exsilium | (no subject)

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(no subject)

[Jack appears on the network. It looks as if he isn't aware he's being filmed at first; he glances around him nervously, his eyes darting from place to place.]

So-- right. You guys don't got no newsies, yeah? But I'm grown outta that business anyway, so I figure, I'll do somethin' else anyway.

[And now he focuses on the camera. His eyes are a little sunken in; his cheekbones jut out sharply from his face. The entire effect is unpleasant; he looks like he hasn't slept or eaten in quite some time. Carefully, each movement deliberate, he takes a cigarette out of his pocket; his gaze focuses on that as he speaks.]

I draw pictures. Real good, if I do say so myself. Do paints, too. You want your picture done? You want your wall painted? Maybe you're in theater, you want some sets done, or maybe you want somebody to put a, a, a mural on your wall. If it's somethin' to do with art, I can do it. I don't give a damn what it is. I'll paint you and your stupid girlfriend if you want, 's long as you pay me. Name's Jack Kelly.

[He nods sharply, once, and lights up the cigarette.]

An' in personal business, a couple thin's: this gun's good an' all, but I'm in the knives business, meself. Anybody sellin' any good blades? I don't mean no stores, all right, I ain't lookin' for no directions to no weapons shops. I'm talkin' about the good stuff, the stuff you get on the streets. I don't got much money yet, but like I said, I got a few skills I can exchange.

An' speakin' o' them: I hear I got some roommates. Miss, uh, Galadriel and some guy named Guy? Well, I ain't gonna be in at all. Not for sleepin', anyway. So don't trouble yourself with that, when you don't see me come in.

[A deliberate pause. He exhales a lungful of smoke and watches it drift upwards before adding:]

Asano Rin. I got a bone to pick with you, and I think you know why.

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I guess if some starving kid really wanted to set out on his own - yeah, they'd come down on him hard, too. But they're don't just offer punishment for non-compliance. They also offer a home and a family. What orphan could resist that?

[He tilts his head, accepting that.]

I sure couldn't. I probably woulda gone for it, if that'd been my world.

So is that why you went into law? Cuz it's that bad?

[She takes a breath, and leans back, and gives a little laugh before she gives her standard line.]

I went into law because that's the way to the top.

And that's all you want? To have lots o' money? Yeah, right.

No, no, money's not my thing.

[Archly, she starts fiddling with her fingernail; the sphinxlike smile is back.]

I'm in it for power, naturally.

Mm. And what're you gonna do when you get it?

Oh, you know. Have people do my nails. Make them genuflect in my presence. Call me Your Ladyship.

You ain't even a good liar, it's embarrassin'.

[She raises her eyebrows.]

I have not even begun to lie. You're so good, tell me what I want, then.

I dunno yet. I only just met you a few hours ago; gimmie a few days. I'm workin' on no sleep an' a ham sandwich here.

[She gives a little laugh and shakes her head.]

And now you're underestimating me. You're not going to get me, Jack. Don't try.

Too late. You issue a challenge like that, I gotta.

[He winks at her.]

But not for a while.

[A little laugh.]

Lean over. I want to tousle your hair.

[His expression flickers, going just a little strained for a moment.]

Nah. I'm not your kid brother, Ms. Lawyer, don't try an' treat me like him. I'll be flirtin' with you before long.

[And her smile cools considerably. That not your kid brother comment rubbed her the wrong way.]

You're not my type.

[And then she looks to the side - ]

Are you ordering something?

[He raises an eyebrow at that moody little turn, but wisely says nothing.]

Maybe a water. You?

Is that all? I did offer to buy.

[He hesitates for a second before reconsidering.]

Whiskey, then.

[A nod, and a little bit of a smile. She's recovering from her earlier offense.]

Wait here. I'll get it.

[He nods. There's a little bowl of nuts at their table; idly he begins picking at them, eating the almonds.]

[Unsurprisingly, she gets attention at the bar - not because she's a pretty lady, but because she demands it, elbows her way in like she has to. She returns later with a whiskey and a cranberry juice which - if Jack asks - she'll call a vodka and cranberry.

If anyone ever corners her, she'll drink, but it's always been her modus operandi to fool the other person into drinking more than she does. It softens up their wits...and, besides, if she's going to break the rules of her religion, she'd sooner do it as little as possible.]

Here. You seem like the sort who'd take it neat.

Good choice.

[He eyes her drink, more out of curiosity than anything, and takes his whiskey. Jack hesitates for just a few seconds before knocking it back, draining half the glass in one go.]

[She takes a sip herself, wrinkles her nose.]

Strong. How is yours? I suppose whiskey is whiskey.

[He shudders once, appreciatively, before setting down the drink firmly.]

Strong enough. Jesus, that's a hell of a kick. They put too much vodka in yours?

Usually people skimp.

[She gives a little shrug; it's a lawyer's non-answer.]

How about your world? Are you one of those people who doesn't have an ability?