehow, and he decided to give it some time.*
three_ofwands: *when the news went out about the new show, it didn't surprise him at all. even if those three shows were supposed to be a one time thing, he had known the Horsemen would return. it also didn't really surprise him when they apparently brought Jack back from the brink during their first show considering it just confirmed what he had thought might be going on, though he couldn't say he wasn't impressed. he was also done being patient: now that he knew they had a stable venue, he couldn't stop himself from going*
three_ofwands: *he went when he knew they would be there based on the schedule he himself had kept back when he had still been doing stage shows. it was easy enough to get into the theater, and he let himself into the auditorium -- he had given a thought to coming in through backstage, but there was a risk there of seeing parts of their tricks that only they needed to know -- wandering down the center aisle toward the stage, cane in hand*
the_lovers: *he'd appreciate it if he knew Max had considered coming backstage and then decided against it, since he, if not the other Horsemen, are, in fact, working. as always, though, he's not Merritt, nor is he even aware that Max is there in the first place when he appears on stage, tailed by a handful of crewmembers, the latter of which probably explains why he doesn't acknowledge him or demand to know what he's doing there. instead, he turns, walking backwards towards the edge of the stage, and gestures off, stage right, before continuing on with an explanation he clearly started backstage* But yeah, no, I was thinking we could put it here.
three_ofwands: *you are not the Horsemen he's looking for, Daniel, but he's just going to be a creeper and watch - though he will say something if Daniel doesn't notice him before too much longer*
the_lovers: *for a moment or two more, he doesn't, too engrossed in giving orders, his back still to him. finally, though, he turns back around, stops mid-sentence as he spots Max and squints into the theatre at him. how the hell did this guy get in here? the last time he checked, the house was locked, even if the box office is probably open* Wow, hi. *a beat* I'm sorry, you can't be in here.
three_ofwands: *it was. or it might have been. he doesn't remember. Jack didn't actually get the "nothing's ever locked" thing from him, but he might have influenced it a bit all the same. anyway, he smiles, pleasantly, at that* I don't mean to intrude *except for where he does, hence the lack of apology*, but I thought someone I used to know might be here this afternoon. *also, yep, sorry Daniel. another member of the Eye you don't know is totally going to mess with you a little*
the_lovers: *waves the crewmembers that came on stage with him away, and folds his arms over his chest, frowning* I'd ask who, but considering we've kind of had dibs on this theatre for the last month or so ... *he's guessing Max is there for one of the Horsemen* Mind if I ask what you wanted, exactly? And no offense, but please. Don't get cute. *he had enough of that from Miranda, thanks, and he's really not in the mood*
three_ofwands: No offense taken. *though he is asking for it a bit with that. but anyway. he pauses a beat before...* Is Mr. Wilder around, by any chance.
the_lovers: That's a who, not a what.
three_ofwands: Indeed it is. *okay, maybe some snark got through* It's rather up to him whether it's any of your business. *okay, maybe a lot*
the_lovers: *he drops his arms deliberately, ready to, well, do something if this conversation continues going places he doesn't like. has he mentioned the part where he's gotten kind of viciously protective in the last year and a half?* Yeah, see, I'm pretty sure I said don't get cute. *a beat* But considering the fact that the guy just got back from being dead and that I really don't think he wants to go through that again? I kind of beg to differ. So, excuse me if I'm not really keen on telling you where he is until I know what you want.
three_ofwands: *oh, you really don't want to do that. and can you read expressions, yet, Daniel, because suddenly, before he can stop it, there's a flash behind his eyes of how much that "being dead" thing still bothers him, even if he knows Jack was and is fine. he schools it away quickly, though, and looks amused instead before he takes another few steps forward and then lets go of his cane. despite the fact that the floor is still slightly slanted, it remains upright as he reaches into the inner pocket of his jacket to come up with a business card that he holds out to Daniel, holding it between his index and middle fingers* Emil Maxton, at your service, Mr. Atlas. *if Daniel takes it, the card is fairly - and admittedly deceptively - simple, with his name, a phone number in New York, and "shop proprietor" spelled out in neat black lettering across the bottom of the card underneath the slightly raised image of a coin. nevermind that he's still not answering the question - he really is just trying to respect Jack's privacy*
the_lovers: *he's getting better at it, if the fact that he tenses is any indication. when the look disappears, he relaxes, albeit faintly -- if he was wary before, he's more so, now -- and glances sideways at the cane, not entirely keen on taking his eyes off of him, before reaching for the card. he glances between it and Max and back again, frowning, and then* Stay here. *he doesn't like the idea of leaving Max here alone, not sure he trusts him, despite the cane trick and the card, but he doesn't want to bring him backstage to Jack without letting him know he's here first, just in case. and he'd tell him he'd have Jack get back to him and wave his card at him and expect him to go away, but he really doesn't think that's going to fly, either*
three_ofwands: *not so much, no. rests his hand back on his cane and nods* Of course.
the_lovers: *watches him for a moment, suspiciously, and then turns to head backstage to go find Jack*
the_death_card: *he's working on setting up a prop - as much as the crew knows what they're doing, he'll always feel better checking it himself. he looks up as Daniel approaches, snapping the case shut. between Daniel's expression and the card, he looks curious and maybe faintly concerned* What's up?
the_lovers: *holds the card out to him* There's some guy out in the house looking for you.
the_death_card: *immediately frowns, and even as he's reaching out to take the card...* What guy? *and then actually looks at the card - and for a moment, he just stares at it, like he can't believe he's actually reading it right, and maybe a little like he's seen a ghost, and then he looks back at Daniel* He's still out there?
the_lovers: *studies him, for what little good it will do him, frowning* Yeah.
the_death_card: *especially not because the second he answers, Jack brushes past him, heading back toward the front of the stage, the card still in hand*
the_lovers: *waits for a second and then moves to follow him, intent on lingering just off-stage and potentially peering around the curtains to see what's going on. he's pretty sure this guy, whoever he is, is a friend, now, if only because Jack didn't freak out and make for the door, but he wants to make sure*
three_ofwands: *looks back toward the stage from examining the rest of the theater when he hears Jack coming, and he smiles* Mr. Wilder.
the_death_card: What the hell are you doing here? *and despite the word choice, his tone is pleased and he's grinning*
three_ofwands: Looking for you, actually. You have protective friends. *he sounds like he approves, though, and he glances past Jack toward the curtains where Daniel's watching*
the_death_card: *turns to follow his look, still grinning* Yeah.
the_lovers: *slides back behind the cover of the curtains. you didn't see him. no. ... and now he has to wonder if he can't make some sort of illusion work so they won't notice him*
the_death_card: *laughs a little when Daniel disappears, looking back to Max* So... uh... what are you doing in New York?
three_ofwands: According to some, being a complete failure at retirement. *nods to the card in Jack's hand* I have a shop, selling curiosities and the like. The Whistling Dime, we're called.
the_death_card: *just stares at him for a long moment* Dude, I had no idea. I'd totally have tracked you down.
three_ofwands: I didn't know you were still in the city either until your face was on the news in Las Vegas. Most impressive.
the_death_card: *grins* Thanks.
three_ofwands: I also saw your face on the news here when I thought you had been killed.
the_death_card: *and the grin slides off his face*
three_ofwands: I came dangerously close to having some words with some certain federal agents.
the_death_card: *and he abruptly sounds really young* Max, I'm sorry, I didn't... It was part of the plan. I had to...
three_ofwands: *talking over him* And that is most of the reason I didn't. I thought that might be the case. *a beat, after he glances toward the stage to make sure there aren't any crew within hearshot* Are you and your friends enjoying being part of the Eye?
the_death_card: *just stares at him for a moment before he shakes his head, some of the grin coming back* I shoulda known. Yeah. We are.
the_lovers: *after a moment, after giving up on trying to figure something out and after the Eye comment -- because he caught that, even if no one else did -- he steps out from behind the curtains again* Okay, you couldn't have lead with that after I sent the hired help away?
three_ofwands: *he knew you were still there, Daniel, but he didn't much care if you overheard. turns a smile to him* I could have, but I told you: it's Jack's business how much he tells you about who I am.
the_death_card: *looks amused, turning to look at Daniel, too* Daniel, this is Emil Maxton. Max, you... probably already know Daniel. *if he had been watching the news. and to Daniel* He taught me a lot of what I know.
three_ofwands: *correcting* I got you started on what you know. You've far surpassed anything I had the time to teach you.
the_death_card: *looks pleased with that, if not also a little embarrassed*
the_lovers: Yeah, I got that from the card. *and he's seriously going to find a way to get one of his Suck it cards on Max before he leaves, just because he's a little fed up with people thinking they can terrorize him for whatever reason. he may change his mind before he actually does it, as he did with Miranda, but* But, hi. Nice to know you're actually not here to kill us.
three_ofwands: *arches an eyebrow at him* Is that a frequent problem?
the_lovers: Kind of.
three_ofwands: *dryly, though there is some concern lingering under it* How lucky for you.
the_lovers: *shrugs* I'm getting used to it.
the_death_card: *by way of actually explaining it* We've still got the FBI on our asses, and another member of the Eye showed up at our suite a couple times and scared the crap out of me once and then him since we didn't know who she was.
three_ofwands: Ah. *again, lucky them*
the_lovers: Hence why it's kind of a problem. *a beat* Which, speaking of, maybe we should take this somewhere else. *like back in the green room. or off to the suite. he may not like Max much, thus far, just on general principle -- again, he'll probably get over it -- he can at least understand the need for discretion*
three_ofwands: *eyeing him, and Daniel likely has enough experience with Merritt to know he's being read* That would be wise if you wouldn't mind further invasion.
the_death_card: *he can tell, at least* He'll get over it. Come on up. *nods to the stairs up onto the stage*
the_lovers: *he picks up on that, yeah, and makes a face* Another mentalist. *and there's an unspoken great that follows that. regardless, though, he shrugs and heads for the stairs, expecting everyone to follow*
the_death_card: *hangs back to wait for Max and then does follow Daniel* Mentalism, spiritualism, and close-up illusions.
three_ofwands: I specialize in Mysteries from Beyond the Veil. *and the capitals are practically audible. and then the bravado fades* It's also part of why I mostly chose smaller venues in my time.
the_lovers: *he nods* Kind of hard to do close-up illusions on a Vegas stage, yeah.
three_ofwands: Something like that. *a beat* The four of you don't seem to be having any trouble filling one, though.
the_lovers: *he can't help but look a little proud. even if their fame came from Dylan's plans, they were the ones that excecuted them, that got here, and ... yeah* Maybe you missed the part where we're kind of a thing.
three_ofwands: Despite how busy the shop keeps me at times, it would be rather hard to miss.
the_lovers: Just checking. *pushes open the door to the green room ... *
the_highpriestess: *and she's sitting in a chair working on a pair of gloves. she looks up when they come in, though, her eyebrows arching* ... hi.
three_ofwands: *nods to her* Miss Reeves.
the_death_card: *okay, and again...* Henley, Emil Maxton. Max, Henley Reeves. I worked for him a few years back. He's also apparently one of us, *in the Eye, he means* which I found out about two minutes ago.
the_highpriestess: *glances between the three of them and then makes a small noise, fighting a smirk* Did he scare the shit out of Danny, too?
the_lovers: Okay, excuse me while I go find someone to abuse you.
the_highpriestess: Oh, come on, Danny. *drops her gloves into her lap* I was kidding.
three_ofwands: *looks amused even if he doesn't know the whole story, there* I let myself in. I think anyone might have found that a little unsettling.
the_lovers: *mutters something about needing to ask Dylan for magical locks or something -- or, well, he starts to, anyway. he stops before he actually gets around to mentioning Dylan by name, real or otherwise, since he's not sure how much he knows or how much Dylan would be comfortable with him knowing*
the_highpriestess: Doesn't help that Danny's kind of a nervous nelly. *a beat* But backing up, it's Henley. *not Miss Reeves*
three_ofwands: *he has his suspicions - some very strong suspicions that he feels sure he's right about, he just hasn't had the chance to act on any of them yet. still can't help but look amused by the banter, and he nods to her again* Henley, then. It's a pleasure to meet you. *and then, to Daniel* And you, since I don't believe I said it.
the_highpriestess: Nice to meet you, too -- *and there's a second of hesitation, if only because she's not sure if she's supposed to call him by his first name, his last name or the nickname Jack gave him* -- Max?
the_lovers: Yeah, nice to meet you.
three_ofwands: *nods, and echoes, by way of confirming* Max.
the_highpriestess: *she smiles a bit at that ... and then, after another pause* So, do you two need a few minutes alone? *since she figures if Danny was involved, he didn't let Jack out of his sight, just in case* Or can we skip to the part where you tell us embarrassing stories about Jack? *since she figures he has to know some, if Jack worked for him*
the_death_card: *groans*
three_ofwands: *laughs* I unfortunately don't have as many as I would like. I can tell you about the punk kid he used to be.
the_death_card: What do you mean 'used to be'?
the_highpriestess: *as if Max not having a good story to tell is intentional, somehow:* You're no fun.
three_ofwands: *shoots her an apologetic look* I'll give it some thought.
the_death_card: It's really okay if you don't.
the_highpriestess: *points at him* You're no fun either, Jack Wilder.
the_death_card: You lived with me for a year, you know enough embarrassing things about me.
three_ofwands: *still amused, but looks interested, now, and maybe a little calculating* Maybe you and I should talk, Henley.
the_death_card: *groans and rolls his eyes*
the_highpriestess: *she makes a noise that's decidedly evil* I wouldn't say no.
the_lovers: ... and I thought her and Miranda getting together was a scary idea.
the_death_card: *to Daniel* Seconded.
three_ofwands: Miranda. *pauses, before...* Vale?
the_death_card: Yeah. She's the other person that showed up and scared the shit out of us.
three_ofwands: *and if anyone can see it, he looks like he just had something confirmed for him. because that was one of a few last pieces he could have used. but all he says is...* Ah.
the_lovers: *he doesn't quite realize what just happened there, but he does realize he missed something. as such, he squints suspiciously at Max*
the_highpriestess: *looks between Max and Daniel, wondering what she's missing, now, and as such, a little hesitantly* She's ... a friend.
the_death_card: *looks curious, too, frowning at Max*
three_ofwands: *and he's not going to tell them exactly until he has a chance to pay someone else a visit. he settles for explaining how he knew her name, hoping they won't press - and being grateful their mentalist seems otherwise occupied* I've been in this business longer than some of you have been alive. And we are both in the Eye. I know of her, though we've only met in passing.
the_lovers: *he studies him for a moment more, trying to decide whether or not that's bullshit, and then lets out a breath of a sigh as he seems to come to the conclusion that he's just being paranoid* I'd say you'd like her, but ... *but she might scare the shit out of him, too. or draw dicks in his proverbial sketchbook. or ... *
the_highpriestess: *is willing to let it go, too* Don't let Danny fool you. He liked her well enough after he got over the butthurt.
three_ofwands: *chuckles* Well, all of us in the business do have our little quirks.
inaloadedroom (11:01:04 PM):the_highpriestess: *to Daniel* And if you even try to argue that ...
the_lovers: *holds up his hands* No. No, I'm good.
three_ofwands: There is also nothing wrong with that.
the_highpriestess: Definitely not. *a beat and then* You can sit down if you want.
three_ofwands: Thank you. *and does move to take a seat in one of the chairs, Jack moving to flop down on one of the couches. and once they're settled...* This set of shows seems to be going as well as your others.
the_lovers: Thanfully. *a beat and genuinely* No offense to the other talent, but ... *he shrugs. again with the worry he had, however briefly, that this run of shows wouldn't go as well, if only because he wasn't used to planning for more than himself and an assistant*
three_ofwands: Many of my clints and most of my employees are fans of yours. From what I've heard, you have nothing to worry about.
the_lovers: Well ... thanks. *and a bit less genuinely, with a bit more bravado* Good to know we have fans. More fans. Whichever.
three_ofwands: *just looks amused in response*
the_lovers: *just shrugs*
the_highpriestess: *rolls her eyes and goes back to the gloves she was working on. she's still paying attention, she just figures she can multitask*
three_ofwands: So are you staying in New York, this time?
the_lovers: *glances at Jack, briefly, then shrugs again* Over at the Peninsula, yeah.
the_death_card: *raises an eyebrow at him, curiously. hrm?*
three_ofwands: *he meant if they were planning to take the show on the road again at some point, but that works too. and, lightly...* In that case, your apartment may be nicer than my own.
the_lovers: *pops his eyebrows in another, less obvious shrug for Jack. he wasn't sure if Jack wanted to answer that question, himself, or not, hence the look. but at any rate* Probably. *a beat* No offense to your apartment. *and another* But yeah, we're in New York for the foreseeable future. *both living and working. the latter may change, after they've finished this run of shows, if the others want to go do a stint somewhere else, but*
three_ofwands: *nods* I'll keep that in mind.
the_highpriestess: You have an apartment over your shop, or ... ? *not that she's going to go to his house and stalk him or whatever -- she's just curious*
three_ofwands: *looks to her, nodding again* I do. It makes traffic far less frustrating.
the_death_card: Now I feel really bad for not knowing you were here.
three_ofwands: *looks amused* You had other things on your mind than a shopping trip, I'm sure.
the_death_card: Yeah, kinda. But still.
three_ofwands: *more seriously* It's alright, Jack.
the_highpriestess: And now that you know he's here, we can go check it out. *a beat* Or he can come back to the suite, if he wants. Either or.
three_ofwands: You're all always welcome at the shop, of course. And I might take you up on that.
the_highpriestess: *after a moment and with a grin, as something seems to occur to her* I'd tell you to break into the apartment and see if you couldn't freak Merritt out, but ... *that might not work, sadly*
the_death_card: *laughs* You should try anyway. He deserves it.
three_ofwands: *chuckles* Mentalists are notoriously difficult to fool. But I could give it an effort.
the_lovers: I'd pay to see that.
the_death_card: I think we all would at this point. *and he doesn't have the same kind of psuedo-antagonistic relationship as Daniel and Merritt*
the_highpriestess: Pretty much. *oh, man. if he actually manages, this should be good. and that in mind, she just smirks at Max*
three_ofwands: *chuckles* I make no promises, but I will see what I can do.
three_ofwands: *a beat* Where is Mr. Mckinney this afternoon?
the_lovers: I'd say take pictures, but ... *as nice as that would be, he figures Merritt would figure him out pretty quick if he tried to*
the_highpriestess: *she shrugs* He was here earlier. I think I was boring him. *since she was mostly ignoring him in favor of sewing*
three_ofwands: *acknowledging* He might catch on more quickly that way. *and to that* I can't imagine how you would. *may or may not be being sarcastic and/or complimenting her. he's not entirely sure*
the_highpriestess: *amused* I'm not sure if I should be wondering what it is with older men trying to flirt with me, lately, or if I should be trying to find something to throw at you. *and for the record? she has no real problem with older men*
three_ofwands: *equally amused* I will leave that up to you. *he wasn't actually flirting, but yes*
the_death_card: Daniel might throw something if you don't.
the_lovers: Daniel's strongly considering it, yeah.
the_highpriestess: *rolls her eyes, amused, and gestures to him* J. Daniel Atlas, ladies and gentlmen.
three_ofwands: I'd ask if it's always like this among you four, but something tells me I don't need to ask.
the_highpriestess: Smart man.
three_ofwands: That's why I pay myself the big bucks.
the_death_card: *snorts*
the_lovers: *and even he can't help but make an amused sound at that*
three_ofwands: *smirks back at them, and then at Jack, specifically, the smile warming. nice friends he's found himself - and he's seriously glad for it*
the_lovers: *is silent for a moment, a little more relaxed now that Max got him to laugh, and then ... * So ...
three_ofwands: Indeed.
the_death_card: *a beat after he says that...* Buttons. *thanks, Miranda*
the_highpriestess: *laughs a little* Big, red ones?
the_death_card: *grins at her* Yep.
the_lovers: Miranda would be proud.
three_ofwands: *just looks amused, resettling in his chair a little, setting his cane to the side, where it resumes standing on its own* I should actually meet her one of these days, I suppose.
the_lovers: It might be better than waiting for her to show up and terrorize you when she finds out you're hanging around us.
the_lovers: Which, well, knowing her, probably won't take all that long.
three_ofwands: *chuckles* She's that terrifying?
the_lovers: There were tigers.
three_ofwands: *blinks at him* Something tells me you're not speaking metaphorically.
the_lovers: *laughs a little, albeit without humor* Yeah, no.
the_highpriestess: *by way of explanation* She was screwing with him. She had him convinced she was there to kill us or whatever. *a beat* On the plus side, though, Danny managed to hold her off for awhile.
three_ofwands: Impressive. *one or both of them, again*
the_highpriestess: Considering he did it with a fireball? *not that she actually saw it, but ... she's trying to make Daniel feel better because she knows he was a little shaken after that, even after he got over making bitch faces at Miranda* Kinda, yeah.
the_lovers: *just shrugs and almost modestly at that*
three_ofwands: *does look impressed, then, before...* It sounds as though you haven't been wasting time since joining us. *he won't ask who's been teaching them considering he wants to confirm it for himself first, but*
the_lovers: *very purposefully not looking directly at him. not that he's still as distrusting as he was of Max in the beginning, but again with him not knowing how much Dylan would be comfortable with him telling him* The guy who brought us in has been pretty good about showing us the ropes.
three_ofwands: Good for him. *and he means that. and. might have some words to say if Dylan wasn't*
the_highpriestess: *after a moment of silence* ... is there a reason why we're not ...
the_lovers: *obviously quoting Max* It's rather up to him whether it's any of his business.
three_ofwands: *chuckles, nodding to him* We'll meet eventually too, I feel sure.
the_death_card: *frowns* I'm even less sure the two of you meeting would be a good idea.
the_highpriestess: Your life as you know it will be officially over.
the_death_card: Pretty much.
the_lovers: I want pictures of that, too. *assuming Dylan doesn't kill him in a fit of jealousy or something, because yeah, again with Jack being his favorite and then the way that Max has looked at Jack a couple of times now*
three_ofwands: I'll see if I can't find a buttoncam. It is not outside the realm of possibility that there's one in the shop somewhere.
the_lovers: *snorts. if Dylan doesn't kill him and he does actually get pictures, he's going to hang them around the suite. he swears to ... well. obviously not God, since he doesn't believe in God, but you get the picture*
three_ofwands: *grins at him in return - there likely won't be pictures, considering he plans for them to have a fairly serious discussion about things*
the_lovers: *well, he can still sit here and fantasize. also, smirk back*
three_ofwands: *returns it for a moment and then reaches out to run a thumb over the top of his cane* I should probably get out of your hair at some point. You seemed busy. *and he should eventually get back to the shop*
the_highpriestess: If you want to hang out, we're not going to stop you. *but if he has better things to do, they won't stop him from leaving, either*
the_death_card: It'll give us a reason to avoid him bossing us around. *with a nod toward Daniel in there*
the_lovers: I'm pretty sure I was bossing the crew around, actually.
the_death_card: You'd've gotten around to us eventually.
the_highpriestess: *at the same time as Jack* You would've started in on us after you were done with them.
three_ofwands: This is also a thing, I take it.
the_lovers: The part where they gang up on me? Or the whole "now in stereo" thing?
three_ofwands: Is there an option C I could choose?
the_lovers: All of the above? Yeah, sure, go for it.
the_highpriestess: It's a thing.
three_ofwands: So I see.
the_lovers: Lucky me, right?
the_highpriestess: You love it, Danny. Don't lie.
the_death_card: Or he's biding his time to kill us, one or the other.
the_lovers: Just remember -- I know where you sleep.
the_death_card: Just remember you usually go to bed before me.
the_lovers: Maybe I just let you think I do.
the_lovers: I mean, just because I'm in my room doesn't mean I'm sleeping.
the_death_card: *pauses, to blink at him, and then....* Oh, you should be so glad Merritt's not here right now.
the_lovers: *arches his eyebrows* ... why?
the_highpriestess: *laughs* Wow, Daniel. Really?
the_lovers: Oh. Right. *makes faces at both of them*
the_death_card: *makes one back at him*
three_ofwands: *just watches like he's watching a particularly amusing ping-pong match*
the_lovers: *that's pretty much what it is* Okay, yeah, that's definitely not what I meant.
the_highpriestess: *and now it's her turn to raise her eyebrows, though the look on her face is more oh, really? than confusion*
the_lovers: Don't look at me like that.
the_death_card: *as an aside, to Max* This is a thing, too.
three_ofwands: The... UST, as you kids say, you mean?
the_death_card: *snorts, at that phrasing* Pretty much.
the_lovers: There is no UST.
the_highpriestess: *amused* This is like meeting Merritt for the first time all over again. *except this time, she's not protesting*
three_ofwands: *just raises a doubtful eyebrow at Daniel. sure about that, guy?*
the_lovers: You don't look at me like that, either. *frowns at him*
the_highpriestess: *reaches over to touch a hand to his arm* One of these days, you're gonna sprain something, Danny.
three_ofwands: *holds his hands up, a la "I Surrender"*
the_death_card: *and actually looks apologetic for that one, to Max. family. what're you gonna do?*
the_lovers: *after a moment and a little grudgingly* Sorry.
three_ofwands: *and just holds one hand up this time, acknowledging* I apologize for the teasing.
the_lovers: I'm used to it. *or should be*
three_ofwands: But you don't know me. *so it's a little different*
the_lovers: That didn't stop Merritt when we first met. *except he wasn't teasing. but the point he's trying to make is that it's okay. they're good*
three_ofwands: *point taken* Fair enough.
the_lovers: *flashes him a brief smile* Okay, good.
What: Another old friend of one of the Horsemen stops by to say hello.
three_ofwands: *the amount of patience he had shown over the last few months should have been enough to earn him a sainthood. he'd actually dropped his freshly purchased coffee when he'd caught the first images of the Horsemen on the tv right there in the coffee shop. it wasn't that he had never imagined running into Jack again, or that he hadn't thought the kid was destined for great things, but he certainly had never expected something like that. he had kept up with them after Vegas, to their show in New Orleans - and then the news had come about the car chase in Chinatown. it had taken much of his nearly impeccable self-control to not storm the FBI offices and demand to know how they could sleep at night knowing they had caused the death of a twenty-four-year-old kid, but. by that point, there had been something about it that made him wonder if there wasn't something else going on. it felt familiar, somehow, and he decided to give it some time.* three_ofwands: *when the news went out about the new show, it didn't surprise him at all. even if those three shows were supposed to be a one time thing, he had known the Horsemen would return. it also didn't really surprise him when they apparently brought Jack back from the brink during their first show considering it just confirmed what he had thought might be going on, though he couldn't say he wasn't impressed. he was also done being patient: now that he knew they had a stable venue, he couldn't stop himself from going* three_ofwands: *he went when he knew they would be there based on the schedule he himself had kept back when he had still been doing stage shows. it was easy enough to get into the theater, and he let himself into the auditorium -- he had given a thought to coming in through backstage, but there was a risk there of seeing parts of their tricks that only they needed to know -- wandering down the center aisle toward the stage, cane in hand* the_lovers: *he'd appreciate it if he knew Max had considered coming backstage and then decided against it, since he, if not the other Horsemen, are, in fact, working. as always, though, he's not Merritt, nor is he even aware that Max is there in the first place when he appears on stage, tailed by a handful of crewmembers, the latter of which probably explains why he doesn't acknowledge him or demand to know what he's doing there. instead, he turns, walking backwards towards the edge of the stage, and gestures off, stage right, before continuing on with an explanation he clearly started backstage* But yeah, no, I was thinking we could put it here.three_ofwands: *you are not the Horsemen he's looking for, Daniel, but he's just going to be a creeper and watch - though he will say something if Daniel doesn't notice him before too much longer* the_lovers: *for a moment or two more, he doesn't, too engrossed in giving orders, his back still to him. finally, though, he turns back around, stops mid-sentence as he spots Max and squints into the theatre at him. how the hell did this guy get in here? the last time he checked, the house was locked, even if the box office is probably open* Wow, hi. *a beat* I'm sorry, you can't be in here. three_ofwands: *it was. or it might have been. he doesn't remember. Jack didn't actually get the "nothing's ever locked" thing from him, but he might have influenced it a bit all the same. anyway, he smiles, pleasantly, at that* I don't mean to intrude *except for where he does, hence the lack of apology*, but I thought someone I used to know might be here this afternoon. *also, yep, sorry Daniel. another member of the Eye you don't know is totally going to mess with you a little*the_lovers: *waves the crewmembers that came on stage with him away, and folds his arms over his chest, frowning* I'd ask who, but considering we've kind of had dibs on this theatre for the last month or so ... *he's guessing Max is there for one of the Horsemen* Mind if I ask what you wanted, exactly? And no offense, but please. Don't get cute. *he had enough of that from Miranda, thanks, and he's really not in the mood*three_ofwands: No offense taken. *though he is asking for it a bit with that. but anyway. he pauses a beat before...* Is Mr. Wilder around, by any chance. the_lovers: That's a who, not a what.three_ofwands: Indeed it is. *okay, maybe some snark got through* It's rather up to him whether it's any of your business. *okay, maybe a lot* the_lovers: *he drops his arms deliberately, ready to, well, do something if this conversation continues going places he doesn't like. has he mentioned the part where he's gotten kind of viciously protective in the last year and a half?* Yeah, see, I'm pretty sure I said don't get cute. *a beat* But considering the fact that the guy just got back from being dead and that I really don't think he wants to go through that again? I kind of beg to differ. So, excuse me if I'm not really keen on telling you where he is until I know what you want. three_ofwands: *oh, you really don't want to do that. and can you read expressions, yet, Daniel, because suddenly, before he can stop it, there's a flash behind his eyes of how much that "being dead" thing still bothers him, even if he knows Jack was and is fine. he schools it away quickly, though, and looks amused instead before he takes another few steps forward and then lets go of his cane. despite the fact that the floor is still slightly slanted, it remains upright as he reaches into the inner pocket of his jacket to come up with a business card that he holds out to Daniel, holding it between his index and middle fingers* Emil Maxton, at your service, Mr. Atlas. *if Daniel takes it, the card is fairly - and admittedly deceptively - simple, with his name, a phone number in New York, and "shop proprietor" spelled out in neat black lettering across the bottom of the card underneath the slightly raised image of a coin. nevermind that he's still not answering the question - he really is just trying to respect Jack's privacy* the_lovers: *he's getting better at it, if the fact that he tenses is any indication. when the look disappears, he relaxes, albeit faintly -- if he was wary before, he's more so, now -- and glances sideways at the cane, not entirely keen on taking his eyes off of him, before reaching for the card. he glances between it and Max and back again, frowning, and then* Stay here. *he doesn't like the idea of leaving Max here alone, not sure he trusts him, despite the cane trick and the card, but he doesn't want to bring him backstage to Jack without letting him know he's here first, just in case. and he'd tell him he'd have Jack get back to him and wave his card at him and expect him to go away, but he really doesn't think that's going to fly, either*three_ofwands: *not so much, no. rests his hand back on his cane and nods* Of course. the_lovers: *watches him for a moment, suspiciously, and then turns to head backstage to go find Jack*the_death_card: *he's working on setting up a prop - as much as the crew knows what they're doing, he'll always feel better checking it himself. he looks up as Daniel approaches, snapping the case shut. between Daniel's expression and the card, he looks curious and maybe faintly concerned* What's up? the_lovers: *holds the card out to him* There's some guy out in the house looking for you.the_death_card: *immediately frowns, and even as he's reaching out to take the card...* What guy? *and then actually looks at the card - and for a moment, he just stares at it, like he can't believe he's actually reading it right, and maybe a little like he's seen a ghost, and then he looks back at Daniel* He's still out there? the_lovers: *studies him, for what little good it will do him, frowning* Yeah.the_death_card: *especially not because the second he answers, Jack brushes past him, heading back toward the front of the stage, the card still in hand*the_lovers: *waits for a second and then moves to follow him, intent on lingering just off-stage and potentially peering around the curtains to see what's going on. he's pretty sure this guy, whoever he is, is a friend, now, if only because Jack didn't freak out and make for the door, but he wants to make sure*three_ofwands: *looks back toward the stage from examining the rest of the theater when he hears Jack coming, and he smiles* Mr. Wilder.the_death_card: What the hell are you doing here? *and despite the word choice, his tone is pleased and he's grinning*three_ofwands: Looking for you, actually. You have protective friends. *he sounds like he approves, though, and he glances past Jack toward the curtains where Daniel's watching*the_death_card: *turns to follow his look, still grinning* Yeah.the_lovers: *slides back behind the cover of the curtains. you didn't see him. no. ... and now he has to wonder if he can't make some sort of illusion work so they won't notice him*the_death_card: *laughs a little when Daniel disappears, looking back to Max* So... uh... what are you doing in New York?three_ofwands: According to some, being a complete failure at retirement. *nods to the card in Jack's hand* I have a shop, selling curiosities and the like. The Whistling Dime, we're called.the_death_card: *just stares at him for a long moment* Dude, I had no idea. I'd totally have tracked you down.three_ofwands: I didn't know you were still in the city either until your face was on the news in Las Vegas. Most impressive.the_death_card: *grins* Thanks.three_ofwands: I also saw your face on the news here when I thought you had been killed.the_death_card: *and the grin slides off his face*three_ofwands: I came dangerously close to having some words with some certain federal agents.the_death_card: *and he abruptly sounds really young* Max, I'm sorry, I didn't... It was part of the plan. I had to...three_ofwands: *talking over him* And that is most of the reason I didn't. I thought that might be the case. *a beat, after he glances toward the stage to make sure there aren't any crew within hearshot* Are you and your friends enjoying being part of the Eye?the_death_card: *just stares at him for a moment before he shakes his head, some of the grin coming back* I shoulda known. Yeah. We are.the_lovers: *after a moment, after giving up on trying to figure something out and after the Eye comment -- because he caught that, even if no one else did -- he steps out from behind the curtains again* Okay, you couldn't have lead with that after I sent the hired help away?three_ofwands: *he knew you were still there, Daniel, but he didn't much care if you overheard. turns a smile to him* I could have, but I told you: it's Jack's business how much he tells you about who I am.the_death_card: *looks amused, turning to look at Daniel, too* Daniel, this is Emil Maxton. Max, you... probably already know Daniel. *if he had been watching the news. and to Daniel* He taught me a lot of what I know.three_ofwands: *correcting* I got you started on what you know. You've far surpassed anything I had the time to teach you.the_death_card: *looks pleased with that, if not also a little embarrassed*the_lovers: Yeah, I got that from the card. *and he's seriously going to find a way to get one of his Suck it cards on Max before he leaves, just because he's a little fed up with people thinking they can terrorize him for whatever reason. he may change his mind before he actually does it, as he did with Miranda, but* But, hi. Nice to know you're actually not here to kill us.three_ofwands: *arches an eyebrow at him* Is that a frequent problem?the_lovers: Kind of.three_ofwands: *dryly, though there is some concern lingering under it* How lucky for you.the_lovers: *shrugs* I'm getting used to it.the_death_card: *by way of actually explaining it* We've still got the FBI on our asses, and another member of the Eye showed up at our suite a couple times and scared the crap out of me once and then him since we didn't know who she was.three_ofwands: Ah. *again, lucky them*the_lovers: Hence why it's kind of a problem. *a beat* Which, speaking of, maybe we should take this somewhere else. *like back in the green room. or off to the suite. he may not like Max much, thus far, just on general principle -- again, he'll probably get over it -- he can at least understand the need for discretion*three_ofwands: *eyeing him, and Daniel likely has enough experience with Merritt to know he's being read* That would be wise if you wouldn't mind further invasion.the_death_card: *he can tell, at least* He'll get over it. Come on up. *nods to the stairs up onto the stage*the_lovers: *he picks up on that, yeah, and makes a face* Another mentalist. *and there's an unspoken great that follows that. regardless, though, he shrugs and heads for the stairs, expecting everyone to follow*the_death_card: *hangs back to wait for Max and then does follow Daniel* Mentalism, spiritualism, and close-up illusions.three_ofwands: I specialize in Mysteries from Beyond the Veil. *and the capitals are practically audible. and then the bravado fades* It's also part of why I mostly chose smaller venues in my time.the_lovers: *he nods* Kind of hard to do close-up illusions on a Vegas stage, yeah.three_ofwands: Something like that. *a beat* The four of you don't seem to be having any trouble filling one, though.the_lovers: *he can't help but look a little proud. even if their fame came from Dylan's plans, they were the ones that excecuted them, that got here, and ... yeah* Maybe you missed the part where we're kind of a thing.three_ofwands: Despite how busy the shop keeps me at times, it would be rather hard to miss.the_lovers: Just checking. *pushes open the door to the green room ... *the_highpriestess: *and she's sitting in a chair working on a pair of gloves. she looks up when they come in, though, her eyebrows arching* ... hi.three_ofwands: *nods to her* Miss Reeves.the_death_card: *okay, and again...* Henley, Emil Maxton. Max, Henley Reeves. I worked for him a few years back. He's also apparently one of us, *in the Eye, he means* which I found out about two minutes ago.the_highpriestess: *glances between the three of them and then makes a small noise, fighting a smirk* Did he scare the shit out of Danny, too?the_lovers: Okay, excuse me while I go find someone to abuse you.the_highpriestess: Oh, come on, Danny. *drops her gloves into her lap* I was kidding.three_ofwands: *looks amused even if he doesn't know the whole story, there* I let myself in. I think anyone might have found that a little unsettling.the_lovers: *mutters something about needing to ask Dylan for magical locks or something -- or, well, he starts to, anyway. he stops before he actually gets around to mentioning Dylan by name, real or otherwise, since he's not sure how much he knows or how much Dylan would be comfortable with him knowing*the_highpriestess: Doesn't help that Danny's kind of a nervous nelly. *a beat* But backing up, it's Henley. *not Miss Reeves*three_ofwands: *he has his suspicions - some very strong suspicions that he feels sure he's right about, he just hasn't had the chance to act on any of them yet. still can't help but look amused by the banter, and he nods to her again* Henley, then. It's a pleasure to meet you. *and then, to Daniel* And you, since I don't believe I said it.the_highpriestess: Nice to meet you, too -- *and there's a second of hesitation, if only because she's not sure if she's supposed to call him by his first name, his last name or the nickname Jack gave him* -- Max?the_lovers: Yeah, nice to meet you.three_ofwands: *nods, and echoes, by way of confirming* Max.the_highpriestess: *she smiles a bit at that ... and then, after another pause* So, do you two need a few minutes alone? *since she figures if Danny was involved, he didn't let Jack out of his sight, just in case* Or can we skip to the part where you tell us embarrassing stories about Jack? *since she figures he has to know some, if Jack worked for him*the_death_card: *groans*three_ofwands: *laughs* I unfortunately don't have as many as I would like. I can tell you about the punk kid he used to be.the_death_card: What do you mean 'used to be'?the_highpriestess: *as if Max not having a good story to tell is intentional, somehow:* You're no fun. three_ofwands: *shoots her an apologetic look* I'll give it some thought.the_death_card: It's really okay if you don't.the_highpriestess: *points at him* You're no fun either, Jack Wilder. the_death_card: You lived with me for a year, you know enough embarrassing things about me.three_ofwands: *still amused, but looks interested, now, and maybe a little calculating* Maybe you and I should talk, Henley.the_death_card: *groans and rolls his eyes*the_highpriestess: *she makes a noise that's decidedly evil* I wouldn't say no.the_lovers: ... and I thought her and Miranda getting together was a scary idea.the_death_card: *to Daniel* Seconded.three_ofwands: Miranda. *pauses, before...* Vale?the_death_card: Yeah. She's the other person that showed up and scared the shit out of us.three_ofwands: *and if anyone can see it, he looks like he just had something confirmed for him. because that was one of a few last pieces he could have used. but all he says is...* Ah.the_lovers: *he doesn't quite realize what just happened there, but he does realize he missed something. as such, he squints suspiciously at Max*the_highpriestess: *looks between Max and Daniel, wondering what she's missing, now, and as such, a little hesitantly* She's ... a friend.the_death_card: *looks curious, too, frowning at Max*three_ofwands: *and he's not going to tell them exactly until he has a chance to pay someone else a visit. he settles for explaining how he knew her name, hoping they won't press - and being grateful their mentalist seems otherwise occupied* I've been in this business longer than some of you have been alive. And we are both in the Eye. I know of her, though we've only met in passing.the_lovers: *he studies him for a moment more, trying to decide whether or not that's bullshit, and then lets out a breath of a sigh as he seems to come to the conclusion that he's just being paranoid* I'd say you'd like her, but ... *but she might scare the shit out of him, too. or draw dicks in his proverbial sketchbook. or ... *the_highpriestess: *is willing to let it go, too* Don't let Danny fool you. He liked her well enough after he got over the butthurt.three_ofwands: *chuckles* Well, all of us in the business do have our little quirks.inaloadedroom (11:01:04 PM):
the_highpriestess: *to Daniel* And if you even try to argue that ...the_lovers: *holds up his hands* No. No, I'm good.three_ofwands: There is also nothing wrong with that.the_highpriestess: Definitely not. *a beat and then* You can sit down if you want.three_ofwands: Thank you. *and does move to take a seat in one of the chairs, Jack moving to flop down on one of the couches. and once they're settled...* This set of shows seems to be going as well as your others.the_lovers: Thanfully. *a beat and genuinely* No offense to the other talent, but ... *he shrugs. again with the worry he had, however briefly, that this run of shows wouldn't go as well, if only because he wasn't used to planning for more than himself and an assistant*three_ofwands: Many of my clints and most of my employees are fans of yours. From what I've heard, you have nothing to worry about. the_lovers: Well ... thanks. *and a bit less genuinely, with a bit more bravado* Good to know we have fans. More fans. Whichever.three_ofwands: *just looks amused in response* the_lovers: *just shrugs*the_highpriestess: *rolls her eyes and goes back to the gloves she was working on. she's still paying attention, she just figures she can multitask*three_ofwands: So are you staying in New York, this time? the_lovers: *glances at Jack, briefly, then shrugs again* Over at the Peninsula, yeah.the_death_card: *raises an eyebrow at him, curiously. hrm?*three_ofwands: *he meant if they were planning to take the show on the road again at some point, but that works too. and, lightly...* In that case, your apartment may be nicer than my own. the_lovers: *pops his eyebrows in another, less obvious shrug for Jack. he wasn't sure if Jack wanted to answer that question, himself, or not, hence the look. but at any rate* Probably. *a beat* No offense to your apartment. *and another* But yeah, we're in New York for the foreseeable future. *both living and working. the latter may change, after they've finished this run of shows, if the others want to go do a stint somewhere else, but* three_ofwands: *nods* I'll keep that in mind. the_highpriestess: You have an apartment over your shop, or ... ? *not that she's going to go to his house and stalk him or whatever -- she's just curious*three_ofwands: *looks to her, nodding again* I do. It makes traffic far less frustrating. the_death_card: Now I feel really bad for not knowing you were here. three_ofwands: *looks amused* You had other things on your mind than a shopping trip, I'm sure. the_death_card: Yeah, kinda. But still. three_ofwands: *more seriously* It's alright, Jack. the_highpriestess: And now that you know he's here, we can go check it out. *a beat* Or he can come back to the suite, if he wants. Either or.three_ofwands: You're all always welcome at the shop, of course. And I might take you up on that. the_highpriestess: *after a moment and with a grin, as something seems to occur to her* I'd tell you to break into the apartment and see if you couldn't freak Merritt out, but ... *that might not work, sadly*the_death_card: *laughs* You should try anyway. He deserves it. three_ofwands: *chuckles* Mentalists are notoriously difficult to fool. But I could give it an effort. the_lovers: I'd pay to see that.the_death_card: I think we all would at this point. *and he doesn't have the same kind of psuedo-antagonistic relationship as Daniel and Merritt* the_highpriestess: Pretty much. *oh, man. if he actually manages, this should be good. and that in mind, she just smirks at Max*three_ofwands: *chuckles* I make no promises, but I will see what I can do. three_ofwands: *a beat* Where is Mr. Mckinney this afternoon? the_lovers: I'd say take pictures, but ... *as nice as that would be, he figures Merritt would figure him out pretty quick if he tried to*the_highpriestess: *she shrugs* He was here earlier. I think I was boring him. *since she was mostly ignoring him in favor of sewing*three_ofwands: *acknowledging* He might catch on more quickly that way. *and to that* I can't imagine how you would. *may or may not be being sarcastic and/or complimenting her. he's not entirely sure* the_highpriestess: *amused* I'm not sure if I should be wondering what it is with older men trying to flirt with me, lately, or if I should be trying to find something to throw at you. *and for the record? she has no real problem with older men*three_ofwands: *equally amused* I will leave that up to you. *he wasn't actually flirting, but yes*the_death_card: Daniel might throw something if you don't. the_lovers: Daniel's strongly considering it, yeah.the_highpriestess: *rolls her eyes, amused, and gestures to him* J. Daniel Atlas, ladies and gentlmen.three_ofwands: I'd ask if it's always like this among you four, but something tells me I don't need to ask. the_highpriestess: Smart man.three_ofwands: That's why I pay myself the big bucks. the_death_card: *snorts* the_lovers: *and even he can't help but make an amused sound at that*three_ofwands: *smirks back at them, and then at Jack, specifically, the smile warming. nice friends he's found himself - and he's seriously glad for it* the_lovers: *is silent for a moment, a little more relaxed now that Max got him to laugh, and then ... * So ...three_ofwands: Indeed. the_death_card: *a beat after he says that...* Buttons. *thanks, Miranda*the_highpriestess: *laughs a little* Big, red ones?the_death_card: *grins at her* Yep. the_lovers: Miranda would be proud.three_ofwands: *just looks amused, resettling in his chair a little, setting his cane to the side, where it resumes standing on its own* I should actually meet her one of these days, I suppose. the_lovers: It might be better than waiting for her to show up and terrorize you when she finds out you're hanging around us.the_lovers: Which, well, knowing her, probably won't take all that long.three_ofwands: *chuckles* She's that terrifying? the_lovers: There were tigers.three_ofwands: *blinks at him* Something tells me you're not speaking metaphorically. the_lovers: *laughs a little, albeit without humor* Yeah, no.the_highpriestess: *by way of explanation* She was screwing with him. She had him convinced she was there to kill us or whatever. *a beat* On the plus side, though, Danny managed to hold her off for awhile.three_ofwands: Impressive. *one or both of them, again* the_highpriestess: Considering he did it with a fireball? *not that she actually saw it, but ... she's trying to make Daniel feel better because she knows he was a little shaken after that, even after he got over making bitch faces at Miranda* Kinda, yeah.the_lovers: *just shrugs and almost modestly at that*three_ofwands: *does look impressed, then, before...* It sounds as though you haven't been wasting time since joining us. *he won't ask who's been teaching them considering he wants to confirm it for himself first, but* the_lovers: *very purposefully not looking directly at him. not that he's still as distrusting as he was of Max in the beginning, but again with him not knowing how much Dylan would be comfortable with him telling him* The guy who brought us in has been pretty good about showing us the ropes.three_ofwands: Good for him. *and he means that. and. might have some words to say if Dylan wasn't* the_highpriestess: *after a moment of silence* ... is there a reason why we're not ... the_lovers: *obviously quoting Max* It's rather up to him whether it's any of his business.three_ofwands: *chuckles, nodding to him* We'll meet eventually too, I feel sure. the_death_card: *frowns* I'm even less sure the two of you meeting would be a good idea. the_highpriestess: Your life as you know it will be officially over.the_death_card: Pretty much. the_lovers: I want pictures of that, too. *assuming Dylan doesn't kill him in a fit of jealousy or something, because yeah, again with Jack being his favorite and then the way that Max has looked at Jack a couple of times now*three_ofwands: I'll see if I can't find a buttoncam. It is not outside the realm of possibility that there's one in the shop somewhere. the_lovers: *snorts. if Dylan doesn't kill him and he does actually get pictures, he's going to hang them around the suite. he swears to ... well. obviously not God, since he doesn't believe in God, but you get the picture*three_ofwands: *grins at him in return - there likely won't be pictures, considering he plans for them to have a fairly serious discussion about things* the_lovers: *well, he can still sit here and fantasize. also, smirk back*three_ofwands: *returns it for a moment and then reaches out to run a thumb over the top of his cane* I should probably get out of your hair at some point. You seemed busy. *and he should eventually get back to the shop* the_highpriestess: If you want to hang out, we're not going to stop you. *but if he has better things to do, they won't stop him from leaving, either*the_death_card: It'll give us a reason to avoid him bossing us around. *with a nod toward Daniel in there* the_lovers: I'm pretty sure I was bossing the crew around, actually.the_death_card: You'd've gotten around to us eventually. the_highpriestess: *at the same time as Jack* You would've started in on us after you were done with them.three_ofwands: This is also a thing, I take it. the_lovers: The part where they gang up on me? Or the whole "now in stereo" thing?three_ofwands: Is there an option C I could choose? the_lovers: All of the above? Yeah, sure, go for it.the_highpriestess: It's a thing.three_ofwands: So I see.the_lovers: Lucky me, right?the_highpriestess: You love it, Danny. Don't lie.the_death_card: Or he's biding his time to kill us, one or the other. the_lovers: Just remember -- I know where you sleep.the_death_card: Just remember you usually go to bed before me. the_lovers: Maybe I just let you think I do.the_lovers: I mean, just because I'm in my room doesn't mean I'm sleeping.the_death_card: *pauses, to blink at him, and then....* Oh, you should be so glad Merritt's not here right now. the_lovers: *arches his eyebrows* ... why?the_highpriestess: *laughs* Wow, Daniel. Really?the_lovers: Oh. Right. *makes faces at both of them*the_death_card: *makes one back at him* three_ofwands: *just watches like he's watching a particularly amusing ping-pong match*the_lovers: *that's pretty much what it is* Okay, yeah, that's definitely not what I meant.the_highpriestess: *and now it's her turn to raise her eyebrows, though the look on her face is more oh, really? than confusion*the_lovers: Don't look at me like that.the_death_card: *as an aside, to Max* This is a thing, too. three_ofwands: The... UST, as you kids say, you mean? the_death_card: *snorts, at that phrasing* Pretty much. the_lovers: There is no UST.the_highpriestess: *amused* This is like meeting Merritt for the first time all over again. *except this time, she's not protesting*three_ofwands: *just raises a doubtful eyebrow at Daniel. sure about that, guy?* the_lovers: You don't look at me like that, either. *frowns at him*the_highpriestess: *reaches over to touch a hand to his arm* One of these days, you're gonna sprain something, Danny.three_ofwands: *holds his hands up, a la "I Surrender"*the_death_card: *and actually looks apologetic for that one, to Max. family. what're you gonna do?*the_lovers: *after a moment and a little grudgingly* Sorry.three_ofwands: *and just holds one hand up this time, acknowledging* I apologize for the teasing. the_lovers: I'm used to it. *or should be*three_ofwands: But you don't know me. *so it's a little different* the_lovers: That didn't stop Merritt when we first met. *except he wasn't teasing. but the point he's trying to make is that it's okay. they're good*three_ofwands: *point taken* Fair enough. the_lovers: *flashes him a brief smile* Okay, good.
