conflictresolution

[He wasn't that interested in a deal when it came to the boy. He had considerable to think about regarding how he was going to handle the situation and what he wanted to do about it. He had to tread carefully after all.

He paused his pen again, not interested in her cajoling him towards a deal, but he was willing to listen.]

That seems like a poor deal. It's too open ended on both sides. I suggest you revise the terms.

It's not open-ended, because you know I won't do just anything you want me to do.

[ she yawns gently while shutting her eyes one more time. the drowsiness is creeping up to her, but not too strongly that she can't continue on with the conversation. if anything, it'll help her lull her mind and keep her temper at bay. ]

You haven't set the terms, Jinx. What does 'leaving him alone' mean? No contact completely, no verbal contact, no physical contact? [He had once waxed and waned in his normal diatribe lessons before, but she probably hadn't been paying attention.] And what if we find ourselves in a situation where I want you to do something and you refuse? The deal is over or renegotiated? What are his terms?

[He didn't feel like a deal was going to work, and he was going to dig in that it wasn't made by the boy himself. This wasn't between him and Jinx after all, so he had little interest in not pushing the boy.]

The terms are pretty easy! Look, I can't control you two silly heads from bumping into each other. This place isn't that big, so if it happens, it happens!

[ although he can't see her, she shoots her arm up and points her index finger in the air to emphasize the issue. ]

AND!! — I can't stop you from talking to one another, that'll happen, too. Especially if you somehow get shoved in an elevator with him with nowhere to go. But if you two play nice and keep your fingers to yourself, then I say that's a sweet deal. Everyone lives, everyone is happy.

For the thing about me, depending on what it is, I'll stomach it.

Then it doesn't seem like there is any need for a deal in the first place.

[So far they had avoided each other, but he knew the boy had been nosing around his businesses and he had no doubt it was because of Kiramann. Whatever they were planning, he was ready enough to combat it in return.

Jinx remained his priority, and he didn't trust the boy to not make good on the unspoken promises. He also was affronted to be told what he should and should not do with regards to his own daughter by a punk who hid behind a mask and his daughter in the first place.]

If he wants to negotiate, he can man up and parlay himself. Otherwise, I warned him to not touch you, and he has so I will act accordingly.

Ugh, you're so going over the line, Silco! — What, he pokes me, so you're going to stab him in the shoulder? That's pretty extreme. And that's saying a lot because I love going to the extreme...!!

[ she is definitely nitpicking about his "touching her" thing, but she is still tempting to prove a point of how ridiculous she believes he is being. ]

If you think it is over the line, so be it.

[He wasn't about to contest her on what she thought was appropriate response in this situation. He had given a clear line in the sand directly the boy, and if he couldn't follow basic instructions, the boy deserved everything coming his way.

Silco had no reason to temper expectations; if they all thought he was a monster, then he would be a monster. However, he had been there to pick up the pieces with the previous Ekko and with Quentin. He thought he was allowed to be a bit protective, especially when he thought she was chasing loneliness away rather than being logical.

After all, he was just having sex and that was still a major bone of contention.]

[ she exhales out a small sigh of defeat, giving up (for now) and settles more into her hammock. jinx isn't too worried of her two (out of the three) important boys clashing, she feels they can both handle themselves pretty well. but she would prefer them to not be at each other's throats while they are all being stuck here in this city. ]

... He's not at all like Quen, you know. [ jinx points out softly, the frustration evaporated somewhere in their atmosphere. ] — I don't think... he'll abandon me on his own. Ekko's been nice to me, and that should count for a little something. Right...?

[Her audible sigh had him considering the matter closed. There would be no deal or truce or whatever else between himself and the boy. They'd work it out as Zaunites did, and the collateral damage would likely be worth it. After all, he technically had more to lose with this little dalliance, and he would not take losing the most important thing in his life well. It didn't matter that it likely wasn't a complete win-lose situation; it felt enough like it to provoke a response nonetheless.]

Indeed, he can't invade your mind and twist you up as the other one did. [He finally set down his pen completely on his paper and leaned his head back against his chair.] All boys are nice when they want something. Are you certain he's not playing nice to pull you away from me because I'm the big bad monster and you're the girl that needs saving?

Is that what you're afraid of?

[ most likely and definitely, in her opinion. and she is quiet for a few seconds to let his words stew before she replies, her voice gentle and smooth. ]

That won't happen, Silco. Because I love you, and I don't love him. He can say whatever he wants to me about you, but I'll always stand up for you. You raised me... not him. You took care of me... not him.

I suspect that is his intention.

[There had been very clear language from the boy that he was to blame for Jinx becoming who she was, that he had twisted and corrupted her. Never mind the fact that he had provided her a home, a family, opportunities to become strong and independent, for her tinkering to come to fruition after so many years of failure.

He didn't care if anyone thought of him as the monster that had arrived out of the depths of the undercity to plot and sweep through the Lanes with his violence and drugs. He did care if there was a threat to his relationship with his daughter. He had sacrificed much for her, and she for him. They were family; he needed his family.]

I appreciate your assurances. You are my family; I won't stand idly if someone threatens it.

Don't worry, no one from my side is threatening us. So you can tuck in that thought and put to bed. Or bury it! That's more preferable.

[ she sits up briefly to reach her cellular device that was stored away on one of the rafter boards, and begins to browse through the network super quickly for any updates before she really starts hitting the hay. ]

... I wonder what the boneheads are up to tonight on the broadcast. They're always saying something weird on this thing.

Forgive me if I don't believe the motivation of those you keep close.

[He was aware of the barb aimed at the one he personally associated with in the bedroom. He decided to ignore the comment as it would do neither of them any good to repeat the same argument again.]

Science and deduction, I expect.

Yeah, uh-huh, the feeling's mutual. — Anyway, I hope there's some science yammering tonight. Maybe I can swipe away some stupid ideas and make it better.

[ but unfortunately so far, there isn't much of anything being posted of her interest. although, jinx does use this little time to read over any public text change between any chosen. sometimes they tend to forget that anyone can read their conversations, and if it's juicy enough, they can be used as leverage. ]

Yes, yes, we're all suspicious of everyone else. Feels like home again.

[He didn't care to understand most of what was prattled on about; he was not a scientist but he was willing to fund it for his own ends. It simply required finding the right person where their goals aligned in a general forwardly direction working with one another.]

Perhaps. You'll have to listen to find out.

Yep, even down to the lying bit. It's good to be home!!

[ she hums a little ironically while she continues to thumb through her screen for anything worthwhile. ]

At least I'm feeling less dead right now. Maybe I can get some sleep without wanting to shove a bullet through my guts.

Everyone has their secrets. Now who of your associates is lying, hmm?

[He shifted forward to return to work, suspecting where this was going but not willing to stop the collision course from occurring.]

Good. You need your rest. Is there anything you need to be more comfortable?

Hmm... and secrets hold shame and causes eruptions. It's just one big ticking bomb as far as I'm concerned! [ a small pause. ] — I love watching them going off, but only when it has nothing to do with me. Those are the fun ones.

And thanks, Pops, but I think I'm pretty squared up here. ... Maybe light another sweet candle when that one goes out?

Edited 2024-09-24 19:51 (UTC)

[Her words actually struck a sore part of him, one he had not and would not openly admit. He told himself it didn't matter nor had he voiced the suspicion. It still lingered like a sliver.] Not all secrets; some require more time to come to a place of proper information before it can be divulged. I'm certain there is plenty of drama for you to watch in this place.

[He looked over at the candle, and it had a bit more time for it ran down. It was a simple matter of lighting a new one once it was spent.]

I will.

[ she frowns over his words, and she shifts in her hammock to lie on her side and into a fetal position. jinx grows silent while her eyes look onward to the wall across from her, her lips working to think of a civil response, but all she can come up with are damaging words. ]

It's stupid to wait when the other person knows you're keeping a secret. [ a pause. ] ... But if a person thinks keeping it is worth burning everything to the ground for, then I guess, do it.

[He refrained from sighing and instead focused more on the numbers and smoothing his hand over the paper. While he was aware of her movements above, he kept his eyes on his work for now.]

I have been very honest about the secrets I keep with you. Some details I hold to myself. [It made a low hum sound, loud enough for her to hear.] Is that what I am doing? Burning everything to the ground?

I don't know. [ she says simply and in a soft tone. ] — You're holding stuff to yourself when you used to not to. I felt we were on the same page until he showed up.

... But it doesn't matter. We can go on forever, and nothing will change.

As far as I'm concerned, we are on the same page.

[He sighed from his nose and continued writing. She must have not been feeling well if she wasn't going to throw her weight at him yet again.]

We could, if that would make you feel better.

I'm in no mood to keep it up.

[ she shifts around in her hammock one final time, then yawns quietly. ]

You've got yourself your own cupcake, and I know a thing or two about stubborn treats. Once they get tossed onto your plate, and you take a bite? — You'll get addicted, and you'll never stop eating or defending the crap until you die.

I don't like sugary treats and I never have.

[It seemed a moot point. He wouldn't change jinx's mind, and she was convinced to think so little of him. After all, he had defended her until he died and what did that say about him?]

Rest. I will remain here until you feel better and keep the candle lit.

action; 🎀 ?? i know you're prepping for the thing next month so i don't want to overload you )8

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action; 🎀 ?? i know you're prepping for the thing next month so i don't want to overload you )8