005 Video

[trickster_mk2]

[Gabriel's not exactly glowing, that would be weird. But there's something different about him, something that's a little brighter and hell, he feels good. more alive than he's felt since he got here, maybe even before then. Maybe he had to loose it before he realised how much his Grace meant to him

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[trickster_mk2]

[Gabriel's always been fascinated by artists. Creativity isn't a trait his Father gave all his Children, Angels didn't receive that blessing, they've had to learn it. So when someone is creative, when someone... makes art, well, Gabriel has to watch. And this is art, certainly. He's leaning forward, elbow on the bar-top (thankfully un-sticky) and rests his chin in his hand, taking in every movement, every motion as Greed goes about his work. Frankly, it's wonderful to watch and Gabriel is enjoying himself, even more so when the glass is pushed in front of him, ready for him to sample. He licks his lips on impulse and sits up straight again, hands moving to encircle the drink]

AMF? You're going to have to explain that one to me. [He's pulling the drink closer though, picking up the glass with reverence and his lips quirk upwards at the rainbow of colours bubbling through the liquid. Very nice.

So he takes a swallow, small at first, the mixture of alcohol... surprisingly pleasant and there's that sweet and sour hit, the fizz of the Spite and yes, he likes this. It isn't a Zombie, but he can teach Greed that. As a substitute... well, wow.]

This I like. This I like a lot. Not sure about the ass-knocking yet though. [He grins, taking a longer swallow and very much enjoying it, eyes fixed on Greed as he swallows. There was something the man said earlier that has been tugging at Gabriel's conciousness, and now is the time to ask. He sets the glass down again, fingers still pressed against it's cool sides. The ice hasn't yet, and won't ever, start melting.]

You want... everything? Every reject, every saint, every warm body? What does that mean. I'm interested.

[nestingdevil]

[Greed is glad to see the sheer join on the angel's face. It beats through him - Gabriel's smile is like a little spark and he can't help but to smile back.] An Adios Mother Fucker. Something the Gang brought back from the barracks, I suppose. [He turns then, back to the bottles of liquor. He hooks each in his fingers and pushes them back onto the shelves.]

[Then Gabriel drops the bomb.]

[The big bomb.]

[Greed all but stops, his movements still. Everything stops. His shoulders tense, the veins in his arms and hands quiver. His head bows with a heavy weight and he's laughing. But that jovial laugh has turned a bit ugly, sick in his throat like a fever. Greed can feel that heat rising off his neck, sticking to the leather of his vest. Sweat dots his hidden brow.]

[He gingerly reaches to his side for the scotch, which had been placed there at some point during the conversation. He lulls it down, but even that burns - and oh Heavenly Father, he has sinned. He is sin - flesh, blood, mind, soul. Souls; all mingling into one, forming him. Greed's teeth grind together and they're sharp, sharp, sharp. He doesn't even notice when he slices open the inside of his cheek. Not until the blood pats down from his lower lip to the counter top.]

[And that's all it takes.]

[Greed swallows back his blood and howls - his laughter is wild, untamed, and unmatched. He extends his arms and his fingers are like claws tearing at the air. His laughter winds down, billows like a tornado and starts soft but promises a storm.] Money, women, fame. [He rocks on his heels, turning. The blood is gone from his lip, but a stain or two remains on his impossibly-dagger-like teeth.] Sex, status - [His hands pass by his face, fanning in an elaborate display. Think peacocks showing off to a mate.] - power - [And he's eyeballing Gabriel, eyes hungry.] - I want everything - everything this world has to offer, everything every world has to offer. I want it all. [Both hands slam down on the bar.] I demand the finer things in life! I am avarice, Gabriel. I want everything - I want to see everything. I want to own, I want possessions. I want it all and I tell you what, I won't be satisfied until I have it!

[He pushes himself back and breathes - oh does that chest expand with air. His hands fall to his sides and they find the back pockets of his slacks.] And so did Father. My Father. And in the end - [He can't hold back, not now.] - he tried to kill his avarice. And it killed him. Because working under him, being his never suited me, Angel. He made me with his greed and I am it.

[Calm. The storm is settling.] Not once, but twice did he kill me. I got it right the second time.

[trickster_mk2]

[Shit, that's a rapid change, and not one Gabriel was expecting. The laugh itself is enough to cut through anyone, and although Gabriel has seen a lot more than just anyone, it still unsettles him. Part of him wants to reach forward, to place his hand on Greed's shoulder and force quiet; but he doesn't. He asked the question, he should hear out the answer. Besides, he's never met this manner of man before, his not-man, and who knows if that would even work on him? Or if Gabriel would simply absorb it and feel this same burning need that consumes Greed?

Oh, he's felt need and want, lust before. But nothing on the scale that seems to possess this man. It's like, but not exactly alike, the madness he's seen grip some humans, a raving frenzied sort of thing, but it is not the same. This is... This is a hell of a lot like some of his brothers and sisters, consumed with purpose and without enough Free Will to say no. All they can feel is the need with fills them, the need to do as they were made.

Thank Dad Gabriel got over that one, huh?

As Greed starts to calm, Gabriel raises his glass again, taking another swallow. It really is good stuff.]

You know... we can't always have what we want, don't you?

It's softly spoken. Gabriel is pointing out the obvious, and Greed has no doubt heard the old adage many times before, in his line of existence. And Gabriel has no intention of belittling him.]

And the second time you got it right? You killed him, Greed?

[nestingdevil]

[Greed's eyes settle with heavy lids. Seems like his rant is over, the quakes of his body are only faint and infrequent now. His eyebrows curl and his smile is but a line - no teeth this time.] I always find a way. [Find a way for what he wants, what he needs: that was what the former Devil's Nest was for. And the people that resided in it were - ]

[- Greed flushes it away. Can't think about that right now.]

I can only assume. [He rubs at his throat, fingers grazing the under palette of his chin. It is very strange to him, the feeling there - yes, his thirst for more, but also that pain. It is minor, nothing special, nothing that really bothers him to the point that he's actually feeling it, but it's there. He shrugs his shoulders and drops his hand.]

Don't get me wrong - I won't tell you a lie, not now, not ever. I rolled out the red carpet for Dad's demise, but I wasn't the one who swung the last hit. No, he made sure to kill me good and proper that time. [And there he is, talking and starting up another drink. He drops four chunks of thick ice into a shallow glass, snags the bottle of scotch, and starts pouring. The scotch is thick, as if it could be made of the sweetest cream, and it slides against the glass beautifully. At least, Greed thinks it's beautiful.]

[He sets the bottle back down once the scotch reaches the brim. And he raises it, tips it back, and begins to really have at it. His throat throbs with every large gulp and a bit of the liquor runs down his chin. He gets to the half-way mark and stops. The back side of his hand makes itself a good napkin as he swipes it under his chin, grabbing the booze there.]

I'll tell you a little secret, Gabriel - there were seven of us. Seven for each sin he wanted cast off - because he actually thought he was better than humans. They all did! Ha-! What's the phrase? To err is human. And what is Sin but a mistake? Well, that's what some people would say - me, I say that at least greed is neither good nor bad. But I'm getting off topic.

[Another swig of scotch.] They thought they were the next best thing, and Daddy dearest thought he could conquer God, conquer The Truth. But you know what happened to my brothers and sister? Want to guess?

[He leans in and his smile fans.] Because I'm going to tell you, Gabriel. I'm going to tell you that they're all dead.

[trickster_mk2]

[Gabriel watches, watches the man in front of him move and drink and speak and Gabriel is interested, genuinely interested in what he has to say. All the things he speaks of seem so strange to him- sin made real, into leaving breathing creatures consumed by their natures. But the man in front of him, the very spirit of Greed and Want, well, he doesn't seem as cold a creature as one mind imagine...

But then again, why would Greed be a cold creature? Greed would be loud and full of life, full of spirit and lust and hunger and raw need and maybe those are some of the things Gabriel can see now, can see in the way Greed drinks with a never-ending thirst, why he seems to tremble under the weight of everything he seeks.

Gabriel actually feels a little sorry for him. Can he feel anything but that hunger? Gabriel supposes he must, but he doesn't know for sure. Hells, he can't imagine what tvwould be like, his very existence ruled by just the one sin.]

I can't pretend that I know exactly how you feel. But... Well. My brothers and sisters have been fighting for thousands of years, infighting and betraying and scheming and killing each other. Dad isn't dead. I don't think He can be dead. But no one knows where the fuck He is and even if He came back it might not make any difference.

[Gabriel's downing the rest of the cocktail then and shaking his head, smile moving back over his features.] Family, huh?   Frankly I'm glad I'm out here. Out here I only have I deal with Head Bitch in Charge and one half of the Winchester Duo. [Not even the better looking half but beggars can't be choosers]

Right, my turn. [He's gesturing Greed to a seat, getting himself off the stool- the cocktail may have made him a little morose but it ain't knocked him on the ass, it takes a bit more to get to an Angel, but still, it's a good try. And Gabriel wants to try his hand at cocktail making now, because hey, if he's making friends with a barman, why the Hells not?] Scotch is no fun. Trust me on this. It's the drink of old boring drunks who don't have a hope of getting laid. 

[nestingdevil]

You and me both - everything here is more interesting.. [Greed places his shades back over his eyes, hiding them away again. The storm has past, but that want still brews deep. He can be slightly satisfied with company though; he's always wanted that. And Gabriel's a good sport about everything, despite any preconceived notions Greed may have had about the whole angel thing. No, no judgments coming from the angel - he listens well and speaks about everything Greed wants to know.]

Winchester duo? [He perks at that and cants his head, showing off one of his eyes.] Are they angels too, like you? [Greed doesn't know a "winchester" if it bit him in his ass, so he'll ask the stupid question.] If you have friends, you should bring them by sometime. I'll promise them the same deal I gave you - I'll give them a percent off for a display, if they're willing. [Because it matters who comes through those doors - interesting people, people wanting to have a good time. And if they're anything like Gabriel, Greed would be happy to bend some of his rules.]

Ehhh-? [His mouth goes slightly slack-jaw in confusion.] You, make me a drink? HA! Mister Angel, you're a riot. Fine, I'll take it. Though I think your bias on scotch is a little upsetting. [The scotch settles down on the bar top and he rounds out from the back, fingers sliding across the smooth surface. No stick there - Greed doesn't like things to be too dirty.]

[He settles into a seat, but he makes a quick shift. Elbow on the bar, ass planted, he throws his legs up into a neighboring stool and sprawls out there comfortably. His fingers and palm cradle his chin.] Surprise me then - give me something.

[trickster_mk2]

[It's a pity those sunglasses are slid on again, those eyes are so expressive and so very very interesting. Windows to the soul someone said, right? Maybe not exactly to the soul, but they certainly said something. Still, with a little bit of effort Gabriel could see past them.] Everyone here is more interesting.

[He waves the suggestion that the Winchesters could be angels away. Dad in Heaven, that's pretty much the stupidest thing he's heard in a long time and it makes him grin.] Humans. They hunt... supernatural creatures. Try and stop the Apocalypse. That sort of thing. Dean would appreciate the offer of money-off booze but I doubt he'd be able to do anything but sharp-shooting or hustling pool.

Don't tempt me. [Gabriel grins, clicking himself behind the bar and glancing around at the bottles, humming softly to himself, pulling a couple towards him and grabbing a glass, and, on reflection, a second one for himself too.] Scotch has it's place. But for a man that wants it all? There are better drinks.

[And it's true. But he thinks he knows what he wants to make, pulling out a gin and Grenadine, some OJ and a lemon, cutting it in half and squeezing the juice into a shaker with the rest of the liquid, glancing up at Greed as he does so.]

[nestingdevil]

Humans, huh? And they don't hunt you down. [He points at Gabriel, throws his finger up and down his body.] I know the type - sorta. Most humans were afraid of my kind, though they had their reasons. Me? I don't really care. Humans will be humans and some are better than others. [Unlike his kin, he wants no ill will towards humans. They're just another thing he wants - some, to rule. Others, well. Greed of the flesh is another thing entirely.] I like a good hustler - had one or two back in the day. Bring 'em by next time, will ya? I'll make it worth the trouble. Even without the show, I'm sure I can offer something that would make them want to come on by.

[Because Greed likes a full bar and these Winchesters - well, he's interested. A sharp-shooter and a pool hustler sound right up his alley. But he shrugs and crosses one leg over the other, bouncing his heel. His boots are incredibly pointed and they tap against the frame of the bar rhythmically.] I'm all about temptation, Gabriel. It's kind of my thing. [He loves the guy, really. Reminds him of things lost back home. Fills a spot in his core that's been burning for a long time now.]

Well, impress me, my holy friend and I will take the plunge. [It'd be better with a few gals, really. Greed hasn't had a warm woman in a bit, but he'll take the friendship over it for now.] Looks like you have a few talents on your own - you should be proud of that. If I ever need another 'tender, well - [Greed's grin is wide and spectacular. And lord, does he hold a bunch of promises within those sharp teeth.] - room and board is free and I take care of my own. The 'Nest needs a new gang.

[He leans in as Gabriel does his work and he locks eyes with the angel. He holds his gaze there.]

[trickster_mk2]

These ones? They hunted me down. Wasn't exactly... myself back then. Well, this version of myself. Thought they'd killed me, let them go on thinking that. It was entertaining, for a while. [He shrugs. The Winchesters were fun, until fun went out of the window and it was all serious business.] The one that's here, he likes a drink. Too much, really. I'll see if he wants to come along. No promises. He does what he wants, always has done, always will. [Besides, Gabriel has a pretty strong feeling that Dean will instantly reject anywhere Gabriel tries to take him, and he's not just going to Snap him here. Building trust, etc.

Gabriel grins, screwing the shaker lid on tight and making a show of that too. He saw it in a bar in New York once, and that's enough for an Angel of the Lord to copy it.] I guess it's pretty much your area of expertise? [Although yes, he can recall Luci too, with that bright grin and bright eyes and the easy mannerisms and yes, temptation was his forte too.

The shaker is tossed into the air, turning once, twice, three times before Gabriel catches it in one hand, uncapping it and pouring out the red, almost cooper-red liquid over the crushed ice in the glasses, passing one over.] I have innumerable talents. Honestly.

[He doesn't break that gaze, taking a swallow from the glass.] It's called Gin and Sin. I thought it was appropriate.

...And it's a good offer. I'll bear it in mind. But I don't think I can accept. It's not just me. And we're pretty... settled now. She's had enough upheaval.

[nestingdevil]

I understand - just figured I'd extend the invitation. [The shaker spins and Greed watches it like a cat. His body seems to twitch. The tumbler falls into Gabriel's hands and Greed's all but ready for that drink. He's got a body that can actually feel the weight of booze, so he'll enjoy it while it lasts.] Pretty much is and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

[Because everyone wants something, don't they? He watches the drink pour out and that red color is to die for. Literally. Greed has a love/hate relationship with the color red - it's him, locked away under flesh and blood, muscle and bone. The Philosopher's Stone is hot and crimson; bloody, vile, and beautiful. Both times, when he finally met a right demise, it had been for that stone. Now it's his again, hidden away, waiting to explode once his clock's up. A month's time and he'll be ready to fulfill all his promises and show this new world what he's got. Shock and amaze folks - come on up and meet the not-man. He's sure to blow your top right off.]

[Greed takes the glass - he's not breaking that gaze either. Too starved for attention, really. He'll take it where he finds it.] Bottom's up, then. [And he takes a gulp and - oh god that's so good, so sweet, so tender, so bitter, and so grave. He swallows, trying desperately to fill his need for more. More, more, more. Give it to him.]

[Red sloshes down his lips, dribbles from his chin. He doesn't take a break, not until he's nearly emptied the glass. Because it's almost like himself - artificial and tantalizing. It's as if all the souls locked away are beckoning him, clawing at his skull.]

She? [OH - that earns a look! He cocks a brow, extends a grin.] Angels can have themselves a lady friend? Why, Gabriel - that's almost sinful of you. But hey! As I told you before, I won't judge you and I won't take you from your woman. But the offer still stands in case you ever change your mind. [It's disappointing he'll be losing out on a 'tender that's got enough talent in his pinkie finger to burn the whole place down. But a friend, well - he'll settle, for now. There are others that have no where to go and they'll come to the 'Nest eventually. All of their wants, needs, desires and Greed will fill the slot and only ask for a minimal down-payment of loyalty. Sometimes, he'll ask for more.]

You've got skill. [He licks away the booze with his tongue, teasing the edges of his own flesh against his teeth.] And boy, do I love something with skill. It's too bad, really. Could have used a bar keeper like you on the scene.

[trickster_mk2]

[Gabriel watches. He makes things. Realities and creatures and food and drink and stories, and he likes to know how others react, what the think about his creations. Hell, he's not an artist, but he likes attention, maybe not to the extent Greed seems to yearn for, but still. The hunger behind those sun-glasses is evident. He doesn't lap it down at quiet the same speed. He swallows some, the edge of the glass resting against his lip as he swallows. Not judging himself, because even if he'd added dishwater into the mix, he's an archangel, and it would taste like Nectar and Honey. Sure, he's a bit of a fraud, a jack of all trades and a master of none, but that's always the way it's been.

And then Gabriel almost chokes. It's good he can't, but the surprise isn't pleasant.] Shit no! Fuck. I... No. I didn't explain. I've got myself a ward. A little girl I'm looking after. [Thank Dad he doesn't have to breath. But he sets the cocktail glass down, trying to recover a bit of a smile.

He's flattered, really. But he's not really... well, he doesn't need things in the way that Greed must, the way that most humans do. He likes to brag, likes to say he's had all these experiences and well, he has. But when he'd got here he had to find his feet and then there was Alice and he's not had the time or inclination. He shakes his head again, mostly to clear those thoughts.] I'm no stranger to company. It's not exactly banned. It's just not a priority. And trust me, I was shacked up with a Hindi Goddess of Death for a few hundred years. The stories I could tell you...

[Gabriel pauses. It might be fun, after all.] Considering you asked so nicely? I can pop over ever so often. Fix up a couple of drinks.

[nestingdevil]

Oh - ho! Sorry about that. Wouldn't haven't guessed you a father figure, but - you're just full of surprises, aren't you? [Greed takes another long drag from his drink before finally setting it down. He pats down his vest, finds a pack of smokes, and grabs one. He's only smoked a few times - mostly with his Gang from back in the day - and he doesn't mind it. It gives him something to dull the ache, though in all honesty that is entirely a farce. It's never gone.]

[A thin stick is pulled out and shoved between his teeth. He drags over a nearby pack of matches that has his bar's logo etched onto the top cruelly. A shake and a couple slide out. He flicks them on his leather pants and lights the tip. A few puffs sends smoke billowing out and he tossed the matches into his near-empty glass of scotch. He'll taint that instead of the nice drink Gabe's made for him. Can't spoil good things.] A Hindi goddess? Don't know the religion, but a goddess sounds like she'd be fun. [Greed smiles wide at the prospect - a goddess would be a good dance in the sheets, he imagined. What he wouldn't give-]

[-no, never give. He'd take and offer his services. That would suffice.]

I'd like that, especially if this place starts to really get busy. [He shifts and his legs hit the floor - thunk, thunk. He flicks his cigarette ash over the side - he'll clean it up later.] I could use some more company - I've got a gal that's signed up, but I'll need more. Guess that's the name of my game. [Greed inhales and tilts his body back as to not offend the angel - can't lose a guy like that, you only meet 'em once in a life time. Smoke billows out of his chest akin to that of a chimney. And he exposes his jaw readily.]

[Too trusting, really.]

Tell you buddies, get a whole group. I don't care as long as you come back.

[trickster_mk2]

I try to be. No point in being what people expect me to be. [And adopting a little girl is a little odd, especially for an Archangel. Blessing them and every so often looking in to make sure they're not dead is more angel style, but what can Gabriel say? He can't be so blasé, not after he's, as Loki of course, had a family of his own.

And at the mention of Kali being fun he gives a little snort.] Fun is one word. She's not everyone's taste, I guess but... [But Gabriel still has a soft spot for her. How can he not, when she can summon that many extra hands at will. Although those hands weren't always the most gentle.] If she ever ends up here, I'll tell her to drop by. You might not be able to stand for a week afterwards, but you probably wouldn't want to either.

[The smoking doesn't bother him. He doesn't need to breath, and even after a month of having to do it, not doing it is what he's used to. He's not about to complain. Besides, he's enjoying watching Greed move, eyes shifting over him as Gabriel drains his own cocktail far more slowly.

Artificial or not, Greed's well put together.]

You're interesting. I'll be back. [He grins, teasing, setting down his glass and leaning over the bar, hands on the wood to support himself] I just didn't know you cared so much.

[nestingdevil]

Ha-! I can recover better than most men, but I guess we'll just have to put that to the test if she ever comes on by. [He'd have to be at 100% though - there was no fun in having such a prospect be bored by his current state. No - Greed decides that if this Kali comes by, he'll be the first one at her door if and only if he's got all his powers back. Because he's starved for that low down dirty good time.] And do I have to say it again? Jeez - I want everything. The finer things in life - and she does sound fine.

[But he means no disrespect and he throws a hand in the air. He's drained most of his booze and his normal body, the one without his special talents, feels it. Not enough to make himself a fool, but enough for him to ease just a bit. He takes another drag of his cigarette before tossing it on the floor. He wheels himself about on his stool and stomps it out with the heel of one of his boots.] I care about things I want and people I want - get the picture? You're outta this man's league, but that doesn't mean I won't leave my doors open in case you need a place to call home. [He's a collector of freaks and outcasts - all they have to do is knock.]

Besides - if I can have another one of these in the future and still keep your company, I'll be contented for now. [Not satisfied, no. But content? He'll settle for that cash out.]

Gabriel, angel, Gabe - I want to be your friend. [He says, no malice there, just that twinge of starvation.] If you'd have me, of course. [Greed fingers down his shades just slightly.] What do you say?

[trickster_mk2]

[Gabriel can't help but grin. He doesn't know what Greed is imagining, of course he can't see that at the moment, but he's willing to bet that Kali is above and beyond. And he does feel a slight pang of jealousy when the other man speaks of her, but if anything, he belonged to Kali, not the other way around. Whatever will happen will happen, after all. And the Universe isn't so kind as to bring her here so he can have familiar company that isn't Castiel and his pet human.] I'll ask her not to ruin you for everyone else.

[And for a moment, Gabriel considers making Greed another, if only because he seems to enjoy it and Gabriel likes the praise. But he remembers how it feels not to have powers and the headache that came after his trip to Jack of Hearts. Maybe... Greed can have another on a different day.] Out of your league, Greed? [That's sort of funny, and Gabriel isn't exactly sure what the man means. Gabriel is more than happy with the idea of working here, he already likes the company.]

You can have another whenever you like. As long as you're content.

[He pauses then, a teasing eyebrow raised and he leans up from the bar, finishing off his cocktail in a long swallow] Done and done. You don't even have to ask, handsome. Can't expect you to let me have free-reign over your bar and not be your friend, right?

[nestingdevil]

Ruin me? You haven't even see the best part. [Ruin is a term used for things that can't be fixed.] But if you'd put in a good word - if she comes wandering by. Though by the looks of things, I'd peg you as lucky to have some of your own people here. [Because despite the fact that he's filling up those holes left behind, Greed will always want his Chimera back. Because they were his - the only thing he chose. He bites at that, a flutter of anger suddenly washes in those purple eyes. But it's gone as soon as it comes, washed away with heavy smiles and lush alcohol.] Like I say - content, for now.

Good! Because you know I can't stop at just one. [He sweeps his fingers through his spiked hair, sliding nails into his scalp. The touch feels good - there's a hotness at his temple and it runs through him like fire. Greed can't say he doesn't like the feeling, though. Warm, inviting intoxication.]

Glad we could agree - you know, I've had people pass up my deals before. I always make good ones when I need to - I can play the game of fair as long as I get what I want. [And Gabriel - he's offered his friendship and, perhaps, another head at the bar. That's good enough for now. He'll ask more later, when the time is right.]

And you are out of my league, in a matter of speaking. I can't claim an angel, can I? [He shoots his brows up and touches the ovals of his shades. Pauses there.] But I suppose that's never stopped me. [Ambition - he's got it in spades.]

I need to ask you a bit of a favor - in a few weeks time, if everything's right, the clock'll be up. You wanted to see what I can do and that'll be my payment for your services. [He lazily slides his torso onto the bar, getting a little too close to his angel friend.] I need something that can do a bit of damage - something big, heavy. Or something that'll make a blast. Nothing to harm anyone else - don't need to ruin my bar - but I need something destructive. The military had a nice idea going - shotgun I believe - [Greed flicks a finger out to Gabriel and purrs.] That Snap thing you do - when I ask, when I need it, do you think you can whip me up something? I can guarantee the pay-out will be worth it.

[He leans in a little closer, breath hot.] Or, I could just ask you to do the deed. Would you be willing to do that? When I ask for you to jump, would you?