Noooooow, hold on there, Pops! — Are you implying he has something over me? I told you I was gonna hurt him for threatening you, and I did what I said. You're freaking welcome.
[ she flops back onto her hammock and purposely rocks herself to get a little breeze in. ]
First, you didn't like Quentin, and now you don't like Ekko. Which I really don't get because out of the two boys, one was my boyfriend and the other isn't! Not by a long shot.
Are you saying that he doesn't hold anything over you? Your affections? Your collaboration? I could care less how or when you hurt him.
[He knew his daughter well enough to understand that it was probably the kind of hurting that people did for a good time anyway. Even if it wasn't, he didn't care. Certainly, it was good she kept her word, but he saw little value in deciding to hurt her apparent chosen partner in the first place.]
In case you haven't taken notice, I have never expressed liking for the boy. He and his people have caused numerous disruptions, and he nearly had you killed.
[He was of the opinion she was aiming too low, but that was just him. Maybe Richard was onto something with the arranged marriage thing. It could be beneficial, except she'd be home in a day or two dragging that dead body and covered in blood.]
I know you don't like him. [ she groans, still swaying delicately on her perch and idly poking one of her chomper's little nubs with her fingertip.] — But I give a little affection to everyone. I have to if I'm going to be in charge here.
I can't just be shallow all the time. Just sometimes.
So you're going polyamory now? [He knew that wasn't what she meant or at least he thought he knew that she didn't meant that. It was hard to tell as Jinx could just go with the wind sometimes, but she was also possessive and jealous so he expected that would never work for her.] Is that so? How much affection do you see my showing to my subordinates?
[He finally shifted where he stood to return back to his seat. He picked up his pen and began to scribble further notes.]
I see. Self awareness is important so people can't disrupt you.
[ why in the world would he think she would do that?! not that she believes there's anything wrong with it, personally. if people wish to have multiple lovers, that's their business. but she's a one-person kind of girl. jinx scoffs again as she clarifies, feeling she doesn't need to, though.]
None, but you're nice to them, right? So I'm nice to mine.
Giving affection to everyone might lead to that impression.
[She didn't have the temperament for polyamory. Neither did he. Of course, it had been a very long time since he had engaged in any manner of relationship, but he knew he could barely trust one person let alone many with such matters.]
Nice may be a strong word. I provide them the resources they want as long as they do the job I have them for.
[ her voice drops an octave, and her mood continues to sour. although it doesn't linger for too long as she nuzzles further into her electronic blanket. it's hard to stay angry when one is so cozy. ]
How about we strike a deal? You like those, don't ya? You lay off Ekko, and I'll....do something that you want!
[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. ]
[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?
[ 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.
[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.]
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.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
action;
Date: 2024-09-15 05:39 pm (UTC)[ she flops back onto her hammock and purposely rocks herself to get a little breeze in. ]
First, you didn't like Quentin, and now you don't like Ekko. Which I really don't get because out of the two boys, one was my boyfriend and the other isn't! Not by a long shot.
action;
Date: 2024-09-15 06:02 pm (UTC)[He knew his daughter well enough to understand that it was probably the kind of hurting that people did for a good time anyway. Even if it wasn't, he didn't care. Certainly, it was good she kept her word, but he saw little value in deciding to hurt her apparent chosen partner in the first place.]
In case you haven't taken notice, I have never expressed liking for the boy. He and his people have caused numerous disruptions, and he nearly had you killed.
[He was of the opinion she was aiming too low, but that was just him. Maybe Richard was onto something with the arranged marriage thing. It could be beneficial, except she'd be home in a day or two dragging that dead body and covered in blood.]
action;
Date: 2024-09-16 06:37 am (UTC)I can't just be shallow all the time. Just sometimes.
action;
Date: 2024-09-16 12:45 pm (UTC)[He finally shifted where he stood to return back to his seat. He picked up his pen and began to scribble further notes.]
I see. Self awareness is important so people can't disrupt you.
action;
Date: 2024-09-18 02:49 am (UTC)[ why in the world would he think she would do that?! not that she believes there's anything wrong with it, personally. if people wish to have multiple lovers, that's their business. but she's a one-person kind of girl. jinx scoffs again as she clarifies, feeling she doesn't need to, though.]
None, but you're nice to them, right? So I'm nice to mine.
action;
Date: 2024-09-18 03:56 am (UTC)[She didn't have the temperament for polyamory. Neither did he. Of course, it had been a very long time since he had engaged in any manner of relationship, but he knew he could barely trust one person let alone many with such matters.]
Nice may be a strong word. I provide them the resources they want as long as they do the job I have them for.
action;
Date: 2024-09-19 03:46 pm (UTC)[ are they? she certainly hopes so. jinx flicks a chomper bomb to have it jiggle above her, before she states: ]
.... So, I've forgotten what we were arguing about. What was the point of this again?
action;
Date: 2024-09-20 02:29 am (UTC)[He had to give something to get something, of course. Loyalty had to be managed with expectations, fear and rewards.
He glanced up and shrugged his shoulders.]
We were avoiding the subject of the boy by prattling on other subjects.
action;
Date: 2024-09-20 04:03 am (UTC)[ her voice drops an octave, and her mood continues to sour. although it doesn't linger for too long as she nuzzles further into her electronic blanket. it's hard to stay angry when one is so cozy. ]
How about we strike a deal? You like those, don't ya? You lay off Ekko, and I'll....do something that you want!
action;
Date: 2024-09-20 01:09 pm (UTC)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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-20 04:14 pm (UTC)[ 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. ]
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 03:40 pm (UTC)[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.]
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 03:49 pm (UTC)[ 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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 04:13 pm (UTC)[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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 04:41 pm (UTC)[ 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. ]
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 04:47 pm (UTC)[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.]
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 04:54 pm (UTC)... 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...?
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 05:05 pm (UTC)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?
action;
Date: 2024-09-22 10:25 pm (UTC)[ 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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-23 03:13 am (UTC)[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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-24 03:55 am (UTC)[ 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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-24 04:06 am (UTC)[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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-24 04:17 am (UTC)[ 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. ]
action;
Date: 2024-09-24 04:19 am (UTC)[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.
action;
Date: 2024-09-24 04:26 am (UTC)[ 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.
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From:action; 🎀 ?? i know you're prepping for the thing next month so i don't want to overload you )8
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