milliways_bar | (no subject)

Jason pads quietly over to Max's table, still in his dress clothes having just left Svava's party for some air.

"Mind if I sit?"

She doesn't jump, though it's hard to tell whether this is because she knew he was there, or because she's good at hiding her surprise.

"Go ahead."

He sits down opposite of her and leans back comfortably in his chair.
"Merry Christmas, Max."

"...Oh, is that what day it is?" She glances up briefly. "Merry Christmas."

He nods. "Well, technically it'll be Christmas tomorrow, but it's close enough."

He waves to Ivanhoe for a coffee. "How are you tonight?"

She hitches one shoulder in a half-shrug. "I'm fine. Great, even."

Which would be why she'd been staring blankly out the window. It signifies perfect mental health.

He raises an eyebrow. "Very convincing. Do you want to tell me what's bothering you or should I pretend I believed you just now?"

"...Pretending might be easier," she ventures quietly.

"Easier for who, me or you?" he replies just as quietly.

She's silent for long enough, it might be easy to get the impression that she isn't going to answer. "...Pick one."

He shrugs. "I'm not going to force you."

He places an order for coffee with Ivanhoe. "Can I get you something?"

Max manages a smile for the waitrat. She's still impressed he'll serve predators so easily.

"Irish coffee?"

Ivanhoe nods and waddles off. Jason can't help but smirk after him.

They sit silently until Ivanhoe returns with the coffees. He puts them down and starts to leave when Jason puts a hand out.

"Wait a minute you. Here." He pulls out a small package. "Merry Christmas."

The rat stares at it in disbelief, then slowly opens it. Inside is a small silk shirt. Thankfully Bar knows how to size a waitrat. Ivanhoe stares at it, then gives Jason a nod and heads back to the Bar, clutching his gift.

"Now that," Max comments softly, "is adorable."

Jason actually looks embarrassed as he stares out after Ivanhoe.

"Yeah, well he's put up with enough shit, he deserves something nice."

That might be a laugh, though just barely. "Yeah. He does."

He looks at her with a small smile.

"That was almost a laugh there. Careful with that, you might actually crack a smile."

She blinks, then snorts softly. "...That would be tragic. My face might split and fall off."

He shakes his head.

"You're at it again. I really don't think Ivanhoe would appreciate having to come sweep up the remnants of your face off the floor."

"No, he probably wouldn't. Guess I'll have to try not to smile."

She never said she wouldn't smirk.

It's only cheating a little. He matches her smirk.

"So are you doing anything tonight?"

"Watching the universe end." She pauses in a parody of thoughtfulness. "And, apparently, talking to you."

He snorts.

"Now who's the smartass. Did you want to do something? I know there's a party going on tonight..."

"I've never claimed not to be a smartass." She gives him a speculative look. "...Party?"

He nods. "Yeah, Svava's holding a Christmas party at her and Archie's place. I was there earlier, but decided to step out for a bit."

He gives her a small smile. "Glad I did, I was worried I wouldn't see you tonight."