(I don't do this pretending business very well. Loki thinks about their last conversation—about how, much as he'd been loath to admit it, there was wisdom in Dante's words—but says nothing. Even if Loki suspects that he does "this pretending business" better than he's willing to admit, what use would it be to say so? He highly doubts Dante would be any more inclined to confess to the ruse any more than he would himself. )
Of course not.
( He says smoothly, meeting Dante's eyes with a glimmer of mischief. It absolutely is what he does. The Emperor is little more than a tool Loki plans on using to get what he wants from this conflict, and he's happy to sell himself to the Court if it means that the promise they made will be honoured. )
We might not always see eye to eye but the Emperor has my full support—as my efforts for the Court have conveyed. ( Because what's he going to do, confess that he doesn't care about the Emperor or the court of Stars in a tavern where anyone could overhear? Please. Loki touches the starry pin sitting at his throat as he continues: ) In fact, I was recently given a position on their Small Council.
( It isn't a brag, it's just a way to let him know that his plans are on track so far. He's certain Dante's long since realised that Loki is playing the game for his own gain, but confirming it in as many words would be to set foot on the path to danger. )
So you see, we both have our ways. I just think yours could use a little fine-tuning.
[oh, dante gets it, perceptive as he is. loki is here to play his own game no matter how much he vows that he supports the emperor and their efforts fully. the pin that loki presents with some kind of pride doesn't go unnoticed, dante leaning into the table to have a closer look.]
Somehow I'm not surprised.
[it does sound like something loki would be happy to be part of—almost fitting, too.]
But, we're different, you and I. You do things your way and I'll do them my way. [he grins widely now though, because this is getting all into some kind of rival-like territory dante doesn't want to bother with too much so soon after being freed from jail.] Come on, try the pizza! Imagine my surprise when I got news that Sanne learned the recipe.
[is it a surprise that he is on first-name basis with the people who work the tavern?]
( Loki just holds his hands up with a light laugh: )
Alright, alright, have it your way.
( If Dante wants to keep running the risk of being jailed? So be it. They're both in good moods and Loki doesn't plan on spoiling that just yet by insisting that his way is right—and besides, it'll be fun to tease him when he inevitably gets locked up again. Instead of firing back something sarcastic he leans in to take a slice of the pizza, his stomach clenching in anticipation as his hunger surfaces with full force. )
And I'm honoured that you're willing to share your first free meal in a fortnight.
( He takes a bite, and you know? It isn't half bad—in fact he might even go so far as to say it's precisely what he needed. It's obviously not Fellden's usual fare, and he can't help but chuckle at the fact that the kitchens are now bashing out pizzas now that Dante's a regular there. )
Your surprise?
( Loki raises an eyebrow over his slice of pizza as he sucks some salty oil from the side of his thumb. )
Please, what they've actually done is secure you as a customer for the rest of your time here. I'd call that a good business decision.
[this may indeed be a reality to the fact that the tavern now has pizzas to give to their patrons, but dante wants to imagine that it's a little more than that. besides, he relies on the bartender for more than just filling up his empty glasses.]
Maybe so.
[speaking of, eryn appears with a glass of ale to replace dante's empty one. the dark-skinned man lifts an eyebrow at dante having a drinking buddy—and one that seems a lot more put-together than dante could ever be. but he smiles courteously despite his staring, returning his eyes to dante.]
Are you paying for his drink, too?
[dante scoffs, sitting back and twisting his mouth in annoyance.]
Come on, Eryn. I paid for the girls, but this guy here [he points at loki, rudely] probably has enough money to pay my tab. ["good business decision," clearly dante has a running tab. eryn sighs a little exasperated, being reminded of this fact, shaking his head.] You can always consider giving me a discount.
[dante's doing a bit where he looks up at eryn with a dopey smile and relaxed features. but the effort is lost on eryn who pulls out a small cloth to drop on dante's lap.]
Not while I have to put up with your messy eating.
[there's definitely pizza sauce on his chin, dante's smile washes away quick as he uses the back of his hand to wipe at his mouth. eryn turns to loki.]
It seems as if Dante keeps finding himself more refined friends. You're fine with just ale? We've got an assortment of other drinks— [and to dante's choked protest] on the house.
( Loki looks between Dante and Eryn with a raised eyebrow as he takes a sip of his ale, watching the scene unfold in front of him with a curl of amusement on his lips. So, then. Dante does have feelings after all—or at the very least can take the occasional break from his easygoing disinterest to get all cow-eyed about a bartender. Eryn's low-key scorn is enough to pull a smile to Loki's lips: it's always more fun to tease someone when there are two people in on it, after all. )
... I see. So, that's why you were angling for me to join you.
( He sighs, feigning disappointment as he puts the rest of his slice back on the plate. )
If I'd known you were just looking for someone to foot your bill—so you can afford to wine and dine "the girls", no doubt—I wouldn't have bothered coming.
( Loki doesn't spare Dante another glance before turning to Eryn, his expression lifting into something light and charming. He doesn't comment on the fact that just about anyone could count as more refined than Dante, but as much is almost certainly obvious to all three of them. )
And please, I insist on paying for myself. A glass of red wine would be very welcome, thank you.
I wish those words were part of Dante's vocabulary.
[eryn smiles most delightfully, aimed solely at loki and giving dante the continued cold-shoulder treatment as he walks back towards the bar with a number of empty glasses on his tray. the devil hunter looks more slumped than usual, leaning an elbow into the table and picking at another pizza slice.]
Last thing I want is to owe you anything. [he's living a pretty mediocre life] I'll pay him back. I just need business to pick up.
[as he dangles the pizza slice over his mouth to chew on; dante needs business to exist, period. eryn returns and quite pleasantly places a glass of wine before loki, looking over his shoulder to wink at dante, who only just about sulks because eryn knows how cruel he can be to dante's current attention. the bartender leaves to return to catering to more drinks.]
( Loki levels him with an unimpressed look. He just need business to pick up, does he? )
Why do I get the feeling you've said that before?
( He smiles at Eryn when he returns and takes the wine with a word of thanks, noting the wink he offers Dante as he walks away. Perhaps he isn't too upset with Dante's easygoing approach towards paying bills, but then if the two of them are a "something" then that just might explain it. As it stands, Loki's just going to assume that they are.
Sorry, Eryn. )
I suppose he must see some value in keeping you around.
( A thoughtful hum follows as he sips his wine. )
Although I can't imagine why, if you're actually the reason he's out of pocket after your visits.
[he offers with with little hesitation, still chewing on pizza before swallowing proper. nothing but manners, here. —but dante means it, being business partners. a lucky meeting, perhaps, in that eryn is a hell of a good informant for odd jobs here and there. there has been nothing really fruitful as of late because of the actual war breaking out, but their relationship is cemented past a bartender-client relationship.]
Like I said, business just needs to pick up.
[plus, loaning money to his not-brother v kind of left him scrapping the bottom of the barrel, there...]
Plus, I'm a fun guy. [don't tell him otherwise.] What's it like working for the Emperor?
( Loki repeats mildly, crossing one leg over the other before smoothing out a few creases in his robes. )
And for his sake, I hope you land a job soon.
( Which is all he really has to say on the matter. His lips curve into another smile when Dante claims to be fun—something he isn't going to openly dispute just yet—and he tilts his head just so at the sudden question about his new position in court. )
Oh, you'd hate it. ( That smile becomes a grin. ) Lots of administration and politicking, liaising with other council members, that sort of thing. Asking for an office to work from was one of my better ideas so far.
( There's also the small matter of beginning to work on a list of people who might not be entirely loyal to the Emperor, but Dante doesn't need to know that. It's for the best that people haven't yet made the connection between Loki's new position and Korra being turned in to the Emperor. )
If nothing else, the income is steady enough that I won't be racking up tabs over pizza and beer.
[loki is right; dante would hate it, and just hearing about it almost bores him to tears. if it hasn't been obvious, dante is someone who prefers working by himself and being his own boss—and if he were to partner up with others, he doens't want any of that messy "playing nice" in order to keep his position or not be talked to behind his back. lady and trish are good at that, not minding his brusque and more rude manners, and eryn is very similar to that in some regard.]
[he looks interested, mildly, in what loki says, at least.]
I wonder if you can hear how pleased you sound with yourself.
[but, again, it does seem like the kind of thing loki would prefer to entangle himself with. he ignores the comment about pizza and beer.]
What happened to the potion classes? You moving on?
( Ah, yes. The alchemy lessons. Loki's expression falters momentarily as he's forced to think about Rick, the war, and the solution he's investigating for Lottie, which has him knocking back another mouthful of the (pleasantly robust) wine. )
Not at all. I hate to leave a new skill unmastered.
( He thinks to his book of blood magic spells, his gaze roving over Dante's left arm for half a heartbeat. What sorts of interesting thing could he get up to with a drop of half-devil blood, he wonders? )
Although apparently I've made a name for myself as some kind of healer— ( He shakes his head. ) Which, believe me, no one was more surprised to hear than me.
( A shrug follows with a little half-smirk. )
Either way, I've set my sights beyond whatever can be accomplished in an infirmary.
[dante nearly spits out his drink, attempting to keep the glass level as he sets it down and uses the cloth eryn dumped on him to wipe at the ale down his chin. clearly, this is hilarious for some reason. once done, he throws the cloth down to the ground (someone will be picking that up, and it's not eryn), and dante goes for his drink again.]
["sights beyond" or whatever, dante has other questions... and he's pretty bemused by it.]
( ... Wow. Loki had expected Dane to join him in a little chuckle about the fact that someone would turn to him for help, but a spit-take? It's hard not to take that personally. )
People with nowhere else to turn, apparently.
( Said dryly, as he folds his arms across his chest. )
Although one batch of allergy medication doesn't make me the court physician—thank the Gods.
( He doesn't have time to be dealing with people wanting potions for their chills and sniffles on a regular basis. )
[allergies? man, that would be useful for someone he knows who tries to pretend she isn't always holding an empty medication bottle in her hand. despite dante's amusement, he sobers up a moment... considers bringing up lottie, but gets distracted by a short man walking past with four pints in his hands bumping into their table—offering them an excited apology before going on over back to his friends huddled close.]
[his eyes land on loki.]
I'd imagine that would be bad for all those involved.
[he grins, lifts up his glass and does a rather meaningless but harmless toast.] To your healing ways not being a permanent fixture in our lives.
[come on, loki! don't take dante's teasing too personally.]
( Don't take the teasing too personally? Wow, Dante, it's like you don't even know him. Loki just raises an eyebrow as he reaches for his drink: )
I'll keep your toast in mind should you ever need medical attention.
( And then he smiles, easy and pleasant, before taking a deep drink from his glass. Loki has moved past needing people to immediately understand the depth of his abilities at any moment he feels slighted; he'll just have to find another way to make Dante regret mocking his abilities so thoroughly. )
Speaking of jobs, have you found a shop yet? Or has getting locked up been a bit of a setback?
( He keeps saying business needs to pick up, but Loki as yet doesn't see him getting cards printed or advertising his services from any one building. )
[he does like that about loki, the man going from one extreme to the other, not really letting dante marinade in how he is awful and can't interact proper with people. it's a resilience that many do not possess, and he's smiling in tandem when the toast is made—amused at the idea that loki will refuse helping him were he ever to need a healer, just for this slight.]
[the shop, though, dante can't help but sitting back and waving his hand like he's being reminded of a sore subject.]
Owning a place in this damn world is more difficult than finding a flushing toilet.
[because he wants to own his shop, mortgage be damned, rather than rent anything.]
My luck may change yet. I've got some interesting leads recently, the follow-up which may land me in a favorable position.
( ... More difficult than finding a flushing toilet? Loki doesn't even want to know, and he conveys as much with an unimpressed expression that might, might be leaning towards amused. This is becoming a pattern: just when Loki thinks Dante's exhausted his level of ridiculousness, he goes ahead and starts comparing the property market to flushing toilets.
If he were in a bad mood he'd find it exasperating. Since he's still in a relatively good mood, it's just ...
It's Dante. )
Oh?
( Loki leans in, curiosity piqued by what Dante might consider an interesting lead. Their airy banter is fun, and all, but he isn't about to overlook an opportunity to get to know more about how the man conducts his business. )
That sounds promising. Could that follow-up earn you enough to make a payment on an establishment of your own?
[dante shrugs despite loki's interest in whatever her's got to say next, laughing bemused despite himself.]
Woah, hold your horses!
[he sets his glass down but his hand is still around it, turning it around slightly on the table.]
I'll sort through my business first and then I'll see what I can get out of it. [he grins] But aw, that's sweet. It looks like you want me to share what I know.
How do I know you're not going to sabotage me? Put a knife in my chest again and just head off with whatever bounty I got my eyes on?
[whoever is sitting on the table next to them looks horrified for a moment, eyeing the two of them before scooting their chair a little further from them and looking like they're minding their own business. dante leans forward and puts elbow to table, pointing at loki—at his nose, likely—with an ounce of mocking defiance.]
My informant's not cheap. I don't want to incur their wrath, you understand. It's already a smooth 50/50 split.
[solemnly, dante puts his finger down onto the pizza plate and sweeps up some grease and cheese and sauce before putting it in his mouth. he sniffs.]
Got to find the perfect body-dumping alleyway for you, after all. So, I'll let you know.
( One the one hand, Loki understands. If Dante's counting on the pay-off then it makes sense for him to be guarded about the details, but on the other? )
Do I look like a bounty hunter to you?
( Said mildly, because please. He has better things to do with his time—not to mention more reliable ways to make his money—than go running off on a hunt for a cash payout. He prefers his schemes to be far more convoluted than that, if only for his own enjoyment. Unbothered by the strange looks they're getting (honestly, there's nothing wrong with a little friendly stabbing between acquaintances) he continues: )
Besides, I already know what'd happen if I put a dagger in your chest. It'd be a minor inconvenience to your day, at best.
( An easy smile follows. He lifts his wine to his lips and finishes off the rest of the glass with a deep sip, before setting it down between them and folding his hands across his lap. )
—not you, but all these other assholes around us are just looking for their next big break.
[and dante's in a competition with the rest of the people to make money out of whatever kind of job, shady or otherwise. it's the kind of environment dante strives in, and he loves the attention that mentioning he's got a pretty nice job prospect gets him, because that way he can suss out the kind of characters that frequent his favorite tavern.]
[none of that convoluted scheming for him, thanks!]
[that comment alone deserves another grand slice of pizza for dante to pick at.]
Man, I can just see you sitting in your new little office. [adjective chosen purposefully! dante's pretty graceful when he needs to be, but it's really something else to see someone who tries to be graceful and very well-kept at all times. it must be so tiring.] Really enjoying yourself and having a blast. Too bad I won't get to set foot in it.
( Dante is on the money to a degree: while the majority of Loki's poise and composure comes from centuries of training (to the point where it's largely second nature), there's usually only so long he can suppress the storm of chaos perpetually raging in his breast. It's what gets him into trouble: Loki creates terrible situations to use as outlets for his wild moods, or he self-sabotages to the point where entire realms declare war against him. He's graceful and well-kept now, but how long will it last?
It isn't something he likes think about too hard. )
Is it?
( Too bad, that is. Loki laughs the idea of Dante showing up in his office space, although even he he has to admit that the aesthetic contrast would be pleasing. Loki has a knack for making even the most ruined spaces look somehow elegant, and the idea of Dante with his feet up on his desk and his mess scattered around him is just ...
Funny. )
I'd say it's probably for the best; I can't imagine you'd want to do anything other than rifle through my things and get pizza grease on my furniture.
( He tilts his head just so as his smile turns cheeky. )
Besides, if we saw each other more regularly it would make these little meetings so much less special.
[much less special than dante eating another pizza slice with the modesty of a dog? loki has standards he might never be able to understand. but it's easy enough to exist in this kind of easygoing banter, and dante's appreciative of it. he kicks a foot up on the empty chair diagonal from him and slumps even further, the antithesis of the asgardian's posture.]
I'm taking that at face value. I like being special.
[whatever this is, friendship or not, conversation with loki has easily become one of the few interactions dante looks forward to. not to mention just how interesting it is when the other man twists and squirms under the scrutiny of subjects he feels very guarded towards.]
[not that dante is one for that particular endeavor.]
Well, now you know where to find me when you want to take a break from your usual [a wave of his hand] stick-up-your-assness. I don't judge.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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( I don't do this pretending business very well. Loki thinks about their last conversation—about how, much as he'd been loath to admit it, there was wisdom in Dante's words—but says nothing. Even if Loki suspects that he does "this pretending business" better than he's willing to admit, what use would it be to say so? He highly doubts Dante would be any more inclined to confess to the ruse any more than he would himself. )
Of course not.
( He says smoothly, meeting Dante's eyes with a glimmer of mischief. It absolutely is what he does. The Emperor is little more than a tool Loki plans on using to get what he wants from this conflict, and he's happy to sell himself to the Court if it means that the promise they made will be honoured. )
We might not always see eye to eye but the Emperor has my full support—as my efforts for the Court have conveyed. ( Because what's he going to do, confess that he doesn't care about the Emperor or the court of Stars in a tavern where anyone could overhear? Please. Loki touches the starry pin sitting at his throat as he continues: ) In fact, I was recently given a position on their Small Council.
( It isn't a brag, it's just a way to let him know that his plans are on track so far. He's certain Dante's long since realised that Loki is playing the game for his own gain, but confirming it in as many words would be to set foot on the path to danger. )
So you see, we both have our ways. I just think yours could use a little fine-tuning.
( But his smile is playful all the same. )
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Somehow I'm not surprised.
[it does sound like something loki would be happy to be part of—almost fitting, too.]
But, we're different, you and I. You do things your way and I'll do them my way. [he grins widely now though, because this is getting all into some kind of rival-like territory dante doesn't want to bother with too much so soon after being freed from jail.] Come on, try the pizza! Imagine my surprise when I got news that Sanne learned the recipe.
[is it a surprise that he is on first-name basis with the people who work the tavern?]
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( Loki just holds his hands up with a light laugh: )
Alright, alright, have it your way.
( If Dante wants to keep running the risk of being jailed? So be it. They're both in good moods and Loki doesn't plan on spoiling that just yet by insisting that his way is right—and besides, it'll be fun to tease him when he inevitably gets locked up again. Instead of firing back something sarcastic he leans in to take a slice of the pizza, his stomach clenching in anticipation as his hunger surfaces with full force. )
And I'm honoured that you're willing to share your first free meal in a fortnight.
( He takes a bite, and you know? It isn't half bad—in fact he might even go so far as to say it's precisely what he needed. It's obviously not Fellden's usual fare, and he can't help but chuckle at the fact that the kitchens are now bashing out pizzas now that Dante's a regular there. )
Your surprise?
( Loki raises an eyebrow over his slice of pizza as he sucks some salty oil from the side of his thumb. )
Please, what they've actually done is secure you as a customer for the rest of your time here. I'd call that a good business decision.
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Maybe so.
[speaking of, eryn appears with a glass of ale to replace dante's empty one. the dark-skinned man lifts an eyebrow at dante having a drinking buddy—and one that seems a lot more put-together than dante could ever be. but he smiles courteously despite his staring, returning his eyes to dante.]
Are you paying for his drink, too?
[dante scoffs, sitting back and twisting his mouth in annoyance.]
Come on, Eryn. I paid for the girls, but this guy here [he points at loki, rudely] probably has enough money to pay my tab. ["good business decision," clearly dante has a running tab. eryn sighs a little exasperated, being reminded of this fact, shaking his head.] You can always consider giving me a discount.
[dante's doing a bit where he looks up at eryn with a dopey smile and relaxed features. but the effort is lost on eryn who pulls out a small cloth to drop on dante's lap.]
Not while I have to put up with your messy eating.
[there's definitely pizza sauce on his chin, dante's smile washes away quick as he uses the back of his hand to wipe at his mouth. eryn turns to loki.]
It seems as if Dante keeps finding himself more refined friends. You're fine with just ale? We've got an assortment of other drinks— [and to dante's choked protest] on the house.
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( Loki looks between Dante and Eryn with a raised eyebrow as he takes a sip of his ale, watching the scene unfold in front of him with a curl of amusement on his lips. So, then. Dante does have feelings after all—or at the very least can take the occasional break from his easygoing disinterest to get all cow-eyed about a bartender. Eryn's low-key scorn is enough to pull a smile to Loki's lips: it's always more fun to tease someone when there are two people in on it, after all. )
... I see. So, that's why you were angling for me to join you.
( He sighs, feigning disappointment as he puts the rest of his slice back on the plate. )
If I'd known you were just looking for someone to foot your bill—so you can afford to wine and dine "the girls", no doubt—I wouldn't have bothered coming.
( Loki doesn't spare Dante another glance before turning to Eryn, his expression lifting into something light and charming. He doesn't comment on the fact that just about anyone could count as more refined than Dante, but as much is almost certainly obvious to all three of them. )
And please, I insist on paying for myself. A glass of red wine would be very welcome, thank you.
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—you two meeting might have been a bad idea—
I wish those words were part of Dante's vocabulary.
[eryn smiles most delightfully, aimed solely at loki and giving dante the continued cold-shoulder treatment as he walks back towards the bar with a number of empty glasses on his tray. the devil hunter looks more slumped than usual, leaning an elbow into the table and picking at another pizza slice.]
Last thing I want is to owe you anything. [he's living a pretty mediocre life] I'll pay him back. I just need business to pick up.
[as he dangles the pizza slice over his mouth to chew on; dante needs business to exist, period. eryn returns and quite pleasantly places a glass of wine before loki, looking over his shoulder to wink at dante, who only just about sulks because eryn knows how cruel he can be to dante's current attention. the bartender leaves to return to catering to more drinks.]
—my tab's not that bad.
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( Loki levels him with an unimpressed look. He just need business to pick up, does he? )
Why do I get the feeling you've said that before?
( He smiles at Eryn when he returns and takes the wine with a word of thanks, noting the wink he offers Dante as he walks away. Perhaps he isn't too upset with Dante's easygoing approach towards paying bills, but then if the two of them are a "something" then that just might explain it. As it stands, Loki's just going to assume that they are.
Sorry, Eryn. )
I suppose he must see some value in keeping you around.
( A thoughtful hum follows as he sips his wine. )
Although I can't imagine why, if you're actually the reason he's out of pocket after your visits.
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We're business partners.
[he offers with with little hesitation, still chewing on pizza before swallowing proper. nothing but manners, here. —but dante means it, being business partners. a lucky meeting, perhaps, in that eryn is a hell of a good informant for odd jobs here and there. there has been nothing really fruitful as of late because of the actual war breaking out, but their relationship is cemented past a bartender-client relationship.]
Like I said, business just needs to pick up.
[plus, loaning money to his not-brother v kind of left him scrapping the bottom of the barrel, there...]
Plus, I'm a fun guy. [don't tell him otherwise.] What's it like working for the Emperor?
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Business partners. Of course.
( Loki repeats mildly, crossing one leg over the other before smoothing out a few creases in his robes. )
And for his sake, I hope you land a job soon.
( Which is all he really has to say on the matter. His lips curve into another smile when Dante claims to be fun—something he isn't going to openly dispute just yet—and he tilts his head just so at the sudden question about his new position in court. )
Oh, you'd hate it. ( That smile becomes a grin. ) Lots of administration and politicking, liaising with other council members, that sort of thing. Asking for an office to work from was one of my better ideas so far.
( There's also the small matter of beginning to work on a list of people who might not be entirely loyal to the Emperor, but Dante doesn't need to know that. It's for the best that people haven't yet made the connection between Loki's new position and Korra being turned in to the Emperor. )
If nothing else, the income is steady enough that I won't be racking up tabs over pizza and beer.
( Said with a kind of pointed playfulness. )
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[he looks interested, mildly, in what loki says, at least.]
I wonder if you can hear how pleased you sound with yourself.
[but, again, it does seem like the kind of thing loki would prefer to entangle himself with. he ignores the comment about pizza and beer.]
What happened to the potion classes? You moving on?
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( Ah, yes. The alchemy lessons. Loki's expression falters momentarily as he's forced to think about Rick, the war, and the solution he's investigating for Lottie, which has him knocking back another mouthful of the (pleasantly robust) wine. )
Not at all. I hate to leave a new skill unmastered.
( He thinks to his book of blood magic spells, his gaze roving over Dante's left arm for half a heartbeat. What sorts of interesting thing could he get up to with a drop of half-devil blood, he wonders? )
Although apparently I've made a name for myself as some kind of healer— ( He shakes his head. ) Which, believe me, no one was more surprised to hear than me.
( A shrug follows with a little half-smirk. )
Either way, I've set my sights beyond whatever can be accomplished in an infirmary.
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[dante nearly spits out his drink, attempting to keep the glass level as he sets it down and uses the cloth eryn dumped on him to wipe at the ale down his chin. clearly, this is hilarious for some reason. once done, he throws the cloth down to the ground (someone will be picking that up, and it's not eryn), and dante goes for his drink again.]
["sights beyond" or whatever, dante has other questions... and he's pretty bemused by it.]
Who'd even go to you?
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( ... Wow. Loki had expected Dane to join him in a little chuckle about the fact that someone would turn to him for help, but a spit-take? It's hard not to take that personally. )
People with nowhere else to turn, apparently.
( Said dryly, as he folds his arms across his chest. )
Although one batch of allergy medication doesn't make me the court physician—thank the Gods.
( He doesn't have time to be dealing with people wanting potions for their chills and sniffles on a regular basis. )
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[his eyes land on loki.]
I'd imagine that would be bad for all those involved.
[he grins, lifts up his glass and does a rather meaningless but harmless toast.] To your healing ways not being a permanent fixture in our lives.
[come on, loki! don't take dante's teasing too personally.]
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( Don't take the teasing too personally? Wow, Dante, it's like you don't even know him. Loki just raises an eyebrow as he reaches for his drink: )
I'll keep your toast in mind should you ever need medical attention.
( And then he smiles, easy and pleasant, before taking a deep drink from his glass. Loki has moved past needing people to immediately understand the depth of his abilities at any moment he feels slighted; he'll just have to find another way to make Dante regret mocking his abilities so thoroughly. )
Speaking of jobs, have you found a shop yet? Or has getting locked up been a bit of a setback?
( He keeps saying business needs to pick up, but Loki as yet doesn't see him getting cards printed or advertising his services from any one building. )
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[the shop, though, dante can't help but sitting back and waving his hand like he's being reminded of a sore subject.]
Owning a place in this damn world is more difficult than finding a flushing toilet.
[because he wants to own his shop, mortgage be damned, rather than rent anything.]
My luck may change yet. I've got some interesting leads recently, the follow-up which may land me in a favorable position.
[He Hopes]
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( ... More difficult than finding a flushing toilet? Loki doesn't even want to know, and he conveys as much with an unimpressed expression that might, might be leaning towards amused. This is becoming a pattern: just when Loki thinks Dante's exhausted his level of ridiculousness, he goes ahead and starts comparing the property market to flushing toilets.
If he were in a bad mood he'd find it exasperating. Since he's still in a relatively good mood, it's just ...
It's Dante. )
Oh?
( Loki leans in, curiosity piqued by what Dante might consider an interesting lead. Their airy banter is fun, and all, but he isn't about to overlook an opportunity to get to know more about how the man conducts his business. )
That sounds promising. Could that follow-up earn you enough to make a payment on an establishment of your own?
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Woah, hold your horses!
[he sets his glass down but his hand is still around it, turning it around slightly on the table.]
I'll sort through my business first and then I'll see what I can get out of it. [he grins] But aw, that's sweet. It looks like you want me to share what I know.
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( There goes the tail-end of his eyebrow, his expression otherwise relatively impassive. )
Shockingly enough, that's generally how a conversation works. You offer a statement, I politely enquire about it, so on and so forth.
( Said a little sarcastically, as though he's explaining it to someone a lot younger than Dante actually is. )
I'll do my best not to ask you about your progress securing a property going forwards.
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[whoever is sitting on the table next to them looks horrified for a moment, eyeing the two of them before scooting their chair a little further from them and looking like they're minding their own business. dante leans forward and puts elbow to table, pointing at loki—at his nose, likely—with an ounce of mocking defiance.]
My informant's not cheap. I don't want to incur their wrath, you understand. It's already a smooth 50/50 split.
[solemnly, dante puts his finger down onto the pizza plate and sweeps up some grease and cheese and sauce before putting it in his mouth. he sniffs.]
Got to find the perfect body-dumping alleyway for you, after all. So, I'll let you know.
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( One the one hand, Loki understands. If Dante's counting on the pay-off then it makes sense for him to be guarded about the details, but on the other? )
Do I look like a bounty hunter to you?
( Said mildly, because please. He has better things to do with his time—not to mention more reliable ways to make his money—than go running off on a hunt for a cash payout. He prefers his schemes to be far more convoluted than that, if only for his own enjoyment. Unbothered by the strange looks they're getting (honestly, there's nothing wrong with a little friendly stabbing between acquaintances) he continues: )
Besides, I already know what'd happen if I put a dagger in your chest. It'd be a minor inconvenience to your day, at best.
( An easy smile follows. He lifts his wine to his lips and finishes off the rest of the glass with a deep sip, before setting it down between them and folding his hands across his lap. )
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[and dante's in a competition with the rest of the people to make money out of whatever kind of job, shady or otherwise. it's the kind of environment dante strives in, and he loves the attention that mentioning he's got a pretty nice job prospect gets him, because that way he can suss out the kind of characters that frequent his favorite tavern.]
[none of that convoluted scheming for him, thanks!]
[that comment alone deserves another grand slice of pizza for dante to pick at.]
Man, I can just see you sitting in your new little office. [adjective chosen purposefully! dante's pretty graceful when he needs to be, but it's really something else to see someone who tries to be graceful and very well-kept at all times. it must be so tiring.] Really enjoying yourself and having a blast. Too bad I won't get to set foot in it.
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( Dante is on the money to a degree: while the majority of Loki's poise and composure comes from centuries of training (to the point where it's largely second nature), there's usually only so long he can suppress the storm of chaos perpetually raging in his breast. It's what gets him into trouble: Loki creates terrible situations to use as outlets for his wild moods, or he self-sabotages to the point where entire realms declare war against him. He's graceful and well-kept now, but how long will it last?
It isn't something he likes think about too hard. )
Is it?
( Too bad, that is. Loki laughs the idea of Dante showing up in his office space, although even he he has to admit that the aesthetic contrast would be pleasing. Loki has a knack for making even the most ruined spaces look somehow elegant, and the idea of Dante with his feet up on his desk and his mess scattered around him is just ...
Funny. )
I'd say it's probably for the best; I can't imagine you'd want to do anything other than rifle through my things and get pizza grease on my furniture.
( He tilts his head just so as his smile turns cheeky. )
Besides, if we saw each other more regularly it would make these little meetings so much less special.
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I'm taking that at face value. I like being special.
[whatever this is, friendship or not, conversation with loki has easily become one of the few interactions dante looks forward to. not to mention just how interesting it is when the other man twists and squirms under the scrutiny of subjects he feels very guarded towards.]
[not that dante is one for that particular endeavor.]
Well, now you know where to find me when you want to take a break from your usual [a wave of his hand] stick-up-your-assness. I don't judge.