You don't? And here I thought all my daring adventures was good for your heart rate. [Jacob snickered, but it died off when he realized Ned's glass was empty now. Oh.
He can't just one-up him like that. Give him a moment to drink this all in one sitting, because that's exactly what he's doing. This is a great idea.]
[Ned, who does not drink cheap beer in his attic, can handle downing a shot of whiskey. He might be tiny, but he's done this before—and he'd think Jacob would have done it before too, except for the fact that he's doing it now. His glass had more in it to begin with, Ned recalls...
So this is going to go great. He reaches for the bottle, because-] I believe you're about to owe me another favor. More?
[That was a lot harder to keep doing when there's no horrible beer and Rooks being terrible influences. He isn't about to say no to another, but he will cave and say,] Perhaps a reasonable amount, this time.
[He has made some mistakes here, so he sets his glass down to let Ned pour instead.] I hope you don't plan on cashing them in tomorrow. I don't plan on getting up bright and early.
I'll forgive you for drinking down all that money without even enjoying it. [And he will pour Jacob a reasonable amount, the kind Jacob should have poured in the first place. Jacob's glass first, then his own. He's a gracious host.]
They're my favors, Frye. [If he wants something at the crack of dawn, he should get it???]
[Aw, he is a gracious host. It's too bad Jacob is the worst guest. He just doesn't sit still, turning with his glass in one hand and the other touching anything of interest atop his desk. Ugh, papers...] They are your favors. I just don't think I'll make back all the money I'm drinking after you've gotten me absolutely smashed.
[Because you know, it wasn't his idea in the first place and it's all Ned's fault he's drinking so much. Totally. But—] You... you think you'll be busy again after tonight...? Asking for a Rook.
[With the volume of roughly three glasses of whiskey in him already, Ned is finding plenty of things more agreeable than he would ordinarily. But not Jacob touching things on his desk. He reaches over to nudge at his hand, murmuring something about not making a mess of his work. No touchy.]
You have a point. [Still, papers aside, he lifts the glass so he can point around it at Jacob who has kindly accepted his fate. He'll clear a nice floor space for him when he passes out, don't worry.] I hope your word's good, since I know I won't be getting it in writing when you're smashed either.
[Hmm. He takes a sip from his new glass and somehow doesn't laugh at Jacob "asking for a Rook."] I'm free, hmm... [He sort of gestures in the air, like this helps him remember his schedule.] ...day after tomorrow. And just what can I do for this Rook of yours?
Theeey... were just wondering if you'd stop by the train. The Greenies are going out on another expedition. [He scrunched his nose like this was the absolutely Worst thing possible, taking a moment to sip this and try to sound like he wasn't just going to be lonely.] So with just Agnes to keep company... Well, I'd imagine they'll be bored.
[The longer Jacob pretends he doesn't want to spend every waking moment with Ned teasing him, the funnier it seems to become. Or that could be the alcohol—Ned's really starting to feel it already, so it's good he's propped himself up on this desk in advance. Still, Jacob's attempt at subtlety makes him smile into his glass. He isn't even trying to hide it now.]
Your Rooks need a hobby or two, if you don't mind me saying so. And I like Agnes—maybe I oughta spend the day with the lovely Ms. MacBean, instead.
[But he doesn't want to be conned into picking up after Nigel, so-] I might be in the neighborhood.
[Jacob isn't even capable of masking his mild, brief fear if he wanted to. He can't spend time with Agnes while he's there!! But— oh, it's fine. It's fine. He doesn't look pathetic like a kicked puppy or anything.]
I have other hobbies. For instance, when I'm not bothering you, I'm bothering Freddie. [He sets his glass down, sparing a hesitant glance back at the bottle. It wasn't a good idea to pour any more. He could already feel how giddy he was.] Or blowing things up. You could join me and see for yourself.
[Freddie, Freddie... Ned makes a face, scrunching up his nose like just the name is souring his evening. Cops.]
I don't know what you do in your spare time with Sergeant Abberline, but I'll keep my distance. [Still a criminal. Remember that time he got arrested? Let's avoid that.] Now what have you got worth blowing up?
The last of the Starrick and Attaway omnibuses. Rounded them all together for a big bonfire. [Because of course he is. It's a total coincidence neither Evie or Henry will be around to tell him no.] Blighters were still... blighting with them, so! It's time for a proper send off.
[Blighting. He's really starting to feel this whiskey, hm.] Dynamite and all.
[Blighters still blighting. The finest, wisest words of Jacob Frye, right there. It should go on record that Ned would love this idea with or without the whiskey—who doesn't love a good Blighter bonfire?]
Won't that be a picture-perfect night on the town. [He's thinking about it wistfully... that's the liquor, but he's still into it.] Sure. I'll pencil it in.
Really? [Jacob shouldn't be so shocked, or smiling so easily, but it's clearly because of the same reason Blighters are just blighting. Yes, surely it's the whiskey that makes his face light up more than the bonfire will. That's it.]
If you come early enough, I might let you light the fuse myself. [There is a perfectly logical reason he would give that honor up... somewhere. Just not on the surface, where he's leaning to push Ned's arm.] Just think of it. London's ours-- [ah,] --the people's again.
[Jacob being so excited about this is what's really criminal about their planned illegal bonfire. Ned cants his head to one side to watch him, not steal a glance or pretend to look elsewhere but just look at him. Jacob's trying to drag him back to his roots, to when he wasn't important enough to be the man behind the desk and had to be the kid setting a cop carriage on fire and the horses free. Back in the field...!!
And, goddamn it: he's so pretty about it. It does give Ned something to look at. He hums, leaning into the hand that pushes him mostly to resist being pushed but also because he doesn't want to sway too much. The whiskey.]
You're trying to monopolize my time again, Frye. I'll allow it, but know that I know what your angle is. [They didn't even exhaust the "for a Rook" excuse before Jacob threw it out.]
Am I supposed to have an angle, Ned? [Jacob doesn't think so hard about his reasons. As far as he's concerned, he just wants Ned to join him and enjoy himself. That's... all. He didn't want to explain beyond that, because he didn't know how to not sound so pathetic, but...]
It's not a crime to like having you around. [He tries, squeezing his shoulder before he withdrew his hand.] That's probably the most legal thing I do.
[Ned hums, shifting to put his glass down on the desk. He's not done with it, but since he can already feel the effects of the rest of what he drank, it's time to stop. Any more and he might actually say out loud to Jacob that his posturing and taunting about angles and monopolizing is as much for his own sake as it is to tease Jacob. He can't just... want to hang out. He has a reputation, he's a schemer, just hanging out doesn't mesh with that at all—]
Flattery'll get you pretty far, [he says, and doesn't make a fuss about his shoulder. He's not trying to drink down his nerves, or anything - lucky him, because apparently it didn't work. Once again: goddamn it.] Go ahead and tell me another.
[Oh. Jacob was always prepared to compliment Ned when he wasn't ready, but asking for it? He blanches. This is the worst time to get embarrassed, which is why there's a darker tint in his cheeks. Totally. And the whiskey.]
I just can't find intelligent conversation elsewhere. [He crosses his arms over his chest, turning to face him more with a feign of confidence.] As intelligent as it can be with me, anyway. And you're certainly the most-- [uh, well,] --charming. [shit.]
[Jacob's immediate awkward bumbling does wonders to put Ned at ease at the same time everything else about him makes his heart turn over. Goddamn it, Jacob Frye, control that face.
Still. Ned's eyebrows go right up, again, because someone here has to maintain a more convincing casual air. It's him. It's not Jacob.]
The most charming, huh? In London? [Ever???] In that case, this "charmed" thing— [He gestures up and down at Jacob; all of this, this bumbling.] This is a good look for you.
[Ned was allowed to be charming, but not that charming. He couldn't place the feeling he got when Ned praised him before, but after certain... events transpired, he knows exactly what it is. Drunk or not. He still didn't know what to do with it beyond stammering and changing the subject.
He can try without the latter, he supposes. The former was harder.] That's-- That's probably the nicest thing I've heard from you in a while. [Umm,] I dressed up all nice for you, and you prefer me with hats off. You need to make up your mind, Ned.
[Ned hums, shifting again to face Jacob and lean his hip against the desk. Hmm—well, now he's just looking at him and not saying anything. He scoffs, glancing down and reaching over to fiddle with the brim of Jacob's abandoned hat where it's sitting on top of his paperwork.]
Oh, I've made up my mind, alright. [Which is totally fine to just say without context or explanation. Let's see, ordinarily "you look okay when you're embarrassed" would be his compliment limit, but...] Wear it next time you take me around town and I'll tell you it brings out your eyes.
I didn't know you spent that much time looking at my eyes.
[If he's not going to elaborate, that just means Jacob's going to prod. Not-so-subtle prodding was his specialty, after all. He drops his arms, placing a hand on the desk so he could lean forward without tipping over.] Care to get lost in them?
[Oh, hello. That... display gets Ned to laugh, at the same time he lets go of Jacob's hat to fold his arms over his chest and look up at him seriously, jaw set. Flirting is nice and all, but there are still things to get a little defensive about. Alcohol or not - Ned hasn't lasted this long with London under his thumb without knowing how to take care of himself.
So maybe he's making this a little less... what, romantic? Less romantic than it could be? Until Jacob shuts up and puts his money where his mouth is, he's a bumbling idiot, and Ned isn't too far behind him.]
I don't get lost, Frye. [But he sure does stare into pretty boys' eyes, so just deal with his mixed messages for a minute.] Are you drunk?
[Jacob exhales in... what, frustration? Relief? He's not sure himself. Somehow Ned's response wasn't disappointing, seeing as he doesn't really know what he wants out of this conversation in the first place.
He will take the opportunity to meet Ned's gaze for once, studying his face. He's still somewhat restrained, fingers curling rather than reaching to touch anything. The impulse is there.] Does it matter if I am? Don't tell me you'll send me away.
[He's not quite close enough that Ned can smell the whiskey on his breath, or anything, which is really quite fortunate as that would be the end of his carefully monitored self control. This little moment, or whatever it is, close enough at least to study the flecks of color in Jacob's eyes—it's enough. Ned can see him restraining himself, and for all his personal defenses and all the walls he puts up, he can't deny that that's still thrilling.
So, to reiterate, again: god damn it.]
I won't, but I like having my bases covered. It's a real strict policy, you know.
Oh, I bet it is. [Jacob's only really half listening, if he were honest. He's too wrapped up in the details of Ned's face. He had a nice jaw, and... lips. Jacob was focused on his lips.]
Do you have a real strict policy on partnerships, Ned? Do they stay strictly business? [Now he is leaning close enough to smell whiskey. Terrible.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
trainspotter) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
dumbshow2017-02-06 11:06 pm
no subject
He can't just one-up him like that. Give him a moment to drink this all in one sitting, because that's exactly what he's doing. This is a great idea.]
no subject
So this is going to go great. He reaches for the bottle, because-] I believe you're about to owe me another favor. More?
no subject
[He has made some mistakes here, so he sets his glass down to let Ned pour instead.] I hope you don't plan on cashing them in tomorrow. I don't plan on getting up bright and early.
no subject
They're my favors, Frye. [If he wants something at the crack of dawn, he should get it???]
no subject
[Because you know, it wasn't his idea in the first place and it's all Ned's fault he's drinking so much. Totally. But—] You... you think you'll be busy again after tonight...? Asking for a Rook.
no subject
You have a point. [Still, papers aside, he lifts the glass so he can point around it at Jacob who has kindly accepted his fate. He'll clear a nice floor space for him when he passes out, don't worry.] I hope your word's good, since I know I won't be getting it in writing when you're smashed either.
[Hmm. He takes a sip from his new glass and somehow doesn't laugh at Jacob "asking for a Rook."] I'm free, hmm... [He sort of gestures in the air, like this helps him remember his schedule.] ...day after tomorrow. And just what can I do for this Rook of yours?
no subject
[Go out with him,]
no subject
Your Rooks need a hobby or two, if you don't mind me saying so. And I like Agnes—maybe I oughta spend the day with the lovely Ms. MacBean, instead.
[But he doesn't want to be conned into picking up after Nigel, so-] I might be in the neighborhood.
[It's a moving train,]
no subject
I have other hobbies. For instance, when I'm not bothering you, I'm bothering Freddie. [He sets his glass down, sparing a hesitant glance back at the bottle. It wasn't a good idea to pour any more. He could already feel how giddy he was.] Or blowing things up. You could join me and see for yourself.
no subject
I don't know what you do in your spare time with Sergeant Abberline, but I'll keep my distance. [Still a criminal. Remember that time he got arrested? Let's avoid that.] Now what have you got worth blowing up?
no subject
[Blighting. He's really starting to feel this whiskey, hm.] Dynamite and all.
no subject
Won't that be a picture-perfect night on the town. [He's thinking about it wistfully... that's the liquor, but he's still into it.] Sure. I'll pencil it in.
no subject
If you come early enough, I might let you light the fuse myself. [There is a perfectly logical reason he would give that honor up... somewhere. Just not on the surface, where he's leaning to push Ned's arm.] Just think of it. London's ours-- [ah,] --the people's again.
no subject
And, goddamn it: he's so pretty about it. It does give Ned something to look at. He hums, leaning into the hand that pushes him mostly to resist being pushed but also because he doesn't want to sway too much. The whiskey.]
You're trying to monopolize my time again, Frye. I'll allow it, but know that I know what your angle is. [They didn't even exhaust the "for a Rook" excuse before Jacob threw it out.]
no subject
It's not a crime to like having you around. [He tries, squeezing his shoulder before he withdrew his hand.] That's probably the most legal thing I do.
no subject
Flattery'll get you pretty far, [he says, and doesn't make a fuss about his shoulder. He's not trying to drink down his nerves, or anything - lucky him, because apparently it didn't work. Once again: goddamn it.] Go ahead and tell me another.
[Is that platonic,]
no subject
I just can't find intelligent conversation elsewhere. [He crosses his arms over his chest, turning to face him more with a feign of confidence.] As intelligent as it can be with me, anyway. And you're certainly the most-- [uh, well,] --charming. [shit.]
no subject
Still. Ned's eyebrows go right up, again, because someone here has to maintain a more convincing casual air. It's him. It's not Jacob.]
The most charming, huh? In London? [Ever???] In that case, this "charmed" thing— [He gestures up and down at Jacob; all of this, this bumbling.] This is a good look for you.
no subject
He can try without the latter, he supposes. The former was harder.] That's-- That's probably the nicest thing I've heard from you in a while. [Umm,] I dressed up all nice for you, and you prefer me with hats off. You need to make up your mind, Ned.
no subject
Oh, I've made up my mind, alright. [Which is totally fine to just say without context or explanation. Let's see, ordinarily "you look okay when you're embarrassed" would be his compliment limit, but...] Wear it next time you take me around town and I'll tell you it brings out your eyes.
[close enough]
no subject
[If he's not going to elaborate, that just means Jacob's going to prod. Not-so-subtle prodding was his specialty, after all. He drops his arms, placing a hand on the desk so he could lean forward without tipping over.] Care to get lost in them?
no subject
So maybe he's making this a little less... what, romantic? Less romantic than it could be? Until Jacob shuts up and puts his money where his mouth is, he's a bumbling idiot, and Ned isn't too far behind him.]
I don't get lost, Frye. [But he sure does stare into pretty boys' eyes, so just deal with his mixed messages for a minute.] Are you drunk?
no subject
He will take the opportunity to meet Ned's gaze for once, studying his face. He's still somewhat restrained, fingers curling rather than reaching to touch anything. The impulse is there.] Does it matter if I am? Don't tell me you'll send me away.
no subject
So, to reiterate, again: god damn it.]
I won't, but I like having my bases covered. It's a real strict policy, you know.
no subject
Do you have a real strict policy on partnerships, Ned? Do they stay strictly business? [Now he is leaning close enough to smell whiskey. Terrible.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)