milliways_bar | (no subject)

The man who walks in -- no, strides in, moving with confidence and self-assurance -- looks much, much different from the man who came in last night. It's amazing what couture can manage. In addition to much more upscale attire (names such as Armani, Cardin, and Bruno Magli come to mind for the observant), his hair has been properly styled, complete with product and arranged with artfully careless perfection. There's not a bead or a braid in sight.

Jack seems much more pleased with life today as he strolls up to Bar and says, "Darling, it's been too long. You know what I like, don't you? Venti, triple-shot, organic soy, extra-hot latte, and of course I know you won't forget the rum."

The drink appears instantly, and he runs a casual hand down the wood, almost absently, as he picks it up. "Merci. Be a dear, would you, and give me the latest journals? The Times -- Financial, New York, and London all three, I suppose, plus the Wall Street Journal and the Economist. I know the holidays are coming, but--"

Here there's a bit of a smirk.

"--business never stops. Especially in trade, and you know I'm not one to miss the opportune moment."

He takes the papers as well and settles at the nearest table, then begins to read the shipping news.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Very likely, Jack dosn't say.

Instead, "Good for you! What's happening Friday? Not sure I heard."

Never turn down an invite, at least to the host's face. Rule #14.

"It's the gala -- don't tell me the invitations didn't get sent?"

Jack looks appalled.

"I knew I shouldn't have depended on that office."

Jack shrugs helplessly.

"Well, what can you do? Did you leave 'em with Bar?"

Despite accepting as much as he can, Jack's really a little lost. This could be a completely different man... Only he recognised him, the changes in hair and outfit don't hide the face, and the scent of rum is still faintly present.

"No, I used the business office -- clearly communication between there and a site as remote as this is a problem."

He frowns, drumming his fingers on the table.

"I'll just have to redo things with the facilities here."

"I'm sure it'll be fine."

Wait.

"So you're... out, now? Not sure I ever did find out where exactly you're based?"

Questions, questions.

"London, Port-au-Prince, and Singapore, primarily," Jack tells him.

But then there's a pause, and a sharp look.

"Am I ... out?" Jack's smile is charmingly direct. "Just what exactly are you asking me, old chap?"

Well. It may have been unintentional, but if Jack's turning down a gift like that one...

"Whatever meaning you choose to read into the question, of course," he grins back, wolfish.

Now that's certainly interesting.

There's a sudden gleam in the black eyes as Jack leans comfortably back in his chair, assessing the other man.

"Let's just say I'm the sort of man who knows how to best appreciate a variety of opportunities," he replies.

"Good," smiles Jack, leaning back likewise.

"Always a wise course to keep options open and consider them well."

If Jack Harkness has a flaw, it is that he is slightly distractible when it comes to attractive life forms.

"Oh, I'd certainly not argue that point," he answers, almost lazily.

Jack grins wider, head tilting in earest enquiry.

"Excellent. So, are you out, Jack?"

"What do you think?"

That devilish amusement hasn't gone anywhere, and a half-smile is playing around the corner of his mouth.

"Oh, I wouldn't presume to guess."

He liiiiies.

It's not unusual. But this is fun, enough so that Jack's odd behaviour has taken a back seat, rather, though it still hovers at the back of his mind.

He stretches out a hand in an elegantly languid motion, picking up his coffee and taking a sip before returning it to the table and giving the other man something of a knowing smile.

"Then I expect if you don't have sufficient interest to venture, you won't find out, will you?"

He laughs, leaning forward again.

"Venture? Oh, I'll always venture. Just not guess."

"Then don't guess," he replies, flashing a quick grin at Harkness.

"Although I've learned, myself, that there's an interesting balance to be found between certainty and the excitement that comes through taking a risk, wouldn't you agree?"