milliways_bar | (no subject)

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So, he hadn't meant to come back to the bar yet. It's one thing getting your ass kicked by your enemies, quite another to let the world at large see the results. But when there's a screaming kid at home and you've got a headache, anything becomes preferable - and anyway, he doesn't care what people think, right?

And so, instead of sitting in a booth as normal, Ramon's at the bar in plain sight. If you point out that he looks like someone bashed the hell out of his face, he probably won't offer to share the tequila.

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So she moves two seats down. Close enough to look, not close enough for sudden moves that could result in violence.

"Never is. And yet, I ask, and you tell."

Lights a cigarette and takes a deep drag, consideringly.

'Well, life would be boring if no one talked to anyone about anything, right?'

He smiles - also sarcastically - and pours himself another drink.

'Besides, I've got nothing to be ashamed of.'

"Dreadfully boring. I can almost see the minds dissolving."

And then one eyebrow raises.

"Oh? Good. Would hate to think someone was beating you up for some nasy, underhanded thing you did."

Ramon shoots her another look, though possibly not for the most obvious reason.

'Why are you talking like someone shoved a stick up your ass and an arisocratic English dictionary down your throat?'

Because this is what's important. To the latter comment, he just tilts his head at her.

'Reason is all a matter of perspective.'

"Well, because I was brought up talking like this. It was really quite annoying, and I stopped, for obvious reasons."

Stops to exhale a cloud of smoke.

"I go back to my roots only to confuse and annoy you."

'Yes. Look at how confused and annoyed I am.'

Completely deadpan. He's got a headache and is trying to avoid medication, so he hurts. Mal will have to try harder to annoy him beyond that.

'Did you want something?'

"Me? No, not really."

She would. But she's in a very good mood, so will only smirk.

"You're just interesting."

'Well, I live to please.'

Which, y'know, would be a laughable statement if he didn't deliver it so drily.

'I'd return the compliment but I don't tend to lie. Not that it would have always have been a lie but such is life.'

"Interesting can mean a lot of things."

It's a statement, thoughtful, considering.

"I like to try and figure you out. It's a puzzle."

He shrus unconcernedly.

'Why bother puzzling? If you want to know something, just ask.'

He's not the type to hide anything, because why should he? He doesn't care about other people's judegements or thoughts, so he doesn't tend to cover anything.

"Ah, but asking is so...difficult. I have no doubt that you would tell me what I wished to know, but that wouldn't tell me anything about how you think, how you react."

A knife rises into the air, tossed by a careless hand, spins, and she catches it, tucking it back into the sheath at her waist.

"And that's what I like to know."

He gives her another look.

'You haven't figured that out by now? You're certainly taking your time. But fine, if you want to then I won't stop you. Can't stop you, I suppose.'

Though he thinks that what she surmises about him may not necessarily be right, he...couldn't care less.

"No, not like that. Watching how you think and act is an ever-continuing process. One which I like."

And tosses him a grin over her shoulder.

"Random and Arithon, for instance, were surprises."

'Like I said, glad to entertain.'

He pours another drink, drinks it, pours another and then lights a cigarette, leaving it between lips that are not yet healed from being split open.

'Why were they surprises? You met Random a while ago and I told you about Arithon myself.'

She eyes the alcohol, but doesn't say anything.

"Surprises in terms of how they thought about you, how you thought about them, or continue to think about them. You, dear, are a learning game, and not one seen at first glance."

And a satisfied nod.

"I like people like that."

He snorts with laughter and drinks the tequila already poured.

'Surprised that Arithon likes me and Random thinks rather more of me than that? And why are you asking them what I think about them? Shouldn't you be asking me about that?'

Another drink poured.

'Stop calling me 'dear', you're not my fucking mother.'

"You're assuming things. I never asked them what they thought of you. And I wasn't surprised about them liking you."

A cocked eyebrow, "Of course, dear."

'Well, if you'd stop talking in fucking riddles, then I wouldn't have to assume anything.'

He does not look amused.

'And if you're trying to annoy me for the sake of it, fuck off. I'm not in the mood.'

Being patronized is bad enough at the best of times. By someone who looks to be about hs daughter's age, or younger, then it's not acceptable at all. Doesn't matter that she's older than him.

Why do you think she does it? Oh, she'll pay for it in the end, but now, it's far too much fun to pass up.

So she snaps off a textbook salute, sliding off the stool.

"My work here is done. Say hi to Random for me, and do try to take care of the face."

Saunters off in the direction of her room.

Ramon just rolls his eyes and goes back to drinking.

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