[Scene] Another night at Borscht
Kristoph: ((Do you tell the truth and ask him to back off?? Or play it coooool??))
Wright:> ((>:| I COULD JUST BASH YOU OVER THE HEAD WITH THIS BOTTLE HOW ABOUT THAT))
Kristoph: ((but that's my job D:))
Kristoph: *Monday evening, Kristoph leaves his office precisely at 5 PM and makes only a short visit at home to feed and walk Vongole before setting out again. The drive to the Borscht Bowl Club is so familiar to him by now that it's second nature - he's even able to get the same parking space, three from the door, that he has had the past several visits. For the past five years he has been one of Borscht's best customers; not only because of the frequency of his visits, but because of how well he distracts the pianist from his key-tapping.*
Kristoph: *That night Kristoph enters the restaurant with a brown bag under his arm. He leaves his cool gray overcoat tightly buttoned as he makes his way toward the table closest to the piano, which is predictably empty. Phoenix is still at his bench but Kristoph makes no move to alert him as he takes his seat and sets the bag on the floor next to his chair. Even after so many visits he hasn't tired of waiting to see when Phoenix will take notice of him.*
Wright: *When Kristoph enters tonight, Phoenix is actually sitting facing the piano for once, thanks to a particularly overbearing patron who'd insisted he try to play "Happy Birthday" for her son only a handful of minutes ago. The son is now hidden in a booth crying, the overbearing mother is berating the manager off in the corner, and the other various customers of the Borscht are all relatively disgruntled and shifting in their seats. Phoenix himself seems pleasantly removed from the entire situation; he takes his time to finish off his current bottle of grape juice with a long chug and then sets the empty bottle under the piano bench before he turns around. It's only then that he spots the now much-familiar combination of blonde and lavender-blue off towards his left*
Wright: *doesn't give any indication of surprise--he even lacks the usual facial cues the average person displays when seeing a familiar face--but there is a slight pause before Phoenix's features break into an easy smile, almost as though he'd needed a moment to properly identify the man. Grabbing a fresh bottle of his favorite drink from a nearby crate, he stands and heads over to the table and to Kristoph*
Wright: Evening--and welcome back to the coldest spot in L.A., Gavin.
Kristoph: *even though Phoenix's reaction to seeing him was not very unique or startling, he smiles warmly as if he found it amusing nonetheless*
Kristoph: Thank you. To think my hotel room in New York had icicles on the windows, and yet it feels even colder here. *shakes his head* But I just can't seem to keep away.
Wright: *chuckles, setting his bottle onto the table before he pulls back the other seat there and sits down* Because of me? One week out of range and you started to get antsy.
Kristoph: I'm not sure about that, but it certainly isn't because of your playing. *glances about at the unhappy customers* It looks like I arrived in the nick of time.
Wright: No, you're a few minutes too late to save them-or me. *glances vacantly over to the booth where the boy is still crying, and gives the kid a casual wave* Though I'm sure my boss will still appreciate it if you keep me away from my work from the rest of the night. *settles in, slouching forward and resting his elbows on his knees* So. How are things?
Kristoph: Very well, thank you. It does not seem that I missed much while I was gone. *picks up the brown bag at his feet and sets it on the table between them* I brought you something, as promised.
Wright: Nothing much-- you even made it back in time for celebratory drinks on Saturday in honor of Matt Engarde's release, if you're interested. *takes the brown bag, opening it up and taking out the item within-- an article of clothing which, upon unfurling, proves to be an I <3 NY hoodie* ...You remembered my size. Thanks.
Kristoph: I thought you could use a new one to keep you company in this dungeon. The red heart is a badly needed splash of color in your usual wardrobe, don't you agree?
Wright: Really, huh? I think it might clash with my hat. *unzips the hoodie he's currently wearing, slipping out of it-- the air is cold enough to raise goosebumps on his arms in that fraction of a time-- before squirreling into his new one. He takes a moment to adjust how it sits and to sling his now discarded article of clothing over the back of his chair* Well, how do I look?
Kristoph: *grins* I think it suits you very well. In fact I almost got one for myself.
Wright: Is that so? You can have it, if you put it on right now--my gift can be seeing you wear it! *sits up in order to get started on doing just that*
Kristoph: *quickly raises his hand* No no, I couldn't. It's a gift for you, after all. Besides, I already bought myself something.
Kristoph: *gives the lapel of his coat a tug* Same as the one I got myself a few years when I was in New York, actually.
Wright: *his eyes wander across the lawyer's shoulders and lapels with interest* Mm, I was wondering why it seemed to have a better fit tonight. No interest in trying a new look for yourself?
Kristoph: Hm, do you think I ought to? *smoothes down the front of his coat idly* I've always liked this label. It's a classic style--several man at the convention were wearing a similar brand.
Wright: A little change never hurt anyone--but I'm probably a touch behind on suit fashions. *reaches over for his bottle of grape juice, breaking the seal on the cap. He takes a lengthy swig before glancing absently away* ...How was the convention?
Kristoph: It was...educational. Defense law is a different beast out on the east coast. *glances up as a waitress approaches with a glass of water and a salad for him - he orders the same thing most nights. He thanks her and only then takes off his coat to eat*
Wright: I can't see why you'd be interested in what is going on over there. Are you really interested in expanding your firm so far?
Kristoph: *for a moment Kristoph's expression is intensely smug, but he covers it by sipping from his water* Why not? I've already been declared the best attorney in the state. Isn't 'the country' the next step up?
Wright: *gazes plainly at Kristoph's features--if he notices anything, he does so without comment* ...Ambitious. But you could achieve that while remaining comfortable back here in L.A. It's your deeds that count, not any nebulous firm acting in your name.
Kristoph: My firm is my name, be it here at home or cross country. Of course, if I ever did end up expanding I would only trust the most skilled and dedicated practitioner to represent me there. My main office will always be here.
Kristoph: *smiles at Phoenix across the table* Don't worry, I wouldn't leave you here alone.
Wright: Good. I'd miss you too much if you did. *glances off amusedly, taking a short sip from the bottle* After all, who else would keep me company here, week after week?
Kristoph: Who indeed? *takes a few bites of his salad, as if he might not respond to the topic any further than that, but after a sip of water he meets Phoenix's eyes directly* I can think of at least one possibility.
Wright: Oh? *grins as he looks right back at Kristoph* You know Trucy's got her own show to run, most weeknights. Not to mention schoolwork.
Kristoph: *his expression grows a bit more serious* I'm talking about a certain flower seller who recently moved to the city.
Wright: Oh, come now. ...It's been what, three years? *glances down, grinning* Doesn't the fact that I wasn't even aware she was here until yesterday answer that for you?
Kristoph: I know we promised each other a long time ago to stay out of each other's personal affairs, but... *sighs and shakes his head* It's still as much a shame now as it was then. Such a sweet woman.
Wright: *glances up at Kristoph with a rather infrequently seen glare on his features* Not interested.
Wright: *and then the frown is gone just like that, dissolving in a rather bitter laugh, accompanied by a matching smile* If I ever take that back, I'll buy you a new suit.
Kristoph: *is quiet for a while, eating, but then he continues as if he didn't noticed Phoenix's glare at all* The last time I saw the two of you together, it was the happiest I'd ever seen you. Whether it be with Miss Iris or not, I hope I'm someday able to see you that happy again.
Wright: *it's his turn to be quiet, glancing off and taking a couple of swigs of grape juice*
Wright: *looking levelly over at Kristoph again* ...Don't worry. You will.
Kristoph: *his eyes narrow as he smiles* Good. I'm glad to hear it. *his manner lightens once more* So, do you have any prospects? Or was I not gone long enough for that to change?
Wright: Prospects? *gestures in a half cheer to the man across from him* You'd have to be gone a lot longer for that to happen. *teasingly* You seem awfully interested in hooking me up.
Kristoph: *doesn't miss a beat* Isn't that what friends do for each other? Besides, that little magician of yours is getting bigger by the day. She ought to have a woman in her life.
Wright: Women are too distracting. *chuckles* Besides, going by that logic I should be recommending some people to you. *with humor in his eyes* Do you have any prospects, or were you not gone long enough for that to change?
Kristoph: *chuckles with him* It was not that long. Are you saying you have someone to recommend to me?
Wright: *shakes his head* None at the moment. But I think I'm starting to pin down your type.
Kristoph: Oh? *his eyes shine with interest* Is that so? I would love to hear what you think.
Wright: *glances vacantly off* Someone with good taste, good looks, good hygiene... *takes the opportune time to scratch his ribs* Good standing. Oh, and good patience too, to handle all your neuroses.
Wright: *all too smugly* And in the end none of that matters, because you'd never commit to a person like that. In the end your ideal partner would be someone completely focused on you, with just enough of an upper hand on you for you to stand a chance to beat them down. And you'd keep on trying, onward towards infinity--that's how you'd be able to commit. *smirks* Through obsession.
Kristoph: *listens to the entirety of Phoenix's description with a blank look on his face, his eyes trained on the water glass in front of him. The word "obsession" at the end causes his shoulders to jerk just slightly, and then tremble as he starts to chuckle*
Kristoph: *Even when he raises his hand to his mouth he does a poor job of stifling it, and the sound of his cold laughter spreading through the restaurant turns a few heads. It almost seems like he might not stop. But he does, abruptly, and adjusts his glasses against his nose. His eventual response is thick with amusement and even approval.* That is quite a portrait you've painted of me, but I can't tell you you're wrong.
Wright: *watches Kristoph laugh his laugh with a totally relaxed expression, seemingly oblivious to the turning of heads. When the man finally stops, he raises his bottle and extends it over to clink with Kristoph's glass* I know. Cheers to your finding that person.
Kristoph: And to you finding yours. *smirks as he lifts his glass as well and takes a sip* Otherwise we just might be at this same table twenty years from now.
Wright: Wouldn't that be something. *takes a gulp of his own drink before chuckling* ...Do you see our friendship lasting that long?
Kristoph: *puts on a look of mock-hurt* You don't? Wright, you wound me. And here I braved the Los Angeles tundra the very day after returning home...
Wright: Hey now, I didn't say that. I was just curious as to what you thought. *glances over to Kristoph with sleepy eyes* ...Some days, I can't picture it any other way.
Kristoph: Neither can I. *finishes his meal and dabs his mouth with his napkin* Though this place may be the coldest basement in the city, I always look forward to coming.
Wright: Really. *placing his elbows on the table, he rests his head on his laced fingers* You said you weren't sure it was because of me.
Kristoph: Did I? *Kristoph smiles to himself as he pulls a few bills out of his wallet* Hmm. It's quite a mystery, then. *places the bills on the table* I would stay longer, but I still have a lot of catching up to do.
Wright: *nods, making no effort to move himself* Right. I'll let you get going, then.
Kristoph: *stands up from his chair, but as he puts on his coat his face becomes serious again* Wright. Tell me something honestly, will you?
Wright: Hmm? *smiles, but oblidgingly sits up in something of a more proper manner* All right--what is it?
Kristoph: *places one hand against the table and leans down a little* I won't bring it up again after this, but Miss Iris did invite me by her shop. If it makes you uncomfortable for us to associate, I will respect that.
Wright: *glances up at Kristoph, taking a moment to smooth out his hand against the edge of the table* What you do with her--and vice versa--isn't any of my concern now, is it? *grins* I'm sure you'll behave yourself.
Kristoph: *smiles - it almost looks sympathetic - and straightens up once more* Of course. Good night, Wright. You'll be in touch, won't you?
Wright: Yeah, I will. *leaning his head on a hand again* I'll see you later, Gavin.
Kristoph: *offers a brief wave and turns to leave. By the time he's out the door and long since out of view, he's grinning smugly to himself, still deeply amused*
Wright: *doesn't bother watching the attorney leave, seeming much more concerned with finishing the remainder of the bottle in front of him. After a few minutes pass by and he hasn't been approached by server, manager or pushy patron, he lets out a quiet breath and rubs his eyes*
Wright:> ((>:| I COULD JUST BASH YOU OVER THE HEAD WITH THIS BOTTLE HOW ABOUT THAT))
Kristoph: ((but that's my job D:))
Kristoph: *Monday evening, Kristoph leaves his office precisely at 5 PM and makes only a short visit at home to feed and walk Vongole before setting out again. The drive to the Borscht Bowl Club is so familiar to him by now that it's second nature - he's even able to get the same parking space, three from the door, that he has had the past several visits. For the past five years he has been one of Borscht's best customers; not only because of the frequency of his visits, but because of how well he distracts the pianist from his key-tapping.*
Kristoph: *That night Kristoph enters the restaurant with a brown bag under his arm. He leaves his cool gray overcoat tightly buttoned as he makes his way toward the table closest to the piano, which is predictably empty. Phoenix is still at his bench but Kristoph makes no move to alert him as he takes his seat and sets the bag on the floor next to his chair. Even after so many visits he hasn't tired of waiting to see when Phoenix will take notice of him.*
Wright: *When Kristoph enters tonight, Phoenix is actually sitting facing the piano for once, thanks to a particularly overbearing patron who'd insisted he try to play "Happy Birthday" for her son only a handful of minutes ago. The son is now hidden in a booth crying, the overbearing mother is berating the manager off in the corner, and the other various customers of the Borscht are all relatively disgruntled and shifting in their seats. Phoenix himself seems pleasantly removed from the entire situation; he takes his time to finish off his current bottle of grape juice with a long chug and then sets the empty bottle under the piano bench before he turns around. It's only then that he spots the now much-familiar combination of blonde and lavender-blue off towards his left*
Wright: *doesn't give any indication of surprise--he even lacks the usual facial cues the average person displays when seeing a familiar face--but there is a slight pause before Phoenix's features break into an easy smile, almost as though he'd needed a moment to properly identify the man. Grabbing a fresh bottle of his favorite drink from a nearby crate, he stands and heads over to the table and to Kristoph*
Wright: Evening--and welcome back to the coldest spot in L.A., Gavin.
Kristoph: *even though Phoenix's reaction to seeing him was not very unique or startling, he smiles warmly as if he found it amusing nonetheless*
Kristoph: Thank you. To think my hotel room in New York had icicles on the windows, and yet it feels even colder here. *shakes his head* But I just can't seem to keep away.
Wright: *chuckles, setting his bottle onto the table before he pulls back the other seat there and sits down* Because of me? One week out of range and you started to get antsy.
Kristoph: I'm not sure about that, but it certainly isn't because of your playing. *glances about at the unhappy customers* It looks like I arrived in the nick of time.
Wright: No, you're a few minutes too late to save them-or me. *glances vacantly over to the booth where the boy is still crying, and gives the kid a casual wave* Though I'm sure my boss will still appreciate it if you keep me away from my work from the rest of the night. *settles in, slouching forward and resting his elbows on his knees* So. How are things?
Kristoph: Very well, thank you. It does not seem that I missed much while I was gone. *picks up the brown bag at his feet and sets it on the table between them* I brought you something, as promised.
Wright: Nothing much-- you even made it back in time for celebratory drinks on Saturday in honor of Matt Engarde's release, if you're interested. *takes the brown bag, opening it up and taking out the item within-- an article of clothing which, upon unfurling, proves to be an I <3 NY hoodie* ...You remembered my size. Thanks.
Kristoph: I thought you could use a new one to keep you company in this dungeon. The red heart is a badly needed splash of color in your usual wardrobe, don't you agree?
Wright: Really, huh? I think it might clash with my hat. *unzips the hoodie he's currently wearing, slipping out of it-- the air is cold enough to raise goosebumps on his arms in that fraction of a time-- before squirreling into his new one. He takes a moment to adjust how it sits and to sling his now discarded article of clothing over the back of his chair* Well, how do I look?
Kristoph: *grins* I think it suits you very well. In fact I almost got one for myself.
Wright: Is that so? You can have it, if you put it on right now--my gift can be seeing you wear it! *sits up in order to get started on doing just that*
Kristoph: *quickly raises his hand* No no, I couldn't. It's a gift for you, after all. Besides, I already bought myself something.
Kristoph: *gives the lapel of his coat a tug* Same as the one I got myself a few years when I was in New York, actually.
Wright: *his eyes wander across the lawyer's shoulders and lapels with interest* Mm, I was wondering why it seemed to have a better fit tonight. No interest in trying a new look for yourself?
Kristoph: Hm, do you think I ought to? *smoothes down the front of his coat idly* I've always liked this label. It's a classic style--several man at the convention were wearing a similar brand.
Wright: A little change never hurt anyone--but I'm probably a touch behind on suit fashions. *reaches over for his bottle of grape juice, breaking the seal on the cap. He takes a lengthy swig before glancing absently away* ...How was the convention?
Kristoph: It was...educational. Defense law is a different beast out on the east coast. *glances up as a waitress approaches with a glass of water and a salad for him - he orders the same thing most nights. He thanks her and only then takes off his coat to eat*
Wright: I can't see why you'd be interested in what is going on over there. Are you really interested in expanding your firm so far?
Kristoph: *for a moment Kristoph's expression is intensely smug, but he covers it by sipping from his water* Why not? I've already been declared the best attorney in the state. Isn't 'the country' the next step up?
Wright: *gazes plainly at Kristoph's features--if he notices anything, he does so without comment* ...Ambitious. But you could achieve that while remaining comfortable back here in L.A. It's your deeds that count, not any nebulous firm acting in your name.
Kristoph: My firm is my name, be it here at home or cross country. Of course, if I ever did end up expanding I would only trust the most skilled and dedicated practitioner to represent me there. My main office will always be here.
Kristoph: *smiles at Phoenix across the table* Don't worry, I wouldn't leave you here alone.
Wright: Good. I'd miss you too much if you did. *glances off amusedly, taking a short sip from the bottle* After all, who else would keep me company here, week after week?
Kristoph: Who indeed? *takes a few bites of his salad, as if he might not respond to the topic any further than that, but after a sip of water he meets Phoenix's eyes directly* I can think of at least one possibility.
Wright: Oh? *grins as he looks right back at Kristoph* You know Trucy's got her own show to run, most weeknights. Not to mention schoolwork.
Kristoph: *his expression grows a bit more serious* I'm talking about a certain flower seller who recently moved to the city.
Wright: Oh, come now. ...It's been what, three years? *glances down, grinning* Doesn't the fact that I wasn't even aware she was here until yesterday answer that for you?
Kristoph: I know we promised each other a long time ago to stay out of each other's personal affairs, but... *sighs and shakes his head* It's still as much a shame now as it was then. Such a sweet woman.
Wright: *glances up at Kristoph with a rather infrequently seen glare on his features* Not interested.
Wright: *and then the frown is gone just like that, dissolving in a rather bitter laugh, accompanied by a matching smile* If I ever take that back, I'll buy you a new suit.
Kristoph: *is quiet for a while, eating, but then he continues as if he didn't noticed Phoenix's glare at all* The last time I saw the two of you together, it was the happiest I'd ever seen you. Whether it be with Miss Iris or not, I hope I'm someday able to see you that happy again.
Wright: *it's his turn to be quiet, glancing off and taking a couple of swigs of grape juice*
Wright: *looking levelly over at Kristoph again* ...Don't worry. You will.
Kristoph: *his eyes narrow as he smiles* Good. I'm glad to hear it. *his manner lightens once more* So, do you have any prospects? Or was I not gone long enough for that to change?
Wright: Prospects? *gestures in a half cheer to the man across from him* You'd have to be gone a lot longer for that to happen. *teasingly* You seem awfully interested in hooking me up.
Kristoph: *doesn't miss a beat* Isn't that what friends do for each other? Besides, that little magician of yours is getting bigger by the day. She ought to have a woman in her life.
Wright: Women are too distracting. *chuckles* Besides, going by that logic I should be recommending some people to you. *with humor in his eyes* Do you have any prospects, or were you not gone long enough for that to change?
Kristoph: *chuckles with him* It was not that long. Are you saying you have someone to recommend to me?
Wright: *shakes his head* None at the moment. But I think I'm starting to pin down your type.
Kristoph: Oh? *his eyes shine with interest* Is that so? I would love to hear what you think.
Wright: *glances vacantly off* Someone with good taste, good looks, good hygiene... *takes the opportune time to scratch his ribs* Good standing. Oh, and good patience too, to handle all your neuroses.
Wright: *all too smugly* And in the end none of that matters, because you'd never commit to a person like that. In the end your ideal partner would be someone completely focused on you, with just enough of an upper hand on you for you to stand a chance to beat them down. And you'd keep on trying, onward towards infinity--that's how you'd be able to commit. *smirks* Through obsession.
Kristoph: *listens to the entirety of Phoenix's description with a blank look on his face, his eyes trained on the water glass in front of him. The word "obsession" at the end causes his shoulders to jerk just slightly, and then tremble as he starts to chuckle*
Kristoph: *Even when he raises his hand to his mouth he does a poor job of stifling it, and the sound of his cold laughter spreading through the restaurant turns a few heads. It almost seems like he might not stop. But he does, abruptly, and adjusts his glasses against his nose. His eventual response is thick with amusement and even approval.* That is quite a portrait you've painted of me, but I can't tell you you're wrong.
Wright: *watches Kristoph laugh his laugh with a totally relaxed expression, seemingly oblivious to the turning of heads. When the man finally stops, he raises his bottle and extends it over to clink with Kristoph's glass* I know. Cheers to your finding that person.
Kristoph: And to you finding yours. *smirks as he lifts his glass as well and takes a sip* Otherwise we just might be at this same table twenty years from now.
Wright: Wouldn't that be something. *takes a gulp of his own drink before chuckling* ...Do you see our friendship lasting that long?
Kristoph: *puts on a look of mock-hurt* You don't? Wright, you wound me. And here I braved the Los Angeles tundra the very day after returning home...
Wright: Hey now, I didn't say that. I was just curious as to what you thought. *glances over to Kristoph with sleepy eyes* ...Some days, I can't picture it any other way.
Kristoph: Neither can I. *finishes his meal and dabs his mouth with his napkin* Though this place may be the coldest basement in the city, I always look forward to coming.
Wright: Really. *placing his elbows on the table, he rests his head on his laced fingers* You said you weren't sure it was because of me.
Kristoph: Did I? *Kristoph smiles to himself as he pulls a few bills out of his wallet* Hmm. It's quite a mystery, then. *places the bills on the table* I would stay longer, but I still have a lot of catching up to do.
Wright: *nods, making no effort to move himself* Right. I'll let you get going, then.
Kristoph: *stands up from his chair, but as he puts on his coat his face becomes serious again* Wright. Tell me something honestly, will you?
Wright: Hmm? *smiles, but oblidgingly sits up in something of a more proper manner* All right--what is it?
Kristoph: *places one hand against the table and leans down a little* I won't bring it up again after this, but Miss Iris did invite me by her shop. If it makes you uncomfortable for us to associate, I will respect that.
Wright: *glances up at Kristoph, taking a moment to smooth out his hand against the edge of the table* What you do with her--and vice versa--isn't any of my concern now, is it? *grins* I'm sure you'll behave yourself.
Kristoph: *smiles - it almost looks sympathetic - and straightens up once more* Of course. Good night, Wright. You'll be in touch, won't you?
Wright: Yeah, I will. *leaning his head on a hand again* I'll see you later, Gavin.
Kristoph: *offers a brief wave and turns to leave. By the time he's out the door and long since out of view, he's grinning smugly to himself, still deeply amused*
Wright: *doesn't bother watching the attorney leave, seeming much more concerned with finishing the remainder of the bottle in front of him. After a few minutes pass by and he hasn't been approached by server, manager or pushy patron, he lets out a quiet breath and rubs his eyes*