[Elton does follow, watching Ezra as he moves and gentle course correcting with magic. Donna misses (10), and Jessica does notice, but doesn't put together why (7), and just returns to her office, leaving the two of them alone in the lounge.
( Either he's being undermined, or, he's under stress. Turned away, he pours them both cups of water. Facing his ex-boyfriend now, he tries to give him a smile as he crosses the divide of the lounge, handing his cup over. (10). )
I'm always tense in this building. Legal affairs are always so highbrow. I remember when my parents handled it all, you know.
( He pulls out a rolling chair and sits, gestures for him to join. )
I have a little time before I have to meet up with David. ( which might strike a chord, and it's a lie (7) ) Are you an East Coaster now? What's California going to do without us.
[He shrugs. "Best to keep your options open. Never know when an opportunity is going to knock on your door." Especially one that's as juicy as what the Gainors have presented him with.
The Gauntlet is a rising tide, even if it is a red one.]
Better to ask for forgiveness. Taking a page out of my husband's playbook.
( He jokes, but it reads disingenuous, as he occupies himself with another sip of water. But, he watches him when he says the word "husband." But, he seems to be sheepish in all forms (3). Something's not right. Maybe he just doesn't feel right. )
I'm surprised I didn't get a message from Logan. Let me guess, you didn't tag yourself. On account of the surprise.
( He knows how transparent he's being, so he goes for a hail Mary he thinks Elton wouldn't see coming. He hopes this isn't close to jinxing territory. (19 Deception) )
Okay. Look. I'm here because I had a preliminary meeting. I wanted to know my options. If I divorce David.
[Elton's eyes widen because he can tell it's a play, but there's a part of him that wonders if maybe it is a little bit true (18). "Shit, really? I thought ... you two seemed so solid."]
[Even if he had believed him, which he doesn't (13), Elton likely would have made the same move. Real meeting or not, it'll have to wait.
"I'm afraid you're going to miss it." His hands shoots out, thanking his familiarity with Ezra's body (15), allowing him to rapidly trigger a few pressure points to hold him in place.]
[Yep, his hands fly up quickly, putting a sound proofing charm over the room (17). He offers him a sympathetic look, before pulling out his phone and sending a text.
"It's not personal, Ez. Really. It's just that the opportunity was too good to pass up."
[Elton knows that they likely aren't completely above board - it's the Colony. "The Gauntlet is getting real rough out there, man. I'll take whatever protection I can get."
He's already lost enough to this little bloodbath. People he can't get back. It's not about principles at this point, it's about survival. He's going to ensure he comes out on the winning side.
His phone dings in response, and he sends the person he's talking to a picture of the conference room door.]
I was coming in myself, on my own terms. They didn't need to recruit -- You loved me. Right?
( Why would you do this? Yes, they were younger, but they were together for a long time. Maybe because it's what was expected between their families. Maybe it's because they had magic in common. )
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somanyadjectives) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
everyonelives2025-07-26 07:05 pm
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Nonalcoholic? There's a cafeteria downstairs.
( There isn't, he needs to buy some time, does Elton know that? He's on radio silent or he could do something else. It all just feels coincidental. )
Or, better yet. There's a client lounge. Best spa-water in town.
( With four walls of glass. )
Come on, follow me.
( He does his best to alert Donna (13) to knock a priceless vase, sorry, off the desk and Jessica (5) to drop some art. )
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"You seem tense. Did I say something wrong?"]
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I'm always tense in this building. Legal affairs are always so highbrow. I remember when my parents handled it all, you know.
( He pulls out a rolling chair and sits, gestures for him to join. )
I have a little time before I have to meet up with David. ( which might strike a chord, and it's a lie (7) ) Are you an East Coaster now? What's California going to do without us.
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"I'm just here for business, currently. But it may turn into something permanent. I'm being considered for a job offer."
Which is close enough to the truth. He's been promised power if he can bring in his wayward ex. He intends to prove himself up for the challenge.]
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( He sips at his water, trying to be more cool, calm, and casual. )
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The Gauntlet is a rising tide, even if it is a red one.]
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( Do they know? )
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"I haven't told them yet. I figure better not to worry them until things are certain."]
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( He jokes, but it reads disingenuous, as he occupies himself with another sip of water. But, he watches him when he says the word "husband." But, he seems to be sheepish in all forms (3). Something's not right. Maybe he just doesn't feel right. )
I'm surprised I didn't get a message from Logan. Let me guess, you didn't tag yourself. On account of the surprise.
( Dating an influencer was never easy. )
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Elton tips his head to the side, studying him briefly as he picks up on his tension.
"Everything okay, Ez? You seem a little stressed."]
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( He knows how transparent he's being, so he goes for a hail Mary he thinks Elton wouldn't see coming. He hopes this isn't close to jinxing territory. (19 Deception) )
Okay. Look. I'm here because I had a preliminary meeting. I wanted to know my options. If I divorce David.
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( And maybe that's the problem. )
So, imagine my surprise when I have that meaning and then, and then I run into you.
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"I always did have impeccable timing."]
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( He walks a very delicate tightrope, staying sat back, not indicating interest or attraction. )
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He can't really bring himself to feel bad for David because ... why would he? Instead, he finds a very tentative angle he could potentially play.
"Are you still doing the doctor thing?"]
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( How diminishing. )
Monroe's dead list getting out put that on hold indefinitely. Were you on it?
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He heard about it though. What a mess.]
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( This is weird. Unsettling. And sad. Fuck, why did he take them here. He finishes his little plastic cup of water. )
Well, I should be getting back to Jessica. ( (12) for DEC )
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"I'm afraid you're going to miss it." His hands shoots out, thanking his familiarity with Ezra's body (15), allowing him to rapidly trigger a few pressure points to hold him in place.]
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El.
( He goes to yell, to scream, but the narration guesses Elton will probably put his hand over Ezra's mouth. )
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"It's not personal, Ez. Really. It's just that the opportunity was too good to pass up."
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He's already lost enough to this little bloodbath. People he can't get back. It's not about principles at this point, it's about survival. He's going to ensure he comes out on the winning side.
His phone dings in response, and he sends the person he's talking to a picture of the conference room door.]
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( Why would you do this? Yes, they were younger, but they were together for a long time. Maybe because it's what was expected between their families. Maybe it's because they had magic in common. )
Did they come to you?
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