everyonelives | because the lives of the wicked should be made brief

[It helps to know it's a lie. Elton knows that the husband is tucked away behind closed doors.

"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.]

A job offer. Really. Getting out of the holistic business?

( He sips at his water, trying to be more cool, calm, and casual. )

[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.]

I remember when you would never go past the 10. Now, 3,000 miles away. How are your parents handling this?

( Do they know? )

[They do not, they just think he's on vacation. Boy will they be surprised when they find out. He looks sheepish.

"I haven't told them yet. I figure better not to worry them until things are certain."]

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.

( Dating an influencer was never easy. )

["Sometimes it's best to stay off the grid."

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."]

I'm always stressed in this building.

( 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."]

Just because we're solid doesn't mean we're standing on solid ground. I knew what I married into.

( And maybe that's the problem. )

So, imagine my surprise when I have that meaning and then, and then I run into you.

[Elton raises an eyebrow, playing it casual.

"I always did have impeccable timing."]

And impeccable modesty. Don't give yourself all the credit. Things have been tough for a while now.

( He walks a very delicate tightrope, staying sat back, not indicating interest or attraction. )

[Elton shrugs, before tipping his head to the side. "I'm sure they have."

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?"]

Doing the doctor thing?

( How diminishing. )

Monroe's dead list getting out put that on hold indefinitely. Were you on it?

[Elton shrugs. "If I was they didn't find me. But I was keeping a fairly low profile at the time."

He heard about it though. What a mess.]

Sounds like you.

( 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 )

[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.]

( He's not fast enough, (10), to react, locked in place, eyes narrowing. )

El.

( He goes to yell, to scream, but the narration guesses Elton will probably put his hand over Ezra's mouth. )

[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."

The - ( He sits, ineffective. Immobile. ) El, you can't trust them. They say one thing, whatever they're promising. Let me go.

[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. )

Did they come to you?

["Well, you were taking too long. And they came to everyone, Ez. There's a heavy price out on your head. Immediate elevation to the Inner Circle if we bring you in."

And the thing is Elton did love him. Years ago, when they were both so much younger and Elton, at least, had a more idealized view of the world.

"I didn't really have a lot of options left."

But with that, the door to the conference room opens, and Ezra's husband is on the other side. He's holding the door open for a direct path into home base, and David meets his husband's eyes and there's regret in it, for pulling Ezra into this. For forcing him to get his hands dirty when in the end they may not win.

He doesn't know if there's any cards left to play, and it shows in his eyes. Then glances over and sees Elton, and ... of course. Of course it would have to be something too personal for Ezra to ignore.

He swallows hard and straightens.]

Someone call for a ride?

You should've read the fine print. How you elevate.

( But, he is not going to do the heavy lifting here. If Elton wants to be the sacrificial lamb, who is he to stop him. Now, this counts one more person he needs to try and save. Or, kill. Right now, he's leaning to kill. )

I can't move. And Elton here's reaching for the brass ring.

I know.

[About Elton. Not about him not being able to move. David glances to Elton, not a lot of love left for Ezra's ex who's opting to stab him in the back.]

Are you going to carry him in or what?

[Elton rolls his eyes, before gently retrigging those pressure points, and Ezra will feel all of those tense muscles relax, Elton catching him under one arm to keep him from falling forward and hurting himself. "Better?"]

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praevaricatio - 2025-09-02 01:06 (UTC) - Expand

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