seasonsrpg | Permanent Catch-All

Max listened and still smiled.

"Huh. I guess that makes sense. I honestly thought that most Lost would like it when I got rid of Masks. Sure, you got a deal," Max said as the scroll appeared in front of Cole with their deal all laid out and a pen floating next to it.

"It honestly sounds like you have a soft spot for Lost," Cole said, not prying or judging. It was just a thing he noticed from their "first" meeting, and just how he was. He took the pen, doing a quick read of the contract and making sure it did account for him bringing Max things from Mike too...because any fae-adjacent being should always double check.

Then he signed his name.

Max chuckled and watched Cole double check the verbiage. Good. Cole was still careful. He liked that about Cole.

"I do," He admitted easily. "I'm in love with one. And he is the light of my life. My reason for being. My core. And his Mein is the most adorable thing I have ever seen. And I wanted to be able to see it. Even if his Mask was also adorable and sexy as hell. Still, I wanted Lost to be comfortable. To be able to be themselves and not be afraid."

Cole smiled at that. It was honestly a good sign, that someone like Max still had enough empathy and emotion to love, and to care about others even in passing. It was a thing that seemed rare for beings so powerful, at least in their world.

"It seems to have worked, based on what I saw of your railroad bar." Just because his vocabulary was magically buffed doesn't mean he's knows what everything is called.

"We call it a Speakeasy," Max explained simply. "It's a place people find safe harbor. No one is allowed to harm anyone else inside. And they can ask for things from me, get information, and get a rare drink. You'll find it one day, back home. And I'll be waiting for you. But you already have been there and when."

"I remember. I didn't think too much about it since I was confused, but I haven't forgotten." A place like that definitely sticks in one's mind until that mind is tampered with.

"Speaking of home, can I ask you something?"

"Good," He is glad that Cole remembers. It'll make finding it later much easier for him and his group.

"Sure. I can't always guarantee an answer but I got more leeway here. Ask away."

Cole considered how to phrase his question, in a way that might get some kind of answer. Knowing it might not get one even without Max saying as much gave just enough pause to not say the first thing that came to mind.

"Can you tell me anything about the change in the deal between you and Macaque? He told me that the new deal has nothing to do with our world now, but that you're keeping things...confidential. And I can't think of any reason that you'd need his help that has to be a secret."

Max waited for the question and then it came. Can he? No. Macaque made sure he couldn't. So that was what Macaque said? Or implied? And that it was him keeping things confidential? Oh you rat bastard, Macaque. Bravo. Brav-fucking-o. Max's eye twitched once involuntarily.

"I can't, no. I'm sorry," Max said softly. That was all he dare risk say. He could be sarcastic with his nos but that would count as trying to help Cole learn something about their deal. Which he was expressly forbidden to do.

A scapegoat. He was made into a scapegoat. He will remember this.

Cole saw the twitch, because of course he did. But whatever the cause behind it, Max wouldn't...couldn't maybe, go into. "Okay, one more question? Did my asking hurt the deal, for either of you?" he asked, purposely phrasing it in a way that he couldn't learn anything.

His intent genuinely wasn't to impede anything, or cause strain. But reaction meant he had done...something. Even if he didn't know what. And knowing exactly what was probably against the rules.

Max was going to have fucking words with Macaque later. He kept the stirring inside him though. He could do that much. He had to. Would answering that help Cole discover what the deal is? All it does is confirm what it isn't. A loophole.

"No, you didn't. At all," he said simply. To put Cole's mind at ease. No such clause. Doesn't reveal anything as to what the truth actually is, at least.

Cole nodded, accepting the answer. He didn't like not knowing, but knowing he hadn't broken anything was enough for now. It would have to be.

"Alright, I suppose changing the subject would be good. You definitely didn't come here for things to be made uncomfortable between us. More than watching me spook like a cat when you show up." Was that a joke? Maybe. It wasn't not one.

Max actually did chuckle when Cole made the joke.

"Fair enough and true. I would rather things be comfortable with us. We'll be seeing a lot of each other here and in the future. Best we be on better terms. So. Your budding career as a comedian aside, I am glad you seem to be doing better than the last time I saw you here in Ellipsa."

"I am. Things have been...how they've been. But I've had time to recover and it's been...almost a month since some kind of disaster happened. And these four would not let me be if I wasn't." Cyn opened an eye with a huff that clearly said damn straight before settling again.

"I'm sure your faithful companions would snuggle you until you got better. And rabbit kick anyone who threatened it. Which I would pay good money to see it." He manifested alfalfa for the whole group.

Cocoa is the one to take the alfalfa and start to feed the rabbits, which is honestly adorable enough to make him smile. He gently pets Cyn though. "I know. Cyn has basically been doing every combination of that almost since we met. He'd probably join Ash in rabbit kicks."

"I would very much pay money for that, all things considered," Max smiles and chuckles as he watches Cocoa take and distribute the alfalfa to the rabbits.

"Cyn is a good one. I mean, just look at him. He's not about to let anything or anyone try to ruin your day without a fight."

Permanent Catch-All

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">

Re: October 5th - Locked to <user name="melodymania">